Topic: front row recording recommendations

[dimm0k]

I currently have on order the Church-Audio 9100 amp and cardioid mics.  Looking to record my first rock concert and I'll be going with a friend who wants to get up close to the stage as possible and understand that this won't be ideal recording conditions especially because the speakers are going to be shooting in that direction... knowing this, is there anything I can do to achieve a good recording?  Would getting omni mics be recommended in this position or cardioids?

[M]

Let your buddy go up front without you... you don't need eachother while the music is playing.  Hang in the sweet spot more comfortably

[rokpunk]

you never know...if it's a decent PA system, they will have fill speakers to cover the first few rows. it could sound killer in that spot.

[Belexes]

Make sure the buddy gets you a set list if they are going to be that close and you should position yourself further back in the hall. 

[dimm0k]

Looks like the general consensus would be to separate... however the question still remains, would it make a difference in recording if I had omni mics versus cardioid mics if I were to be up front, most likely missing the hit from the speakers?

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

What band is it? If they are mostly instrumental, it could sound pretty good up there. If they are a pretty heavy band (loud) and their fans are a bit rough, then it might be a tough situation to record in.

I'm used to hanging out with friends pre-show and then finding my spot about 10-20 minutes before the band hits the stage. They are used to it to. At first they thought it was wierd I didn't want to hang with them, but after I started giving them copies of the show, they changed their minds!

[MattH]

Many of my best recordings have been made in the front row. I prefer cards instead of omni's to cut down the crowd noise. Just point the cards wide if you're down front.

[62v8]

You've already got the best advice ... stand back

From my experience front row is very hit & miss & venue dependant.
In the club situation once in a while you get a nice blend of guitars drums & vocals but most of the time you are relying on the foldback to get the vocals.

Try and at least get some of the PA.
You will still get a chunck of spill off the stage and the results should be much more pleasant.
Ie unless you are a fan of the guitar & snare drum & cymbals.
For better or worse you'll get a lot of that front of stage.
Even harder if if you are trying to get twin guitar bands with one split loeft and right.
Hard to get balanced and one usually drowns out the other.

Don't forget to enjoy the show.

Cheers

[Church-Audio]

Looks like the general consensus would be to separate... however the question still remains, would it make a difference in recording if I had omni mics versus cardioid mics if I were to be up front, most likely missing the hit from the speakers?

I hate to do this here but just to let you know I did send you an email.

Chris