I don't even know how to quote as many of the comments I'd like to in one reply...and I'm not going to try. People, people. people, we are all connected within a wonderful community that enjoys preserving live music in the best quality that we are both able to, based on our economic condition, as well as our knowledge and preference for various sonic differences. Although we all enjoy doing the same thing, we all have our own ways of doing things that yield different results. The important thing is, that we are happy with our own results. If we choose to put it out there for others to download and enjoy, that's fantastic, but to judge the 'enjoyment' of others based on them downloading our recordings doesn't mean we are taping gods, it means they like our recordings, are creatures of habit, or simply don't have or know of, better sources. Simply put, they may not know good sound if it bit them in the ass. However, if they are happy with it, isn't that all that really matters?
We are an opinionated lot, there's no question about that, and I am no different than the rest of you. I've been recording live music for approximately 35 years and feel I know a thing or two about it. I have experimented with location, and every configuration of equipment available to me that I could. It's called a learning process. That doesn't make me any more of an authority over anyone else here, but it does give me some insight. Like all of you, my goal was to get to a point where I am happy with my equipment and know how to use it in a multitude of recording situations. I have done this to my satisfaction. The thing is, so have many others here, and they will defend their position (equipment & technique) until the cows come home. I think we can all agree on that last point, can't we?
These things being said, this thread, however entertaining I find it to be, is spinning in a circle with no end in sight. The same things are being reiterated over and over. Why, because some people believe that internal mics, or Sonic Studio mics, or Church Audio mics are just as good, better, or suck compared to
real microphones I mean full size, "high quality", or expensive mics. Well, I've got news for ya'll, no matter how misguided some folks may be, what they are doing is right for them. They don't want to be convinced otherwise, and I don't blame them. If they are, they would have been wrong for a long time, or simply become unhappy with all they have recorded. Live and let live. The original poster had a question, that I think at this point, he got way more than he bargained for. However, he did get a lot of food for thought and can make a decision based on all of our knowledge. That's what these forums are all about, right? I know I've asked many question when I've need other opinions or information...and I'm grateful for those who were kind enough to take the time to help.
I have nothing to close with here, but I wrote so much, I felt there should be a closing paragraph...