anyone recorded steel pans?

[bradjonesbass]

I'm working with a percussionist on some very experimental stuff (pans/marimba/fretless 6 string bass) and am curious about recording the pans. I think I can figure out the marimba but no clue on the pans. Mics, mic placement, dry/reverb, compression, etc...

 

[acubass]

I have. I've used both dynamics (57"s) and SDC (studio Project c4's) the 57's were placed above the pans and the c4's were placed below. Underneath I placed the capsules about 6 inches from the bottom of the pan. The 57's were about 3 inches from the rim pointed towards the middle.

What mic's do you have? I could maybe give you more insight if I knew.

 

[deaf pea]

I have. I've used both dynamics (57"s) and SDC (studio Project c4's) the 57's were placed above the pans and the c4's were placed below. Underneath I placed the capsules about 6 inches from the bottom of the pan. The 57's were about 3 inches from the rim pointed towards the middle...

That seems VERY close, IMNSHO . . .

 

[bradjonesbass]

I've got access to whatever mics I need. Other than high end condensors anyway. I'll try that setup and see how it goes. Thanks for your replies.

 

[acubass]

It might seem close but this was a live performance and we were having bleed issues.

 

[deaf pea]

It might seem close but this was a live performance and we were having bleed issues.

Yeah, live sound and recording are two VERY different situations . . . I understand the need for close micing with live sound reinforcement . . .

Brad, for RECORDING . . . for the pan(s) - a dynamic mic (flat cardiod), pointed at the center of each pan from about 25-30 inches (40-60 cm) . . .
for the marimba - a pair of mics (the same model and age), about 40 inches (1 meter) apart and about 25-30 inches (40-60 cm) above the instrument, pointed straight down at the bars . . .

edit: you'd be better off recording flat, with no effects, EQ or compression . . .

 

[bradjonesbass]

thanks for the updated suggestions