Ineed a great question. I find that DSatz's post is esspecially true for the card setting of a multi-pattern LDC. I have had great results with Blumlien and omni at a distance.
I much prefer SDC cardioids at a distance. The low frequencies of a card LDC act more like an omni. The SDC retains much of its directionallity throughout the frequency range. The LDC at a distance picks up too much reflections and reverberation for my tastes.
On the other hand, I have found the LDC to perform very well at the stage lip and in very small venues, such as a bar. The coloration is quite often a advantage when there is a subpar PA speaker within 15' of your mics. Usually it sounds like crap in these venues and I usually don't want to capture it accuratly. The LDC can create recordings that have a "wow" factor to them. They might not sound acurate, but they are more pleasurable. I also wouldn't hesitate to use a LDC outdoors, where off-axis and reflections are less of a problem...
There are many situations in concert recording, just as there are many types of microphones. I think this hobby has a place for each type of microphone. SDCs, LDC, Boundarys, electrets, dynamics, you name it! The SDC might be the best for most situations, but there are times that a LDC with out-perform. IMO
Topic: Your recommendation on best Large diaphragm microphone under $1000 (Read 6255 times)