Heavy metal harp
sounds like you've already got some really excellent advice here!!!!! you can't go wrong with
the sm-81's in an x-y config. and i would way go with the ksm32's before the mxl's. one thing is; make sure you check your phase, and if you go with the suggestion of 6 ft. back & 7 ft. in the air, make sure you find the sweet blend of just enough instrument/room mix. personally i wouldn't do a close miking on a harp, i'd go for a stereo config blending of just enough instrument/room mix, especially if you've got a nice sounding room.
but here's a stereo setup for ya that i love on literally everything especially out front on drums (killer); the L-C-R (or mid/sides). if you could get your hands on a neumann u87 (or any fig 8 mic), set it for fig 8 to capture the L & R, and one of your ksm32's for the center-HOLY MOLY!!!!! Talking about a huge stereo field-incredible!!! I run
my u87 to a console channel (panned hard left), i've got a 1/4" trs to xlr wired for reverse polarity. i insert the 1/4" to the first click of the u87 channel insert, and the xlr to a second console channel (panned hard right). and of corse your ksm32 would be the center channel-AMAZING!!!! you would turn the fig 8 mic facing left & right, just like your ears if you're facing the harp, and the center mic would be as close to the fig 8 capsule without touching facing straight ahead to the instrument. you might give all these suggestions a try before you start the sessions to see which you like the best?
Seems like somebody on this forum once suggested this to me
happy recording!!!!