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11 Members, Created 7/4/2013 -

Administrators: Dock Jekel (owner)

Microphone Arrangement Controversy

From Dock Jekel on 7/15/2013 11:35:18 AM

Let me run by you people a predicament of mine.  You may have some helpful insights or practical tips.  I think you will recognize my situation.  I think I will be describing below a pretty widespread controversy.

I play in an old time string band called the 'Cobb Stompers' (we live on Cobb mountain, it rhymes with gobstoppers... whatever, www.cobbstompers.com).   This band consists of the following; vocals, fiddle(s), banjo, guitar, sometimes bass and/or mandolin.  Regarding this adventure, the most interesting challenge for the band has been exploring the microphone arrangements for performing on stage (not necessarily recording).  

Seems to me, most simply, there are just two basic arrangements for old-time string-bands…  

1. 'Inputs galore', a soundman's dream where everything can be individually controlled.  In this configuration there are two microphones for every player, one vocal and one for instruments.  Four players would require 8 mics.  Advantage: lots of soundman control.  Disadvantage: lots of cables and stands to deal with, if not, trip over!  Musicians are pinned into positions which are often awkward, if not claustrophobic.  Acoustic quality is less natural sounding.  Individual instrument pick-ups help with mobility on stage but can sound even less natural that dynamic mics (SM57/58).   Example band: Old Crow Medicine Show.

2. ‘On the porch’, a seated close around configuration which uses minimal mics.  Maybe just one condenser mic (AT4040).  Advantage: natural sound and relaxed, casual playing position.  Disadvantage: Not much soundman control.  This requires that musicians sit close in, almost touching knees.  Example band: Foghorn Stringband.

I think that there are no correct answers, just trade-offs, but I would be interested to know what works best for your band?

P.S.  I posted this on forum subject 'Teck Talk'  if you would rather respond there.

 Thanks, Dock