Stereo recording - no phantom power

[gcogger]

I'm trying to find either a pair of mikes or a single stereo mike to use with a portable minidisc recorder.
This is for recording my wife's live performances as a classical singer, usually accompanied by a single piano. At worst, I have to record from the front row seats - as this is in small venues (e.g. churches) the position is quite close to the performers but I cannot rely on having a mains power supply available. Therefore I need mikes that are either un-powered or can use battery power.

We currently have one of those Sony stereo electret condenser mikes, but the sound is pretty poor and I'm looking for something better at around the £250 mark ($400?). As a guide, I could just about stretch to a Rode NT4.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[dgatwood]

Originally Posted by gcogger

I'm trying to find either a pair of mikes or a single stereo mike to use with a portable minidisc recorder.
This is for recording my wife's live performances as a classical singer, usually accompanied by a single piano. At worst, I have to record from the front row seats - as this is in small venues (e.g. churches) the position is quite close to the performers but I cannot rely on having a mains power supply available. Therefore I need mikes that are either un-powered or can use battery power.

We currently have one of those Sony stereo electret condenser mikes, but the sound is pretty poor and I'm looking for something better at around the £250 mark ($400?). As a guide, I could just about stretch to a Rode NT4.

For an x/y stereo, you might try the AT825. I've generally heard good things about it. If you're looking for a mid-side configuration and are willing to spend a little ore, the Shure VP88 is a sweet mic, and quite popular for concert recording. Both of those mics can be powered by either phantom power or an internal battery.

[BigRay]

why are you focused on a stereo mic???for classical music, omnis are a much better choice(I am a singer, as is my wife,both of us are professional singers ) do yourself a favor and look no further than this:
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cg.../item/SP-CMC-8
get these(pair), choose the battery box with bass rolloff, choose the "omnidirectional"element, and there you go. Instant compatibility with the MD. Also, I would STRONGLY suggest building a Jecklin Disc to mount these mics. It is the best way to record classical music, period. Plus SP service is great, and there is a coupon to get some extra% off the price. (type in taperssection in the coupon code area when you check out)I PROMISE you that for that budget you wont find anything better than what I suggested. I can build a jdisc for you if you want. pm me if you have more questions or email raytheapostle@yahoo.com
Teddy

Originally Posted by gcogger

I'm trying to find either a pair of mikes or a single stereo mike to use with a portable minidisc recorder.
This is for recording my wife's live performances as a classical singer, usually accompanied by a single piano. At worst, I have to record from the front row seats - as this is in small venues (e.g. churches) the position is quite close to the performers but I cannot rely on having a mains power supply available. Therefore I need mikes that are either un-powered or can use battery power.

We currently have one of those Sony stereo electret condenser mikes, but the sound is pretty poor and I'm looking for something better at around the £250 mark ($400?). As a guide, I could just about stretch to a Rode NT4.

Any ideas?

Thanks

[gcogger]

Thanks to both of you

Teddy - I'm a little worried about using omnis on those occasions where I need to record from the front row (i.e. I don't have access to set up on the stage). I worry about picking up too much crowd noise - would that not be a problem for omnis? I'll look into this Jecklin Disk business. I'm sure they can't be too hard to make!

Thanks again,

Graeme

[Richard Monroe]

Consider upgrading the Sony one point mic to a better SONY one point mic. I use Sony ECM-MS957 (about $250 in the U.S.) I've used it for madrigals with good effect, and it *does not* sound bad. It also has numerous studio applications for acoustic instruments and as a one point drum overhead.-Richie

[BigRay]

You can also get the cardiod mic elements for them. Seriously though, for your application...those SP mics are the bomb, and work straight away with the MD.The battery box provides the power, and is smaller than a deck of cards. I will see if I can dig up some samples. I know all too well about these mics, as wife and I are both classical/jazz singers.Omnis do pick up some crowd noise..but the Jdisc negates that problem. of course any way you mount them will be fine, but the jdisc is second to none for classical recording.

Teddy

Originally Posted by gcogger

Thanks to both of you

Teddy - I'm a little worried about using omnis on those occasions where I need to record from the front row (i.e. I don't have access to set up on the stage). I worry about picking up too much crowd noise - would that not be a problem for omnis? I'll look into this Jecklin Disk business. I'm sure they can't be too hard to make!

Thanks again,

Graeme

[gcogger]

Originally Posted by BigRay

You can also get the cardiod mic elements for them. Seriously though, for your application...those SP mics are the bomb, and work straight away with the MD.The battery box provides the power, and is smaller than a deck of cards. I will see if I can dig up some samples. I know all too well about these mics, as wife and I are both classical/jazz singers.Omnis do pick up some crowd noise..but the Jdisc negates that problem. of course any way you mount them will be fine, but the jdisc is second to none for classical recording.

Teddy

I'm not disagreeing, but I don't understand how the J-disk would cut out sound from the rear? I wonder what would happen if I made an extra piece to go behind the mikes... I suppose it would probably mess things up
If you have any samples, that would be great.
Thanks,
Graeme

[BigRay]

http://homepage.mac.com/jmfrench/iMovieTheater17.html

you are focusing too much on this "rear" sound. It is not going to be an issue. Thousands of recordings have been made in this manner, with omnis and a jdisc. One of the nice things about omnis is the transparency and capturing of the ambience. If you made a piece to go behind the mics, it would ruin the disc's purpose..

Just trust me on this. I have been in the classical music scene for 15 years, and have been around audio equipment for 20.