| I tend to really dislike the sound of minimalist jazz recordings... I just don't feel like it usually does the music justice. There isn't the intimacy needed for this kind of ensemble and the sound often "washes" out...
My usual jazz trio setup is this. It is small, but not "purist"
drums- stereo microphone in x-y in front of the kit. This is usually an AKG 426, but I've had great luck with the Neumann SM 69 tube or a SM 2 (or23). Similarly a C-34 is also great, but a different sound.... I have had good luck with the Shure VP-88 in front of the drums, too. The MS pickup of that mic helps with the snare sound- especially when the drummer is on brushes. I may touch up the kick with a Sennheiser e602 or 421.
Bass- U47 FET is a favorite, as is the KM-86. The sennheiser 421 is surprisingly good, too (as is the bass player's often favorite RE-20). Depending on the situation, I may add in a bit from an ADL-200 tube direct (or a Demeter tube DI).
Piano- My latest favorite are Microtech M930s. Others I've liked also include Schoeps CMC6MK4, KM 140, U87s (original vintage), and of course 414EB (with CK-12 caps).
I do not use area mics with a group like this, and in a live date with an audience, I'll add rear-facing mics for the audience.
Use a nice plate verb in the mix and some gentle compression/limiting (Vac Rac, Vari-Mu, etc...) With mics like that, you probably won't need much EQ if any...
Mic pres: Vac Rac are a favorite, but I also like Hardy or others that have a bit of color to them... Millennia/Grace are good too, but I personally like a bit more personality than these can deliver.
--Ben |