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I've used a 414 close up (near the bridge), an R121 in about the same position, and a pair of 012s as distant pair. All gave good results. I would not recommend a 57 on any bowed string instrument, unless it was for effect. Those transients are part of the sound of the instrument, and I feel like a ...

I'd be less worried about mics/preamps/compressors and more worried about the PA and the room. What kind of space is it? I've performed live electronic music in concert halls, art galleries, theaters, clubs, and even a church or two. The space is going to have an enormous impact on the sound. A good...

I've heard the Rubicons and thought they sounded pretty good and accurate. I've got a pair of the Samson 6.5s which I think are not bad for the price. When I bought them, I went to a local music store to listen to a few pairs of speakers, and I went in expecting to buy Events or something. I ended u...

$250? Is that a typo?

I'm thinking that's the way to go...though how would you "stereo pair" a single sound source? Like a drumset? 2-3 feet left and 2-3 feet right pointing right at the honker sort of making a V shape? If it's a decent-sounding room (which is really what you want for this) go at least six feet or so ba...

You can definitely do better for your budget, especially in mic department. For instance, I don't know if you've ever actually heard or used the AKG C3000, but it's not a mic I would recommend at all. There are far better microphones in that price range. I say ditto on the C4000. I'm a big fan of AK...

Stereo pair of 012s (or 319s, depending upon which sound better in the room), into the Sytek, and call it a day. If it's for an orchestral audition, they aren't going to want anything fancy, or even overly euphonic. They just want a "document of the session", warts 'n' all.

I used a single Oktava MC012 (in cardiod) between the drums. It sounded very nice, and the tabla player was quite satisfied. That's a great mic on percussion instruments of all sorts, really.

One of my favorite bands. It does sound like a lot of natural reverb, with probably some plates or springs. Their production values were very old-school.

Maybe I need to revisit the Blumlein on drums, then!

I attempted Blumlein on drum overheads a few times, but I think you need a nice-sounding room for that, and unfortunately the room in question wasn't ideal. (Treated, but low ceilings.) I also had a hard time with positioning - probably a stereo mic would have worked better than my 414 pair.

Ryan Silva wrote: Please Post Link

Sorry, wish I could, but unfortunately it was a pretty well-known group that has a contract with a label. This was basically a one-off, under-the-table demo-type deal and I can't really put it up. I really wish I could because the playing is pretty incredible as well.

Last week, I had a chance to do a string quartet recording. It was pretty experimental stuff. Anyway, I decided to give Blumlein a try, because I'd always heard it was great for chamber music, and I'd never really tried it extensively. (I'd messed around, but nothing serious.) I put a pair of 414s i...

I don't know much about Machine Age, although of course it's best to shop around for a studio. But my experiences at Treelady were very positive. We recorded to 2", then dumped to PT at the end of the sessions so I could edit and mix at home. (I would have loved to have mixed there, but I didn't hav...

I second Treelady. It's run by TapeOpper Garrett Haines (who writes for the magazine and posts here every once in awhile.) Nice Sony/MCI 2" tape machine and console, great-sounding room, and a great collection of gear. Very nice and knowledgeable staff. I recorded there a little over a year ago and ...