How to mic the mandolin/mandola

As is the case with all acoustic instruments, recording a mandolin/mandola is always a compromise between getting the full timbre of the instrument and isolation from other instruments or unwanted reverberation.

Omnidirectional mandolin mics

 If there are good acoustics and no other disturbing sound sources, one or two precise and highly detailed omni mics would be ideal. 4041-SP Large Diaphragm Mics or 4006A Omnidirectional Microphones will ensure that you do not lose any vital information. Try aiming an omni at the sweet spot, which is often where the neck meets the body: this position will give you a good blend of strings, fingers, and wood. Also try placing two omnis at 30 – 40 cm (12 – 16 in) distance to create a nice stereo image.

Cardioid mandolin mics

If more isolation is needed, one or two cardioids or wide cardioids is a good solution. Two cardioids can be placed in XY configuration at the sweet spot.

Miniature omnidirectional mics

 Miniature omnis like the IMK4061 Instrument Mic Kit offer a wide variety of placement possibilities and many live situations will benefit from close-miking with a DPA Miniature Microphone, especially if the monitor level is not too high.

Miniature cardioid mics

 Offering lots of gain before feedback while retaining the clear and transparent DPA signature sound, the 4099 instrument Microphones are the perfect choice for all live applications.

The 4099 Instrument Microphone for Violin fits instruments with a body depth between 35 mm (1.4 in) and 55 mm (2.1 in).

The 4099 Instrument Microphone for Guitar fits instruments with a body depth between 35 mm (1.4 in) and 122 mm (4.8 in).