Topic: Advice needed on XY-stacktaping

[Popmarter]

@all

Thanks, it seems like there are many opinions about this subject. In the meantime I have figured out a way to make an XY-setting or AB rather easy.  So easy I can still make the decision when at the gig. If all goes well I will try to record the supportact with a different pattern than the main act. That will give us something to compare.

grts,
popmarter

[cashandkerouac]

@ all, thanks for the replies.

I have taped here earlier with both mics about 10 cm apart facing forward (A-B) but to get the channels more balanced, I have plans to try XY.

I am in doubt wether or not putting the mics further apart (let say 30 cm) would be good. I might pick up some crowdnoise on the left (there are stairs) and again, channelbalance might be tricky.

Right, and I'm going to say again - I don't think X-Y will solve that problem for you.  If anything, it might make it worse.  The theoretical ideas about XY do not, in my experience, translate all that well to recording a PA system in a venue.  I've tried it both ways a number of times to reach that conclusion.   To achieve the best channel balance, just go dead-on at the stack you're taping.  As to the split, I guess it really depends on the exact setup of where you are, but either way, I wouldn't do XY.

i agree with acidjack.

[ArchivalAudio]

@all

Thanks, it seems like there are many opinions about this subject. In the meantime I have figured out a way to make an XY-setting or AB rather easy.  So easy I can still make the decision when at the gig. If all goes well I will try to record the supportact with a different pattern than the main act. That will give us something to compare.

grts,
popmarter

if you're running the milabs
at the stack...
I would not recommend this ... but if that's what you want, be sure to engage the 20db pad on the mics or they WILL clip and overload your preamp.
with those mics you be best about 15' to 20' back near the center or at east not right up on the stack.



Edit:
re read the OP

Tapersposition will be on a balcony, distance around 5m in front of left PA).

that will be about 15 feet back, if it's a loud show use the 20 db pad
if you can be center it would sound a bit better or run them spaced by 3 to 4 feet, really.

[Popmarter]

I will run the Milabs and yes I will turn on the -12db pad. I have taped the same position few weeks back with the -12db pad not in use (milab > mix-pre-d > m10).

That recording did not distored, but since the mixpre is a hot preamp it was not easy to set the levels. I am sure with the -12db on it will be ok.

Bit in doubt now, wether or not to use the mixpre>m10 combo or go straight into a R44.  Any advice on this? (I assume the mixpre can haddle the pressure better but i have no proof.)

Loudness will be most likely the same (rockband). I agreed the Milabs work better on some distance, but I have no real good alternative.

[acidjack]

I will run the Milabs and yes I will turn on the -12db pad. I have taped the same position few weeks back with the -12db pad not in use (milab > mix-pre-d > m10).

That recording did not distored, but since the mixpre is a hot preamp it was not easy to set the levels. I am sure with the -12db on it will be ok.

Bit in doubt now, wether or not to use the mixpre>m10 combo or go straight into a R44.  Any advice on this? (I assume the mixpre can haddle the pressure better but i have no proof.)

Loudness will be most likely the same (rockband). I agreed the Milabs work better on some distance, but I have no real good alternative.

I'd go straight into the -44 personally, if you are worried about it.  The -44 pres are good and I think they sound good with the Milabs.  The MixPre is a nice unit, but if you're already kind of worried about things going right, leave the MixPre at home and have one less thing to worry about. 

[Popmarter]

Hi,

I am coming back on this subject, as last weekend I taped the show. You can find the result here: http://www.dimeadozen.org/torrents-details.php?id=439613

Attached a crappy picture that will give you an idea about the PA and it's distance from my spot.

With all tips from here in mind, my initial plan was to record the supportact in XY and decide afterwards (between support and main act) if I would leave it or change it. I followed Acidjack's advice to stick with the Milabs>R44 combi (instead of Milabs>Mixpre-D>M10). Very glad I did so!

The -12db switch on the Milabs was ON this time... very wise as the music was loud!

When I arrived at the spot it turned out XY was not possible with the 'creation' I had made. The balcony-floor has a slight edge that was a bit higher than expected. OK, plan B, A-B 20cm apart. Tape it firm and forget about it. Done.

Recording turns out much better that the previous time I was there. I am pleased with it. Anyway, judge for yourself. There are some samples included on Dime.

Thanks to everyone for the advice!

[runonce]

What is that - a stack of bass scoops?

Looks like old school PA gear...

[Popmarter]

Dunno, must be someone here who can identify this 

[runonce]

I see the array on the right - but that is one big stack of bass scoops on the left...odd...maybe not for heavy stuff.

And - this must be some loud stuff - what is that on stage? 2 bassman amps and a 4/6 X 12 cabinet - with 3 twins behind it!

Holy loud!!!

[Popmarter]

From all crappy pics, this one might tell a bit more.

[acidjack]

Excellent recording.  Am I correct that this is also  ?  If so, especially nicely done

[Popmarter]

Thanks. Yes  , i did not bother go and ask people. 

[jibooer]

As they say, "WELL DONE SIR!"
Glad it worked out for you.