Topic: Best stereo technique for a narrow bar/saloon?

[HighStandDave]

The AZ-based Phish tribute band "Llama" is making its debut on 2025-11-19 at Birdcage Saloon in Prescott. Being right in my own backyard, I'll certainly be there. I'm thinking run the sE8s in XY90? 7.5-foot stand should suffice. This is a pretty narrow little place, see the link below. Should I try to claim a table up closer to the stage or what are we thinking here? Never really taped in a bar before. I might see if I can patch out of the board with my H1 XLR (mono?) in case the vocals don't come through very well in my AUD. Let's hear it.

https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/bird-cage-saloon-prescott-2?select=2yfagsWJac56jpsAzqMWeg

Or, I could run the CA 14 omnis if I can manage a close enough table. Maybe a matrix of both the CA 14 omnis, the sE8s in XY and a board feed on a separate device? Check my sig and see what tools you'd use out of my box.

[Thelonious]

My suggestion would be to consider running the se8s in nos, din or ortf, ideally setup about 10’ back from the PA speakers to allow you to capture the vocals clearly. I would choose the option that gets you closest to having the mics on axis with the PA.

The reason I suggest being in that position is to be far enough back to capture the vocals, but not so far that the reflected sound is too powerful. It will also support improving the music to crowd ratio.

The suggestion of the cardioids is also to improve the ratio of reflections and crowd noise to music.

Finally, the suggestion of NOS or ORTF (or DIN) is to narrow the stereo recording angle, effectively giving your recording more “width” on playback, which will also help with the reflections vs. Direct sound. Both of these improvements will become even more important as you move back from the “ideal” distance from the stage due to any required logistical compromises.

My two cents, I hope it’s helpful.

[raynman]

I’ll second the recommendation above - get as close to up front and center as you feel comfortable (new band, maybe not a large crowd - more space for you). Run cards ORTF. Get in the sweet spot

If you have a second deck see if you can get a back up SBD recording 😀

[morst]

Omni on stage plus vocals via board feed (thumb drive maybe?)


If you have time before that show try recording another bar show so it’s not your first?


Just peeked at the yelp photo. That joint is small. If you’re anywhere other than up close, you’re gonna get some bar noise which you might get from up close but at least the band will be loud