microphones

[Liam]

I am a newbie here so a little backround is in order. I have been following this site for almost a year while beginning to piece together my bedroom (project) studio. I want to record a 3 piece trio with vocals neo celtic as well as the larger 6 piece celtic band.

So far I have in place my 1 gig computer with 80gig HD ,512 of ram. I am currently running Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 with an Aardvark Direct Pro Q10, Monitors are Event 20/20 bas.

Current outboard effects include SPX90. Yamaha comp limiter (2030?),MEQ230, BBE802, Rane AP13, Lexicon Alex.

"Other Amps Hafler P3000 (2), P1500 (1). Tosh and Stewart Amps.

EV 8 channel Stereo Board and Tosh Powered 10 Channel head.

Now for the part I need advice on, Mikes, I have 3 SM57, 3 SM58. 2 AKG c 1000s' 1 AKG c3000b, 1 SP C1, 2 AKG D190E's.

In the trio we have violin, irish flute or whistle and rythym consisting of guitar, octave madolin or bouzouki, and dulcimer, All three sing, 2 women, one man.

The six piece group is the above plus another fiddle/mandolin player and 2 drummers (1 djembe and 1 bodhran).

If anyone has any suggestions as to how the current mikes should be assigned and what mikes would be needed (and hopefully versatile) . I would certainly appeciate any direction As to small vs. large diaphragm and for what instruments or vocal. As you can tell I am looking for the most bang for the buck while trying to maintain a reasonable quality level (for a bedroom studio).

THanks in advance for your input.

And by the way, I just wanted to say that I have learned a lot from Alan Hyatt, that his product is superb, and that I hope he will reconsider as to his participation here as he will be missed by the vast majority of people who post here and care about music.
And speaking only for myself, He is a godsend, a mitzvah and has been treated poorly by a select few who would be better off if they took a hard look in a mirror rather that posting this kind of ugliness. I look forward to all of your advice and input, thanks, Liam

I should mention that we do best when recorded live, so suggestions as to what existing mikes may work with whom will be greatfully accepted as well as any suggestions as to mikes that seem to ber necessary to record the entire band acoustically. I am considering such mikes as an AT 4033, AT 4050, SP C! ands C3 as well as one or tow Neumann KM184's.

What I am trying to say is I am still not sure what would work best with wind intruments and stiruments such as violins and fiddles., (and the afrementioned drums).

Any clues, greatfully appreciated. As always, cost is a consideration as you can discern from the extant equipment.

THanks in advance for your responses. you are for the most part a great group of people who obviously care about quality sounds.

 

[Richard Monroe]

Sorry, Liam, if I could've, I would have sent you a personal message, but that seems to be disabled. I won't try to answer your question, as it is out of my league. I know what mics I'd use for each of your signals, but I am way too inexperienced to have any idea how to manage the bleed of all those mics. You're talking about 6 mics at once just for the small group! You may have the cabinet, but I hope you've got one hell of a room. I'm sorry, I would just give it up, overdub, and not touch any of those dynamics. However, I expect some of the forces of nature and avatar people around here may have some ideas for you. I just want to know where can I hear your music? I'm a big fan of Celtic music and ladies who can sing. Waiting to hear it...Richie

 

[Michael Jones]

Thats a lot to digest! I can only tell you what I like, based on what I have:
For small acoustic instruments like Violin, Woodwinds, Flute, and such, I really like the Shure SM81 ( a small condenser) It might be equally stunning on mandolin as well.
Maybe use your SP C1 for main vocals, and the 57's for backing vocals.
I don't know enough about the AKG 3000 to comment on its use.
The C1000's might be OK for drum overheads, but I think on your drums, the djembe and the bodhran, it's going to sound like a dull thud.
The bouzouki, and dulcimer are going to be painfully difficult to record effectively, but it can be done.

The mics you are considering, The SP-C1/C3, the AT Models, and the Neumanns would make a great addittion to any project studio.
I'd have to agree with Richard though, that it would be difficult to record six parts, at once, in a bedroom. Espicially given the delicate sonics of some of the instruments you mention.

Clear as mud?

 

[Richard Monroe]

Well, I thought and thought about it, and decided I'd hang one coincedent pair of SD cardioids (AKG C1000s in your case, I'd use Oktava MC012's) in the center of the ceiling, and just move the players around the room until I got the best sound possible. It sounds too simple to work, but I've gotten good results mic'ing a bluegrass trio that way. No amps, no proximity effect, no processing. Pan to hard left and hard right and go for the gold- good luck, Richie