Topic: Cap selection help

[skokiebob]

Hello, need some advice from the pros, I know you aren't big into stealth, but unfortunately that's what I find myself having to do. Would omni caps be a good choice for a 1200 seat theatre, seated in front 1/3 of balcony, estimated distance of 75 ft., recording a Gabriel-era Genesis tribute band, The Musical Box. Will be using, SP CMC 8'S>SP PREAMP>R09. I've got card and hypers as well, but I like the full sound I've heard from omni recorded shows so much I picked up a pair. Hope this is enough and not too much info, thanks for your help! It's the Vic Theatre for those from/familiar with Chicago.

[oniontaper]

i would personally go with the omni's

if you were going to a rowdy rock show where the crowd can get a little much, that would be the time to bust out the hypers IMO

[skokiebob]

Thanks onion!

[Brian Skalinder]

I would not use omnis.  The Vic's sound system does not fill the balcony with sound well, IME, so unless you're on the balcony's front rail I think you're best off using a tighter mic pattern to get "closer" to the sound source.  Even at the front rail, I'd probably only use omnis if I could drop them down below the balcony, since that's where the sound is best.  And even then, the balcony overhang itself causes some problems - reflections off the overhang if you can't get all the way below it, bass trap if you actually get below the overhang.  It's a tricky venue for ambient recordings.

That said, I've never recorded from the Vic's 2nd section balcony, only the front rail, so maybe omnis would turn out well after all. 

[oniontaper]

good point there,
I read right thru the balcony part and just fixated 75' away

[skokiebob]

Thanks Brian, sounds like I'd better wait to try the new omnis.

[oniontaper]

is it a critical recording for you, or just one to get out and run the rig?
might want to consider switching cap's between set's if there's a break?

just some food for thought

[skokiebob]

Not a bad idea onion, I could actually switch for the second night. It's an entirely different show the second night though. I'll probably wuss-out and go safely with cards, this is rumoured to be their final tour. Thanks to all for your help, wish I could give T's.

[oniontaper]

Thanks to all for your help, wish I could give T's.

don't worry about that, T's are overhyped anyhow.
enjoy your show!! and don't forget to tell us your results (good or bad)