ORCHESTRA RECORDING - 3 Microphone Overview

A brief primer on orchestra recording, featuring 3 pairs of condenser microphones - the AKG c480 with CK62 Small Diaphragm Omni-Directional Capsule, the AKG C414B-TL Large Diaphragm (used in Omni position) and Oktava MK-012 Small Diaphragm with Cardioid Capsule.

First I give a short description of each microphone and show where they were placed in the performance hall. Then I share 2 sound samples of each pair (demonstrating dynamic and legato playing) and mention how they contributed to the overall mix of all 14 microphones that were used.

Video Breakdown 0:45
AKG C480 B w/ CK62 ULS 2:01
AKG C414B TL 3:38
Oktava MK012 5:27
All mic samples back-to-back 7:08
Final mix sample 9:03
Thanks 9:45

Follow along in your own DAW by downloading all 3 stereo pairs and mix settings by signing up for my Patron Bonus Content at   / jamesmeder  

SPECIAL THANKS to the Peninsula Youth Orchestra https://peninsulayouthorchestra.org/P...
And Robin Wienands https://www.rmwrecording.com/

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AKG Micorphones https://www.akg.com/
Oktava Microphones https://www.oktavausa.com/mics/

RECORDING DETAILS
*Orchestra footage from rehearsals, Audio samples from actual performance
*Preamps used - Tonelux MP5A for both AKG pairs, SSL inspired custom pre built by Robin Wienands for the Oktava pair
*The roll off engaged on the preamp for the Oktava MK-012 was around 80Hz and is negligible to its sound. It was used to help limit sub frequency rumble which is undesirable.
*Audio Samples adjusted to optimal listening level in reference to 0dBFS - no clips or limiting!
*Audio Sample 1 - Walker: Concert Suite
*Audio Sample 2 - Borodin: Polovtsian Dances from Prince Igor
*Background Music - William Walton: Crown Imperial

REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
Sonic Scoop - 'Curing Condenser Confusion: An Audio History of the AKG C 414' (Please note that the reference to the TL capsule is incorrect in this article. Multiple other sources confirm the TL in fact uses the same capsule as the B-ULS version.)
https://sonicscoop.com/2016/10/27/cur...
Saturn Sound - 'Story of the AKG C414'
http://www.saturn-sound.com/Curio's/s...
Music Tech - 'Ten Minute Master: Orchestral Recording'
https://www.musictech.net/tutorials/t...
DPA Microphones - 'Classical Orchestra, A-B Stereo'
https://www.dpamicrophones.com/mic-un...
All The World's A Stage - 'Sound by AKG'
http://www.micshop.com/AKG_History.pdf
Musician's Friend - 'AKG Microphones: The Evolution of the AKG C-Series'
https://thehub.musiciansfriend.com/be...

#Recording #OrchestraRecording #Microphones