Sax Quartet

[rparcher]

I need to record a sax quartet and would like to know the best mic placement for the session. I have a stereo pair of beyer MC930 and woud like to use them if possible. The recording environment will not be ideal (a friends house and not a studio) so I will be "mobile" so it may be best not to record the ambient sound too much with the recording.

 

[bennychico11]

set them up in a semi circle and just place the stereo pair in front of them several feet out. Just capture the sound of the group as a whole. They should know how to balance themselves volume wise.

 

[TimOBrien]

Old standard method of recording sax groups is to put 2 on each side of a figure-8 mic, facing each other.

You'll want the players close to each other so they can hear and work off of each other.

A bit of distance is your friend with saxes.... remember the sound comes from the ENTIRE body of the horn.

(Tenor, alto and windsynth player myself..)

 

[rparcher]

Old standard method of recording sax groups is to put 2 on each side of a figure-8 mic, facing each other.

You'll want the players close to each other so they can hear and work off of each other.

A bit of distance is your friend with saxes.... remember the sound comes from the ENTIRE body of the horn.

(Tenor, alto and windsynth player myself..)

Thanks Tim ..... How far do you think I'll need to put the mics from the players?

 

[TimOBrien]

Depends on the mics and the players and your pres.

You're going to have to test it out and have them blow a few notes.
If they're around a central mic with music stands set up, that'll put em at least 3ft away,
they may have to go 5 or 6ft back.

Use your ears for the best effect, never count on 'what may work'....