Anybody ever set mics for a High School band????

Todd Ellis

OK - I've got a weird one. HS band director wants to make a CD for the kids to sell as a fund raiser. I'm helping out (band Dad = no $) and that's OK.

I'm set to go except mic placement and number of mics. I know I will probably need to mute the drums somehow - but basically before I get it to the board I'm an idiot.

Anybody have any experience here?

Victor Harris · Posted: Fri Jan 05, 2007, 18:01 (GMT) Post subject:

Ok, I have done this 3 x in the past believe it or not. I found the best way was to mic each section...meaning reeds, strings, brass, drums, etc. I think we ended up with like 6 mics...meaning six tracks to mix. Finding a center position for each section. Then during the mix down adjusting nice mix to blend.

On another occasion we just used 4 mics across the stage in equal distance. Once again, 4 tracks to mix. Bottom line, the mix down is the secret. If you do have vocals, make sure they are centered with their own mic. For choirs, once again mic each section of the choir...alto, sapranos, tenors, bass.

Hope it helps...It seemed to work fine for what we were doing.

Tyler Jones · Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007, 04:58 (GMT) Post subject: Mic Placement.

Victor sounds on to something.
As for soundproofing drums, schools usually have an abundance of folding tables, if room permits set up around drum kit and place
heavy bankets of somekind over top of the tables letting them drop to the floor. Or if they have gym mats these work well too.

2 mics placed above the drum kit works well to pick up the whole kit if your limited with Mics.
Then I would do what Victor said about placement, make sure you have an extra mic or 2 incase of a faulty mic.

Todd Ellis · Posted: Sat Jan 06, 2007, 05:13 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks guys - I appreciate it. It's all for the chirren.