Hey GLouie, thanks for the response. A few answers:
-what do you mean by "...using cards, one for each group..."
Sorry, ya, that does read a bit funny. I meant "I'll set up two stereo rigs using (probably) a pair of cardiod mics in XY or ORTF or something like, one for each group." I've also been thinking of using two integrated stereo mics, one for each group, something like the Audio-Technica BP4025 or Rode NT4.
-Is this a Western choir as such, or something else?
-Outdoors or indoors?
-Climatic conditions?
-Power available?
Not a Western choir, no. I'm working in rural Southeast Asia, and the choirs accompany events like funerals. The gigs are often outdoors, and often at night. When I've been before it's been hot & dry & dusty, though I may do some work there over the wet season, too, when it will be hot and wet and muddy. There's usually some power available, but it's spotty and I generally prefer to run on batteries if I can. I often don't know exactly what the venue will be like—usually it's the front porch of a house, somewhere I've never been, so I'm not always sure what's available.
-Budget?
Well, I don't know, really, I'm still working it out. I'm building up a kit from scratch—the work I've done before is with other people's gear, which has been a great luxury. I'm trying to find a good balance between cost and reliability. I'd love to get into Sound Devices gear, but it's so expensive (the 552 only does two tracks, the 633 only has three preamps, & the 744 only has two preamps, so I'm stuck with some really pricey options if I go that route). I'm more likely looking at something like the F8, maybe with a used 442 in front + some decent mics + batteries, stands, wind protection, etc.
-What school are you at? I get similar questions from our Ethno program, although video is more the rage.
I'm at the University of British Columbia, in Vancouver, Canada. You?