Recording BigBand...

[JazzPipo]

Hi all,

I recently got deal to do a low profile bigband recording during a rehearsel session for an upcoming gig. The conducter want's to stimulate his band by doing a small recording for reference. If all goes well I may get the offer to do the actual live recording...

It's the first time for me and the budget and time I get is very, very limited... I've got 1 hours to setup an 1 hour to record. So I have to keep things simple. They rehearse in a nice room 15x30m with high ceiling 6m.

My mobile rig is limited: ProTools LE with Digi002 and Mackie Onyx 800R pre-amp through optical. So I've got 12 pre-amps. Although I rather not use the Digi002 pre-amps.

My approach would be:

Cascade Fathead II pair in blumlein setup in front of the band
Drum OH: 2x KM184
Kick: D112
Snare: SM57
Bass split DI
Solo Mic: Neumann M147

Other mic's:

2x AKG C451E + CK1 (cardiod) or CK22 (omni)
1x AKG C414
1x Neumann TLM103
1x Neumann KM185
2x Stagg MCO-7 (U89 clone.. very nice)

I'de like to have your input on other aproaches... etc.

[pkautzsch]

Sounds like a good plan.
If I had that little time to set up, I'd go for an MS pair for the horns, one mono drum mic near drummer's right ear (think LDC cardioid like 103), bass DI, solo spot.
And a few "maybe"s: snare only if he uses brushes, something UNDER the piano (184 or 185 - you need a tight pattern there), spaced room pair for some glue. If you mic the kick, keep it VERY low in the mix...

[RickZ]

Last year I was asked to do a live concert recording of Big Band with Theatre Organ, in Capitol Theatre, York, PA. There is a balcony in this theatre, so I mic'd from there. One interesting note, the fellow that asked me to do the recording was 'downstairs' during the first half, and was astounded at how much better he could hear the Sax's 'upstairs'.

Pic shows TLM103 pair, TLM49, TLM184 pair, TLM183(Low Bass), before musicians arrived on stage.

Attached .mp3 is from the concert.

If you're able to use a high mic stand, that will improve the balance of sax's to Trombones/Trumpets.

FWIW,
Rick Z

[JazzPipo]

Originally Posted by RickZ

Last year I was asked to do a live concert recording of Big Band with Theatre Organ, in Capitol Theatre, York, PA. There is a balcony in this theatre, so I mic'd from there. One interesting note, the fellow that asked me to do the recording was 'downstairs' during the first half, and was astounded at how much better he could hear the Sax's 'upstairs'.

Pic shows TLM103 pair, TLM49, TLM184 pair, TLM183(Low Bass), before musicians arrived on stage.

Attached .mp3 is from the concert.

If you're able to use a high mic stand, that will improve the balance of sax's to Trombones/Trumpets.

FWIW,
Rick Z

Thanks for this suggestion! Listened to the sound clip. Very nice balance indeed. How did you place the other mic's or was this your setup??

Personally I would like to have a bit more direct sound.
But I'll keep an eye/ear on mic height indeed

[RickZ]

What's in the pic is it, all mics quite a distance away, but not far enough to sound overly distant; the venue only holds about 650 anyway, so big echos don't happen.

Good luck !

RZ