Skip to main content

Hi all

I would like to record a bass singer, there will be a piano. I wanted to record live. I have only 1 microphone currently which is a Audio Tech 33a. I can buy 2 cheap condenser mics to complete the setup, these will all go into my little mixing desk which has 48v PP.

I was planning to mount the 2 mics in some kind of XY at one end of the medium sized room where I am recording, then position a third mic in the centre. Pan the 2 stereo mics left and right and the 3rd mic centre.

My question is:
1. Do I buy large diaphragm mics for the stereo micing? I was thinking of buying 2 Behringer B1s as they are cheap. Or would I be better with 2 general purpose point style mic's like the 33a that I have at the moment.
2. Since video is being shot at the same time as the sound recording, what distance and position should I mount the mics from the singer & upright piano?
3. Does the frequency really matter very much down as low as 20hz? I notice my 33a goes down to about 30hz, and the bass response is awesome.

Many thanks

Topic Tags

Comments

TheJackAttack Mon, 07/11/2011 - 21:33

First, recording an operatic singer (if they're any good) is useless with cheap microphones. It won't do any justice.

Second, if you are using an XY pattern with decent microphones, you would not even consider a "center" mic. In many cases XY does not have enough separation as it is but should work well enough for solo singer.

Third, only you will know if the singer/room combination requires a mic to plummet to the basement depths. I usually use LDC's or ribbons to record solo recitals. YMMV.

Fourth, you can either have good audio or a video without visible microphones. Quality miniature mic's are out of your price category so you have to minimize by position of both the microphone stand and the video angle. Don't choose to point your camera straight down the center as the mic array will by definition block the video shot.