Both of these are true.
Tim, you're right. I've done about 25 on-stage recordings and it really is trial and error. I have not done the split omni method. I've got 6 mics in my arsenal...2 Neumann SKM 184s, 2 Nak (w/ CP-1,2 and 4) and AKGs. I could easily do the split omni with the Naks. Maybe I'll tray that, and include and XY Nak setup in the middle.
Stage size is generally small. Facing stage, we're looking at about 25 wide, 10 feet deep most often (though sometimes larger stages are played). Vibrophone stage left, with keys behine ( same player...plays one or t'other), left/center is lead guitar (amp in back), drums center/back, dfc is lead vocals (sometimes), right/center is Hammond (to which lead singer goes back and forth from), stage right is horn section (brass, sax).
I've generally run:
2 x Neumann, XY at stage lip or front of stage - 2 feet high
1 x Nak under vibes.
1 x Nak under horns.
Lookin' for ANY ideas that you can suggest. I can also add the AKG in here. Yes...I could patch out of the board, but I'd rather mix it myself so I'm not mixing for the house sound as well.
Mike