| Hi Jan,
quick takes from an amateur.
In my experience, for a two channel recording, ORTF is the safest bet. I often travel with a Schoeps ORTF setup and a Sound Devices 722. Two mics, carefully placed in the room, often gives a quite nice result.
There are however one specific problem in my experience with ORTF setups, compared to omni setups. The problem is that it might exaggerate the volume of the brass instruments. If the brass section happens to be a bit "edgy" this will be even more heard when using ORTF micing. Much less so with an omni setting. I guess there is an explanation.
I have not used the Octava mics but other people describe them as quite useable. You might possibly in the end preferr other mics, but as a starter they should work.
If you want to go omni capsules instead, I believe 30 feet to be totally out of my experience. Generally I end up more like 30 inches. Your choice though.
Regardless, be sure to listen carefully in the hall and carefully place the mics.
I have no problem running a laptop on location. Carefully testing things at home first, running uninterrupted for hours without problems.
Cubase is definitely not my favourite for this kind of work though. I suggest you look at another program there in the future. Samplitude is my suggestion, burning CD-s directly from the project will save lot of work.
Gunnar |