Topic: Recording in a band shell

[dlh]

I'm going to record a symphonic band in an outdoor bandshell.
Trying some setups at rehearsals first.  Thought I'd start with an ORTF pair and spaced omni's.
I've performed in that same band shell and remember that sound can get "strange" at times.
As I recall, reflections off of the back play hell with the image. (then maybe x/y)
Anyone with experience in this?
My gut tells me that too close might be baaad. mkay?

Thanks,
Dave

[Scooter123]

I think some of the questions I would need answered are:

--Is this unamplified?
--If amplified, where are the Line Arrays?
--How wide is the enclosure?

[dlh]

I think some of the questions I would need answered are:

--Is this unamplified?
--If amplified, where are the Line Arrays?
--How wide is the enclosure?

Unamplified.
Unsure of the shell dimensions.  I'm not good on estimating size.
Here's a photo.

[Scooter123]

If this was my project, I'd go to a rehearsal and use your own ears.  My first guess would be fairly straight on, about 30 feet dead center.  I'd put up a 10' stand and clamp two mikes ORTIF, angled out. 

Without pulling a few tapes at that venue, with the same set up, I wouldn't have much more than a guess at first blush. 

[notlance]

Those band shells can really focus the sound, and in general you do NOT want to place your mics at the focal point.  Doing so will emphasize just a couple of instruments.  If you can attend a rehearsal, start with the mics fairly close in, maybe 3 meters, and move them out until you hear a nice balance.  Since woodwinds tend to be more omnidirectional compared to the brass, raising the mics will affect the woodwind/brass balance.  I usually get the mic high enough so that they are above the bells of the brass.  Like Scooter123, I'd start with the mics DFC.  I prefer Mid-Side over ORTF, but that's just my opinion.  Good luck.

[dlh]

Thanks Scooter and Notlance,

I'm going to a rehearsal tomorrow.
Your ideas give me a place to start.
Saves me some time.
ORTF was my first thought, but I'll set up a M/S rig too.

Thanks again,
Dave

[F.O.Bean]

Well, howd your rehearsal come out

[dlh]

I was surprised what little reflection I got off the shell.  It's shallower than I remember.  They've extended the stage so now more than half of the band sit beyond the shell.
I tracked ORTF 461's at 15', 30', 35', 45', and 60'.
Also M/S LSD-2 at 15'.
I liked the 30' the best, but all the ORTF left a tiny hole in the middle. (I can fill that by panning, but I want to experiment more with mic position)
So my last track was 30' at 90 degrees.  That filled the hole but narrowed the stage a little.  (Weather threatened and I packed up.)
I'd like to try 100 degrees (what's that 21cm 100 degrees, RAI?)
I'm still not sold on the M/S.  Soundstage doesn't seem as accurate, although ability to control the width is a plus.  Also, in this application, the 460's beat the LSD-2 in sound.
It was real windy and the stock LSD-2 foam and Shure "big-a**" foams worked great.

I'm a friend, and previous student, of the conductor so future recording is totally possible.
This is going to be a great learing experience. (Also, I was a woodwind player so this is my kind of music)
Usually go for beers after.  Nice plus.

Comments and suggestions still appreciated. (Man this stuff is fun!)

Dave