Hello, I was wondering if anyone could reccomend a microphone for full orchestra recording? I would probably initially just do an XY setup then move on to a (4 mic) decca tree arrangement when I get more money to buy the extra mics.

I was looking into the Earthworks microphones but they have fairly high self noise (22-27dB).

The Shure KSM141 is attractive, especially because of the omni/cardiod switch, high SPL, and price. But the frequency response isn't exactly flat. Anyone have experience with this mic?

I'm also intruiged about trying a M-S but figure-8 mics don't seem to be very common. 414 is out of my price range (for two).

Thanks!

You could do a lot worse than the ksm141.

Those mics remind me of schoeps mics, and those are "standard" choices for orchestral recording. You might also consider the Josephson 606 series.

You also could do a lot better than the ksm141. If you've got access to it, the B&K(now DPA) 4006 would make a great spaced pair for an orchestral recording. It may or may not be in your price range, though.

We used to use the AKG SE300B + CK* modular condenser mics for orchestral recording.

They obviously are available with most polar patterns since they are modular and they sound nice and accurate on orchestral material.

In comparison to decent quality Chinese Neumann copies, they are maybe a bit boring sounding - pretty flat in response. This is perhaps beneficial though.

I've not used the Shures, but I'm sure they would be ok. My only question is of the bass response in cardioid mode - it's about 5dB down at 50Hz. Not the end of the world, but you can get better specs (that doesn't necessarily mean better sound though!)

I'm going through the same dilemma right now. I'm looking to put together a budget setup for classical recording - mostly chamber type stuff, maybe some choral & orchestral.

Some of the stuff I'm looking at includes a pair of commercial install market versions of the CAD M179 continuously variable pattern mics, which I can get at an incredible price. They seem to spec out and review pretty well, though I realize a matched pair of 414's they are surely not.

I'm also considering a matched set of the Oktava MC-012s with the multipattern capsules. I'll be sure not to buy them at Guitar Center either. The samples I've heard are pretty neutral and capture plenty of the high-end "air". If I can get a sample pair to demo I think that would be ideal.

Another option is either a pair of Shure SM-81s, which I've used extensively in the past and really liked, or a pair of KSM-141s, or perhaps a pair of Audio Technica AE5100s. I'm also considering the AKG SE300 series or the Audio Technica 3032s for a pair of omni's.

Really up in the air with small diaphragm mic options right now!

For pre's I'm considering the FMR RNP8380 or the Syteks.

For a front end to my PC I'm looking at the new Mackie 400F firewire box. Its got 4 mic pres, a 10x10 mix matrix, AES & SPDIF IO, DSP, monitoring functions, and 2 firewire. Seems to have all the IO I could ever want! I've gotta demo the pre's and AD's before commiting though. I've been looking at some of the other interfaces out there. Does anyone have experience with other 192/24 firewire boxes out there?

I've recorded (and assisted ) recordings of classical ensembles in all sorts of spaces. In most recordings, the main A/B pair consisted of two DPA 4006 (which are Omni). I prefer these over Schoeps in most cases. The DPA's work in almost every space. If you are recording a smaller string ensemble, consider a (closer) M/S configuration. I like the Neumann Sm2 and AEA R88; each for a specific sound. I have no experience with the Stereo Royer; maybe someone else here.
A Decca tree will only work well with a fairly large ensembe (also here consider the DPA's). The Schoeps US-stereo set is not too expensive and i think can include the mk 2 s omni capsules.
Never used ksm 141, sorry.

The shures should work great as long as you spend the dollars on a great preamp. That is easily as important considering you mentioned the mic self-noise level. Pres and good placement are where the money-shot lands if you ask me. You might as well invest in a 2 track 2" head stack and tapemachine to do the job right. and a gorilla to take it to the gig.
riding an elephant. in a red dress. nevermind.

I've used a (decent) pair of Oktavas for orchestral recording on many occasions. I got pretty good results in X/Y and ORTF (the position depends on the room). The Shures are probably also quite good, although I haven't tried them myself. If I had the cash, I'd love to try Schoeps, B&K, or Josephson. I'm also really curious about using ribbons (Royer or AEA) in M/S - ribbons have lots of followers in the classical world. There are also people using the less-hyped large diaphragm condensers, like AKG 414s, for this kind of work. I'm kind of keen to try a pair of 414s in M/S or Blumlein on an orchestral recording.

matyas wrote:I've used a (decent) pair of Oktavas for orchestral recording on many occasions. I got pretty good results in X/Y and ORTF (the position depends on the room). The Shures are probably also quite good, although I haven't tried them myself. If I had the cash, I'd love to try Schoeps, B&K, or Josephson. I'm also really curious about using ribbons (Royer or AEA) in M/S - ribbons have lots of followers in the classical world. There are also people using the less-hyped large diaphragm condensers, like AKG 414s, for this kind of work. I'm kind of keen to try a pair of 414s in M/S or Blumlein on an orchestral recording.

I'm planning (for now) on getting a matched set of the Oktava MC-012s with piars of each the 3 capsules. Then the pair of matched variable-multipatterns from Astatic (once I've auditioned them to make sure), and a pair of SM-81s.

Yeah, if (or) when I have the money I'd like to get a pair of 414s for spaced pair and Blumlien setups, and a set each of B&K (now DPA) 4006s & 4011s. A matched pair of Sennheiser MKH-80p48s would be tits too! I'd also like a pair of Millenia HV-3s or TD-1s pre's. And an RME or Apogee interface.

Anyone have $25,000 of so they feel like giving away?

as far as preamps go, i've been digging on the grace design stuff for orchestral/strings. depending on the mic, that is.