So if the OTS is in front of the board rather than behind the board, would it be appropriate to label it as FOB? I have always assume FOB to me NOT in the official tapers section, which usually means you are running head height to avoid getting shut down.
I've seen a ton of people label sanctioned taping (even in a large group) FOB if it's in front of the board area are all (even if it's at the board on the front end of the cage). As a term of significant meaning, I think it's torched since it can mean any number of things.... Distance to the sound source and height of caps is much more informative anymore (to me anyway, ymmv).
Thanks for all the information. A lot to digest. I will think about the MK41 capsules. A little above my available money at this point. I do run the MK4 mostly horizontal OTS. The audience clatter at places like the Fillmore is bad compared to shotguns on numerous occasions. So it's for me to listen beyond the chatter to anything else on my recording. I hate audience chatter.
If avoiding audience noise is your top priority (over s/n ratio of the band/sound source) then that changes the approach some. Look for ways to setup that provide natural blocking. Balconys come to mind in that you can use the balcony wall/floor as a buffer against the people on the floor or under the balcony, and prevent noise from a large section behind you in the balcony (depending on setup approach). Sometimes balconies are boomier courtesy of the ceiling reverb, but if audience noise is the issue, that's one example of how I'd cut it. Second, as others have mentioned, orient your caps toward the mid-top half of the stacks so that you have the null spots of the pickup pattern pointing directly at the people behind you. Last, go for a wider spacing and tighter angle to keep those null points from pointing at you and more so toward other people.
Also, most designated open taping locations (the OTS) is in a bum spot, so if you're comfortable with essentially stealthing, that's an option too.