Mic setup for outdoor event - Options

[Ken Kaiser]

Last year I recorded an outdoor event using a Rode SVM on my camera. The PA speakers were on each side of the stage. The area in front of the stage is where people stop and watch, but also walk through, talk, occasional golf cart, and other various and sundry noises and distractions. This year I will tape it again, and will try for better audio. I will be using BSC1>MixPre>R09. I think there would be a couple options and would value suggestions from others:

Option 1: About 30 feet back, stage center, ORTF with the Cardiod caps. The only real disadvantage I see to this is that I pick up all the noise between me and the speakers.

Option 2: I could put the mic's/recorder right in front of one of the speakers (maybe within about 5 feet?), and with the cardiod caps probably pick up a bit less of the distracting sound at the expense of a fuller stereo sound? Up here though I'd have to "set and forget" the audio, as I'll be back with the camera, so there's more risk I'd blow it.

Option3: Put the mics right up in front stage center, but I don't know how this would compare to Option 1 and Option 2 with the main speaker off on the side and maybe the mics would be basically in line with them from the side. I won't know that exactly until I get there. In all cases I assume I'd get best overall results with the Cardiod caps over the Omni to help reduce background noise. Here is a clip of last year, gives you some idea of the setup and type of music, if that helps: 

[skaggs]

Is wind a factor.  i use spaced omnis outside typically, but i tape on the west slope of colorado mainly, and wind is a big factor.  sucks for the crowd noise but defeats the wind.  run high if u can.   i don't care for the "stack tape" personally, but i have wondered what the split bar i got from NOLA FishH2O would sound like out of a stack w/the omnis.  i suspect mono.

richard

[Ken Kaiser]

Wind might be an issue, but I have some Shure A81WS windscreens to try if I need to.  Although I could try the Omni Caps, just thought I'd get more of the misc "stuff" going on around.  Might be a better option though?

[darby]

I would use my shotguns in your case, but I know you don't have any
you could use your omnis if you place one in front of each stack with lots of mic cable
but I have NEVER really been a fan of omnis... do those Busmans have hyper caps?
if so point them at the stacks, otherwise try the stack tape with cards if not

[ArchivalAudio]

you'll get every flavor
if you ask a question

I like omnis if spaced and placed right
I don't like stack tapes
I like ORTF
and would encourage this on a stand up about 10'
it should sound like you are there...
I am not a fan of the sound of hypers to hollow and thin - usually
not to say I have not heard nice recording with them

if you got figure 8's run blumlien, for a wonderful real live sound.

you don't really say what your after?

if you want flat and less present get a sbd patch
but if you want a bit of ambiance be in the sweet spot and use ORTF or DINa
but be sure they are about head level

is there subs on the stage? are they flying the speaker arrays?
is it bass heavy

much also depends on the type of music and the quality (and amount of ) PA


just be sure its fun!

peace
-- Ian

[Ken Kaiser]

Yes, the Busman mic's have hyper caps...I haven't tried them, but I have them.

Ian, I'm after a nice "real" sound, but with as little background noise as possible.

I don't remember if there were subs on stage or not...I don't think so but not sure.  The main speakers were on stands, probably about five feet up or so.  This year they will have drummer...didn't have that last year.  Overall, the volume isn't earshattering loud, it was nice and comfortable.

I can get the mics up to about 14' if I want to.

I'm leaning toward ORTF Cardiod up in the air at this point.

Last year I also had a SB feed, but it was all over the place, it didn't stay consistent through the show so I really couldn't use it.

I just haven't had much opportunity to play with the other setups yet, and want the best chance of success recording my friend.