How to mic the Fliphead?
Some players are asking where to place a microphone when using the Fliphead on stage. Although it might feel a bit like a saxophone, we recommend not to place the microphone at the bottom end of the flute. The best position is close to the window of the mouthpiece because this is where the sound is produced. Make sure to avoid the airstream though. Basically any type of mic will work. Dynamic mics (e.g. SM58, SM57, MD441, MD421...) are a good choice for live situations when you want to avoid spill from other instruments. For studio recordings we recommend using ribbon mics due to their high end roll off making the sound warm and less harsh. You can use condensor mics but make sure to turn down higher frequencies above 7-10 KHZ to avoid harshness.
Clip mics are a good solution when playing live and also when recording since the mic will stay in its position and the player can move freely while performing. There are plenty clip mic options for professional use:
AMT, SD-Systems, Audio-Technica, Audix, DPA.
In contrast to other brass or woodwind instruments it is important not to attach a heavy mic to the flute when using the Fliphead so that the weight distribution and balancing of the flute won't be affected too much.
DPA-microphones have a perfect clip mic (DPA 4099) which we can recommend for both studio and live because it is very lightweight and comes with a special flute velcro clip to attach to the tenon.
The AMT flute mic (Z1) sound very good, but is quite a bit heavier than the DPA.
The Audix ADX 10 FLP has a very good sound quality but comes with a clip that won't work for the Fliphead. You would need to use a different goose neck or a DIY solution for it.
Audio Technicas ATM350W sounds also very good but is on the heavier side which we did not find very comfortable. Also you would need to get the longer goose neck version since the smaller one is to short to reach the mouthpiece window when attached to the flute tenon.
We did not test the SD-Systems clip yet.
Other products made be Shure, Sennheiser or Beyerdynamic did not work well because they come with a clamp that won't work for flutes.
Contact microphones or piezo mics often used for sax, clarinets or oboe do not work well with flutes since you need to pickup sound not vibration. Keynoise is usually very present and the sound is rather indirect when using these kinds of pickup systems.
