What mic/pre's for piano and vox gig?

[Count Dz]

So I have a remote gig that is a fairly easy setup. I'll be recording a piano and vox (2 different people) for a combo of ol' jazz standards from the 20's through the 40's. My setup includes a Powerbook G4 1Ghz with a 002 rack. I just recently purchased a few new mic pres that I'd plan on using a couple of 1084's and a 1073 . So my question is this what mics would you use to recording? I have plenty of high end mics available...along with some other pres for audience pick up. I was thinking 5 mics total? 2 mics for piano, 1 vox, 2 audience...Whatcha all think?

[AB3]

DPA 4011s for piano. I love them on piano. While many love DPA 4006 omnis on piano, in this situation it looks like you will be better off with the cardoids.

If you want to go less expensive, There is a miniature DPA for about $1000 a pair for piano that is great (that includes a special XLR adapter I believe).

Good luck.
AB

[Count Dz]

So actually I should have posted a list of my mic selection first as I probably won't be able to purchase anything new or rent anything for this gig.

Nuemann U87 Ai nickel w/spider shock
- (2) Nuemann SKM 184 (matched pair)
- (2) AKG C451B/ST nickel (matched pair)
- (2) AKG 414 B-TL II/ST (matched pair)
- Royer R-122
- Blue Baby Bottle
- (2) Earthworks QTC1/MP (matched pair)

I'm thinking the 414's through the 1084's and a Beta 58 wireless for the vox through the 1073, probably the Earthworks QTC1 through UA 2022 for ambience. Any suggestions?

[pkautzsch]

414 + 58 +Earthworks seems reasonable to me.
Maybe I'd also try the Neumann 184 in ORTF for Piano. Typical SD sound (and then maybe the 414s for the audience?)
For 20s to 40s Jazz I could imagine a ribbon for the singer. If it is a rather static
show and the singer doesn't run around on stage.

[T.RayBullard]

414s on piano and u87 on the voices, or the blue baby bottle.

put the earthworks out in front of the main pairs to mic the ambience, about 10db down.

[Remoteness]

Yeah, I also have a matched pair of C414TLIIs -- I use them on piano a lot.
The TLIIs on piano with the U87 on vocals sounds like a plan.

Use the SKM184s, C451B/STs or QTC1/MPs for the room tone.
But, that R122 sounds like a cool option too... Can you get a second one?

Either way, it really depends on the room and how it will sound to your ears.
Bring them all and make your final decision on the room mics when you're there.

[Count Dz]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I don't think I'll be able to use anything too studio on the vox as I have been told that the guy singing prefers to move around. The stage is fairly modest but it does leave plenty of room for roaming. As suggested though I will bring all and make decisions then. I do like the 184 ORTF idea, any more suggestions keep em' coming cause the gig ain't until April. Lots of time to prepare.

[marty lester]

hello Remoteness-

i have an upcoming remote recording gig and i was thinking
of using 2 TLII's for the piano as well...may i ask how
you had them placed? i think i'll be able to leave the
lid open (solo piano and voice, so not too much bleed).
do you place them near the sound holes near the
outside edge or do you shove them in by the hammers?

thanks for the advice,
marty.

[Jim vanBergen]

I'd wait to make a decision on piano mic until you find out how the lid is going to be used for the gig. I make very different decisions based on how the piano lid is used.

As an aside, I have found not only great sound, but great RESPONSE to recordings I make with 2x QTC-1s on a closed lid piano. Yes the mics are great for room, but I actually prefer these to the 414s in a closed-lid situation, because the response from the pianists and composers have been so strong in favor of the QTC-1s in a closed lid.

I think the Neumann LDC is ideal for vocal if you have the room for it, though I have also heard great stuff about the baby bottle.
Hope this helps!

Jim vB