Another orchestra recording...Your feedback welcome

[brle]

Originally Posted by Gerax

Hello guys
I'm planning for an upcoming gig. Orchestra recording for the 3rd Beethoven symphony with a local talented orchestra.

... so modest, which orchestra are they?
I like them very, very much, such a youthful, energetic performance!
You also achieved very fine sound with them thumbsup.

sascha

[Gerax]

Originally Posted by brle

... so modest, which orchestra are they?
I like them very, very much, such a youthful, energetic performance!
You also achieved very fine sound with them thumbsup.

sascha

Thank You very much, I'm glad you liked it, we (me and my partner) are very satisfied too with the results. The orchestra is this: .: Spira mirabilis :. and you are right, they are are very energetic and enthusiast about the music they play. So much that some major labels are gravitating around them and their management in London.

We are currently putting the finishing touches to the comcert and will send the masters out mid week.

L.G.

[Hannes_F]

I like the recording very much and will have an eye on this orchestra, thank you for posting.

[Celloman]

I also like the energy of the group. Was there editing? I hear some strange anomalies that sound like edits, but it could be some data loss or something. For my taste, the balance is not natural enough, winds are much more present than strings (there sems to be more reverberant sound on the strings), on one occasion I heard the reverb decay only from the right channel (was there reverb added or is this just coming from the mics?), the high frequencies sound hard and don't seem to be benefit from the acoustic. The MK21's have tons of 'reach', I think you could have used them further back in the hall.

Just my opinion

Mike

[Gerax]

Originally Posted by Celloman

I also like the energy of the group. Was there editing? I hear some strange anomalies that sound like edits, but it could be some data loss or something. For my taste, the balance is not natural enough, winds are much more present than strings (there sems to be more reverberant sound on the strings), on one occasion I heard the reverb decay only from the right channel (was there reverb added or is this just coming from the mics?), the high frequencies sound hard and don't seem to be benefit from the acoustic. The MK21's have tons of 'reach', I think you could have used them further back in the hall.

Just my opinion

Mike

Thank you for your feedback.

Well...there has been some extensive editing in that the orchestra only gave us 1 rehearsal and the actual concert evening...so we had to try and fix everything that was "fixable" with that material available.
In some passages I too have the impression that the balnce is a bit too high on winds: I address this to the fact that the orchestra was packed in the front half of the stage (you can see that in the pictures) as there already was a production setting up behind the curtain in the back. So winds were just a step behind strings, and you know that there is no match in dynamics between the two...some of their passages were also palyed a bit too loud... I just had enough room on the extreme edge of the stage to put mic stands for the ORTF and outriggers, than I had the first row of seats. That's why I think you are hearing a bit too much of "close" and hard sound...it's the same for me, but I just couldn't go further back in the hall. Speaking about the hall...being an Italian opera theater the sound wasn't geared for symphonic music...so we just had to add some reverb; the fact that you are asking me is a bit of a compliment...in that it's not that obvious and I've been given away by that anomaly on one channel you heard...quite strange...I'll check that back, and anyway, the sample posted isn't the final mix which has been checked and checked again...and "softened" in some mains /spot balances.

Anyway, I appreciate your feedback. In the end, given time and budget we're quite satisfied with the results. I belive you'll hear back from this orchestra quite soon...

[Celloman]

I understand that live recording is not a controlled environment and one has to make compromises. I was criticizing a bit too harshly as if it were a controlled commercial record. The first edit that is obvious, the repeated accompaniment notes don't line up, but probably the solo line does. Often the concert will have a brighter, faster tempo than the rehearsal and can make editing very tricky.

I had a similar challenge recording some concertos with chamber orchestra and the intention was to use live footage as well. It made miking a little tricky, but I used a different approach in that the orchestra was only covered through overhead mics and spot mics were only used for the soloists.

PLEYEL, I.: Symphonies Concertantes / Violin Concerto in D major (Perry, V. Chiang, Lippi, Baltimore Chamber Orchestra, Thakar) - 8.570320

The reverb issue may have been a hot signal from percussion on the right side which sent you artificial reverb soaring

Good job considering the challenges!

Mike

[alexvdbroek]

Very cool

I just want to say, I'm so glad there are actual musicians on this forum (unlike another few I know).

[Jazznfunk]

I'm sorry about lame question: what are the outtriggers and where are they placed? Are they hall/ambient/room mics?

I'm planning to do some classical music sessions in future therefore i am sitting here and learning some tricks and tips from you. Thanks!

[Gerax]

Originally Posted by Jazznfunk

I'm sorry about lame question: what are the outtriggers and where are they placed? Are they hall/ambient/room mics?

I'm planning to do some classical music sessions in future therefore i am sitting here and learning some tricks and tips from you. Thanks!

Outriggers are those mics you put at the outer edges of the ensemble you are recording in an AB configuration to support the main stereo pair and pick the spaciousness of the sound stage giving depth and width to the picture. They are usually omis and are placed in line at the same height and distance form the ensemble as the main pair.

Hope this helps