Recording a Classical Quintet... your thoughts?

[Erik Braund]

Hi.

I'm recording some new instruments that i've not yet had the chance to work with (I have mostly a rock background).

Classical Quintet: Flute, Oboe, Basoon, Clarinet, Horn

Tracking on an SSL 9000k with some extra pres (api 3012 and avalon 737).
Mixing in surround on an API Vision with a lil' lexicon 480.

I have what I think is a good plan of action but wanted a few other people's thoughts.

Semi-Circle Setup. Cardiod Condenser inside the half-moon a little on axis to the center of the group.
Two Omni's condensers a few feet back (spaced pair).
Two Cardiod's 180 off axis to the instruments for some reflections to mix in surround. I will also downmix to stereo.

Any thoughts? Have 87's, 414's, Schoeps (pair of card, pair of omni), AT4050's, Coles', brauner vm1, and other various LD/SD condensers to choose from.

Figured I'd get started with the schoeps and work from there.

Thanks for you input!
Erik Braund

[Exarch]

I've always been fond of the Blumlein microphone pair for small ensembles of classical musicians. Having all performers sitting in a circle facing inward at the microphones in the middle, with some accent microphones as needed should work just fine.

I would probably put a boundary of some kind behind the horn player, since most of their sound comes out backwards.

For those who aren't familiar with the Blumlein pair, it's a near coincident pair of bidirectional microphones turned at 90 degree angles to each other. I usually take two 414s, set them bidirectional and have one positioned normally and another positioned upside-down directly above the first, so that the windscreens are almost touching, turned 90 degrees. It gives near perfect mono compatibility and excellent quality of sound for the effort involved.

[KungFuLio]

Semi circle around Mid-side. Your 87's will do better if you can get your hands on a pair of VM1-KHE

Spots if you need 'em (you shouldn't)

Nice non-coincident (m50 if you can rent some) omnis for ambience

another pair for your surrounds (your schoeps)

and a good room!

wait, I mean a great room

Careful not to add too much 480L