[James Lehmann]

I just recorded a Jazz Trio - Drums, Piano and Electric bass and I had no choice but to use a simple stereo X-Y pair (Microtech Gefell M300's in this case) in the room. The sound wasn't bad with the exception of the Bass which just didn't cut it, although this was more a function of the instrument and the poor amplification. For the next one I will try a 5 or 7 mic arrangement - 2 x drums, 2 x piano, 2 x room, 1 x bass.

In your situation I would start with the following minimalist(ish) set-up:

DRUMS
Stereo pair (two of the Rodes or Octavas or TC, you choose)
For Jazz I don't think miking up individual drums is the way to go

ROOM
Stereo pair for ambience (KM184)
Experiment with position of these - you don't want too much drums.

BASS
Large-diaphragm condenser (U87)
+ pick-up mics if s/he has these already fitted to the instrument

GUITARS
Dynamic or condenser on the guitar amps (experiment with what you have)
+ DI feed to keep guitarists happy although I would over-rule them on only using a DI sound - I've never met a jazz player for whom their amp wasn't part of their sound, why on earth would they not want that on a recording?


Total = 10 channels, using only what you have already and giving you lots of flexibility on mix-down. You could possibly swap in the KM184's on the drums and try another pair from your list for room ambience, or better still rent a pair of Schoeps!

I can't see why the musicians would need reverb in their headphones for a recording like this, or headphones at all for that matter - that is the least of your worries! You are going for a live captured sound of the 4 of them playing together and listening to each other.

I'm sure other folks here will suggest a different approach - there's no single 'right' way!