Microphone Advice for Concert Ambient Sound

P

percoplus

Active member
Any helpful tips appreciated

I have not had any good luck with live music because I thought I could get away with using inexpensive handheld recorders. Just about everything I record is clipped. Now that I have my choice of professional recorders narrowed down, I have to ask about microphones.

I will be doing a lot of band videos in clubs and showrooms. I like to get a line feed from the house soundboard. I am aware that it is mixed for the house only, but it should contain a good vocal track at least. I then set up two Shure KSM27 condensers somewhere in the room for ambient.

I am not sure if those mics are the best choice, but I have nothing to compare to. I have considered adding a stereo mic to the mix or to replace the two condensers. Sometimes I have to keep a small footprint depending on the venue.

I need to keep a very simple setup. no effects processers, EQs, etc. Just mics and a 4-track recorder. As long as I can hear what's going on and record a clean sound, which I have not yet been able to do.

I would also like some tips on microphone placement for different scenarios if any of you have that kind of experience. I am a videographer, not a sound guy, yet.

Performers can range from small combos to big band jazz and very loud salsa bands. I am not equipped to mic individual instruments.
 
You need a pair of good quality mics and then a pair of supporting mics. Start with an ORTF pair, or NOS pair, 9 feet away, then move the pair in or out to taste. For a wide group, add two flanker mics on the sides, for a smaller group, consider an omni in the center of the ORTF and a spot mic, or two spot mics, or two flankers that are placed to pick up the important details or soloists.
There's a million ways to do this, so just be patient and experiment. I have a colleague who keeps a pair of mics on all the time in the house, and listens to the stereo image every now and then. No need to go that far, but develop your sense by listening, comparing and adjusting.
 
What's ORTF and NOS?

DrDave said:
You need a pair of good quality mics and then a pair of supporting mics. Start with an ORTF pair, or NOS pair, 9 feet away, then move the pair in or out to taste. For a wide group, add two flanker mics on the sides, for a smaller group, consider an omni in the center of the ORTF and a spot mic, or two spot mics, or two flankers that are placed to pick up the important details or soloists.
There's a million ways to do this, so just be patient and experiment. I have a colleague who keeps a pair of mics on all the time in the house, and listens to the stereo image every now and then. No need to go that far, but develop your sense by listening, comparing and adjusting.
Click to expand...
 
For now I have the two Shure KSM27s I can set up in ORTF or NOS. I will have to read up on the differences in angles. I thought the x-y configuration was the way to go.

But, what about an amplified band in a showroom? It is tough to get too close, and probably not good to be close to the giant speakers. I usually place mics in the back of the room 30 or 40 feet away. I am actually recording the house sound system more so than the musicians.

Anyway, since I have the two mics already for flankers, what would be a good choice of stereo mic that I could place in the center of the room? Has anyone used the Rode NT4?

I think four mics is my limit, both on my budget and my mixing/recording capabilities
 
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