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Hi there, I'm looking for a stereo microphone setup that will allow me to record a multitude of instruments and possibly vocals from 10-feet away, at the most. This would be to allow for recording a music video, live in stereo, with the freedom to move around a bit.

Is this an attainable goal? Could someone point me in the right direction?

Thank you very much, in advance.

Comments

Guitarfreak Thu, 03/19/2009 - 14:15

I've seen it done with an acapella group, where they turn the mics up. But you need to be very aware of ambient noise. I was strumming an electric guitar in the basement of the studio, not even plugged in, and I had to stop because it was coming over in the mix lol.

Yes it is possible, but if you don't have a really good reason for it, go with close miking.

anonymous Thu, 03/19/2009 - 17:19

Thanks. Yeah, I'd rather do it live. I'm going to choose a secluded house to build a studio in the basement so hopefully there will be little ambient noise.

Do I need a special set of mic's or just turn up some good close mic's?

Does anyone have any suggestions for a set of microphones for this application? Boom mic's? I'm at a loss.

Thanks again.

soapfloats Thu, 03/19/2009 - 20:46

I'll save someone else the trouble.

1. What is your budget?
2. What style of music? What instruments? Vocals? Amps?
3. What kind of room?
4. What recording equipment do you already have available?

Start w/ answering those questions, and you'll find you'll get more useful answers.
Present your exact situation in as much detail as possible - otherwise, even the wisest of the engineers on here can only play psychic.

anonymous Thu, 03/19/2009 - 20:57

Thanks for the guidelines.

1. Around $2000-$3000 for a pair of mics.
2. Aggressive style. Loud with many instruments: brass, wind, strings. Screaming a lot. Everything else will be plugged in. No amps.
3. Converted basement environment.
4. Just a Tascam mixer with SPDIF into an M-Audio Delta card. I realize I will need a good dual pre-amp.

Hope that helps me. Sorry for the inexperience.

soapfloats Thu, 03/19/2009 - 21:29

Okay, more questions:

Exactly how many instruments/vocals (each)?
Do you think you might want to record this (or other bands) more?

Reason being, you may be able to spend that 2-3k better on individual mics, an interface (multiple preamps), and the necessary stands and cables.
Then you can record more. And possibly get a better recording.

Your method might work - when using 2 mics to record a room, I've had good experiences with small-diaphragm condensers. Research stereo micing techniques. And wait for better suggestions from more experienced members.

I just see your budget and gear and think you might be better served getting a $500 interface, 4 SM57s, 2SM58s, and a few other mics depending on the instruments. You lose the really nice preamp, but gain more control over sources and a more versatile setup.

It's a matter of where you want to go.
A couple of really nice pieces that may or may not serve your purposes (I'll let others weigh in), or a decent, multichannel setup.

RemyRAD Fri, 03/20/2009 - 01:11

For what you are asking about, you'd do better to purchase yourself a decent Prosumer camcorder that includes a short stereo shotgun microphone with the camcorder having a built-in limiter not a AVC "automatic volume control", which sounds awful. 3000 bucks gets you a decent Canon or Panasonic, Sony shooting 24 P. It's OK that it won't sound any better than Cable Access productions since your understanding of recording techniques are that of the drive-through McDonald's employees. You know, the ones that don't speak English and never get your order right. That's not just a problem in Montréal. It's actually a problem in Washington DC. They keep putting cheese on my burgers in Montréal. At least in DC they only give me sweetened Ice-T when I ask for unsweetened. No cheese however. It's just not Kosher I tell you. Not Kosher. I don't keep Kosher. But I love those pickles. Not McDonald's pickles as they're sliced too thin.

I don't think you're ready for 2 microphones yet? It's twice as hard to deal with as one. But it's then only 1/24 as difficult as doing it the right way. Provided you have the chops to accomplish that. You're not ready for prime time. Building a TV studio in your 10 x 10 foot basement? Child's play. Should be no problem putting on a full variety show with Symphony Orchestra. Yeah, you only need two microphones but you have to place them at 9 feet. They don't work at 10 feet, especially with 6-foot cords.

Don't forget the secret sauce!
Ms. Remy Ann David

I knew I should have checked my order before I drove away from this thread.....

Boswell Fri, 03/20/2009 - 05:46

I would speculate $500 on a Rode NT4 stereo mic and see what you can achieve with that feeding your Tascam mixer before laying down a large amount of cash on anything more fancy. The NT4 is battery or phantom-powered, and comes with both XLR and minijack cables, so you can use it connected to a pre-amp or as an external mic for your camcorder.

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