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Please recommend a mic (or mics) for recording live performance

unity bass

unity bass

Dec 15, 2003
620
39
Modesto, Ca.
#1
I just bought a Fostex MR-8 HD and I want to capture the gigs and practices I have with my band.
I'll probably take a mix from the board at our gigs but usually the easiest thing to do will be set up live mics in the room.
I've heard that two mics in an X-Y pattern gives a better recording than a single mike but, of course, that doubles my cost.
I've seen stereo mics but I don't even know if they apply to what I'm trying to get at.

So, please keep in mind that I'm basically a hobbyist taking my first go at recording and I'd like to keep it under $100.00.
So, what mic do you recommend for capturing live performances?

Is this anywhere close to what I'm looking for?

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or this?

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I appreciate the help,

Chad
 
#2
Unless you want some special effects going on with phase cancellation, you'll want two matched mikes, or at least two of the same model, to record with a stereo XY pattern. A stereo microphone would meet your needs precisely, but I'm not sure if there are models for less than $100 available.

Generally, though, Musician's Friend, Sam Ash, etc have some kind of cheapie condensor on sale. Buy two, preferably with a stereo pair mic mount, and have at it. It may end up a little over $100, but not by much. Just my .02.
 
#6
unity bass said:
I just bought a Fostex MR-8 HD and I want to capture the gigs and practices I have with my band.
I'll probably take a mix from the board at our gigs but usually the easiest thing to do will be set up live mics in the room.
I've heard that two mics in an X-Y pattern gives a better recording than a single mike but, of course, that doubles my cost.
I've seen stereo mics but I don't even know if they apply to what I'm trying to get at.

So, please keep in mind that I'm basically a hobbyist taking my first go at recording and I'd like to keep it under $100.00.
So, what mic do you recommend for capturing live performances?

Is this anywhere close to what I'm looking for?

Invalid Link Removed

or this?

Invalid Link Removed

I appreciate the help,

Chad
Click to expand...

I'd actually opt to go for the first pack, but break your budget and buy two of them...that way you have a matched set of each - and you're going to need mic stands too.

As for placement - it sounds like your just going to record the band as if it's playing on stage (not sending each instrument to a mixing board, but just recording the sound as it's being made). You'll have to get about 3 - 5 feet in front of the band (so if there's a stage with a mosh pit - none of these suggestions will work).

Take the larger diaphragm ones and place them about a foot and a half off the ground (ground being the floor the band is performing on). They should be placed near the center of the band, with the one on the left pointing to the right and the one on the right pointing to the left so that they form a "V". (Forget this if you're using stage monitors, though)

Take the others two more tubular ones and place them higher in the "field " to capture the cymbals, vocals and lead instrument work - same positioning. Experiment with the different heights. Of course, you'll need a four channel mixer too.

This type of recording isn't the best by any means. Be careful if you're playing in a rectangular room for any feedback waves at a particular frequency level. That'll destroy a recording miked this way.
 
#7
T.B.,
This is great stuff; exactly what I need.
I think your ideas along with some experimentation on my part, should lead me to some improvement.
I bought the fostex mic pair linked below.
(fit the budget).
Now, I'll make a field recording on two tracks and send two tracks to the recorder from our PA mixer
(when we go to the trouble to set it up).

I guess I'll just see how it goes.

Again, thanks alot for the post.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/prod...cardiod-Condensor-Microphones-Pair?sku=270336

Any suggestions on a website to host some sound clips I want to share?

Chad
 
#9
these mics are highly regarded on homerecording.com/bbs

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they are these miniature mics mainly made for miking acoustic instruments, but would get you xy for under $100. Even under $50. the guy who makes them is a regular poster on that board.

They tend to get sold out, so you may have to wait. Also these will only sound good if your room is fairly good accoustically.

I spent a little under 200 on a psir of mxl 604 mics. They're great.
 

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