Topic: Recommend Mics for Recording a performance in a church

[night201]

I'm going to be recording a choir (with instuments) in a church.  I'm looking to spend around $200-400.  What mics would you recommend getting.  I want to do a stereo recording of this.  Maybe 1 stereo mic or 2 individual mics in an XY90 configuration.  But maybe that wouldn't be good.  Any recommendations on mics and setup?


UPDATE:

I think I'm going to go with the following:

Mic:  Audio-Technica AT825 - Cardioid Stereo Condenser Microphone
Mount:  AT8415 Low Profile Universal Shock Mount
Stand:  Shure S15A - 15' Telescoping Microphone Stand
Cable Extender:  Comprehensive Digital aes-ebu cbl - 25' (xlrm - xlrf)

How does that sound?

This would be $592.35 - $100 Gift Card that I have.

[Brian Skalinder]

Is the $200-400 budget just for mics, or for the entire recording setup (mics, power, cables, preamp, ADC, recorder, stand, shockmounts, etc.)?

And check out the Newbie Central post in the Archival Info forum. 

[Chuck]

Calling Moke... Moke...

[night201]

Probably 400-500 for everything.

[night201]

I think I'm going to go with the following:

Mic:  Audio-Technica AT825 - Cardioid Stereo Condenser Microphone
Mount:  AT8415 Low Profile Universal Shock Mount
Stand:  Shure S15A - 15' Telescoping Microphone Stand
Cable Extender:  Comprehensive Digital aes-ebu cbl - 25' (xlrm - xlrf)

How does that sound?

This would be $592.35 - $100 Gift Card that I have.

[Brian Skalinder]

I think I'm going to go with the following:

Mic:  Audio-Technica AT825 - Cardioid Stereo Condenser Microphone
Mount:  AT8415 Low Profile Universal Shock Mount
Stand:  Shure S15A - 15' Telescoping Microphone Stand
Cable Extender:  Comprehensive Digital aes-ebu cbl - 25' (xlrm - xlrf)

How does that sound?

This would be $592.35 - $100 Gift Card that I have.

That's a pretty good low-budget mic for single-point recording, IMO.

Skip the Shure S15A stand - waaaaay overpriced, IMO.  Bogen / Manfrotto makes a few of stands suitable for our purposes, for well under $100.  Check out bhphotovideo.com for pricing and models.

Cable extender - is that to run from the mic to the recorder?  If so, you want a mic cable, not a digital AES/EBU cable.

Also, what recording device do you plan on using?

[Brian Skalinder]

A few ways to save money so you can budget more towards your mic / pre / ADC - check the Archival Info forum for posts on:

[1]  Inexpensive shockmount.
[2]  Making your own mic cables.

[night201]

I realized I put the wrong cable down.  I didn't realize it until later.  I actually have 2 extender cables so I'm fine in that arena.  I am looing for at least a 9' extender.  Any recommendations?  Links?

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

I realized I put the wrong cable down.  I didn't realize it until later.  I actually have 2 extender cables so I'm fine in that arena.  I am looing for at least a 9' extender.  Any recommendations?  Links?

I'd be more inclined to use one cable of sufficient length rather than mutliple short cables pieced together.  Just my opinion.

From your original question, I wasn't sure. Is this is a onetime thing or a regular recording gig?

[night201]

When I said 2 cables, I meant 2 long ones, not 2 cables that I combine into 1 long one.  Sorry I wasn't clear.  This is a one time recording, but I plan on doing more work like this in the future.

[wbrisette]

While out of your price range, you might check to see if you can rent a set of QTC-1 mics to try. These are used quite a bit for recording classical and vocal work in churches.

Wayne

[F.O.Bean]

what recorder do you have?

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

When I said 2 cables, I meant 2 long ones, not 2 cables that I combine into 1 long one.  Sorry I wasn't clear.  This is a one time recording, but I plan on doing more work like this in the future.

