How would you mic this gig?

[127 Riot Studio]

Can anyone explain how they would go about recording a large group of about 18 people in a choir type setting. I have a more than fair amount of recording under my belt, however i never came across a situation like this.

Just so you understand what i have to work with. Here is some of my gear: protools, Presonus digimax 96, mp20, Avalon 737, Focusrite voice master pro, 5-Sure sm57, 2- Audix-f15, 1-A-t 3035, 1-Akg d112

I am willing to make i mic purchase for this session if need be.

Does anyone have expirance in this type of recording as far as mic placement


Any ideas Thanks, new to the site and i love it

 

[AGCurry]

It sounds like you need a nice stereo pair of SD condensors. That's the simplest way to go. Put 'em up in an X/Y configuration to start, move them if need be.

 

[timboZ]

Get a pair of CAD M179's and set them up XY.

 

[XLR]

Walk around during a rehearsal to find the best sounding spot and then put a pair of mic's there in XY or ORTF configuration. Your Audix f15's might work for this if you like their sound. Otherwise you might want to get a pair of small diaphragm condensers like the MXL 603 or 991, around $200/pair. Oktava MC012, Studio Projects C4, and Rode NT5 are good mics also and a little bit more $.

Tim

 

[Richard Monroe]

My man, you have some wicked pres, but your mic cabinet is a bit weak. The others are right. You need a matched pair of small diaphragm condensers, and a stereo mic mount. But let me ask- are all of these people just singing, or are there instruments involved, and if so, what instruments? What kind of room are you recording in, and will there be a live audience?-Richie

 

[127 Riot Studio]

First off thank you, there may be a piano for some of it and there will be no crowed, it will be in an auditorium of a college. I know i lack on the mic's but it took so long to save for the rack of pre's. I am now on the mic hunt...


www.127riotstudio.net

 

[Richard Monroe]

OK, here's how I would do it. I'd put the 3035 into the Avalon and put it over the piano, pointed down, at the muddle of the sound board. It needs to be far enough away fron the piano to pick up the whole soundboard, say 6 feet. Angle it away from the singers. Now- you really need 2 small diaphragm mics, and you need to set the budget. You know you get what you pay for- You already shelled out for an Avalon. El Cheapo- About $120 a pair. Top of the line- $1500 to $2500 the pair. My guess is somewhere in between. You name the range, and I can make intelligent suggestions. That pair, whatever it is, becomes a coincedent (X-Y) or ORTF pair at a goodly distance, say 12-20 feet from the singers, with the singers in a semi-circle. Hopefully, you can get it so the singers are OK, but the piano is too weak in the mix, then you mix in the spot mic on the piano, panned to center, until the balance between the singers and the piano is right. Three channels. So what are you able to commit to a pair of SD condensers?-Richie

 

[Leeking]

if this is a one time thing, you can always look into renting some mics....

 

[127 Riot Studio]

I'm thinking about the rode nt 5 a pair of course, richard monroe are you familar with these. This choir session is probaly a one time deal, but it is time for me to start looking in to better mics to go with my pre's. What's a great over all mic. Don't get me wrong when i put a 57 to my marshall tsl 100 head /mesa standard cab through my avalon 737 i get a very open ripping sound that i am very happy with. I feel like i need a great vocal mic that can do well on other instruments. Maybe around the $500 range give or take alittle or am i wasting my time till i am ready to drop another $1000.

Thanks for all the input...........................

 

[Sporkmyband]

A Good mic around 500

Hey-
I would suggest a Shure KSM 32. I really think it is great on vocals, especially with your good pres. I prefer it over my Rode NTK. You can pick up a used KSM32 for around 380 on ebay possibly.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Yes, I am familiar with NT5, and they would work nicely. I personally prefer Studio Projects C-4 in that general price range, if only for the omni capsules.
As far as a main vocal mic/ all purpose LD, that's tougher. When you get into the $600 to $800 range, you start hitting some of the multi-polar, multi-use workhorses, such as AKG C414XLS and Shure KSM44. At $1000 or a little more, you start getting to the middle grade of LD's, such as Soundelux U195 and AT4060. They are not necessarily as versatile as the workhorses, but tend to rock on vocals. The new kid on the block is ADK, which is lowering the price point for good quality mid-level mics. How long you want to wait, and how much money you want to commit, is something only you and your credit card can decide.- Good luck.-Richie