Hey all,
So I recently took over a gig recording Wayne Krantz at the 55 Bar in NYC. Its a tiny venue, and there is no PA so its onstage or nothin'. the band is jammed into a corner (see diagram below). I ran XY because I figured any other config would be too spread (all drums left, all guitar right). I ran at about table/guitar amp head height. Upon listening back Wayne (and I) feel that the recording lacks bass and it is a little too "seperated" in his words (i dont really mind the image, but i agree it can be somewhat annoying to have all guitar right, all drums left). We both agree it is better to solve this problem at the source, not in post with a bass boost.
I run SP C4s > UA-5 > IBM t41 (unfortunately at 16/44.1 cuz wayne wants copies he can listen to immediately and i dont feel like sticking around to dither after the show).
Here are my thoughts on how to fix these situations:
1) run ORTF in the same spot, raise the mics more to the 4-5' level so they are above the guitar amp and thus get more bass. My fear with this though is that it will worsen the "too seperate" problem of guitar left, drums right.
2) run ORTF at closer to 6' but angled downwards slightly with a boom as to get more of the bass
3) run spread omnis, 4-5' up, ~10" apart (about the most i can do with my current set up)
SO: what would you guys suggest? any other ideas which may help? Check out the diagram and let me know!
MP3 sample to follow shortly
Thanks!
-Adam
FYI: in the attached diagram, the black sections extend all the way back, as do the tables, it is a long narrow bar.