For a one time recording, you might consider finding a taper in your area and see if they can help you out.  That would let you try some gear before you make a decision.  Many people on this board will go tape anything just to run their gear in a new setting. 

[jpschust]

I realized I put the wrong cable down.  I didn't realize it until later.  I actually have 2 extender cables so I'm fine in that arena.  I am looing for at least a 9' extender.  Any recommendations?  Links?

I'd be more inclined to use one cable of sufficient length rather than mutliple short cables pieced together.  Just my opinion.

From your original question, I wasn't sure. Is this is a onetime thing or a regular recording gig?

why are you inclined to not daisy chain cables?  if they are good cables that are made well, i dont see a problem.

[Lil Kim Jong-Il]

why are you inclined to not daisy chain cables?  if they are good cables that are made well, i dont see a problem.

I always worry about connections in the field( dirt, wear, etc.)  A single cable is fewer points to test if there is a problem.

I may have mis-read his post but I thought that he was getting an extension cable and I was recommending getting a longer cable instead of another shorter cable.  I've daisy chained cables without problems, but if I have a choice I go for one piece of wire.

[jpschust]

why are you inclined to not daisy chain cables?  if they are good cables that are made well, i dont see a problem.

I always worry about connections in the field( dirt, wear, etc.)  A single cable is fewer points to test if there is a problem.

I may have mis-read his post but I thought that he was getting an extension cable and I was recommending getting a longer cable instead of another shorter cable.  I've daisy chained cables without problems, but if I have a choice I go for one piece of wire.

i tend to keep some extra cables in my bag if i need them- i agree single point is desirable but i also dont want to bring a 30' cable in the field, a 20' cable a 10' cable etc if i ever need to do on stage runs- id rather just have some shorter well built cables and be prepared to just extend if need be.

[Nick in Edinboro]

UPDATE:
Mic:  Audio-Technica AT825 - Cardioid Stereo Condenser Microphone
Mount:  AT8415 Low Profile Universal Shock Mount
Stand:  Shure S15A - 15' Telescoping Microphone Stand
Cable Extender:  Comprehensive Digital aes-ebu cbl - 25' (xlrm - xlrf)
This would be $592.35 - $100 Gift Card that I have.

Here's another take:

Mic: AKG C1000   ($300)
   See package here:
     http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=29576.0
      Includes:
           1 Pair of silver AKG C1000s mics
           2 pair of  Sabra SSM-1 shock mounts.
           ST-2 T bar
           Dual female XLR -> 1/8"

Stand: Impact Compact Air Cushioned Light Stand - Black, 8'  ($34.95)
    http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=253074&is=REG

Cables:  15' mic cables purple Canare star quad cable with black/gold right angle XLRF > XLRM on the other.  ($50)
   http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=30254.0

Recorder(): Creative Nomad JB3  ($129 on Ebay)

FWIW, someone here is selling the At825 for $225 shipped!  Not a bad price at all!  I had an AT822 when I started and thought it pulled great tapes.
http://www.taperssection.com/yabbse/index.php?topic=30651.0

The mics are just another option if you wanted a stereo pair to work with different configurations, it's also nice because it comes with a t-bar/shockmounts, etc... They are somewhat largish and not as low-profile as the AT825.  Regardless the other deals (the stand and cables) are good deals and support TS.com members habits of upgrading   With the two 15' cables you could pair them together and have a run of 30' for cheap.  The starquads are quality cables.

[F.O.Bean]

and thats only 480 dollars roughly

[night201]

I'm going to be recording to Video tape since I will be video taping the performance.  I'll be recording with a Panasonic DVC80.  It has dual XLR inputs.

[BobW]

I'm going to be recording to Video tape since I will be video taping the performance.  I'll be recording with a Panasonic DVC80.  It has dual XLR inputs.

Depending on staging, a pair of mini AT's properly located, could save you a hundred bucks and add a bit to the sound, IMHO.
Placement is going to be key.
Do not use a camera-mounted mic !

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