Digital Interface/Recording Advice for a Brass Band

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martinshort

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Hi there

I'm after a bit of advice on equipment.

I have Cubase and generally use a Focusrite 18i6 which has two XLR inputs.

I want to record a brass band I play with and I guess I'll need bigger kit than this.

Requirements would be:

1. A few condenser mikes to pick up the band. - How many? What make?
2. A small selection of mikes to record percussion/kit. Unsure size of percussion section yet. - Again, how many? What make?
3. A new digital interface with lots more xlr inputs. - What make?

All a little light on detail at this point. I'm on a budget, but need something that's sustainable for the future.

Any suggestions from some clever people? :)

Thanks
Martin
 
I don't see why you need a new interface since yours has many inputs. All you need is a preamp. Your interface also supports 8 channel ADAT which can also be used for some preamps, so you will probably have more than enough inputs. As for how many mics, it is impossible to say without more details, like how many people are you planning on recording?
 
I've had very successful results recording a brass band with just a pair of mikes set up x-y behind the conductor.
 
Cheer guys.

I was thinking a couple of mikes at the front. Not sure of the best (cheap) make to go for.

Gecko - are you sure I wouldn't need anything dedicated for percussion?

The reason I was asking about the interface is the lack of xlr inputs. Do you think unbalanced is ok then?

Thanks
 
martinshort said:
Cheer guys.

I was thinking a couple of mikes at the front. Not sure of the best (cheap) make to go for.

Gecko - are you sure I wouldn't need anything dedicated for percussion?

The reason I was asking about the interface is the lack of xlr inputs. Do you think unbalanced is ok then?

Thanks
Click to expand...

You don't need anything for percussion. You will be surprised at how well the backline of percussion gets picked up. Triangle, for example, rings through nice and clear.

I used a pair of Audio Technica 853 mikes.
 
Ah. That's perfect! Exactly what I was after.

===================================

One other thing.

I've got Cubase on my PC. I could stick it on my laptop. Instead, I was wondering about using Audacity to get the initial recording and then play around with it at home. Saves the risk of carrying the dongle around...

Any thoughts?
 
martinshort said:
The reason I was asking about the interface is the lack of xlr inputs. Do you think unbalanced is ok then?
Click to expand...

I would think so, yes. But I also think you should rather listen to Geckos advice.
 
That really is very helpful advice from both of you.

I had a look on line for Audio Technica 853s and couldn't find anywhere that sells them. I think I'll ring round a couple of suppliers and ask for a substitute.

Cheers
Martin
 
Looked everywhere. Went for this in the end: "/Recording-and-Computers/Rode-NT5-Condenser-Microphones-Matched-Pair/3QE" at Gear for Music. (Not allowed to post urls yet)

Should get it early next week, so I'll post and let you know how well it works.
 
Yep . . the NT5 mikes should do the trick as well. I've also used them.
 
Just as a side note, if you go with a pair of mics in front of the band (behind conductor or wherever), it's worth playing around with their height.
If they're at roughly head height, all the brass instruments pointing directly towards it will be very loud, possibly a bit harsh.
If you go up a few feet, the mics won't be as much on the 'axis' of the brass, i.e. not quite in their direct line of fire. This will mean they will sound softer and the mics will pick up more of the percussion etc. from behind the brass.
A couple of feet above that will start picking up more of the ambience of the room you are recording in.

Listening and re-positioning a few times is the way to go, as brass bands are surprisingly directional.
 
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