Topic: Is there an ideal taping location?

[Gutbucket]

^That can be an ideal taper position, essentially stage lip, providing stack-tape clarity of the PA content supporting good lively on-stage dynamics and depth, with audience reaction behind you.  However it can be a bit of a gamble as it is often uncertain beforehand what if anything will be in that fill and its level, depending on how necessary that content is to a balanced recording.

[morst]

alot of venues hang the spkrs so it is hard to get close to them.

Oh yeah I should clarify that Turner Hall did have in-fill speakers placed on each side of the stage, and THAT was where I chose to "stack" it back in '08

Turner Hall is boomy, and it's in Milwaukee so you'll definitely get a drinking crowd! Stack tape, MotB or a tall stand at the board are the options I've run there. Stack tapes had the least crowd by far.

[opsopcopolis]

often uncertain beforehand what if anything will be in that fill and its level

agreed that this can be a big gamble. Been to plenty shows where there were front fills that weren't used, so I usually wouldn't aim up there unless it's a band I'd otherwise be ok with stage taping anyway.

[Top Hat]

Board + Stage ORTF (Cards) if allowed and band not using in ears, or in the sound cage using the production area as a quiet bubble get the mics up high like 10-12ft. If the venue is ok with it...run a stealth rig clamped to the light rigging there mics dropped a couple feet below. This would require a ladder or lft, I have done this before but knew the GM and PM of the venue there was also a ladder at the venue...most will have them.

[loughney]

Adding my two cents (or is it sense) ... ideal varies on the band, the venue and the crowd (and the bar).  For a respectful crowd in a not overfull room, center of room.  For a loud crowd, I move forward. If there's a big mosh pit, I will take several giant steps back.  Some venues will have a side bar or back bar, and I try to make sure the bar is as behind me as possible.