Recording harmony orchestra with my gear

[alauth]

Hi everyone !

I just got a new contract and I'll have to record an harmony orchestra.

I have never recorded any classical music before so I was wondering about the best way to achieve this, using my gear.

Here is my gear :

Mics : AKG D112, AKG C451B, Audio Technica AT 4033 (x2), Audio Technica AT 4050, Audix D6, Beyerdynamic M201TG, Beyerdynamic M88TG, Oktava MK012 (x2 matched and cardio, hyper cardio and omni caps), Røde NT1A, Sennheiser MD421 (x3), Shure SM57 (x2), Shure SM58 (x2), The T.Bone SCT2000, The T.Bone SCT800 (x2 matched)

Preamps : SPL Goldmike, Universal Audio UA710 x2, RME Octamic II

I was thinking about using the 2 Oktava (cardioid) with XY technique and use my 3 Audio Technica as extra mics (no idea about which instruments should be extra-miked).

I've heard that the Octamic is a great preamp for classical music.

There will be a soloist and I don't know if I will have to mik him.

So, any tips, any idea would be great !

Thanks !

Arthur

PS : i'll let you hear the result of course (January)

[unitymusic]

I can't really help you other than I would probably go with a spot mic for the soloist as a backup. Otherwise lots of room mics as an orchestra sound is normally recognized as the entire sound filling up a room rather than a bunch of single instruments miced and blended. I'm also not sure what a harmony orchestra is? Never heard that term but I assume you just mean an orchestra, unless it is a group or particular orchestra?

[alauth]

It is an orchestra made like this

(sorry French inside)

So Woodwinds, Brass and Percussions.

[unitymusic]

I have never recorded an orchestra before, so hopefully someone with more experience in this subject can chime in, but I have studied classical music, so I will say orchestras are normally very good at controlling depth and dynamics within the performance. So if you can figure out how to capture what the audience hears you should be off to a good start. Then possibly just add a few spot mics (soloist, softer instruments or smaller sections) in case a particular part or instrument needs some reinforcement at any given time.

[edbro]

I would probably use 012s w card caps in ORTF configuration 10-15 feet back 10-15 feet above as the main pair. Maybe use the 4033's instead. use 4033's or 012,s(which ever you decide not to use as main pair) as flanking mics splitting the orchestra half on either side of main pair. maybe 4050 as soloist mic. Hope this helps, but best advice will come in the remote forum.

[fallforward]

Originally Posted by alauth

Hi everyone !

I just got a new contract and I'll have to record an harmony orchestra.

I have never recorded any classical music before so I was wondering about the best way to achieve this, using my gear.

Here is my gear :

Mics : AKG D112, AKG C451B, Audio Technica AT 4033 (x2), Audio Technica AT 4050, Audix D6, Beyerdynamic M201TG, Beyerdynamic M88TG, Oktava MK012 (x2 matched and cardio, hyper cardio and omni caps), Røde NT1A, Sennheiser MD421 (x3), Shure SM57 (x2), Shure SM58 (x2), The T.Bone SCT2000, The T.Bone SCT800 (x2 matched)

Preamps : SPL Goldmike, Universal Audio UA710 x2, RME Octamic II

I was thinking about using the 2 Oktava (cardioid) with XY technique and use my 3 Audio Technica as extra mics (no idea about which instruments should be extra-miked).

I've heard that the Octamic is a great preamp for classical music.

There will be a soloist and I don't know if I will have to mik him.

So, any tips, any idea would be great !

Thanks !

Arthur

PS : i'll let you hear the result of course (January)

Couple of questions.

What type of room are you recording in? Concert Hall, studio, barn?

What will the final mix be? Is this intended to be a stand-alone wind orchestra recording? Or are you adding these as overdubs?

Finally, what type of sound are they going for? A classical ensemble sound, or more of a film score sound?

I have a good amount of classical recording experience, and I have done a ton of it with the 012’s in ORTF as a main pair so you are on the right track!
Robby

[alauth]

I will be recording in a concert hall (they told me that the place is used for classical concerts and that it sounds really great).

It will be a standalone orchestra.

I think that they are going for a classical ensemble sound.

Thanks

[RobAnderson]

Hi Arthur

I have to admit I am not familiar with the term "harmony orchestra."

Could you elaborate a little on what this is (what instruments? how many? repertoire?)? Is this for commercial CD? Concert recording? What is the instrument of the soloist? What piece? What will be you be recording to?

If this is anything like a conventional orchestra, there are plenty of threads about this subject here. Perhaps most recently: ORTF Microphone vertical angle

Oktava's are a pretty good choice given what you have. There is always the option to rent mic's, in which case you might be able to do a little better. Definitely spot the soloist - you can always not use the mic, but you don't want to end up wishing you had it later.

I'll start the ball rolling by saying I would not use XY on an orchestra. This usually gives a narrow, constricted sound image of the orchestra - I like a bigger, more "spacious" image.

[alauth]

Thanks Rob for your answer !

Harmony Orchestra is made of Woodwinds, Brass and Percussions. I don't know the correct word in English, sorry...

It will be for a CD, not commercial I think and it won't be a concert.

The place will be a Concert Hall.

Someone told me in the other thread to use Oktava in ORTF position.

What do you think about this ?

[d_fu]

Have you seen these threads?

Wind Ensemble Setups?
recording wind bands

Originally Posted by RobAnderson

I have to admit I am not familiar wI'll start the ball rolling by saying I would not use XY on an orchestra. This usually gives a narrow, constricted sound image of the orchestra - I like a bigger, more "spacious" image.

+1

[alauth]

Aaaah, you found the right word ! It's more simple to find the good threads now

Thanks, I'm gonna have a look upon it !

[BLP]

Well, welcome to the Remote forum!

So, recording a wing band... I'd agree with Rob that an X/Y might not be the best choice for this particular job. If it's a nice hall, I'd tend to start with an A/B pair (of omnis), probably your Oktavas. As for spotting, I'd definitely spot mic the soloist (another wise statement by Rob: you can always turn it down, but you can never re-record it...), but the rest of the spots will really be determined by the ensemble itself. If you can, go to a rehearsal or two to hear the group's balance. You may find that some of the woodwinds (especially those who may have soli sections) may need a little extra help. Wind band can get really out of hand very easily, so let the music determine what other mics you need!

And good luck!

[alauth]

Thanks !

I can't go to rehearsals sadly...

It think I'll use the 4050 for the soloist. But, if I have to use more than 2 extra mics (the 4033s), which one(s) would be the bests in my gear ?