I've used the search feature and done a lot of reading here already. Most of the opinions are based on distant recording of loud rock or electronic music. I was wondering if anyone had much experience with near micing live acoustic classical music?
Most of what I do is small ensemble stuff: solos, duets, trios up to small chamber orchestras. Usually indoors in a controlled space: recording halls, churches, etc. This is not stealth recording: I have a lot of flexibility in mic arrangement. I am looking for the most neutral, naturally balanced clean sound I can achieve.
So far, I've gotten surprisingly good results with my modified Zoom H4 with its built in mics and with a pair of cheap Shure SM58 mics. Actually I like the built-ins better than the SM58s - they are more natural sounding; a little on the crunchy side but not too bad. These recordings are as good as some studio recordings but they are not audiophile grade. I figured if I can get this good with such cheap gear, a little upgrade may take me a lot further. I'm looking at $500 or less for the pair of mics. New or used is fine with me.
So far my short list is:
Rode NT5 or NT4
Studio Project
Peluso
AKG
I've been impressed with the sample NT5 / NT4 recordings I've heard so far. Haven't heard samples of the other mics in the type of music and situation I will be using. Thanks,
I've run 3 and/or owned out of those 4. I would recommend a fifth for in that price range. The beyerdynamic mc930. Very smooth across the spectrum. Great lows mids and smooth unhyped highs.
The Peluso's are great, but have that "scooped" sound with a lacking midrange (with the ck4 caps). The mk21 cap however is excellent! The Studio Projects, while nice at the price, I would choose something else for acoustic work. The akg's, to my ears, are, well, unpleasing (unless we are talking about c34's, 422/6's or brass caps). Maybe I should refraise, I dislike the ck61, ck62, ck63 caps and the 480 preamp. The 460 body is nice and so is the 450 body with the ck1, 2 or 3 caps. The rodes, I just have zero experience with.
Another option in that price range are Violet Designs Black Fingers. Very detailed, transparent mics and an outstanding price. Another is the Nevaton mc49. Excellent handmade mic! You will have to wait on these as they are made to order.
The beyers, nevatons, violet mics can all be had for under a grand and sound as good if not better than mics 2 and 3 times the cost (IMO). We have run all of the mics mentioned in a variety of settings as ambient pairs for acoustic work, aud mics as part of multitrack mix, overheads, micing guitars, sax, or just plain ole PA 2 channel recording.
If looking at LD options (large diaphragm), may I suggest the AT 4050. A pair can be had for around 700 used and sound outstanding for small orchestral ensembles. I used them this summer on some chamber music and was blown away. They are multipattern also (card, omni, fig
so are very versatile.