How does diaphragm size/polar pattern relate to mic applications?

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Oh yes!! It is a GREAT WOOOOW!!!! :D
Keep up the great work Harvey!! :)

btw, I've updated my word document in case anyone's interested...
http://www.angelfire.com/trek/tekker/homepage.html

And I know this has been asked before, but is there any way to put this link at the FRONT of the thread? So all the newbies will find it sooner....

-tkr
 
Maybe you answered already

I hope I've not missed this somewhere if so tell me and I'll sift back through until I find it.

Problem job for me I've yet to cure and there probably is not one but I'm asking how to minimize. From time to time I'm asked to record a choir:
1. An overly reflective space.
2.Not enough real room to back up sufficiently either with mics.
3.The reflections and wide angle for stereo pair (not enough room be back up pair in space) have been a killer.
I've tried spaced pair large diaphraghm and small, XY large, and ORTF and it's variations with large and I'm still not happy with sound. Some methods have been better some worse. I do not have figure 8 in locker to try MS but please say that would be your choice if it is.

Somewhere I've seen reference to small dia. being less bothered with room reflections than large. Is this so??

What would your experienced first try at this job??

After all experience is the best teacher but mine has not taught me enough yet.
 
If you're recording a choir without an audience, try packing blankets set up in a "V" around the mics to try and tame some of the side and rear reflections.

If you hafta mic in close with an X/Y pair, open the angle between them a bit wider than 90°, try as wide as 120°.

I might also try some wide spaced omnis in close, too.

It's a tough call without actually being in the room and hearing the problems.

Small diaphragm mics usually work best on wide sound sources because of better off axis response.
 
This thread awarded the coveted ," MOST PROLIFIC M.V.P THREAD EVER POSTED" 2002-2003 !!!

100 out of 100 votes for HALL OF MICROPHONE FAME entrance!
 
I’m on page 3 of this 23 page (so far) thread. This is great stuff. Thanks Harvey for taking the time for this. I can already see how this will improve my recording quality. Kudos :)
 
Harvey thanks for your speedy reply.

The choir I'm working with does not do well at all without an audience. That may be different but I've done sound checks at final rehersal several times and they sound bad but when performance time comes they sound like seasoned pros. My tapes back this up also so it's not just my thought at the time.

Your point about the small dia. may be well worth trying with xy. I'll probably put that up next with them. At the same time I've got plenty tracks to use so I'll probably try large dia spaced pair mainly because I've not tried that in this location and some of my better tapes was spaced pair with smalls.

I'm going to have to try to borrow or rent some omni's to try that idea. I have never had what I thought was a use for an omni before but I still value your experienced opinion. I have been considering some multi pattern mics to try ms and Blumlin (not sure if I spelled his name right) and that would cover the omni thing also. Again maybe I need to go back and reread the rest of this thread about omnis.

BTW your mic closet is probably proof that it's selecting the proper tool for the job because your site lists almost none of the got to have expensive mics. I hope my ear develops 1/3 that good for selection of mics.
 
Didn't ask this above

Harvey, Almost edited this in but perhaps you had already read it and would miss this question I should have asked:

I do not follow your choice of the omni. Why use an omni in a reflective space that you are attempting to tame??? Or is that not your intention. Makes me wonder if maybe your intention is to leave the reflections in as space's character and then go for your real first choice on any group.

Thanks I'm listening and probably are more people.
 
Re: Didn't ask this above

Jeeper said:
Harvey, Almost edited this in but perhaps you had already read it and would miss this question I should have asked:

I do not follow your choice of the omni. Why use an omni in a reflective space that you are attempting to tame??? Or is that not your intention. Makes me wonder if maybe your intention is to leave the reflections in as space's character and then go for your real first choice on any group.

Thanks I'm listening and probably are more people.
Click to expand...
My suggestion about using omnis was based on three assumptions:

1. It was going to be for a "choir only" recording, no audience, so you had some mic placement options, but none that were far enough away.

2. That you could set up packing blankets on either side of the mics to reduce side and rear reflections. A 4' to 6' "V" around each mic would certainly provide some control of unwanted reflections.

3. Wide spaced omnis will often work when no other choices will. Omnis will also give you a little more space in the recordings, even when used up close.
 
Thanks Harvey, I now I'll have something else to try when I'm able to get a pair of omnis available.

Your ideas are appreciated but it may be several weeks before I'm back on that location. Maybe they will not be offended by me burning up a bunch of space in front and trying several things next round. I have way more tracks than inputs and if the track does not work archive for latter comparisons. It will not be the first time with many notes on track sheets.
 
I just stumbled across this post and...

I don't know how long I've been reading it now... I only made it to the 17th page in one sitting and it's hard to say what I've taken in, but it's been fascinating and full of goodwill (largely from Harvey).

Thanks :) And I have to bring it back up for others to enjoy.
 
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