My rig: CA-11 (omni + card caps) > CA-9100 > Edirol R-09HR
I like to videotape shows and record audio at the same time. There are a few venues I shoot at where the stage is fairly low to the ground - so the only place to shoot video and get a decent shot is from the front row. Typically, this is for hard rock (loud) shows. For video, the best spot in this situation is usually off to the side, right next to and in front of the speakers. You can usually get the full stage shot this way and zoom in and out as necessary to catch a solo at the other end of the stage.
So I am literally standing a foot or less away from the front of the speakers. Based on what I've read here at TTS, so far, I have only tried recording with my omni caps (the idea being that it's so loud where I'm at that the mics won't pick up any other noises in the club). My results have been mixed at best - generally it sounds kind of dull and a little muffled. I always come away with audio that's better sounding than the videocam audio - but that isn't really saying much.
A couple of questions:
1. Should I notice much difference if I try recording with cards?
2. You can literally feel the sound coming out of the speakers - it almost feels like you're getting hit with puffs of air. Would wind shields be appropriate for this - or is it just my imagination that the air is actually moving?
3. If I were to stay in the front row and move somewhere in between the stacks - is there a good chance I would be able to capture better audio? Note: pretty much all shows are where the musicians use floor monitors. If I were to do this - which way should I go: omnis or cards?
As far as finding a spot to set up my rig away from the stage - I've thought about it - but it's really not an option because I almost always fly solo at these gigs.
Edit to add: I usually clip both mics to whichever shoulder is next to the speaker(s).