Need to amp string quartet

[gareth dunster]

Gentlemen. I've been asked to amplify a string quartet, totally out of my knowledge zone. Any ideas on this?
I was thinking close miking with lav mics. Its outside so I'd probably use qsc 153s fot the pa as they're very crisp. Any ideas appreciated.

 

[Hactar]

Ideally, the performers would have their own pickups. Dunno if that's so though.

However...
Close mixing with lavs is can certainly work quite well.
Countryman EMW Classic lavs are one mic that works quite nicely for a lot of applications.

Also, given that its outside, if the ambient noise isn't too much, you ought to be able to close mic with a large-diaphram condenser just fine. I've used AT2020s on strings (although indoors) and they can be quiet nice, as long as the performer doesn't change their distance to the mic too much.

One benefit of being outside is that stage volume will probably be lower, and you do not have to worry as much about feedback.

 

[Big_Daws]

for mics use AKG C430...great condensor mics. don't use lav's they will sound way too thin and you will get tons of issues. but a C430 will be a perfect fit.

run it into any PA system you want, as long as you have phantom power (+48v) you will be fine.

 

[gareth dunster]

By "tons of issues", do you mean mounting issues?

 

[Leo Smith]

Use two cardioid condenser mics in an X-Y pattern in front of and a little above the group. It's a standard setup. The musicians will take care of the balance themselves. Use windscreens and the low-cut (if the mic has it) to help eliminate rumble.

 

[gareth dunster]

XY condensers sounds feasible and also not too intrusive.

 

[Big_Daws]

By "tons of issues", do you mean mounting issues?

that, and cos most lavs people have are more commonly omni directional, the field of pickup is considerably greater, which can also render you to having feedback issues. not from the instrument you are mic-ing but from the other sources the mic is picking up.

 

[MarthaSamira]

Use two cardioid condenser mics in an X-Y pattern in front of and a little above the group. It's a standard setup. The musicians will take care of the balance themselves. Use windscreens and the low-cut (if the mic has it) to help eliminate rumble.

This.