Live recording of brass instruments with (off-the-bell) clip-on mics

Dusan · 8th November 2009, 11:53 PM

Hi, I will be in the near future recording a number of show which involve brass instruments.

The problem I am facing is that the musicians I will be recording tend to move around the stage, and sometimes go into the audience. I envisage I will have to put clip-on off-the-bell dedicated wireless microphones at least for the main players.

Does anybody here have any experience to share from a similar situation?
Are there any recommendations regarding a particular make or model of microphone for the purpose?

I will be reviewing AMT LS and P800 microphones, as well as Sennheiser and AKGs.

Anything else I should consider?

**Remoteness** · 14th November 2009, 09:04 AM

So, I trust that you have talked to the musician and there is no way that they would stay put.

That's a real drag when you're doing your best to capture the performance properly.

If they must move around you have to consider (dare I say it) clip on mics.
I really dislike these mics, but I cannot imagine a better alternative.
With a l corrective EQ you can make those mics sound a bit better.

If they go into the audience, (like you said) a clip-on wireless rig is the obvious solution.
Hey, a wireless system can be your friend if you cover yourself with backup options and such.

With that said, clip-on mics can make your horns sound like kazoos and that is a serious drag. I've been there and it is not very pretty.

I'm sure others will chime in with their thoughts and insight on this topic.

Dusan · 14th November 2009, 11:26 PM

It is recording ethnic music as it is, trying to capture some of the energy they have when they are not being recorded and being as non-intrusive as possible.

I will be covering the whole area with a number of strategically placed microphones, and using the clip-on microphones only as additional source.

I did some tests the other day with a clip-on Sennheiser E908B on a trumpet and on its own it was really disappointing, but in combination with four Neumann U87s covering the space it was possible to use it to compensate for the player moving about.

I was wondering if anybody has any experience of a particular clip-on mike that is either positive or negative in terms of reliability and robustness.

8th November 2009, 11:53 PM	#1
Dusan Gear interested Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17	Live recording of brass instruments with (off-the-bell) clip-on mics Hi, I will be in the near future recording a number of show which involve brass instruments. The problem I am facing is that the musicians I will be recording tend to move around the stage, and sometimes go into the audience. I envisage I will have to put clip-on off-the-bell dedicated wireless microphones at least for the main players. Does anybody here have any experience to share from a similar situation? Are there any recommendations regarding a particular make or model of microphone for the purpose? I will be reviewing AMT LS and P800 microphones, as well as Sennheiser and AKGs. Anything else I should consider?

14th November 2009, 09:04 AM	#2
Remoteness Super Moderator Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: NYC Posts: 6,413	So, I trust that you have talked to the musician and there is no way that they would stay put. That's a real drag when you're doing your best to capture the performance properly. If they must move around you have to consider (dare I say it) clip on mics. I really dislike these mics, but I cannot imagine a better alternative. With a l corrective EQ you can make those mics sound a bit better. If they go into the audience, (like you said) a clip-on wireless rig is the obvious solution. Hey, a wireless system can be your friend if you cover yourself with backup options and such. With that said, clip-on mics can make your horns sound like kazoos and that is a serious drag. I've been there and it is not very pretty. I'm sure others will chime in with their thoughts and insight on this topic. __________________ Steve Remote AuraSonicLtd.com the home of ASL Mobile & Location Production Remoteness on the Linkedin Network Remoteness on Myspace

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread:

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
drum mics for live -portable/clip-on/directional	eyezenears	Remote Possibilities in Acoustic Music & Location Recording	2	26th January 2008 04:28 AM

14th November 2009, 11:26 PM	#3
Dusan Gear interested Join Date: Aug 2007 Posts: 17	It is recording ethnic music as it is, trying to capture some of the energy they have when they are not being recorded and being as non-intrusive as possible. I will be covering the whole area with a number of strategically placed microphones, and using the clip-on microphones only as additional source. I did some tests the other day with a clip-on Sennheiser E908B on a trumpet and on its own it was really disappointing, but in combination with four Neumann U87s covering the space it was possible to use it to compensate for the player moving about. I was wondering if anybody has any experience of a particular clip-on mike that is either positive or negative in terms of reliability and robustness.