Choir/Backing Vocals; Violin, Viola - AKG C314 Mode D'emploi

Using the Microphone
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Choir/backing vocals

Figure 5: Backing vocals with one microphone (variant 2)
For large choirs, we recommend one pair of microphones plus one spot
microphone each for the soprano, alto, tenor, and bass sections.
In rooms with good acoustics, a single microphone pair or two matched mono
microphones will often do the trick.
Backing vocals/variant 1:
If you have enough tracks available, we recommend overdubbing each voice
separately. Refer to section 4.6.1 Lead Vocals above.
Backing vocals/variant 2:
If you have to make do with one or two tracks, use one microphone each for two,
at most three persons. Place the choir in a semi-circle in front of the microphone
and select Cardioid or Omnidirectional as polar pattern.

Violin, Viola

Figure 6: Violin
Solo violin:
Direct the microphone to the f holes from a height of 6 to 8 feet (1.8 to 2.5 m)
above the floor.
Large string sections:
Use a combination of a main microphone in an XY, MS, ORTF, or other stereo
configuration and close-in spot microphones.
C314