Recording Marching Bands or Drum Corps

[JHughesPSPB]

Hi,

I was wondering if anyone had a recommendation for best mic choice for recording marching bands in very large stadiums. I'd like to hear some crowd noise but would like a nice full sound from the band. Quick and easy setup would be a bonus. I've had mixed results with a VP88. I think perhaps I need something more directional. If I get too close to the band I hear individuals and sections rather than a full band sound. If I get too far away I hear too much crowd. Any experiences you can share?

[aitikin]

What's your budget and your mic locker look like? I've had some decent results with an LDC pair in hypercardiod.

[cmchamp]

It's been my observations from DCA broadcasts and productions that shot-guns 20+ feet in the air are utilized.
I've recorded concert bands outdoors with a simple Mid-Side setup 10' above the conductor's head and 5' or so behind him.
Yes, I know, marching things are bigger, I'm a band director, I get that.
If it were me doing it, I'd use a Mid-Side pair in the center and some shot-guns or hypercardioids on the outer 3rds, then multi-track syncing to video later.
C.

[aitikin]

It's been my observations from DCA broadcasts and productions that shot-guns 20+ feet in the air are utilized.
I've recorded concert bands outdoors with a simple Mid-Side setup 10' above the conductor's head and 5' or so behind him.
Yes, I know, marching things are bigger, I'm a band director, I get that.
If it were me doing it, I'd use a Mid-Side pair in the center and some shot-guns or hypercardioids on the outer 3rds, then multi-track syncing to video later.
C.

You do raise a good point Champ, and the thing that most people seem to neglect is that the VP-88 is an M/S mic. I wouldn't try putting it back farther, i'd try putting it up higher.