Suggestions for recording orchestra or Big Band with my setup?

[rob99]

Hello Everyone

If you have the time, could you suggest an approach to record an orchestra and a Big Band with the equipment I have?

Both groups will have a piano. Big Band will have a drum kit.

I have the budget ($2500) to buy 1 more mic if needed.

8 channels of micpres and AD.

2 - SDC omni mics of the same model - Sanken CU-100K
2 - LDC cardioid mics of the same model - Sanken CU-41
1 - SDC cardioid - Sanken CU-31
1 - LDC cardioid/omni tube mic - Brauner Valvet
1 - LDC full pattern tube mic, but it is designed for vocals and close micing- Big ER, http://www.bigmics.com/nav-page.html
1 - kick drum mic - AKG D112


I added the mic models to the description

Thanks

rob

[fifthcircle]

A list of actual gear would help....

--Ben

[ajfarber]

For Jazz Big Band-(let someone else make suggestions on how to mic an orchestra)

A few ways to go with your set-up.

A good room is a must, high ceiling and no bad reflections (if possible)

OK, here we go:

saxophone section in a circle around a LDC(tube) set to omni

brass section: 4 trumpets standing or on risers behind 3 or 4 trombones. Mic the entire section with 1 LDC (cardioid). Purchase (2) ribbon mics (Royer or AEA will do). Use ribbon mics as solo/spot mics in the trumpet section. 1 between tpt 1&2 and another between tpt 3&4.

Piano: one or 2 mics of your choice. I prefer 1 M49 or U47(cardioid) type LDC for a good pno, or 2 sdc's over the hammers, or 1 sdc in a hole(RVG style).

bass: 1 sdc(cardioid) on G string side of bridge about 6"-12" away from f-hole.

drums: 1 LDC to capture the entire set. You won't need a bass drum mic, there will be plenty of leakage.

Remember, leakage is your friend, use it to your advantage.

Start listening to classic big band recordings of the late '50s/early '60s. These were done with 12 or fewer mics, and no isolation or bass direct.

Some good examples:
Duke Ellington-"Such Sweet Thunder", "The Nutcracker Suite", "Afro Bossa", "The Far East Suite"

Count Basie-"Broadway...Basie's Way", "Chairman of the Board", "April in Paris".

Actually, any big band record recorded on Columbia, Mercury, Command, Capitol, Verve, RCA or Blue Note should do nicely.

If you have more questions, PM me.

[pkautzsch]

For orchestra, I'd go for a great room first.
In that great room, start with spaced omni main pair (the Sanken 100Ks). Get at least 90% of your sound with this.
SDC cardioids as string spots probably (I usually have Neumann KM184 there) - best would probably be as flanks. LDCs can work too - I think more SDCs are used though.
Woodwinds: either another SDC cardioid for all (if the group is small), or SCD cardioid for the flute side and an LDC card/wide cardioid for the lower woods. Brass don't need a spot if the room is good.
Timpani may need a spot for clearer attack, double bass may need a close spot for string noise (--> clarity of the bass line). This probably could even be the D112 if there's nothing else, although I've mostly seen Neuman KM140/184 or U89 in that position.
If you have $2,500 you can afford 4 KM184 at www.thomann.de...or two Schoeps.

[rob99]

Hi,

thank you for taking the time to post sugestions,
rob

[T.RayBullard]

Originally Posted by rob99

Hi,

thank you for taking the time to post sugestions,
rob

Mr. Rob, I shot you a pm. hope all is well.

trb