symphonic orchestra 2 b recorded soon

  • Thread starter Thread starter drewkay
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drewkay

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Hi everybody. I'm all new to this... ;o) so here's the thing:

I have my 2 U87s, 2 Rode K2s, 2 Rode NT5s and 2 AKG 1000s.
What would be the best configuration, given the very good acoustics at hand?

keep it simple stereo or add a mike per section?

how do I find the optimal position for a stereo pair?

P.S. I know it might sound stupid but in case I need to add mics separately
could I use the only 4 condensers I have left, AKG 418s, from my drum kit?
I also have 4 S 441 and 4 S 421MkII...

thx
 
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Oh dude, this is my bread and butter!! I've used the Rode K2's on orchestras before and they can get you a lovely string sound. What exactly is the hall you're recording in, and actually what's the orchestra?

I'd use the NT5's as a spaced pair around 30cm, angled outwards (sort of NOS style but no need to be so precise) at about 7ft high and basically above and behind the conductor's head. Use the K2's as outriggers (to get that stringy sound). They should probably be in line with and at the same height as the main pair, about half way between the conductor and the last desk on each side of the orchestra. At a rough guess I'd say probably about 6-8ft from the mains.

Don't be afraid to play with where you finally position these four, but they should give you a really good solid sound. You could in fact just use those, I've seen it done plenty of times in professional recordings.

I would have the U87 in omni on double basses at about waist height, and close to their music stand. You'll get a lovely bottom end on the basses with that but won't make them sound too close when you put in some of the spot mic into the mix. I would probably expect to use the other U87 on the timps if there are any, in fig. 8 pattern looking down at the timps from about 6ft high. That'll give you enough control to add in a bit of definition to stop them just sounding rumble-y but will have some of the immediate reverb so it won't sound really close and stick out. I would try and not use the AKG's unless you really needed them.

If you listen to the mains and there isn't enough woodwind, try moving your main pair closer if you can and a bit higher.
And if you do put in some spot mics, don't concentrate on them too much, you should be able to get 95% of the sound you want on just the main four mics.

I think you've got the potential for a nice rig there drewkay.

Hope you have fun!
 
U87's M/S above and behind the conductor, K2's on spots if needed (harp, contrabasses perhaps), C1000s's in the trash.

Cobalt's makes sense too. There are a lot of ways to skin this particular cat depending on what you're looking for. Heck, half the time I just use a couple omni's 10' over "Row E" and leave it at that.
 
well thank you! this sounds marvelous already... ;o)

the venue is a classical music concert hall, circular. the acoustics are very nice, a pretty good sound allround, warm and generous reverb. i'll try to find some pics thx again for ur very helpful advice
 
pics of the Atheneum

here are some pics
 

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Very interesting, looks like a really good fun gig.
Hope you enjoy it!
 
thank you all

I'm beginning to love this already

thank you homerecording.com
 
thank you
will try both

my sincere appreciation 4 ur studio & ur work

awesome!
 
Does the venue not have a mic array for the space already on the focus lines...? At least most here do... If that's the case, it might make things a little easier. Just a thought.
 
They have a pair of 87's I think... last time I checked something was wrong and not functioinal...
If they work, what do you have in mind?
 
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