| So, you struck a deal with a local band that wants to record a two song demo. Your do diligence in taking the opportunity to practice the technique of live recording is an excellent idea and especially cool by my standards.
An evening at the local school’s choir hall sounds like a good plan. The fact that it’s a very nice sounding hall is a serious plus. Was the venue your idea or theirs?
A five piece band including the vocalist is not too bad -- Are you planning to set them up in live concert style or use the hall as a large recording space? Either way can work for you but, they’re obviously accomplished with different approaches.
Based on the fact that you have limited microphone access I assume you’re going to set them up in the “live concert” mode. So, the Earthworks QTC40 is your stereo pair – What other mics do you have available and how are you going to capture the vocals? Are you going to setup a small PA and mic it or do have another concept in mind? Knowing your mic options will help use with your instrument alternatives.
A good balance is a relative term. If the band sets up a particular way and you setup your stereo mic that balance is relative to what that mic is captures. Panning and balancing the individual mics with the stereo pair to create a new balance is always an option. Keeping the integrity of how they usually setup is another way to approach this project. If the right is a bit heavier because the bass is there or the guitar is louder on the left because they just took a solo -- Who cares as long as it sounds good to your ear and mono comparability is maximized. FYI: Always listen to your mix in mono. It’s how I do it each and every time I mix or track a recording.
Instead of moving them around, how about setting them up like they would in concert and just play around with their volumes and such?
Does this make any sense to you? |