options for recording strings/horns

setvice · 15th March 2010

I am recording an EP for a band. they have a tradition setup of Drums/bass/guitar vocals but they also want to record some strings (2x violins and a cello) and some horns (2x trombone, possibly 1 trumpet) I have a home based studio where i rely on a room that is Dampened with blankets mattresses etc but i have the possibility of recording in an Auditorium for a few days. I have a portable rig with 2 inputs. i have at my disposal matched pair of rode NT5 and an Rode NTk. I m not sure of the best approach to this.

If i record each instrument seperately in the auditorium, would the buildup of ambiance from the auditorium negate the usefulness of the room?
Am i better off recording all the instruments together as an ensemble, then record each instrument seperately at home in a 'dry' environment and combine the 2?
What would be the best approach to recording ensemble in auditorium? xy nt5 at a distance? NTK on its own? NT5's spaced apart? I have little to no experience recording orchestra instruments so any advice would be appreciated?!

Michaelrophone · 16th March 2010

I think I'd need to know a little more about the role of each instrument in the context of the mix.

Are any of these instruments playing a lead, or just supportive roles? If any of them are playing a lead, it would be wise to record it separately.

Is there a different musician playing each instrument? This may sound like an odd question, but I've shown up to record a string quartet only to find it was one person with four instruments.

So, what's the deal? Perhaps I can be a little more helpful if I know what's going on.

rgb2109 · 19th March 2010

I do a lot of classical recording, small ensembles like this. There are a couple options I guess, but it seems like you're on the right track. NT5 in an XY configuration work very well for strings. If you record them in the auditorium still have the mics reasonably close, as close as possible where the entire ensemble is getting equal mic treatment.

The problem with what you mentioned before about recording one take in the hall and the other in the studio is the layering. If you layer too much, it won't sound like a string trio, it'll sound like a small string orchestra. You might want that, but if you just want the individual 3 voices, you shoul decided between one or the other.

I personally love natural reverb where I can get it, but it might sound strange to have some booming strings that don't match up with the reverb of the rock band.

Please let me know about what you decide as I am about to embarch on a similar project.

15th March 2010	#1
setvice Gear Head Joined: May 2009 Posts: 45 Thread Starter	options for recording strings/horns I am recording an EP for a band. they have a tradition setup of Drums/bass/guitar vocals but they also want to record some strings (2x violins and a cello) and some horns (2x trombone, possibly 1 trumpet) I have a home based studio where i rely on a room that is Dampened with blankets mattresses etc but i have the possibility of recording in an Auditorium for a few days. I have a portable rig with 2 inputs. i have at my disposal matched pair of rode NT5 and an Rode NTk. I m not sure of the best approach to this. If i record each instrument seperately in the auditorium, would the buildup of ambiance from the auditorium negate the usefulness of the room? Am i better off recording all the instruments together as an ensemble, then record each instrument seperately at home in a 'dry' environment and combine the 2? What would be the best approach to recording ensemble in auditorium? xy nt5 at a distance? NTK on its own? NT5's spaced apart? I have little to no experience recording orchestra instruments so any advice would be appreciated?!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
strings and horns sample library for pop/rock	injasonbow	So much gear, so little time!	22	13th May 2010 09:55 PM
Piano's, horns and strings	rushton	Electronic Music Instruments & Electronic Music Production	0	8th April 2010 02:07 PM
This arrangement needs horns...strings...what?	Aaron Miller	Work In Progress / Advice Requested / Show & Tell / Artist Showcase / Mix-Offs	4	22nd January 2010 01:58 AM
Want to learn how to input articulations (strings, horns)	dblock	Electronic Music Instruments & Electronic Music Production	2	7th June 2009 01:15 AM
recording real strings and horns	mikoo69	Remote Possibilities in Acoustic Music & Location Recording	3	24th September 2008 02:30 AM

16th March 2010	#2
Michaelrophone Gear maniac Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Wherever I End Up Posts: 197	I think I'd need to know a little more about the role of each instrument in the context of the mix. Are any of these instruments playing a lead, or just supportive roles? If any of them are playing a lead, it would be wise to record it separately. Is there a different musician playing each instrument? This may sound like an odd question, but I've shown up to record a string quartet only to find it was one person with four instruments. So, what's the deal? Perhaps I can be a little more helpful if I know what's going on.

19th March 2010	#3
rgb2109 Gear interested Joined: Nov 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 23	I do a lot of classical recording, small ensembles like this. There are a couple options I guess, but it seems like you're on the right track. NT5 in an XY configuration work very well for strings. If you record them in the auditorium still have the mics reasonably close, as close as possible where the entire ensemble is getting equal mic treatment. The problem with what you mentioned before about recording one take in the hall and the other in the studio is the layering. If you layer too much, it won't sound like a string trio, it'll sound like a small string orchestra. You might want that, but if you just want the individual 3 voices, you shoul decided between one or the other. I personally love natural reverb where I can get it, but it might sound strange to have some booming strings that don't match up with the reverb of the rock band. Please let me know about what you decide as I am about to embarch on a similar project.