Topic: Living room recordings

[Lonman]

Looking for some home recording options thought someone here may know what to look for. Essentially recording mandolin and guitar for my sons wedding so we don't have to play live. My options now are Nak 300 3 mic mix, a couple decents omni mics (nevaton mce400s), or Busman active in some config. I only have 2 track recorders but can use 2 if need be. Is is possible to use small condenser for this type of recording or would 2 AT4033CL large diaphram mics (or something similar) be just a whole lot better? I have read hear than some folks feel good omni mics are under used in this type of recording setting but have no experience taping trying to home record this way. I know some use large diaphrams and then individually mic each instrument as well but the playing in this case is the most important and the recording just needs to be good sounding not neccesarily live Dave Grisman living room sessions. Any thoughts appreciated. A friend has 2 almost new AT4033CL mics he will sell for 500.00 for the pair  which is in my price range but can I do just as good with my small condensers???
Thanks in advance.

[Roger Gustavsson]

Most important is a suitable room! It is difficult to record acoustical instruments in a normal living room. You need a rather large room, not to dry acousticly and preferably with a higher ceiling than most of us have. Simple stereo technique like ORTF or DIN works fine. Instruments should NOT be outside the pickup pattern of the microphones.

Roger 

[Lonman]

Thanks Roger, I do have a high celling room which has at least moderately good acoustics and noise retardant. Your feelings about using large diaphram mics vs good small condensers ? More how it is approached that with what it is approached with (mic wise)?

[Roger Gustavsson]

It is a bit of fashion today, using large diaphragm mics. They are more directional (even omnis) and use to have a lift around 10 kHz. I think smaller diaphragm mics are more allround and a bit more neutral tonally. You can also try a pair omnis, spaced 20-30 cm. They should be pointing straight ahead.

Roger

[Lonman]

Thanks for the help. I will follow your lead and use relatively wide spaced omni's as you suggest and evaluate.
Again, much appreciation.

[Roger Gustavsson]

My own prefered technique is ORTF. It is almost fail proof. Still, if there is time for experimentation, try the omnis. There is a risk of a hole in the middle with omnis.

Roger

[Lonman]

Roger I am going to try using a 3 nak cm300 arrangement like it shows in the original pamphlet that comes with the mic set. I will try spaced omni's with two cp2s and a center cp3. Then I will try ortf with 2 cp1s and a center cp3. Since we are doing this live we will no doubt have a dozen or so takes and can compare them after. Also I have a set of CM300s that have JB's (turbo mod I call it) 12v-48v phantom mod that you have been discussing on the team boards. I will post my thoughts on those on the team boards when I finally get out with them. I don't think they will add much to doing living room recordings but I gues I could try a 2 card ortf arrangement with those also for comparrison, however, I think live concert recording with those are where they will shine. I sent my BSC2s to him to try out and he should have them by weeks end. When they return I will try them recording at home as well. I have several songs to do with my son for his wedding and we have several months to accomplish recording the parts.  A violinist was just added to the mix so this will be a good opportunity to try a bunch of different configs and mic sets out. I may even individually mic the intruments at the same time with some of Jon's ( Naiant) omni mics. He just sent me a mount for my guitar I am going to try and if it works out I will also use one on the mandolin and violin also. I have did anything other than concert taping so........this should be interesting. I held off on the large diaphram mics for now after reading your comments.

[Roger Gustavsson]

Roger I am going to try using a 3 nak cm300 arrangement like it shows in the original pamphlet that comes with the mic set. I will try spaced omni's with two cp2s and a center cp3. Then I will try ortf with 2 cp1s and a center cp3. Since we are doing this live we will no doubt have a dozen or so takes and can compare them after. Also I have a set of CM300s that have JB's (turbo mod I call it) 12v-48v phantom mod that you have been discussing on the team boards.

I have some Nakamichi CM-300 too, three of them in mint condition. Even have a MX-100. Good match but not a very portable preamp. Who is JB and where can I contact him?

Roger