Using a mic to play with a group (not for recording)

[Dorothy]

I've been playing an alto flute for about 18 months at a local open mic - usually along with 1 or 2 guitars - sometimes keyboard, drums, etc. We play an eclectic assortment of cover songs - rock and blues or folk - from 60s, 70s, mostly. Some songs have flute solos but mostly I improvise with harmony, fills, or whatever. I'd love to hear from anyone who's done this.

I'm trying to figure out the best way to mic my flute. I bought a clip-on condenser mic (Silver Bullet) that works on the curved head joint of my alto flute. Its OK but not great. If there's only 1 other person playing, I use the mic on a stand that they have where I play. But I have to get right up on it, which is awkward.

Does anyone have advise on using a mic with a flute in an informal playing situation? I've read a bunch of posts but haven't found gold yet! Anyone mic an alto flute with a curved head joint?
Sometimes I jam with electric guitars but that's a challenge to be heard. Thank you.
Dorothy

[Phineas]

Does anyone have advise on using a mic with a flute in an informal playing situation? I've read a bunch of posts but haven't found gold yet! Anyone mic an alto flute with a curved head joint?
Sometimes I jam with electric guitars but that's a challenge to be heard. Thank you.
Dorothy

Hey Dorothy,

What I am about to say may confuse the issue, but here is my view. For live, I tend to lean towards the Shure SM57(or SM58) I would place the microphone about hand width from the lip plate. I see players have the mic in front of the lip plate. If you are going to do this, have the mic located pointed down at the lip plate in stead of direct. This will keep your flute from sounding too airy. The real problem you are going to have is the tonal range of the instrument. The lower the tonal range of an instrument, the more gain you may need to be heard. When I play with Rock bands, I tend to keep a piccolo around for this reason.

I have seen players use condenser mics. These work better, but only if the sound person knows how to use it on a flute. Also, the condenser has to have a narrow pattern as well.

I am sure others will chime in!

Phineas

[Dorothy]

Thanks, Phineas. What you said is helpful, if I understand what you mean. I need to experiment more with placement of the mic. Control of the sound board is another story. I don't know enough (yet) to as for the right adjustments.
What you said about tone and the alto may be a self-imposed limiting factor! I like the low tone of the alto, which is why I don't use my C flute, but am beginning to understand its limitations when playing with others, esp. for rock.

Appreciate your reply - maybe I'll hear from others. I just signed up for this
Dorothy

[Phineas]

What you said about tone and the alto may be a self-imposed limiting factor! I like the low tone of the alto, which is why I don't use my C flute, but am beginning to understand its limitations when playing with others, esp. for rock.

Appreciate your reply - maybe I'll hear from others. I just signed up for this
Dorothy

Non-Ensemble players have often have little or no regard for volume. Drummers rarely have good dynamics, and the rest of the band is amplified. Guitar players are often the worse(I have been guilty of this on occasion). Then there is the issue of hearing yourself. Sometimes, the environment is so loud, you cant even hear yourself. This causes you to want to over blow. Without a good sound person, it is really difficult to over come this pitfall.

Over the years, I have been able to manage it fine. What I started doing is using my own amplifier/speaker to control and monitor my own volume. Basically have my own amplifier.

Behringer EUROLIVE B212D Amplified Speaker
Shure SM57 microphone with stand.

The microphone can be plugged directly into the back of the speaker. A good Keyboard amp will work as well. I know several players that do this. You do not have to have a speaker that big, but anything is better than just going through the PA alone.

Phineas