Replacing ECM8000

[gianlu5080]

Hi,
I'm from Italy so excuse me if my English is not so fluent.
You are very competent, and I'm a beginner, so I hope you could help me!
I want to replace my 2 ECM8000 with something more professional and less dark: I record classical music performed live ( piano recitals, chamber music, contemporary music) and my budget is around 500-1000 $.
I like recording with only 2 mics so I'm oriented to omni pattern.
What do you suggest?

 

[dafduc]

Why omni? You can x-y cardioids or hypercardioids and get a very nice sound.

I'm very happy with my matched-pair Oktava MC-012s. I have the 8000s, too, but haven't had a chance to use them yet.

Good luck.

 

[hrn]

Hi gianlu5080,

A pair of matched Oktava MK-012's. Don't know the price in Italy...but I would have a look at the Lomo heads availabe for them also.

Hans,
www.hagen.nu

 

[hrn]

dafduc,

Just when I was writing it... You're faster

Hans

 

[Harvey Gerst]

Hi,
I'm from Italy so excuse me if my English is not so fluent.
You are very competent, and I'm a beginner, so I hope you could help me!
I want to replace my 2 ECM8000 with something more professional and less dark: I record classical music performed live ( piano recitals, chamber music, contemporary music) and my budget is around 500-1000 $.
I like recording with only 2 mics so I'm oriented to omni pattern.
What do you suggest?

Less dark? The damn things are pretty flat out to about 23kHz. Do you mean you want an omni that has high end boost?

 

[hrn]

gianlu5080,

How do you record it, what recording gear do you use?

Hans

 

[gianlu5080]

I record with a M-Audio USB Duo and an Apple Titanium (using Spark ME): the Duo is also a good pre and I'm very satisfied with this setup.
The only things I want to replace are ECM8000's.

Harvey you're right, I'd like a little high-end boost: in effect ECM8000's are flat, but to my ears they sound a little dark, especially recording concert grand piano.
This is only my impression, the impression of a beginner, and your opinions are very important for me, 'cause you're so professional and competent!

 

[hrn]

Next question. How far away from the musicians do you put your microphones?

Hans

 

[gianlu5080]

It depends: in a piano trio the piano is 30-60 cm behind the violin and cello, so if I want an equilibrate recording I must put the microphones at least at 40-60 cm or more from the strings.
It's difficult to balance a piano trio or a piano quintet with only 2 microphones: any suggestion?

 

[hrn]

Yes, I would try to put the microphones at a longer distance. Of course, i depends on the room..... I would start trying putting the mics at least 3-4 meters away. Then you have to try different stereo techniques.

Have a look at this link on stereo micing: http://www.dpamicrophones.com/eng_pub/

Hans

 

[gianlu5080]

Many thanks Hans,
I'll try the suggestions about the microphones distance and I'll consider buying a matched pair of Octava MC-012.
What is in your opinion the best (in theory) stereo recording tecnique suitable for my needs?

 

[hrn]

What about trying the "NOS stereo" . I've used it today with two AKG C1000 (that's another mic you should consider) on a stage, live with a grand piano, micing closer then, about 1 meters away from the piano. The vocalist had her own mic. The piano player is one of Swedens best, and she was satisfied. On an ensamble like yours I would try it about about 3 ..... meters away. You could close the angle to a little less (80-70-60) than 90 degrees if you go far away. It depends on the position of the musicians, how close they are.

http://www.dpamicrophones.com/eng_pub/MicUni/125.html

Hans

 

[Richard Monroe]

Neumann KM184's, Shure SM81's. Omni is not necessary.-Richie
Of course, I can't afford thes mics yet, so I use Oktava MC012's.-Richie

 

[Aren]

The pre-amps on the Duo are pretty dark, compared to, let's say my Behringer mixer (I don't have anything else to compare it to). Maybe you could get a brighter pre (Not that I'm suggesting you get a Behrigner mixer, God forbid...).
I love the Duo on rock guitars and vocals, but I can see why it would be too dark for classical music. Besides, it doesn't provide a whole lot of gain, which may or may not suit your application.

Oren