"Recording A Full Church Choir...."

[Joel4500]

First off thanks for the enthusiastic responses to my last posting about how to record the Hammond B-3 Organ!!! Your collective advice will directly result in some awesome recordings very soon. Now for the other half of my problem; I will be using the Yamaha AW-4416 to record an approximately 30-Member Choir in a Baptist Church (NOT during services!) for inclusion on an original Gospel CD I am producing, and I have never recorded that many people at one time before. Mic's are (2) Shure SM-58's as well as (2) Shure Sm-57's, and (1) AKG-414. I've seen different configurations with mic placement(s) in other churches I've visited, and my first instinct would be to place both SM-58's at the sound source in stereo with the AKG in the middle with possibly SM-57's either on the sides or as overheads, then pan & EQ accordingly. I am aware that there has to be some experimentation with trial & error but I am very interested to hear from anyone who has actually done this or knows of someone who has. Any responses will be greatly appreciated!! JO-EL

 

[Seanmorse79]

check out this thread from people who've had some experience with it....

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?threadid=36178&highlight=CHOIR

I've done live setups with church choirs, but not serious recording. I'd say you're definately in the ballpark. I would do exactly as you're planning, using the 57's for overheads (in a slightly different spot/pattern from the 58's out in front). I'd try some basic tests first to get a feel for the acoustics of the church, and how your mic placement will affect the natural room reverbs.

I'd love to hear a piece of it when you're done, and hear about the experience. Good luck

 

[sjoko2]

To be honest the 57's and 58's are hardly the ideal microphones for that purpose. These mics are made as stagemics, to capture "close-in" sound and reject as much as possible background stuff.

Try and get at least another 414, hire some mics if you have to, and make sure you select the right polar patterns.
Use the 57 / 58's to pick up soloists by placing them as close to the person(s) concerned as possible.