Hi,
So I wrote this, my first post, already, but turns out the forum logged me out whilst I was typing and I lost it. Hurrah! The reason I'm posting is because I am about to film some awards w/ live bands playing on Sat, and its suddenly been dropped on me to also film the audio, hence my degree of panic.
My current equip is - Zoom H4
Mics - Sony ECM-673, Rode NTG2, Shure SM58, M-audio 10db attenuator micro pad (3.5 inch jack)
Also - I have 5x AT ATR35S lapel mics, not that they're useful in this sense!
My plan is to record the audio with the Zoom at 16bit, 48 khz and to use the desk feed as my main source. I am aware that using the desk feed negates the internal mics on the Zoom. I am also aware that recording the desk feed is imperfect because the mix is balanced for the room, not a 'studio' recording. As such the drums might be low b/c they are so loud naturally in the room.
It is for this reason that I believe I will need a room feed from an external mic. I also believe the mics I already have, listed above, will not be good enough to record a high quality feed as they are more dialogue style mics.
I've been looking at loads the last few hours and am stumped. Someone recommended the Rode NT4 to me, which seems alright, but it's all pretty much gibberish to me. I'm prepared to spend to buy a new mic because I'll get the money back through the extra work, but I don't want to be spending billions. What mic would you recommend?
I also am stumped as to where to place this mic. Alas I feel that, with the Zoom needing to be near the desk, I don't really have much choice. I'd taken some pics of the venue a while back on my phone, and this is what it will look like (though hopefully with more people in!):
1 -
2 -
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4 -
The desk is under the big Endsleigh sign, which isn't a great place for it!
I'm seeing the workflow with the Zoom H4 as follows:
- Plug H4 into wall socket, turn on, set to external mics, plug in XLR from desk, plug in XLR from external mic.
- Set sensitivity to Low to avoid overloading preamps
- Turn on low cut. Maybe turn on compressor or limiter? Turn on phantom power
- Set levels to a level that isn't too loud
- Press record and pretty no one explodes
To summary - I'm looking to know if my current mics are ok, or if I need to purchase a mic to record the live music room, which I'm prepared to do but need to do asap to get it next day b/c of time pressures. I am also curious where best to place the mic.
Thanks so much!