I will be recording a grade-school choir next week, and am limited to only four mic preamps, as I will be recording through a 002 using my laptop. I plan on using a Royer SF-12 for the choir. I have a few questions:
Does the 002 have enough gain to accomodate the SF-12?
Should I use the other two mic preamps for the piano, or would it be better to mic the piano with one mic, and use the other for spot or ambience pickup?
Most of my stuff is racked at my studio, and isn't as easily portable as I would like, so I'm trying to avoid having to pull it out of my racks if I can avoid it!
Any other suggestions?
thanks.
sp
Comments
Bear in mind - this is a "grade-school choir" as you put it. Si
Bear in mind - this is a "grade-school choir" as you put it. Since you aren't recording the Vienna Boy's Choir (at least that's my assumption), you would probably get moms weeping with a few 58s and a Mackie board. So, if you're going the Royer route, you will get a little extra noise, but it probably won't be that audible considering your audience and your hall probably will have a little noise too.
Depending on the size and positioning of the chorus, you very well may get away with simply the Royer over the group and then the 2 mics on the piano. If you have any soloists (that come to the front, not solo in place), you've gotta scratch the second mic on the piano.
Good luck (and keep the little fingers away from the ribbon element :evil: )
J.
Yes, try to find out if there will be any "surprise" soloists.
Yes, try to find out if there will be any "surprise" soloists. (There's ALWAYS one with those kinds of things. ;-) )
You can always cheat with one on the piano (as Jeremy already mentioned) and keep the fourth for a spot/solo mic.
I'd definitely seek something substantial for the SF-12; it's not very loud on its own. (Can you test it ahead of time with the 002?) I don't know anything about the gain on the 002; if it's not enough, you COULD just get a Mackie 1202, 1220 or the like, and be on your way with minimal trouble, or you could rent something more esoteric. Depending on how big (and loud) the kids are, you may be fine.
If it were me, I'd balance the end result against the cost (For now) of getting something more expensive & portable. If its' something you're going to do on a regular basis (vs. a one-shot deal), then you may want to invest in something serious.
The 002 mic pres will get a bit noisey with the Royers. Chris
The 002 mic pres will get a bit noisey with the Royers.
Chris