What mic to buy ?

[ryan_khoo]

Hi there,

I recently did a recording of a group of choir.

I used the Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 audio interface connected to two Rode NT3 mics. I used these together with Apple Mac Book Pro laptop and GarageBand.

The sound recorded while the singers singing solo are excellent, clear & crisp !!

But when recorded the choir group singing chorus (the choir is quite big, about 50 people), virtually no sound was recorded.

Any ideas what I should do ? Change the mic ?

Thanks

 

[grarrgrarr]

When you mentioned they were singing solo, do you mean singing right into the mic?

If thats the case you just need to turn up the gain, as their level would drop drastically as the mic is at a significant distance from the choir.

What stereo pattern are you using btw?

 

[kongwee]

You can read about different mic placement like A-B, X-Y.....etc

 

[anonymous]

I think you should get a new microphone.. Maybe a neuman or akg?
Try using X/Y or a mid-side microphone technique to record your choir.

 

[squarehero]

Like grarrgrarr mentioned, it's probably just due to either not enough gain or a mic placement problem. My suggestion is not to use XY unless you are looking for a very focused sound. You should use at least a spaced pairs of microphones. Try to follow the 3:1 rule when using more than 1 microphone.

Check out the below Shure guide for very useful information on recording choirs:
http://www.shure.com/idc/groups/public/documents/webcontent/us_pro_micsmusicstudio_ea.pdf

 

[prefaderaux]

Agreed with Squarehero. Miking technique plays a part in capturing the source, imaging... And for a larger grp of 50pax (depends on their formation and how packed or spread they are from each other), XY or a Coincident Pair will not work so well.

Apart from the distance between the 2 mics (asuming u are using a pair), the distance as well the height to the source (for here it's the choir) constitute to varied results too. Either kinda in-your-face (especially the front row), too distanced (meaning even the front rows sounds "weak" in levels, or acceptably well balanced (in terms of good blend between the choir front and rear section. Will not get a 100% blend especially if the formation has many tiers or rows from front to back).

I love using the Neumann KM184 among other great mics (i can't afford them yet, ca only use those from venues i work in). IMHO, there's no such thing as one mic brand/model settles all recording demands (same for live sound as well). Do as much experiments as u can to get more ideas how those different miking techniques, mic type and choices can help u achieve your preferred result.

There are various other stuff involved to get a desired sound. Mic pre, gain setting, recordiing levels are some of that. And of course audio editngs.... that' another subject...

Happy recording!
PFA