Mix and Match mics and pres for choir recording

[Clueless]

I'm going to be recording a small choral ensemble of 11 people on Sunday. They are arrayed in a "U" shape facing the congregation. I have the following mics and pres available and am looking for your mix and match suggestions.

Mics: 1 each 414 TL-II, Røde NTK, Royer 121
Stereo Mics: 1 each Røde NT-4, Royer SF-12 (rented)
3 each Crown PCC-160s

Pres: 1 ea Avalon 2022, Avalon M5
2 ea ISA 430, Speck 5.0
Many A&H GL2200 pre channels

I can record up to 7 channels (need to keep 1 channel for podium mic).

I'm thinking:

SF-12 -> Avalon 2022
Røde NT-4 -> Speck Pres
TL-II in omni model -> ISA 430
Pair of PCC-160s -> GL2200

All but the PCC-160s would be on a single stand about 1 foot in front of the top of the U shape and the PCC-160s would be near the base of the stand, either pointing outward for stereo imaging or pointing across each other for stereo image.

Am I making the best use of what I've got? Any reason to change anything?

[Remoteness]

Since Sunday past already and no one replied, I was wondering how you gig went and what you ended up using?

[Clueless]

Well, due to a severe case of having the wrong cables I wound up using none of my trick pres and having to do everything with the pres of my Presonus FIREpod A/D. Nevertheless, I am delighted to report that a prior thread described perfectly the difference between the NT4 and the SF12. Namely, the NT4 sounded like "vocals" (as in edgy pop vocals) and the SF12 sounded like a choral ensemble: beautiful blend and smoothness. I can only imagine what the difference would have been with the right pres.

I liked the Royer so much that I think I'm going to spring for an SF-24.

[sonare]

I know that this continued in another thread, but consider that the cost difference between a new SF24 and a used SF12 is about the cost of 2 channels of Millennia micpre, which makes an SF12 sound almost as fast as a condenser, thus giving you "another mic" for other things than choral, assuming that you use another pre for choral. Even better with the DC option on the Millennia.

Rich

[jdunn]

I really like the combo of SF-12 w/ DACS Micamp, which also has separate inputs that are free of DC blocking caps. Highly recommended pre for that mic.

[Clueless]

Originally Posted by sonare

I know that this continued in another thread, but consider that the cost difference between a new SF24 and a used SF12 is about the cost of 2 channels of Millennia micpre, which makes an SF12 sound almost as fast as a condenser, thus giving you "another mic" for other things than choral, assuming that you use another pre for choral. Even better with the DC option on the Millennia.

Rich

So my Avalon 2022 is not gonna make it sound fast?

[sonare]

Don't know, having never used Avalons. Perhaps someone here has used both and could offer their opiinion. Millennia wll allow you to test drive a unit.

Also, comparing the slew rates night give a hint.

Rich

[fifthcircle]

Avalon is just fine- I prefer Millennia a bit more, though... The top end on it seems a bit more open and perhaps a bit smoother. The Avalon has a bit more "character" (for lack of a better term), though. Personally, I'd suggest the SF-24 if you are talking Royer and remote work. The active stage is a life saver. I've run it through 300+ feet of mic cable and have the signal unscathed at the other end. Sometimes you can't always get your mic preamps right at the mic. With any passive ribbon, this can be an issue- and a more common one in remote work than with studio work.

--Ben