Micing a Choir, two mics per section?

I'm not quite sure what you mean when you say "per part".

Do you mean that the director wants to use two mics per vocalist? Per section?

I strongly suggest you do a little research regarding multi mic application.

There are ways that you can do so, but you need to be aware of some key issues, the most important of which is phase related issues.

Look into applications such as XY, ORTF, M-S, etc.

here's a few links that will help you get started:

http://www.transom.org/tools/recording_interviewing/200106.stereomicrophones.jtowne.html

http://www.recordinglair.com/record/location/micplace.htm



Although I'm still a little confused as to the "per part" thing though... could you elaborate?

D.

Ya know Randy, I think the first thing I would do is to consult with the director on this gig and find out exactly why he is saying he wants this setup. I'm not saying it's a bad idea, but it might be a good thing to find out exactly what he wants, or what he's under the assumption of what he'll get using this schematic. That being said, there are a few parameters that I think come into play:

#1 is, of course, the more mics you use, the more chances you have for extraenious noise, delay anaomolies or phasing issues to occur.
#2 is, how many people are we talking about per section? Is this a big choir with 15 -30 people per section? Or just a few?

As far as mixing ATF, well, there are many options, depending on what it is you want to do.

A stereo array is, for the most part, going to give you depth and space. You might not need to manipulate the tracks much at all. And, if the sections are fairly large, then perhaps two mics in a appropriate array would be your best course of action, because it will help to pick up everyone in that given section, if mic'd correctly.

There are a few things to consider when mixing a live ensemble like this.

Are you looking at trying to maintain a "truth" or integrity in the placement of the performers? That is, are you placing the section where they would be in the stereo field as if it was being listened to live?

Stereo can be much more than just an obvious "left-right" perception. It can have depth too.

It's all going to come down to how accurately you want to replicate the live performance itself, or, how much that matters.

I've done many remotes where I simply used a stereo array on the whole choir/orchestra, (as well as perhaps a stereo ambient array to capture the room itself), then used a single condensor per section, as well as perhaps have a solo mic or two, if needed, for individuals, with great success.

Remember...more mics does not always equal better recordings, and in fact can create potential problems.

That being said, having a stereo config on each section would allow you to, for instance, add some ambience to one side without the other (which can create artificial depth), and can even allow you to add subtleties in the tone to each side, not to mention helping to insure thaty everyone in that section is picked up.

But there are those "purists" who might bristle a bit at hearing a particular section coming out of both sides equally, or the mix recreating inaccuracies in how they are used to perceiving a standard choral setup.

It may indeed work out great... as long as you are very aware of stereo principles like 3:1 rules, phasing, reflection, etc.

I think you need a bit more info from Mr. Director.

just a few thoughts...

D.

Tell the director his setup is a phasing nightmare. A good decca tree setup with 3 mics or even two really good condensers dividing the choir into thirds will work fine. About 8 feet in the air. A couple of more mics taking in the ambiance of the room and you have all the data you need to get a good recording.

I just think his setup is overkill as I have recorded a few choirs and find, the simpler the setup, the better results.

Thought I would add this, it shows how they were setup last year.

Beagle, yes a detailed sketch and a small sample to listen to would be nice.
Your post as well as Middleman, bso and Donny are quite helpful. Any ideas are welcome and well appreciated.

randy

That will be fine.

randy

Got it Beagle, will take a close listen to it. Everything sounds pretty good though on this set of small speakers on my wifes internet computer.

Thanks for taking the time to do this for me.

randy

no problemo!