Mics for decca tree

[S.Blanchardon]

And here it is with the supplied ball and KM-D body

PER-FECT !

[davidvaldes]

What do you think about the Josephson c617 set? After having listened to them, I was really impressed.

I was thinking about getting a matched trio when I had some money available.

Any opinions?

[Chorum Records]

I've read through this thread with great interest and it seems there is a place for subcardioids on smaller versions of the Decca Tree.

I happen to have 3 (actually 4) Neumann KM 143's - KM100's with the 43 capsule. I'm recording a chamber orchestra soon for a producer who favours a Tree but there won't be the luxury of time to experiment or re-rig. I have a hunch they could work well but has anybody out there actually tried them this way?

I could also use a pair of MK21s with an MKH 80 in the middle. I would rather keep to SDCs as the rig will probably have to be on the end of an Ambient boom (and Ambient A-Ray) so weight is a factor.

Steve Swinden
Chorum Records
Chorum Records - Choir, orchestra and brass band CD recording - ABOUT CHORUM

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by John Willett

And here it is with the supplied ball and KM-D body

Originally Posted by S.Blanchardon

PER-FECT !

I have heard recently that Danish Radio are using these as a Decca Tree and also a studio in Sweden.

A friend in the UK is just about to trial them as well and I hope I will be able to hear the results.

[0VU]

Originally Posted by Chorum Records

I've read through this thread with great interest and it seems there is a place for subcardioids on smaller versions of the Decca Tree.

Can one call a tree of subcardioids a 'Decca Tree'? I guess they used different mics/polar patterns as they evolved so....?

I happen to have 3 (actually 4) Neumann KM 143's - KM100's with the 43 capsule. I'm recording a chamber orchestra soon for a producer who favours a Tree but there won't be the luxury of time to experiment or re-rig. I have a hunch they could work well but has anybody out there actually tried them this way?

Yes.

I also have several KM143s, however, when I want to use a subcardioid tree I usually go with either MK21s or DPA4015s, both of which I prefer to the KM143s. That said a friend prefers my 143s over MK21s so it's just personal preferences really. They're all good. I suppose over the years I've used loads of different mics in 'trees' of various types but I usually come back to M50s, M150s, TLM50s, M222/CMC6/MK2/MK2H/MK2S/KA40/KA50, KM83/KM131/KM130, M269c, TLM170, VM1, MC740, MK21/4015/KM143. Probably in that order. Depending upon what the job needs and what I can get away with visually/physically in the space. People can get a little shirty if you rig a tree of M50s or VM1s on a dirty great stand for live concert. Especially if it's being videoed!

I could also use a pair of MK21s with an MKH 80 in the middle. I would rather keep to SDCs as the rig will probably have to be on the end of an Ambient boom (and Ambient A-Ray) so weight is a factor.

I wouldn't normally mix mics in a 'tree' setup but then I don't have to and It wouldn't much bother me if I needed to. So long as the left and right mics match, then the centre could do it's own thing. Though, thinking about it, having said I don't mix mics in 'trees', I do sometimes use a different omni on the centre from those on the sides and sometimes throw the Decca concept out of the window completely and use an MS pair in the centre. Then it's definitely not a 'Decca tree'. Can work nicely though. Sometimes.

Not sure I'd be happy with the idea of a tree hanging from an Ambient Boom; even the lightweight carbon fibre tree I have for CCMs/KM extensions/DPA Compacts on the short (9m) boom. But that's just me and I guess a small enough tree would be ok. I've never come across a job where a tree can't be more conventionally stand mounted or slung into position. With enough people and preparation/rigging time. Maybe I'm just lucky.

[klaukholm]

Originally Posted by John Willett

I have heard recently that Danish Radio are using these as a Decca Tree and also a studio in Sweden.

A friend in the UK is just about to trial them as well and I hope I will be able to hear the results.

DR seemingly is not using them in a tree config right now as far as I have observed.
On the most recent CD session, they used them as a large low triangle with the mains still being the customary you-know-what pair.

We are very exited about these here, and applaud neumann for providing us with a great low profile mic for live broadcast.