Opinions needed. Preamp selection for odd live recording

[enlightenearth]

Hello everyone.

I'm running sound and doing a live recording this weekend (upon final approval) for a somewhat odd band, whom respect I hold in the highest esteem. Amazing band.

They're am experimental, progressive indie-rock-ish band called The Danglers and consist of a percussionist, an upright acoustic bass player, and a violinist who sings.
http://www.myspace.com/thedanglers

Both the bass and the violin plug into amps and I plan to capture both the amp and direct signal from both instruments for recording (and possible reamping) purposes.

This is a special show for me because I haven't seen this band in many years, so I want the recording to turn out at good as possible....... so, I've decided to take my SCA pre's to the show.

I need help matching the pre's to the sources. I know that typically the best way to determine that would be to try each combination, but this is live, and a one shot deal, so I've got to be 100% ready when they're setting up.

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Equipment:

SCA Pres: 1x N72, 1x A12, 1x C84

Mics: 57's (cabs and snare), 58's (vocals w/ 1 Beta), SM81 (overhead), Beyer M88 (kick) and TGX-50 (Bass), and some odd yamaha mics with weird mounts than rule on the toms. Also, I'll be using an ambient mic or two of some sort, still undecided. Possibly a shotgun mic the owner's been all excited about.

FOH Console: DDA 40 channel board

Two ways we can record this week:





(Any thoughts on this would be appreciated as well)

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With only three outboard preamps to chose from, I'm currently thinking about using them on lead vocal and the amps of the violin and bass.

Would the N72 help smooth the sound of the violin or would it's properties be better suited for vocals or upright bass?

I thought of using the C84 as an ambient pre, but would prefer to mic in stereo.

Haven't given it an official test, but the A12 may not be the right choice for vocals. Would that sound better on the violin amp or the bass amp?

These thoughts have been following me for months now, as the show had been rescheduled once due to the Packer's success in the playoffs.

Any suggestions or input would be greatly appreciated. If you were in my shoes, what would you pair with what? What would you avoid, and what should be tried if time allows?

I'd gladly post samples of the finished document once it's completed.

Thanks in advance,
Cole

[Ingtot]

In terms of Preamps to match up, the only advice I really have is that the N72 would probably sound really good on the bass.
With that said, I just ordered my first kit moments ago and have not hear these N72s. However, I have used the neve that it is cloned from, and that added with what I have read so far in these forums, tells me that the N72 should be used on the bass.

Also, I have an api 3124 (serial number 001, actually, I love that thing).
I am pretty sure the A12 is a clone of the 312. These have sounded amazing on anything I have used them on. I suggest the A12 for the violin, you will get some nice midrange punch on the track (again, I haven't heard the clones, but if they are as good as everyone says they are, than this would be right). This punch would allow your violin to come right through in the mix with now problems. Although it would also be suitable for the vocals, I would personally throw it up on the violin.


Other than that, the only suggestion I have is not to use a shotgun mic for your ambient microphone. Shotgun Microphones typically have a VERY directional polar pattern. If you are trying to get a room or ambient sound, you might want to use something with a much wider (or even omni) polar pattern. With a shotgun, you will most likely pick up the sound where the microphone is pointed, which is not really the best idea for a room sound.



Hope the gig goes well for you.