Topic: anyone using Omnis exclusively?

[genesisoh]

I have both CA-14 Cards and Omnis.  I really like the sound of the omnis (just a personal preference) but I am not always in front of the speakers or in the spots where omnis are generally at their best.  However, I would still like to use the omnis and am curious if there is anyone else out there that uses omnis either exclusively or predominantly and how have your results been?  Thanks in advance!

[bryonsos]

I rock the omnis as a first choice. 3ft spread brings the heat!

[adrianf74]

I have both CA-14 Cards and Omnis.  I really like the sound of the omnis (just a personal preference) but I am not always in front of the speakers or in the spots where omnis are generally at their best.  However, I would still like to use the omnis and am curious if there is anyone else out there that uses omnis either exclusively or predominantly and how have your results been?  Thanks in advance!

I almost exclusively run my omnis these days (and have for several months).  Out of the last 25 shows I've recorded, 23 of them have been using the omnis and I wish I had used the omnis for a 24th.  At the same time, there were two shows of these 23 where I would have liked to have used the CA-14 cards, however, due to security issues, etc., I couldn't and ended up with a (IMHO) subpar capture.   

I generally prefer ths sound that the omnis capture over the best placed cards and that was why I recently upgraded to DPA 4061s.  The CA-14 omnis served me well but I also like the idea of having something that is smaller, and IMHO, better sounding.  I would not say the DPA's are even 2x better sounding than the CA-14s but at 7-8x the price (new), I wouldn't have gone that route if I didn't get a good deal on a used pair. 

For recording, I generally try to get as close as I can to stacks towards the front of the club. If it's not GA, then I always try to get seats in the first eight to ten rows of a theatre/smaller venue.  If I'm at an arena/amphitheatre/stadium show or even a larger GA club where I can't get up close and get stuck back by the soundboard area (i.e., a 3000 capacity club), I'll run the cards because I can't get close enough.  There will be times where your cards will be better suited to pull a better recording, however, I find I usually go with the omnis and am very happy that I did.

[acidjack]

I have both CA-14 Cards and Omnis.  I really like the sound of the omnis (just a personal preference) but I am not always in front of the speakers or in the spots where omnis are generally at their best.  However, I would still like to use the omnis and am curious if there is anyone else out there that uses omnis either exclusively or predominantly and how have your results been?  Thanks in advance!

Depends on your situation. Stealth it's a reasonable move. Normal open taping situations back by the sbd or even FOB, indoors, hard to rely on omnis exclusively. 

[Drgiggles1]

I currently use omni's exclusively (CA14's) and have used them FOB, side of board, up close, as well as mezzanine level and loved the results in all situations. Haven't had the opportunity for a stadium show but next summer will get the chance with RW doing the Wall. Stealthy only for me.

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Only when I'm "not allowed" to use my directional mics.

I have been running my omni's as a second source when running open without soundboard access. Now that I can run 6 channels easily I'd also like to try to run the omni's on stage + cards in the OTS + SBD. Not sure when I'll have the opportunity to do that in the near future though.

If I had the choice to only have a single option, I'd go with the cards.

[page]

I could have really used a good set of omnis (or even a set of subcards) last night... I'm mildly envious of those that have sets.

[F.O.Bean]

I could have really used a good set of omnis (or even a set of subcards) last night... I'm mildly envious of those that have sets.

Why dont you pick up a set of CA14 Omnis? I scored mine in the YS for $80.00/Shipped

[adrianf74]

I could have really used a good set of omnis (or even a set of subcards) last night... I'm mildly envious of those that have sets.

Why dont you pick up a set of CA14 Omnis? I scored mine in the YS for $80.00/Shipped

And for $80, that's a bargain (even at $100 you're laughing).

[Walstib62]

I've gone to omni's almost exclusively. Often omni/card 4 channel.

[cybergaloot]

I like omnis when they work with the venue acoustics. If you are facing bleed over from another stage or are in a boomy room, cards or hypers are the way to go.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

I've had situations where omni's are great and just the tool for the job.  But, most often, I usually run cards.

[Gutbucket]

My favorite pattern.. though often mounted on things like walls, floors, spheres, or bodies, in which case they are no longer omnis. If I could only have a few mics, I'd go with omnis.

[Smokey]

I'm recording with Nevaton MCE400's no matter what the venue. These mics seem a little bit directional and I'm noticing much less crowd noise (especially claps) than with my previous omni set (CS binaurals). I'm looking forward to using these outdoors where they should really shine.

I'm running through a Tinybox set up for 16v phantom using a dual-XLR>6-pin mini-XLR cable from Naiant with a pigtail out to an R09. The Tinybox has a separate minijack-out, so I have plenty of options if I decide to add another set of mics later. I'd probably look for a card or subcard pair which could be terminated with a 6-pin mini-XLR and no pigtail. But I digress- I'm happy with what I'm using now.

[Belexes]

Depends where my location is in the venue on what I will run. I will not back myself into a corner and run only cards or only omnis.  Choice is best.

I run mostly low-pro and do not like chatty folks, so I tend to favor cards in a reserved seat venue where I can not move so easily & am indoors.  Outdoors with no roof, I like omnis, especially if I am close to the sound source.
I know omnis sound more natural, but they also pickup unwanted indoor acoustics.  I have some venues I visit that sound like dog shit, acoustic-wise.