Large or small condenser for distance recording of a steel drum orchestra?

[hey_mavis]

I am going to get into recording steel drum orchestras live, they usually play out doors and appear in groups of between 30 to 100 players, I only have money for a stereo pair at the moment.

I will mic the orchestra from the front with a stereo pair at about 6 -10 feet away (they get pretty loud so that is usually enough).

my question is, would u think a large diaphragm condenser or a small diaphragm condenser would be best in this situation?

thanks!

[lerone]

I'd go for large omis personally. But...what about m/s or b/l? What price range too? Quite jealous you get to recording a steel drum orchestra, that would b so much fun!

[hey_mavis]

well I live in Trinidad and Tobago, we invented the darned thing I should be able to record it here if no where else!

[d_fu]

What choice of mics have you got at your disposal?

[hey_mavis]

well I need to buy some, i have between 800 and about 1600 in my budget USD

[Howie J]

AT 4050's?? $1200 for a pair. Multi pattern and fairly decent mic for the price.

Howie J

[lerone]

Look at offerings from Kel. They sound full, lush and just plain great. The 4050's are really good too. What about ADK also?

[d_fu]

Originally Posted by hey_mavis

I am going to get into recording steel drum orchestras live, they usually play out doors

If you intend to record them in their natural habitat, consider potential issues of wind noise. SDC omnis are less prone to such problems, but in any case, reserving part of your budget for really good windshields may prove to be wise.

[edwinhurwitz]

This sounds like a lot of fun! I've been hanging out with some of the disciples of Ellie Manette (the inventor of steel pans who spent a lot of time in Morgantown WV). I've only managed to record a small ensemble, but M/S with my 414s worked out nicely. However, this was not outdoors, so I'm not sure about how wind would be a factor.

Edwin

[juanpz]

Think simple, you never know what to expect from a random venue.


Definitely windscreens if you plan on being outside.

Is there a chance for rain?

Typically small diaphram condensor microphones are used for a 2 track live audience recording. Those would preferably be directional mics to minimize background noise.

Use a stereo bar so that you only need 1 mic stand to get your stereo mic configuration.

Good luck

[JonesH]

You may want to consider a pair of real pressure mics (omnidirectional) for outdoor recording since they're very much more resistant to wind than most directional mics. Plus you won't lose all bass if you can't get really close up to the players.

Edit: Oh, and then again I've never recorded a steel drum in my life so what do I know...

[GZsound]

The last three live sound gigs I've done have all had 10 to 18 piece big bands on stage. Doing another one tomorrow evening.

I put up three LD cardioid mics in front of the band and had excellent results. I would bet they would work well for a steel drum band too.

Oh yeah....my budget for all three LD mics was $240. I don't want to ruin my studio mics..