Topic: Recording loud rock in a theater (seated) - Using CA-14 - Any advice?

[leonpe]

Hi,

I'll be using my CA-14 for the first time tonight. It's a progressive rock show indoors in some kind of theater. I'll be seated. I have some questions about the best strategy to get a decent quality recording:

1) Omnis or cards? I have both kinds of CA-14. TBH, I've never really recorded with cards, so I don't feel confident about using them. If there's quorum I might reconsider using them
2) Stealth setup: I did not know 14s were as big as they are until I received them. Don't really know how to hide them properly while getting good sound. Any advice?

In case it helps, the rest of my setup is: iRiver 320 (CF mod) + CA-Ugly

Thanks in advance!

[acidjack]

1. Unless close to a stack, probably cards.  The further back you are, the more the answer becomes cards.  Omnis can sound fantastic, but of course, if it's a noisy crowd, you'll hear a lot more of them with the omnis. And more room echo.

2. I would explore acoustically transparent hats.  Depending on your hair length/style, glasses can also do the trick, though of course, you will have puffballs on the side of your head. 

There are some well-liked types of hat that people use; it's best not to discuss them in public, but inevitably, tons of people will.  I'd be happy to respond to a PM about the topic.

[Belexes]

I taped a ZPZ/Dream Theater show last year in a theater with CA-14's.  Definitely opt for cards.  If a hat mount is not an option, hide them discreetly within clothing. (without getting too specific in the forum)

[leonpe]

Thanks for all your replies and PMs. Tomorrow I'll let you know how it went...

Cheers.

[absnj]

Here's another vote for the cards... sorry if you have already left.  Wear them as high up as you can, that's why the hat, if possible.  You may also need either a pre-amp or battery box, not sure if the iRivier allows for power of the mics.  I have an Edirol and find it's plug-in power is not sufficient.

[Belexes]

You may also need either a pre-amp or battery box, not sure if the iRivier allows for power of the mics.  I have an Edirol and find it's plug-in power is not sufficient.

He's got a CA-UGLY, so he's good.

[leonpe]

Hi,

a quick report about the recording. It went quite good actually, and mostly thanks to the wise advice given by you guys. I haven't had the chance to go through it in detail, but my first impression is that using cards really made a difference. Sound is generally superb, far superior to what I used to get with my CSB omnis, although there are some bits where it gets saturated... Not sure if because of my setup or the acoustics of the venue (not ideal).

Thanks a lot for your replies!