Brass Band recording

[Kolbjorn Venaas]

HI!
I´m recording a brass band, and would like to get some tips about this.
Wich mics, where to put they, how many etc.
I´ve searched the internet for info, but it´s quite difficult to find the exactly kind of information. So, if anybody has a tip, or know about a book or something, I would be very thankful!

[gingerbiscuit69]

Ive recorded many brassbands now, playing Euphonium in competition bands for 8 years and in a youth band many years before, as well as the occasional conducting. Ive done Live and 'Studio Condition' recording in the past.

For live recordings, a simple XY config., just behind the conductor over his head with a pair of decent condensors does the trick. I used my Drum Overheads for it and they sounded great. The only problem here is if the conductor makes noise himself, or if the stands are going to be obstusive to him. Otherwise you get a great sound as the conductor is controlling the sound levels throughout the band. Soloists may need an extra Mic if out front.

For 'Studio' recordings, i set up in the band practice room, converting the kitchen into a control room with seperate monitors completely isolated from the band. I used the condensors as mentioned above in XY config., with a phat ribbon mike just off the floor at the centre of the band to get crisp cornet, flugel and trombone definition. The percussion was also divided using some accrillic sheets, with their own mic's (two overheads of kit, and tom condensors on the different percussion used such as Xylophone, timps, bongo ect...) all recorded through a my desk, DI'ed into a Motu Multitrack interface straight onto my PC running Cubase SX. This allowed a nice edit to find the right sound (and also eq'ed out a few bum notes, lol).

I hope this can help you, basicly, on a summary, just and XY with some decent Condensors will suffice for most things! I just like to be different.