11 Person Dialogue Recording

[wylie1]

I have a theater group that wants to record a play they've just finished performing.
There's 11 people coming to the studio next Monday.
Its dialogue only for archive and future radio broadcast.
I've never done this before,whats the best way to setup mikes for this kind of thing without setting up 11 individual mikes?
I'm thinking 4 or 5 mikes with groups of 2 people.
It would have been easier if I had seen the play I would have some kind of mental image as what to expect.
--

[daniel.sneed]

If it was me:

- Large diaphragm mikes, set as omni, bass roll off.

- Rather close miking, no farther than a foot, will produce very articulate tracks.

- First question to the crew: what's the higher performers count in a single part of the play ?

If the answer is 11, and 11 mikes are not an option, then: one performer front, one performer rear to each mike.

BTW, set the mikes' height to the performers' eyes, not their mouthes. And do get pop shielding to everyone (light *stocking* kind).

If your option is one mike to each, and your recording place is large enough, set mikes on a large circle.

Beware to track at secure level, for dynamic can be... dramatic!

If you have different rooms for tracking, chose the dryer one. Then add the right space latter at mixing stage with a convolution verb.

I've done this many times. I do enjoy this kinda job.
Take fun!

[i7user]

Just move them and listen... have someone move them around while they talk and there you go. Unless you doing equidistant mic applications, you don't have to really worry.

[wylie1]

Thanx Dan that's the kind info I was looking for I need some more pop screens.
And I don't think I would have put the mikes at the right height.
I've thought of the dynamic range already and was a little concerned.
Its going to be interesting.

[wylie1]

Just move them and listen... have someone move them around while they talk and there you go. Unless you doing equidistant mic applications, you don't have to really worry.

Good points I'll glue their feet to the floor.

[Phil O]

...I need some more pop screens...

B&H as quite an assortment of these.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?Nt ... Search=yes" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
A few more come up if you search pop filter or just pop.

They ain't cheap. I find that the material used in most is a bit heavy and I have several that I've replaced with material from nylon stockings. YMMV.

There's also DIY. I've made some out of 14 gauge electrical wire (insulation left on). Used one of those big tomato puree cans as a form to make them perfectly round. Ahh, the good old days.

Phil

[Dan Worley]

It all depends on the script and what they're comfortable with, but another approach is to use fewer mics (2 or 3, and maybe even just 1) and have the actors address them as needed. I find actors don't do well just sitting or standing around. They need to move. It helps them get into it more. They deliver their lines better and don't miss as many cues. Even if it's just a couple of steps in towards the mic, it helps.

If they're experienced, they already know how to control their volumes and blend. I would try approaching it like an old radio theater show and see if that works for them. Tell them the less editing you have to do the better (because it's true).

Also, if at all possible, try to make all the mics and input chains the same. If they change locations within the script, it makes it so much easier to dial in new spaces when mixing. That's another reason to use as few mics as possible.

Just another way of looking at it. I miss doing recordings like that.

Have fun with it!

c-ya,

Dan Worley

[wylie1]

Have fun with it!

c-ya,

Dan Worley

That is the plan.

Thanx again all I have a little more confidence now.
30+ yrs of R&R I can but my earplugs down for a while.
I'll let you know when their going to broadcast/webcast as well.