The downside is that microphones bleed, picking up sound from all over the place, not just the intended source of amplification. Have you ever watched a comedian on stage and heard some heckler in the audience slurring and thinking he’s so clever? This is a prime example of microphone bleed—and when your sound is the one being interrupted, it’s much more frustrating than funny.

Picture this: you’re playing close to a loud drum kit and the crash cymbal is bleeding through. Thus, if you turn up, the crash cymbal is turned up along with your violin. If you are playing in the usual live environment, there’s a different and better way.

Using a microphone to amplify a violin is as simple as speaking into a microphone. You place the microphone close to the sound source. It then picks up that sound and generates an electrical signal that gets amplified and projected by the speakers. There are two primary ways to do this.

First, you can use a standard mic on a boom stand and aim the mic toward your instrument. This method is effective in the studio; however, as it is largely imprecise, it is far less ideal in live performance settings.

The second way is through a mounted violin microphone or mic system. Typically a small mic is mounted to the side of the instrument or placed in the f hole. Some are positioned over the bridge area to directly pick up the sound, but feedback and bleed can still be a stubborn nemesis.

Since this is our website, we must shamelessly mention the CloseUp© System, which attaches lightly to your violin and is a closed system—including preamp, DI, and EQ tech all in one—that preserves natural sound with minimal feedback and bleed.

Violin Pickup vs. Violin Mic

Pickups are becoming a more popular method of amplifying violins, particularly as more violinists step into non-classical genres. Typically they are mounted on the instrument, near or under the bridge or tailpiece. This technology is relatively new compared to the violin itself. While it can be argued that the quality of these products has improved, the sound quality is far from natural or true to the instrument. If this is of low importance and higher volume is necessary, pickups can be a reasonable option for certain situations as they are relatively inexpensive and produce no bleed.

One example for violins is the piezo pickup (pronounced pee-YAY-zoh). Piezos also are relatively inexpensive, starting at under $50. A piezo pickup can be mounted to a regular acoustic violin and then easily removed when you don’t need it, or want to use it on another instrument. In addition to piezo pickups, there also are magnetic and electrodynamic pickups, which are newer technologies for the violin and tend to be more expensive. Generally, they also are thought to sound warmer than piezos, which some consider to be harsh sounding. For the most part, however, anyone who takes pride in the sound of their violin and/or is used to a mic or mic system will find most pickups intolerable.

When did you first know you wanted to play music?

It all started in the 3rd grade. My dad took me to Disney World and took me on the Rock and Roller coaster and I was so fascinated by Aerosmith, and as soon as I heard it I was like, “what is this? This is fantastic music!” And so basically, that’s when I kind of sold my soul, if you will.

How often do you play?

Every day. But, I think rest days are definitely important so you can get refreshed. You’re always learning. A lot of people kind of get content with knowing what they know and they don’t expand, but I think it’s important to consistently learn.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Life! Life. I find it very boring to be stagnant, to stay in the same place and be complacent. I find it important to let inspiration find you instead of trying to find it because then you’re almost forcing something that isn’t there.

What are your goals for your music career?

So, I don’t want to be the man, you know, pop star who all the lights shine on as the main act. I want to be the side kick who does his job really well, but at the same time I can go out to a restaurant and nobody asks me for my autograph or wants a picture.

I basically want all the benefits of the music lifestyle without the fame.

Why do you play music? What does it mean to you and what does it bring to your life?

A lot! For me, personally, it brings me happiness. And then, also it brings other people together and makes other people happy. That’s what I really get the most out of.

For me there’s nothing like showing up to a gig where the place is empty and then by the time you’re done, you have the whole place dancing and having a great time. Then, at the end of the night, they come up and thank you for playing. For me there’s no greater satisfaction.

About the CloseUp System…

 I really like this little box! It makes everything very woody, transparent and natural, much different than an acoustic pickup…it’s that good!

YH Team Member: “So you’re hearing your pickup through the speaker again now. Ok, through the monitor. You can hear the difference?” 

Yeah, mine sounds like S*#T now!

Mark often plays with bandmate and fellow guitarist and singer Mike Gravel. The two are featured together in this exclusive demo video: