Microphones
Woodwind instruments can either be recorded traditionally with free-standing microphones or with special instrument built-on microphones, also called clip-on microphones
Freestanding Microphones
These are recommended for studio recordings where there are no disturbing background noises and good acoustic conditions are given. A distinction must be made between the microphone type and the directional characteristic.
They can also be used to advantage on stages if they are hung on a tripod and point in the direction of the player, who must not move very much, as this would cause the volume level to vary greatly from his distance from the microphone. As a rule, one microphone per instrument is sufficient.
Microphone mounting
If you have the need to move a lot on stage, clip microphones are better. The optimal distance is always set here. Due to the very close distance, the sensitivity is reduced to avoid background noise. With longer instruments it is often necessary to use 2 microphones per instrument. One with a very wide sensitivity characteristic is then attached to the center of the instrument and a cardioid characteristic to the bell. It must be ensured that feedback on the stage is avoided, which can occur quickly with appropriate movements.
Attaching the microphone can be critical if you hear flap noises. Noise removal on the instrument is the first variant, an elastic microphone suspension is the second.
Condenser microphones
Condenser microphones are small, very sensitive (both when receiving information and when handling them), they absolutely need amplification and are often relatively expensive. The recording quality is one of the best there is. The cable length can be limited. Converters and amplifiers are often worn on the musician.
Dynamic Microphones
These are very robust, do not require a battery and the cable can be very long. They are not as sensitive as condenser microphones.
Wireless
A lot of wireless solutions are offered today. You can use integrated microphone solutions as well as external ones. They are also available wirelessly with WiFi, Bluetooth or transmitters.
Receive additional equipment.
Transducer
A special form of add-on microphones is the so-called transducer. This is built into the instrument so that a hole is drilled into the hole in the instrument, into which the microphone is then placed.