I haven't recorded a brass band that large before, but I would think that a stereo pair of good small diaphgragm condensers (like the 81) would suffice. Alternatives to the SM81 would be the Rode NT5, and the A-T AT4041, all in the same price range or less. After that you get into the more upscale Neumanns, DPA's, and Microtech Geffells. What I have used on smaller ensembles is a set of Beyer ribbons - an M130 and an M160 in an M/S arrangement. These mics, if you have a good preamp, have great detail and clarity on brass instruments.

It's difficult for us to make meaningful comments on mics for this task without knowing more about the conditions under which it is being recorded.

Is the recording to be in a studio with acoustics suitable for 60+ performers or is it in a public hall? Is this live (with an audience) or just a recording session? Is it a single session or is the idea to record all the band's public performances?

How are the performers arranged as seen by the conductor (120 degree, 180 degree, flat, tiered etc)? Is there percussion as well as brass?

Are you restricted to 3 mics because of your recording equipment or are you convinced that left-centre-right is the way to go? What recording gear have you got for this task? Do you have tall mic stands (e.g. 3m high)? Are there visibility or other constraints on microphone and stand positioning?

Sorry about all the questions, but I don't yet have a feel for the conditions under which you will be recording.

First of all, tks to have taken time to reply me.

The goal is to make special record sessions when we have some new tracks ready
We want to do these sessions when we are alone (no live record)
We have a square room with high ceiling (19ft) but with a quiete good acoustic.

We play pop, rock, disco, variety music.
We've 5 drums players at the back side of the group

I was thinking to record from the front 6-8 ft far away of the first line of players
I want to keep our budget as reasonable as possible but also with good semi pro microphones comming from second hands. If it is possible, less than 700$ for the microphones part.

I've a berhinger mix table with 4 microphone input + phantom power
A Mac book retina with an external audio card from Yamaha (3 xlr inputs)
I've also a phantom power supply for 4mics and microphones stands able to reach 8ft

I hope to have given to you enough informations
Tks one more time for your advise

Ps: sorry for my English

Raphael

One for information's, we play in front of the conductor around 100-120deg
But if it's better we are also able to play 180 deg

Cheers
Raphael

First of all, tks to have taken time to reply me.

The goal is to make special record sessions when we have some new tracks ready
We want to do these sessions when we are alone (no live record)
We have a square room with high ceiling (19ft) but with a quiete good acoustic.

We play pop, rock, disco, variety music.
We've 5 drums players at the back side of the group

I was thinking to record from the front 6-8 ft far away of the first line of players
I want to keep our budget as reasonable as possible but also with good semi pro microphones comming from second hands. If it is possible, less than 700$ for the microphones part.

I've a berhinger mix table with 4 microphone input + phantom power
A Mac book retina with an external audio card from Yamaha (3 xlr inputs)
I've also a phantom power supply for 4mics and microphones stands able to reach 8ft

We are playing 100-120 degr in front of te director

I hope to have given to you enough informations
Tks one more time for your advise

Ps: sorry for my English

Raphael