Topic: Near Total Newbi, Please look w/in

[coldiron]

Hi all, Looks like i am in the right place.
I have a Sharp MD MT180, and am looking to record my first show, John Prine. 
Any tapers fom Missoula MT here?  Anyway, the show is at a small theater, great acoustics.  I am going to be seated right side, 8th row back.  Not worried about security, it's always low at this college venue, if not non-existant.
 I have a dilemma, the building is connected to the art building, and when I was a undergrad we would take the grate off of a vent in a upstairs hallway and you could look pretty much straight down on the artist.  kind off to the side anyway, the sound always seemed pretty decent, though my memory isn't too clear on this, too many paint fumes and photo development chemicals in my blood system i guess. 
Anyway my dilemma is this.  I want this show, but I don't want a bunch of yackin being recorded, the last time i saw this guy, the crowd was very respectfull, but still you never know.  Anybody record from directly above?  And would you reccomend it.  Basically, from the vantage point of the stage lights?, bout 40 ft up. 
My other question is:  Depending upon the two perspectives, which mic would you buy,  the omni directional giant squids, http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/gs/gs-poweredbattery1.htm or the unidirectional giant squids http://www.giant-squid-audio-lab.com/gs/gs-cardbattery1.html .  And please, if these mics are terrible let me know, but they are in my price range which pretty much limits me. 
Or, would you reccomend stealthing a recording from my seat.  Please help me out with any hints and what not.  thanks alot to everyone!!

[Gordon]

I have heard one tape from the giantsquides (not sure which) and it came out good.  oh and tape from your seat and share if it comes out good

[coldiron]

Ok, well.  One vote for the Seat.  Would you recommend omni or uni directional mics?

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

Smart...  Check it out here before deciding!!!

twatts

[coldiron]

Ok, how about this:  What would one expect difference wise between an omni directional and uni directional mic, (say at, close range) will the uni cut out some of the periphereal applause, talk etc...?
Which one gives more leeway in recording situations.
And which ones give better (I know this is subjective) recordings.  Is one a more natuaral sounding recording, if so, which one?  Is this what is meant by "true binaural" recordings?

thanks again!

[F.O.Bean]

well, omnis are too chatty for me when stealthing, so id go w/ uni directional mics, like cardoids or hypercardoids

[pfife]

If you don't think its going to be chatty, and its an awesome acoustic room you are going to, omni's would be sweet, but these conditions RARELY exist;  In which case cards or hypers are best.

My experience with a set of omni's for stealthing is that pick up more noise around, but are less sensitve to fans/wind, and movement.  I liked them personally- I am currently looking to purchase a set of omni caps for my mics.

[John Kelly]

I would recommend these mics over the Giant Squids:
http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-CMC-1

Definitely go with unidirectional (cardiod, in this case).  True you may have a great crowd this time (and with John Prine, you definitely should), but what about the next show you go to? 

And definitely record at your seat.