How do they record orchestras?
- Thread starter ZiggY!
- Start date
Very carefully?
Yes they have the ability to turn up or down specific sections, and often times close mic the piano. They can mic just about anything they want though and probably do. Also they have a main pair of mics.
Live recordings can differ. Sometimes all sections mic'ed and a main pair. Sometimes just with two mics. I guess it all depends on the room and that days performance. The level of musicians in orchestras is sooooo high though, that they probably could get away with just 2 mics most of the time. I think the extra mics are as much precautionary as they are for being used.
Beez
Yes they have the ability to turn up or down specific sections, and often times close mic the piano. They can mic just about anything they want though and probably do. Also they have a main pair of mics.
Live recordings can differ. Sometimes all sections mic'ed and a main pair. Sometimes just with two mics. I guess it all depends on the room and that days performance. The level of musicians in orchestras is sooooo high though, that they probably could get away with just 2 mics most of the time. I think the extra mics are as much precautionary as they are for being used.
Beez
Actually, I recently watched 'The Making of West Side Story-The Album), and it showed a lot of orchestral recording.
In fact, most albums are recorded in studios unless it's a live recording or if for some reason the orchestra is trying to get a certain sound for a piece (like in a church, etc)
Anyhow, if you are seeing a live event being recorded, there will be mics in the front on either side of the conductor, or mics will be placed throughout the orchestra sections.
In the West Side Story film, mics were placed in various sections, with close mics on instruments like the piano and guitar. Then, after the recording they are able to adjust the sounds by section. But, for the most part, orchestral works are recorded in the studio, not in the concert halls.
micro
In fact, most albums are recorded in studios unless it's a live recording or if for some reason the orchestra is trying to get a certain sound for a piece (like in a church, etc)
Anyhow, if you are seeing a live event being recorded, there will be mics in the front on either side of the conductor, or mics will be placed throughout the orchestra sections.
In the West Side Story film, mics were placed in various sections, with close mics on instruments like the piano and guitar. Then, after the recording they are able to adjust the sounds by section. But, for the most part, orchestral works are recorded in the studio, not in the concert halls.
micro
