Intro
A week ago, I was asked to record a concert (or rather multimedia performance) happening in Fitzwilliam College Auditorium. The instrumental line-up was:
- Violin + piano
- Harpsichord solo
- Clarinet + piano
- Vocal (soprano) + lute
- Viola + piano
Equipment used
I wanted to use the Handy H4 recorder that I used with Music Therapy Group for the backup track, but it was unavailable in the studios, so I had to settle with good old Marantz.
Remembering the noise problems I had with C414s, I decided to take some small diaphragm microphones this time. To make setting the stereo pair easier, I just took NT4 with me. Marantz was set up to record in 16 bits, 44.100 kHz.
Set-up
I put the microphone(s) in front of the first row of the audience. This allowed me to access this place easily. During the rehearsal, I took notes on the levels and microphone placement (instruments were in different places around the stage). Later on, I had to play DVDs and change lights during the performance, so I couldn't sit down with my recording equipment, but I had time to get there in in between musical parts to change settings on Marantz and position microphones, according to the notes I took during the rehearsal.
Because of the movies in between music, the data projector which is hanging down right above the stage had to be on. That contributed to the noise in the record.
Pics
(click the image to go to flickr, where you can see larger versions)
Far view of the stage. NT4s are directed towards the musicians.
Closer view of the stage.
...And another one.
I'll post more when I get to some studio to have a good listen. For now, that's it!
