Best way to mic a sitar?

[R.Daneel]

Hello!

Though I am not really familiar with the characteristics of that instrument, I would suggest recording it with either SM57 or SM58 mics. Depending on the instrument, if it very bright, Sm58 may actually yield better results as it will tame it a bit and make it les piercing. Otherwise, use SM57. Usual position for my purposes (a national string instrument called tamburica) is to direct the mic towards the hollow body of the instrument at a slight angle of around 15-30 degrees towards down. Also, the mic should be oriented in the direction neck-body at about the same angle and the pickup of the mic should nopt be set to the center of the body but more closer to the neck. The distance of the mic from the body should be around 20 centimeters. I suggest you do a little experimenting to see how it sounds best o you and sounds natural.

I wouldn't use an XY pattern with those mics. It would be cool if you could mic it in stereo using 2 condenser mics - there are cheap but good mics for this sorta thing (SE electronics se1a, M-Audio Pulsar II are great mics but they need phantom power as all condensers do, it might be a problem if the mixer doesn't have that). Though you can double the signal and route them at extreme left and right, it won't be a stero. It always sounds more natural when you hear the full instrument with pluck and slides. Good luck! Be patient as this is imo the most critical aspect of studio recording as it can ruin the most expensive equipment but can make even sub-average equipment sound great if you take your time and experiment a bit! Cheers!