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In that case, I would use a Left-Center-Right set (or single stereo mic) in front of the horn section. With those mics, you'll get a pretty good horn sound. Then mic the rhythm section individually- I'd still do 2 on the piano, but 1 on the drums in front of the kit (as a spot- bleed will give you plenty of space in the drum sound), and one mic on the bass. A DI may help as well if the player is sitting right next to the drums and doesn't use his body as a gobo (some players are great at this- John Clayton and Christian McBride are two that come to mind). The mic will certainly sound better, but often a bass mic next to the drums can be trouble. You also may want to play mic games for the bass- dynamics will pick up less drums (MD421, M88, or RE20 can work well) or you could use a ribbon and put the drums in the null of the figure 8.
Then put your solo mics out front for voice, horns or whatever...
That would give you roughly 10-12 inputs for the whole show including audience mics. Does that fit in your capabilities?
--Ben |