by Allen Gates

Created on: May 08, 2010   Last Updated: October 22, 2011

The best way to record a concert is by careful planning and the right equipment. There are many types of concerts ranging from a flute sounding in a large hall to an amplified rock performance in an open stadium. Each has there own unique sound and therefore requires a different approach in regards to microphone selection and the final mix. The main things to consider are the venue, the performance, and the final mix. Keep these three things in mind the next time you record a concert.

Capture the venue

Any good live recording must have two small diaphragm stereo condenser microphones placed in and above the crowd to pick up all of the ambient noise as well as the band. If these microphones are placed correctly this can provide a really great simple stereo recording of the concert. Run the microphones through a mixing board and listen to the microphones as the crowd enters during the opening performances and dial in the placement for the sound you are looking for. The condenser microphone is an excellent choice because of the wide range of sounds it needs to pick up and the transient response of this type of microphone is the most accurate and best suited for the job.

Capture the performance 

If you want to have a good mix then you need to be able to make adjustments in the mix after the recording. To do that you need to record the various instruments individually and onto separate tracks. Most of the instruments can be recorded with dynamic microphones by placing the microphone within a few inches of the instrument and pointed directly at it. It will take some trials to get the microphone placed in the ideal spot for each instrument. The only occasions to consider condenser microphones are for instruments with low end and or a wide transient response. Drums are an example and often have their own microphone set, which takes the guesswork out of selection. 

Capture the moment

You can always decide to not use a track in the end mix but there is never a way to go back and add a microphone you wish you had. Just plan ahead and make sure to consider every instrument and think about placement so that you do not get too much bleed from one instrument track to another. The mixing in the end is really up to your preference. Turn up the stereo track in the mix to get the feel of the audience and the ambience of the venue or control the level of the instruments in the same manner to produce a more intimate recording that feels close to the instruments.

If you have a passion for audio then you are always looking for different ways to record live performances. It is an evolving art with so many choices on how to record and present the music to the listener. But the science behind the theory is sound and mic placement is essential based on the acoustics of the amphitheater. 

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