Topic: Taping outdoors with omnis, stack taping or FOB?

[nicegrin]

When taping rock shows outdoors at big venues, in what spot do you usually get the best results when using omnis?
FOB or close to one of the stacks?

...and also what mic configs work best from that spot? (given that you have to go 007 style (hat mount)!)?   

Thanks!
N.

[aaronji]

When taping rock shows outdoors at big venues, in what spot do you usually get the best results when using omnis?
FOB or close to one of the stacks?

The last few big outdoor rock shows I went to were deafeningly loud near the stacks; if you choose that option make sure your gear can handle the SPLs.  And wear ear plugs.

...and also what mic configs work best from that spot? (given that you have to go 007 style (hat mount)!)?   

Not a whole lot of configuration options for omnis in a hat...

[Teen Age Riot]

I prefer stacks.
The closer you get to them, the louder the music in relation to crowd noise. Since a lot of outdoor concerts have strict dB limits, this can be very important.
Also, if it's windy the chance of phasing is smaller when you're closer to the sound source.

And wear ear plugs.

QFT.

[fandelive]

In your case : stacks.
Even with 007 cardioids, because the mix is going to be mono anyway.

[acidjack]

Stacks, no question.  One omni ideally on glasses or something that puts 'em on each side of your ear.  With the aforementioned earplugs in 'em.

[SxPxDxCx]

Even if you have your mics in a hat I would recommend wind screens as well.  Wind can ruin a recording faster then some chatty person in the crowd.

[bryonsos]

In your case : stacks.
Even with 007 cardioids, because the mix is going to be mono anyway.

Most large events are mixed in mono, so stack tape (back by the repeaters should be good and not as loud). For smaller shows mixed in stereo, find the sweet spot and stand there. Generally, this is somewhere between the board and the stage.

[jbou]

One omni ideally on glasses or something that puts 'em on each side of your ear.

What do you mean by that? You don't mean only one mic, do you?

[Teen Age Riot]

I'm sure that most shows these days, no matter what size, are mixed in stereo. I've heard that it's done in order to avoid comb filtering. It's just that the separation usually isn't that extreme unless the panning is used as an effect. Toms will often be slightly panned left-right, for example, but you probably won't miss anything of importance if you're on one side or the other.

That said, I made a stack tape at a Black Crowes show in 2001. They were opening for Neil Young & Crazy Horse in a 20 000 seat amphitheater. One of the guitars is hardly in the mix.

[acidjack]

One omni ideally on glasses or something that puts 'em on each side of your ear.

What do you mean by that? You don't mean only one mic, do you?

Wrote that a little too fast - one omni per side - i.e., HRTF

[nicegrin]

Thanks all for sharing your experience and suggestions. They are confirming what my experience and gut feeling is as well.

Does anyone know btw a smart way to create a "jecklin disc" effect for a hat rig? :p


 

[acidjack]

Thanks all for sharing your experience and suggestions. They are confirming what my experience and gut feeling is as well.

Does anyone know btw a smart way to create a "jecklin disc" effect for a hat rig? :p


 

I'd say your head does a pretty good job. 

[page]

Even if you have your mics in a hat I would recommend wind screens as well.  Wind can ruin a recording faster then some chatty person in the crowd.

qft

[newplanet7]

Any reason you ruled out cards from the get go?

[ideal77dlr]

I'd go for a stack tape, although sometimes I find it harder when close to the source of the sound not to overcook.