Hi All,
I am considering getting a pair of Schoeps caps, but am uncertain which ones would be best for my purposes. I’ve read over older threads on the topic and listened to lots of recordings, but it still doesn’t really clarify things for me. I am wondering if I set out my considerations, perhaps I could get some advice here to help me make an informed decision. Here are the variables:
Set-up: Hat mounted stealth mode, so NBob actives and NBox plus caps. Even where I don’t have to stealth, I use the same set-up. I am aiming for simplicity.
Decks: I recently got a Sound Devices 722, and like it so far, so when possible, that will be my main deck. For stealthier situations, I am using a Korg MR2. I also note that a lot of Schoeps owners are using the Sony PCM10, which I also have. I haven’t really liked my results with it, but it seems the Schoeps mics react well with that deck, so that is also a possibility.
Venues: Small clubs, galleries and performance spaces, so no arenas, stadiums or outdoor shows. The largest place I have been to in the past 10 years is a medium size theater.
Music: I’m recording both rock and jazz, so music with different sonic characteristics and volume levels. Ideally, something that would work for both kinds of music would be great, but if I had to prioritize, mics that would do a good job on small club rock would be my priority. My existing gear can do a very good to exceptional recording at jazz shows.
Cardioid vs Omni: I’ve never used Cardioids, but don’t really have a preference. For the shows I am recording, either it is loud enough that audience noise behind me isn’t an issue, or the audience is quiet enough there is no noise. I am assuming with hat-mounted cards that if I keep my head towards the music and don’t move much I should be fine.
Flat vs Boosted: I tend to prefer a brighter recording, but one of the problems I am trying to solve is too much high end in rock recordings. I note that some of the Schoeps mics have a slight boost towards the high end. From my sample listening, I don’t think the boosted caps would be too much, but I am uncertain. It’s not hard to add some brightness in post, but it’s quite hard to take it out if the raw recording has too much treble.
Listening: I am playing my recordings on a medium high end stereo with Bryston amp, preamp, DAC and digital player and Totem Forest towers, so my goal is to get a nice clear, detailed recording with good round bass that will sound good on my home system.
That’s all I can think of. If I have missed something, please ask. If anyone can offer advice, recommendations, comments or ideas that would help me make a good decision, I would really appreciate it. Thanks.
>>I forgot. I was talking with someone who uses a variety of Schoeps mics and he recommended the MK4V caps. Any comments about these ones?