Layout suggestions for music theatre cast rec

matthewd · 10th July 2009

Dear all

Tomorrow I have to record a Gilbert and Sullivan CD with piano accompaniment and 6 semi pro singers who will sing in various combinations - mostly solos and duets with all six occasionally singing together as a chorus. I've got a small recital hall which is basically a flat floor and high ceiling - more or less a cube in fact. It has some sound treatment and doesn't sound too bad but nothing special. Like a studio really. There are screens on wheels with windows available and I was thinking about facing them into the piano behind screens giving the a mic each to try and get some separation plus perhaps an overall pair to take account of any chorus bits.

. I thought probably two pairs on the piano - a pretty close pair of cardioids and maybe 4006 omnis a bit further away. Just wondered if anyone had any alternative ideas to suggest. I should say it is in fact tomorrow. I'll check for replies before I leave!

Matt

Barnabas · 11th July 2009

Are you giving everyone headphones? If so, then move the piano as far away as you can.

Can you record the piano part first and then add the vocals afterward?

If they all play and sing at the same time, and they are not wearing headphones, putting gobos (screens on wheels) between them might muffle the sound and make it hard for them to hear each other.

Position the piano and singers where it is comfortable for them to hear what they need to hear, then set up some mics. You can close mic the singers if you think you waill have to overdub some vocals. If you think they will get a perfect recording all working together, then try the mics a little farther away.

Two pairs on the piano is nice so you can make decisions at mix time.

Larry Elliott · 11th July 2009

What did you end up doing Matt?

Larry

Jim vanBergen · 12th July 2009

With small groups like this, it's a hard call- either two pairs, one room pair, or what I usually do is put each singer on their own mic, a pair on the piano, multitrack, and mix, mix, mix.

How did your gig go, and what did you decide on?

10th July 2009	#1
matthewd Gear maniac Joined: Feb 2008 Posts: 162 Thread Starter	Layout suggestions for music theatre cast rec Dear all Tomorrow I have to record a Gilbert and Sullivan CD with piano accompaniment and 6 semi pro singers who will sing in various combinations - mostly solos and duets with all six occasionally singing together as a chorus. I've got a small recital hall which is basically a flat floor and high ceiling - more or less a cube in fact. It has some sound treatment and doesn't sound too bad but nothing special. Like a studio really. There are screens on wheels with windows available and I was thinking about facing them into the piano behind screens giving the a mic each to try and get some separation plus perhaps an overall pair to take account of any chorus bits. . I thought probably two pairs on the piano - a pretty close pair of cardioids and maybe 4006 omnis a bit further away. Just wondered if anyone had any alternative ideas to suggest. I should say it is in fact tomorrow. I'll check for replies before I leave! Matt

11th July 2009	#2
Barnabas Gear maniac Joined: Dec 2002 Location: Raleigh, NC Posts: 275	Are you giving everyone headphones? If so, then move the piano as far away as you can. Can you record the piano part first and then add the vocals afterward? If they all play and sing at the same time, and they are not wearing headphones, putting gobos (screens on wheels) between them might muffle the sound and make it hard for them to hear each other. Position the piano and singers where it is comfortable for them to hear what they need to hear, then set up some mics. You can close mic the singers if you think you waill have to overdub some vocals. If you think they will get a perfect recording all working together, then try the mics a little farther away. Two pairs on the piano is nice so you can make decisions at mix time. __________________ Chris Droessler Barnabas MultiMedia

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11th July 2009	#3
Larry Elliott Gear addict Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Auckland , New Zealand Posts: 325	What did you end up doing Matt? Larry

12th July 2009	#4
Jim vanBergen Lives for gear Joined: Apr 2005 Location: New York Friggin' City Posts: 2,562	With small groups like this, it's a hard call- either two pairs, one room pair, or what I usually do is put each singer on their own mic, a pair on the piano, multitrack, and mix, mix, mix. How did your gig go, and what did you decide on?