How to Record and Mix a String Quartet

A string quartet can sound great on its own or make a home recording of a pop tune really stand out. However, you've got to get a good, balanced recording of a string quartet, or you'll end up with a muddy, unbalanced sound that won't be too useful.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when recording and mixing a string quartet at home.

Miking The Instruments - For those who aren't in the know, a string quartet usually consists of two violins, a viola, and a cello. You could mic each one of these instruments individually, but the best performances often come from all four musicians playing at the same time, so we'll discuss that sort of miking arrangement.

I like to use overhead mics along with a third large diaphragm mic. The overhead microphones (I like Rodes NT5s for this purpose) are positioned at either side of the string quartet, equidistant from the center of the sound and point in at an angle like you're miking a drumset.

The large diaphragm condenser microphone-any quality mic will work with a pretty even sound, but the Shure KSM series is a good place to start-is placed facing the instruments and more towards the cellist. This mic will pick up the lower sounds while the two overhead condensers will pick up the brighter tones.

If you're only able to record with one mic at a time due to hardware constraints, use the condenser or record each instrument in the string quartet separately.

Mixing A String Quartet - To mix a string quartet effectively, pan each of the overhead mics about 45% to either side. You might pan more or less depending on the recording. Listen carefully to the sound that you're getting and EQ as necessary. You might emphasize around 10k for more brightness or in the low-mids for more warmth. Keep the instruments separated from anything else in the recording.

If you're using the string quartet for a pop tune, this is particularly important; the lows of the cello may need to be cut to avoid conflicting with a bass guitar, an electric guitar, or other instruments. Generally speaking, you should keep recordings with a string quartet fairly bare, as you'll run a serious risk of overloading the listener's ears.

Don't use a ton of effects, but very light reverb can help to put the finishing touch on your string quartet home recording, giving it a chamber-like sound that will serve any song well.

Do you have questions or tips for recording a string quartet at home? Post them in the comments section below this article.