Best live recording crowd mics?

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2006 11:30 pm

Anyone have any suggestions for capturing the best crowd response. I used a Crown Stereo PZM mic from the FOH sound board, sounded terrible. I'm considering NT-5s behind the speakers, aiming towards the crowd?

suggestions on microphones (preferrably under $400 for the pair), and placement.

Thanks,
Ryan

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 4:44 am

I have seen SM81's used around the front lip of the stage (assuming that it is raised) and pointing just straight out to the crowd..

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2006 11:56 pm

Yo.

Not cheap, but I've used the Sennheiser MKH-800's with great results and more expensive shotty's. Find yourself a couple shotgun mics and set them up on stage facing the crowd (if your outside invest in the dead cat). I can post some links of live records/dvds I've done if you want to search the web for some trailers or samples.

Cheers,
-Ryan-

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 12:17 am

the Crown Stereo PZM may have worked better in a different position

however they are very omni directional so you will ge a lot of FOH in them
hang them over the audience with their backs to the PA
half way down the room

under a balcony ?

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 8:53 am

I agree with Kev. The Crown PZM is very position-sensitive, but can make a great audience mic. You need to be sure that your connections are polarity-correct and that you mount the mic on the right plane.

Posted: Thu Dec 14, 2006 9:07 am

akg c1000s

they're officially used to capture choirs -- big groups of people.

point one out towards the crowd from the stage and you'll be perfect. even better -- they can be phantom powered via a 9v battery!

Posted: Sat Dec 16, 2006 9:13 am

I also agree with Kev and Moonbaby, The crown pzm will work geat for audience mic. Like said, placement is crucial , you will get FOH in them. But will be usable when mixing.

I usally use my Oktava MK-012's . These work good also. I have two pair of these, bought a cheap pair from G.C. and a pair from Red Square Audio. The G.C. one's get used as audience mic all the time, That is about all their worth useing for!

A real good PZM mic...........SASS-P-MKIIH

I have used the Crown SASS-P-MKIIH to record a live acoustic show. Very good stereo image. It picked up the preformance and the audience real good. It was a writers nite, Open mic nite.

Peace................Scoobie

This topic sponsored by: