Best Way To Record a Percussion Ensemble

[Merpo]

Hi!!!

In a month I will need to record live a percussion ensemble, and since I have not done such a thing before, I wanted to ask you which way would be best in doing so. The percussion ensemble is of "Batucada", specific formation from Brasil. The instruments they use are:

2 Snare Drums
2 Repiniques or "repiques" (high-pitched tom-toms played with a single stick and the hand)
6 Surdos (Large drum with an average size of 50 cm in diameter. It provides the downbeat, the bass downbeat of the rhythm)
Accessories: shakers, agogo, tambourine, reco-reco or güiro, bell, cowbell.

Regarding microphones i have:

2 Akg C 451 B mics
1 Akg Perception 220
1 Akg D112
1 Shure 57

I use a Tascam Us-2000 so I have many INs available, and if necessary I could borrow an specific mic or maybe try to buy it.

I would strongly appreciate recommendations on which mics to use with what i have, but also what would be ideal to have. Also any thoughts on how to set the microphones or organize the ensemble to record it as well as any idea is more than welcome!!!!

Thanks in advance for any help you may provide!!!!!!

 

[Bobbsy]

Since you'll clearly be sharing mics among the instruments, the first thing you need to do is ask for a very detailed stage plan.

 

[Mo Facta]

Yup, you're going to have to be creative and close miking is going to have to be performed very judiciously, if at all.

I would use the two 451s as a stereo pair to capture the whole ensemble. Use the D112 to capture whatever instrument forms the bottom end of the rhythm section. Pick one of the big drums, maybe and roll off the top end to help it blend into the mix better. Use the SM57 (can't you borrow another one?) on the snares and use the Perception on the high toms.

Other than that, I got nothing.

Cheers