PZM Recording - Pitfalls and solutions

[Random recorder]

I'm making a series of small ensemble recordings. Mostly acoustic, but some amplified instruments and vocals.

Due to time constraints the mic, musicians & room needs to be set very quickly.

So,

There is no sound system or monitors.
These recordings are being made with 2 PZM Microphones (on 2'X 2' Plexi) placed on music stands in front of the musicians.

The recording of the instruments sounds terrific. On them you can hear a well-defined stereo image. It sounds great in stereo with no loss when played as monophonic. It’s the vocals that present an issue.

Vocals,

As vocals are the weak point in this approach I'd like to find a way to give the vocals more presence. Close mic the vocals?

Suggestions from the groups are now being solicited.


A______________< violin__< drum
U_________________< tuba
D____PZM1 >_________<Bass
I______________< vocalist
E_______________<guitar>
N____PZM2 >____< Mandolin <banjo
C________________ < piano
E_________________< guitar


Thanks

 

[Wil Davis]

In order to help reduce any possible phase cancellation problems, the microphones should be space from each other at least three times the average distance they are to the nearest performer or instrument. You might want use the "search" function with "rule of thirds" as the keywords…

Good Luck -

- Wil

 

[Random recorder]

Phase problems

So adding an additional vocal mic would present phasing problems to the PZM room mics?

I had thought that PZM were somewhat imune to phase problems?

 

[mshilarious]

As long as the vocal mic is close to the vocalist, you shouldn't have a phase problem since the 3:1 rule will thus be obeyed.

Try a nice dynamic mic about a foot away from the vocalist, something like a Beyer M88.

I think you might move some of the musicians a bit; push the drum closer to center, and swap the bass and maybe the banjo. Although I suppose the musicians like the way they are set; it just seems a little unbalanced to me--a tuba next to a violin is rather unusual

 

[busyboy]

I've done a lot of ensemble recording with PZM's (I love 'em). Here's one from the "maybe you've thought of this already" files. Can the singer move up closer to the mics? Every year I record a choral concert locally. Usually there's 20 or so voices with soloists. As part of the performance, the soloist stands up in front of the choir, which unintentionally puts him/her that much closer to the mic field. The only problem I've had with that was a very powerful baritone who kept looking left and right as he sang. The recording sounded as though he was walking (very quickly) around the stage.

BTW, I've met with a lot of success just sitting the PZM's on the floor. Sometimes I use wood or plexi squares, and sometimes I don't. This lowers the performers awareness of being recorded and also adds more audience and room tone to the mix.

 

[Random recorder]

Pzm

I'm quite happy with the results using a pair of PZM's. The results being a very nice stereo image of the performance with excellent mono compatibility.

I’m using these little CROWN PZM #6 Microphones glued on acrylic boards & placed on music stands.

Close microphones on the vocals help (keeping in mind the two thirds rule) and it does add in getting a closer and more intimate sound on the vocals. For the vocals I’ve been using dynamic microphones (EV RE20). I think that a better recording would involve the use of a stereo vocal microphone.

The original idea was to keep it simple and using PZM's are a no brainier setting up. In finding the best choices for getting better sound I moving towards a more complex setup and more expensive equipment.

Thanks for all the notes about PZMs. I'd like to hear what others experience has been using them.

One suggestion that I received was to ditch the PZMs and to use a couple of large diaphram condensor michrophones.

RR

 

[Track Rat]

I've done some stuff like this direct to DAT. I realy a Jecklin Disc set up. That's two SDC omni's spaced about 8" with a baffle between them.