Micing saxes?

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Hi,

I'm looking to record Alto and Tenor sax (1 track at a time) to create a
3-5 piece section. I'm looking for tech advice (which mic(s) to use) as
well as logistical stuff (mic placement, EQ/Compression settings, etc).
The mics I have at my disposal are:

Studio Projects C1
Audio Technica AT 822 (stereo)
2 Oktava MK-012's
As well as a handful of dynamic mics (Audix and Behringer, mostly SM58
clones).

I can run through either an Audiobuddy preamp or the preamps on a
Behringer mixer.

Any suggestions on which mic(s) and preamp combinations might be best?

Any suggestions on mic placement, EQ and compression settings, etc?

Anything else to consider? I'm not a newbie by any means, but I'm
mainly self-taught in studio recording, so I tend to re-invent the wheel
everytime I record. Any advice from the pros would save me a lot of
time and headache.

Thanks,
chris.

P.S. Incidentally, I'm mixing the saxes with sampled bass, drums, and
Rhodes, as well as ambient sound effects.

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Hi Chris
I can send you a PDF on miking horns based on my experience.
It's only my opinion though.
Kevin

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

"alabaster" <noemail@noemail.com> wrote in message
news:kNiTd.39540$uc.4433@trnddc08...
> Hi,
>
> I'm looking to record Alto and Tenor sax (1 track at a time) to create a
> 3-5 piece section. I'm looking for tech advice (which mic(s) to use) as
> well as logistical stuff (mic placement, EQ/Compression settings, etc).
> The mics I have at my disposal are:
>
What I generally do in this situation is to position a large diaphragm
condenser 12-18" away from the instrument, and off to the player's right
side. (I usually use a Lawson L47 because it's already set up in the room,
but if the high end of the C1 isn't too obnoxious, it'll be fine...) I use
no EQ and no compression. Make sure that you don't overload anything - don't
try to use every available bit.

If it helps, I usually record each horn pass all the way through, rather
than tying to record all of the parts on each section of the song.

--
Dave Martin
DMA, Inc
Nashville, TN

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Put the C1 out about a foot or so from each horn, and about the same height
as the left hand of the player. You can sort of angle it in a little bit
towards the bell too. No compression, no EQ. Might also be able to get a
decent horn sound a bit closer with the dynamic mic as well (6-8" away
pointed toward the inside of the bell). Saxes are loud and easy to record.
This horn was recorded sitting on a stool in a guys bedroom with a SM58.

http://www.3q2u.com/uploads/Famous%20Grouse%20Funk%20V4.mp3

This was recorded on a sort of cheap Rode NT2 in a guys bedroom:
http://www.3q2u.com/media/8/Before_The_Rain.mp3 (user: music, password:
forfree)

This was recorded on a U87 in a nice studio:
http://www.3q2u.com/media/7/Evil_Ways.mp3 (user: music, password: forfree)

This was recorded on a C12 in a nice studio:
http://www.3q2u.com/media/7/Shaking_All_Over.mp3 (user: music, password:
forfree)

Most people won't hear the difference.