Best mic for application...

artvandulet

What type of mic would be best for an ambient recording of a band jamming?
I was thinking of hanging an omni mic of some sort from the ceiling. Would a PZM type be better? Even just a straight forward dynamic like a 58?
Any specific models you could recommend?

Cheers.

i57dwun4yb1pt8

id go with any omni just for that scenario

Jimbo808

Omni mode would definitely suit this type of recording. Also if you are looking at microphone specs, focus on the SPL (Sound Pressure Level) rating. This determines how much of bashing the microphone can take. This is very important, especially if you jam at high volumes.

J*808

studiorat

A PZM might be good, less reflections cause it's stuck on the ceiling or wall. I'd say try borrow a few different mics and mess with the positioning and see what sounds best. It's going to be different from room to room so you can't really say for sure without trying it.

If it's mics you are after a pair of Octavia MK012's. They come with inter-changable capsules for omni, cardioid, and hyper-cardioid.

The SPL is irrelevant really. If you are working at a level that will bring SPL ratings of mics in an ambient position you are working way too loud.

Jimbo808

studiorat wrote: »

If it's mics you are after a pair of Octavia MK012's. They come with inter-changable capsules for omni, cardioid, and hyper-cardioid.

The SPL is irrelevant really. If you are working at a level that will bring SPL ratings of mics in an ambient position you are working way too loud.

Given that a snare's SPL can peak over 135dB at close distances (depending on the rehearsal space) and above I find it quite relevant.

Also is this the microphone you mean?

http://www.oktava-online.com/mk012-8.htm#over

anders

I'd say this is the mic http://www.oktava-online.com/mk012.htm

I have a stereo pair of these Oktava's with cardioid capsules and I have been very pleased with them. There's loads of different capsules available for them.

To answer the original question. If I could only use one mic I'd probably go with a omni mic as well. I would however prefer to use two microphones (cardioid) and make a stereo recording. Not necessary for the stereo effect, more to minimise indirect sound that will cluter up the recording... Then again, it depends a lot on the room and how each instrument is placed.

artvandulet

Cheers for the info guys.
I'll take a look at that mic. I'll more then likely only be able to use one in the room. May even consider something like this: http://www.studiocare.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=3_169&products_id=61560

It's one of those things I suppose where you just experiment with what you've got and try all sorts of positions.

Thanks again.:D

fitz

Jimbo808 wrote: »

Given that a snare's SPL can peak over 135dB at close distances (depending on the rehearsal space) and above I find it quite relevant.

If you're using it as an ambient mic, it's not gonna be anywhere near close enough to a snare for SPL to be an issue.

eoin5

I find the mics on the Zoom H4 brilliant for recording jamming. I guess a pair of directional small diaphragm condensers in an XY position might be worth a go then.

artvandulet

fitz wrote: »

If you're using it as an ambient mic, it's not gonna be anywhere near close enough to a snare for SPL to be an issue.

Probably be no closer than 10-15 feet away. I'm going into an SQN or similar so I'll be putting on a bit of limiting anyway to protect against any big bangs!

studiorat

Jimbo808 wrote: »

Given that a snare's SPL can peak over 135dB at close distances (depending on the rehearsal space) and above I find it quite relevant.

Also is this the microphone you mean?

http://www.oktava-online.com/mk012-8.htm#over

That's the very mic I mean.

The OP said he wanted to record the whole band. There was no mention of spot mics. Measuring 135 is obviously from a really really loud snare would be at about 2" from the skin and only for a very brief peak too. You are going to get a drop of about 25 dB at about 5 feet away. That should be enough for any microphone.

The Octavas come with attenuators as well so SPL in the real world isn't an issue.

Also OP, if you are hanging the mic as you say am cardioid would do since the rejection side would be pointing at the ceiling in the case of an end fire capsule.

i57dwun4yb1pt8

i have the okatava matched pair and they are wonderful mics for 300 euro a pair . truly a classic mic - wonderful natural sound - a teensy bit dark and middy but you can capture a whole kit with these 2 mics and get a great sound .
i really love the natural sounding tranisents they capture-.

i think the pads degrade the sound a bit though - so use the pre pads if possible.

i think they are a miracle mic for the price. every studio should have these .

artvandulet

Wow. Never heard of em before. €80? Worth a go. I think I may get one and give it a try!
Cheers.

i57dwun4yb1pt8

no they are about 150 each , 300 a pair

you can buy the preamp body and capsule of your choice for 80 + 80