Concert and Jazz Bands

[tyman2006895]

I am a band teacher here in michigan. Our music department just bought a new Mac G4 not too long ago. Along with that computer, we bought a tascam US 428 recording modual and a copy of cubase. For our last concert, i tied into the board our coral director uses, which is a yamaha powered mixer, he uses 4 AKG 1000s microphones for amplification of the chorus. I used that to record the chorus and also i moved the mics closer to the stage to record my concert band. The recording sounded pretty good, but it was missing that "edge." I was wondering if anyone out there could tell me a good mic to use for concert and also jazz band recordings with the price of 700 for two. Thanks!!

Tyler,

[DJL]

Two Shure SM81's.

[Massive Master]

And destroy the C-1000's - You could probably have some sort of fund-raiser... Tie them to a javelin or something and have a pool for $5 a square...

But yeah, you can't go wrong with a pair of 81's. KEEP IN MIND that your Tascam 428 doesn't provide phantom power - You'll need external phantom or a preamp or something for them.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

[Han]

Originally posted by Massive Master
And destroy the C-1000's - You could probably have some sort of fund-raiser... Tie them to a javelin or something and have a pool for $5 a square...

But yeah, you can't go wrong with a pair of 81's. KEEP IN MIND that your Tascam 428 doesn't provide phantom power - You'll need external phantom or a preamp or something for them.

John Scrip - www.massivemastering.com

No!, don't destroy them, they aren't that bad. With a good pre you can make a C1000 sound at least decent.

Send them to me, the do $125 on Ebay here.

[tyman2006895]

I'll check out the SM81, before I posted this, i was looking at the Rode NT5 also the AT 4040. Let me know how you think those work.

Tyler,

P.S. I had no say in the purchase of those C-1000's!

[DJL]

Originally posted by tyman2006895
I'll check out the SM81, before I posted this, i was looking at the Rode NT5 also the AT 4040. Let me know how you think those work.

Tyler,

P.S. I had no say in the purchase of those C-1000's!

Anything will work... but I'd get two Shure SM81's, and here's why. Most recording companies/studio's have many of the same mics... they're the standards and used a lot because they work well. The Shure SM81 is one of the industrial standards... and the Shure SM81's have been used for years to record exactly what you want to record. The Shure SM81 will last you a life time and if you ever needed/wanted to sell them (unlike cheaper budget mics) the Shure SM81 holds resale value. You could buy some cheaper Chinese budget mic's... but why? I think both the AT4040 and Rode NT5 are nice budget mics... but for your applications, I'd get the Shure SM81's.

[grahamware]

Ditto on the SM81. That's we use in our recital hall at my university (where all the bands play: orchestra, jazz band, wind ensemble), and they sound great.

[rudalicious]

Originally posted by tyman2006895
I'll check out the SM81, before I posted this, i was looking at the Rode NT5 also the AT 4040. Let me know how you think those work.

Tyler,

P.S. I had no say in the purchase of those C-1000's!

I tested the 4040 and it is an extremely bright mic. Really big boost in the highs. Just thought id offer some input.

[tyman2006895]

Thanks for everyones responses.

I've ordered a pair of SM-81's. Now, when I get these mics, I need to mount them on the ceiling somehow. If I bought a table mount made for amp mic'ing, and also a mini boom arm, would that work to attach it to the ceiling. If not, are there any other ways minus a floor boom. I want to keep the mics out of students reach, the music department is usually pretty good with students and does not have to worry about them stealing stuff, however, I just feel safer mounting them out of reach.
Thanks
Tyler,

[DJL]

Originally posted by tyman2006895
Thanks for everyones responses.

I've ordered a pair of SM-81's. Now, when I get these mics, I need to mount them on the ceiling somehow. If I bought a table mount made for amp mic'ing, and also a mini boom arm, would that work to attach it to the ceiling. If not, are there any other ways minus a floor boom. I want to keep the mics out of students reach, the music department is usually pretty good with students and does not have to worry about them stealing stuff, however, I just feel safer mounting them out of reach.
Thanks
Tyler,

When placing the mics... it is best to keep the mics out of the corners of the room and off the floor and ceiling... so you don't pick up standing waves (boom) bass build up, reflections, and etc... you'll need to keep moving the mics around and listening to find the sweet spot (best place for mounting the mics)... take your time and do it right. After you find the best place (sweet spot) to mount the SM81's you'll know what kind of stands/mounts you'll need... Full Compass http://www.fullcompass.com has all kinds of stands, mounts and etc.

PS... maybe go to some of the local concert halls, churches, and etc in your area and take a look at how they did it... this will give you a better picture of how it should be done. Oh, and have fun doing it... it's easier that way.