Recording Choir, using Mbox & Amek DMCL advice needed

[Gaston69]

Hi Fellows,

In a couple of weeks I will start recording a choir with approximatly 20 singers and it will be performed in a small church.
My mobile rig contains:

Macbook
Mbox2
Amek DMCL (will be hooked up to the Mbox2 using SPdif)
1 pair of AKG 414 B-ULS
1 pair of AKG CK391 Cardiod
1 piece Neumann TLM-193

1.) With the Mbox and Amek DMCL I can record 4 tracks simultanious however what are the issues regarding the difference in AD converters.
2.) My ideas are:
a.) to use the AKG 414 into the Amek in an ORTF, which is approx. 2m behind and 1m. above the conductor head and that's it!
b.) Use Decca 3 with the middle M/S (AKG 414) into Mbox2 and sides using AKG CK391 into Amek.
c.) Decca 3 with Neumann in the middle into Mbox2 and side using 414 (omnis) into Amek.

By the way I also own a Mackie 1202 which I could use ofcourse if required

What would you suggest, what is a good rule of thumb.

I am little bit worried because of using different converters (phase differences?!) while tracking.

Gaston

[pkautzsch]

Don't worry about converters' differences as to phase. As to sound: yes, do wonder, and use the best converters you have.
I'd suggest just a spaced pair, if it's choir only. Good room: omni, bad room: cardioid, and there you go. You might add wider spaced outriggers for a sense of fullness and more room, if the room is good.

The reason for the Decca tree's center mic being a few feet in front of L/R is that an orchestra's center section is a few feet back into the stage. So basically the three mics are equally far away from "their" part of the orchestra. Such a setup wouldn't really work out for a typical choir standing in straight rows.

[Gaston69]

Thanks for your advice.

[sonare]

Keep it simple-- a spaced pair (.5 to 1m) of almost anything omni, and aim the mics for minimal vocal "crunch" on the sibilants. Choral people HATE that sound!

Rich