Stereo trick for strings or choir

[Tommi Björk]

So you're about to record strings or choir etc, but only a few capable people are available. What to do to get a mass of hundreds out of the few pople?

The best trick is to place a stereo pair of omni mics in the recorded space. Then not only make them play/sing the same thing over and over again but make them change places in the actual stereo image (room). Keep the mics in place and move the musicians. Sounds easy doesn't it?

For example if you want a ten piece string orchestra but you only have two people for the job. Place pieces of tape on the floor to mark the places of the invisble players and the do 5 takes so that each time players are standing on diffent pieces of tape.

To mix the final track you only need to playback the five takes as they are. After you have a stereo recording of there five takes then you can add ambience to... This trick gives you more realistic streo image than only doing ten mono takes or so.

[irishfolker]

That's a very cool idea! Thanks!