Why on earth would anyone want to record a solo piccolo?????

Just kidding!!!! Although come to think of it a piccolo isn't exactly quiet - it would also probably put an A/C system to shame.

Of course you're right - a brass band isn't usually known for its subtle and delicate tonality.

Brass Band
 

After hearing the clip, I tend to agree that its the room. at first I thought something was wrong considering you were using schoeps microphones,( which have a great reputation for excellent sound.) then I heard the snare drum and there was the high end that everything else lacked. one question? how high was the microphone setup? and two.. how far from the back wall? can you get a boom to be able to place the mics well above the conductor? due to the limited space I think your high end is actually being eaten up by the players themselves. with that in mind I think the higher you get the more high end will return to the recording considering youre eliminating humans out of the way of the sound. as well as getting away from the wall. MS will still give you the (stereo effect)

Gerry,

Good thought re the height. That's something i can try next time.

The conductor is pretty short so I think the mic was about 6 feet high - I can probably get it up two or three feet more and see if anything changes.

Your description is pretty good - I think the bass is muddy and the highs lacking in brilliance, and I think both are due to the room and not the mics.

I've recorded tuba by itself in a better (although not perfect) space and it was nice and crisp with exactly the same setup, so I know the mic configuration is capable of really nice sound. I do plan to try a couple of different configurations next time though.

The cornets tend to face somewhat downward and I think some of their sound is being dulled by the carpeted concrete floor as well as the human sound absorbers.