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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: if_then_else on November 01, 2013, 04:20:08 AM

Title: Looking for advice on mic configurations for a (semi-)acoustic in-store show
Post by: if_then_else on November 01, 2013, 04:20:08 AM

Hi,

I'm going to tape a stripped-down (semi-)acoustic set of one of my favourite bands at a book shop in mid-December. I've got permission to run my mics open (a spaced pair of Line Audio CM3s (= cardioids)).

The room where the performance is to take place might be on the smallish side as it is used for occasional in-store book readings and solo concerts. Not sure about its exact capacity and its specific acoustic properties.

The performance will involve frequent instrument changes: The two regular guitarists (stage left respectively stage right) will be alternating on guitars/vocals/bass/percussion. The core band also incorporates a violinist/brass player (center stage) and there will be some female guest vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMXd27iijfc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S6AFtwdzLI

Any advice on mic placement and recommended mic configurations for this specific purpose (ORTF, DIN, X-Y, ...?) would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your input.

Title: Re: Looking for advice on mic configurations for a (semi-)acoustic in-store show
Post by: bombdiggity on November 01, 2013, 10:46:58 AM

Quote from: if_then_else on November 01, 2013, 04:20:08 AM

Hi,

I'm going to tape a stripped-down (semi-)acoustic set of one of my favourite bands at a book shop in mid-December. I've got permission to run my mics open (a spaced pair of Line Audio CM3s (= cardioids)).

The room where the performance is to take place might be on the smallish side as it is used for occasional in-store book readings and solo concerts. Not sure about its exact capacity and its specific acoustic properties.

The performance will involve frequent instrument changes: The two regular guitarists (stage left respectively stage right) will be alternating on guitars/vocals/bass/percussion. The core band also incorporates a violinist/brass player (center stage) and there will be some female guest vocalist/keyboardist/percussionist.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMXd27iijfc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S6AFtwdzLI

Any advice on mic placement and recommended mic configurations for this specific purpose (ORTF, DIN, X-Y, ...?) would be highly appreciated.

Thanks in advance for your input.

If you have cards I put them where it sounds best to your ears there.  Try to arrive early enough for the soundcheck/setup and you'll get an idea of that.  Given the nature of the space there may be constraints in terms of what the venue says (not blocking the patrons) or what makes sense if the crowd is restless (not having your gear knocked over). 

Mic config is whatever you prefer though the distance you place them can be a factor in which may yield the best results.  If really close I prefer a wider angle of view.  More distant I tend to go with something more like X-Y to reduce any phasing.   

Title: Re: Looking for advice on mic configurations for a (semi-)acoustic in-store show
Post by: if_then_else on November 04, 2013, 10:18:02 AM

Thanks for your advice about the eligible mic configurations.

I'll see how I get on with the patrons' restrictions and the acoustic properties of the venue, then.
Judging from a few clips on youtube, this place is really tiny (and there might be no proper "mix" anyway).