Help 2 track stereo Halloween Show recording tomorrow!

[analog aaron]

Hey Guys, I figured I'd come to the experts here for help. Tomorrow our band is playing a Halloween gig at a small Irish Pub. I'd like to record the show with a 2 mic set-up (classic stereo recording using 2 SM57's) One mic on the L Channel and the other mic on the R channel. I'm using a 2 track reel to reel. I'm not real experienced when it comes to mic placement, so could anyone here provide me with suggestions besides "Dude, Put 'em where they're gonna sound good". Maybe the classic x pattern placement??? Any advice, tricks, tips, suggestions would be helpful. Thanks Guys,
Aaron

 

[danny.guitar]

You want to record a live show/full band with just 2 SM57s?

You'd probably be best off getting 2 omnis and using them as room mics to capture everything.

How many people are in your band and what instruments?

 

[TexRoadkill]

The best spot in the room is usually in front of the sound mixer. Unless they put it someplace stupid.

 

[warble2]

A two-track reel to reel...cool

I remember my days as a young-on when my Dad used to record his band with a Teac 4-channel reel to reel. This was the late 70's-early 80's. Wish I could remember exactly how he did it, but I'm pretty sure he used mics in the room.

I'd agree with Tex about placement, but honestly, have never tried it before. Seems like a good place. Could you run off the board at all?

 

[starbuck26]

Why don't you...

Just take the two 57s and duct tape them to a friend's head. It could be part of the costume. Have him point his head at the band with the mics where his ears are. Let him go nuts. See what you can figure out.

Don't let him go too nuts though, and destroy the reel-to-reel.

Any chance you could borrow two more condenser mics? If you get two condensers you can recorderman the drums, mic the snare and the guitar with the 57s, and DI bass and vocals, mix it all down, and send the outs to tape.