Violin, Viola,Cello background noise

I'm fairly certain the sound is inherent in the recording. It occurs immediately following a note from a "bowed" instrument, and is most noticeable in the quietest passages. The strength of the sound varies greatly from one recording to another, but is very common. I have never noticed the sound in any recording of "non-bowed" instruments. I would like to think the sound is generated by the instruments, but it does not quite resemble any sound I have noticed at a live performance. The idea of the sound being an artifact of "close miking" seems possible. I suppose I've become slightly fixated on the issue because I have spent so much effort , to no avail, tracking down the sound within my stereo. I think I'll bring a couple of CDs to my local HiFi shop to confirm that its not in my head...

Thanks to the group for the input...Tilghman

Well...a trip to the HiFi shop confirms that the sound is not in my system. The noise was apparent there, just like at home. The salesmen decided we were hearing the breathing of the musicians. I'm not so sure, but at least it's not my imagination.....

Poltergeists

Congradulations Tilghman, you have good ears on a good system! What you are hearing is called Rosen noise. It is not a digital artifact, it is not anyone's breathing, it is not Brownian motion of air molecules, and most of all it is not all in your mind either. It is the noise of friction of bowhair bristles impregnated with Rosen against strings. On very revealing systems you can hear it. It is more prominent in softest passages from solo instruments or small ensambles. In a live performance you can hear it mostly up close to the performer, if acoustic propagation is exceptionally good, because it is very soft and decays rapidly with distance from the source. It may be slight more prominent with the larger members in the violin family. On occasion you may also hear simultaneously the noise of fabrick from the sleeves of the performer rubbing against the body of the instrument.

As a professional violinist, I'll add a couple things. The bow uses hair from the tail of a horse. This hair, especially when new, has microscopic barbs that hold the rosin. Rosining the bow enables the barbs to grab the string and the rest is obvious.

Depending on where the microphone is placed, string noise will be heard with some artists. Heifetz produced a lot of noise that could be heard in the front rows of the hall. This technique did produce an amazing, focused tone that soared over then entire orchestra and to the back of the hall. Heifetz got a bad rap for this, especially on many of his recordings. Those that heard him ‘live’ know/knew what an amazing violinist he was. I've been questioned for using this method at times in an opera orchestra, but ultimately I know something good and useful travels out of the pit. Fluffy playing is for the weak.