Affordable condenser mic to record overhead/room

[WebJunk]

I don't quite get why salespeople recommend cardioid mics so much for simple recording use. A good multipattern mic would suite most users better.

Get the full room sound and pick up the whole band with an Omnidirectional mic.
Keep in mind louder sounds mask quieter ones. Players closest to the mic will be louder in the mic.
Space out accordingly.

Because the "Room" is often the biggest problem in getting quality recordings. Most rooms are not acoustically treated. So a omnidirectional microphone will be very susceptible to unwanted reflections, room resonances & other issues. Even in professional studios that are treated, I often use isolation panels with cardioid mics to further isolate. Room acoustics are almost always the #1 problem or #1 benefit to quality recordings.

 

[seamonkey]

Because the "Room" is often the biggest problem in getting quality recordings. Most rooms are not acoustically treated. So a omnidirectional microphone will be very susceptible to unwanted reflections, room resonances & other issues. Even in professional studios that are treated, I often use isolation panels with cardioid mics to further isolate. Room acoustics are almost always the #1 problem or #1 benefit to quality recordings.

People should really try a Omni before dismissing it. The mic is closer to the instruments than the room. Thus masking more than some would think.

Yes, treat the room. A good recording demands a good room regardless of what mic is used. Players have to hear the room regardless of the mic.

Mic isolation panels, like the curved ones that go around cardioide mics and useless. I've yet to hear a recording with and without one that shows they did anything useful. Pure salesperson snake oil. Cardioid mics work by sound entering the back of the mic, and it getting cancelled out in the cartridge. Good mics don't need some goofy fake shield thing.