View Full Version : Best mic for recording jazz band


Len Rosenberg
December 6th, 2003, 01:34 AM
Looking for recommendations for high quality dv camera mounted mic for recording jazz band, both small ensemble and big band. Primary instruments will be sax and trumpet. Budget is up to $1,000 for the mic. Will be used with either GL2 or PD 150. Thanks for any suggestions!

Bryan Beasleigh
December 6th, 2003, 03:40 AM
Camera mounted and high quality don't necessarily go together..
Have a look at the Rode NT4 or the AT 835ST , you also may want to look at some form of mic preamp or mixer.

For best results mount the microphone off camera.

http://www.rode.com.au/specsnt4/nt4specs.htm

http://www.audio-technica.com/prodpro/addinfo/AT835ST_english.pdf

Len Rosenberg
December 6th, 2003, 09:05 PM
Thanks Bryan, I know there are limitations to quality when the mic is on the camera, but for those times when you have no alternative, I was wondering what would give the best results. Does anyone use other than a shotgun type mic on a dv cam?

Bryan Beasleigh
December 6th, 2003, 10:02 PM
The link I just gave you is for 2 stereo mics.

The NT4 is two cardoid capsules mounted in an XY stereo pattern. It gives you a kind of oval pattern. Dave Largent one of our members uses his camera mounted.

The AT mic is a Mid Side stereo configuration giving the same kind of pattern. It could also be camera mounted.

Both are excellent mics and should suite you well.

The Rode is around $375 and the AT mic around $600.

Do a site search (DVInfo) on both mics and you should get a few hits.

Len Rosenberg
December 7th, 2003, 06:17 AM
Thanks, I will check them out. Do you have any experience with the Neumann KM81?

Len Rosenberg
December 10th, 2003, 10:03 PM
Thanks Bryan. The Rode NT 4 looks very interesting. I haven't seen it for less than $449, though.

Bryan Beasleigh
December 11th, 2003, 12:26 AM
$375 at B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=255008&is=REG