Recording a Marching Band

[wisew]

Hey all,

So I have some recording / engineering experience from high school, and it appears I'm now heading a live album recording project for my college's marching band. However, as this is going to be entirely student-funded, our budget is basically non-existent (ie. no gear can actually be BOUGHT). It seems that my best bet for borrowing gear, is a (or a few) Zoom H2 Recorders.
-Does anybody have any experience with these?
I will be recording a band of about 40 people max (instrument sections including the typical low brass, trombones, saxes, trumpets, woodwinds, drumline, and even electric guitars).
-Would the Zoom H2 be able to produce an acceptable-sounding album?
-What kind of physical placement would you recommend? (like, on a stand, centered, how far away from the band, etc)
I don't actually know what venue we'll have yet for recording, but it'll have enough room to move the recorder back if necessary (probably a lecture hall, chapel, or other concert hall if we're lucky).
-Are there any pre-gain settings or other settings on the H2 I should know about that would help with recording a loud (mostly) brass band?
-Would the electric guitars inevitably sound like an annoying buzz without directly miking the amps?

Thanks so much for your help!!!

[scottmo]

well look at the manual but i would suggest placing it back about 30 or so feet from the band if they are arced up. also i would suggest a 20 db pad. marching bands are pretty loud. also if outside use a windscreen. your probably not going to get a studio quality recording but it can be ok if you play your card right.

[Amplyfied Noize]

-Would the Zoom H2 be able to produce an acceptable-sounding album?

Probably not. Better to get USB preamp, rent a couple of decent mics and record to a laptop.

-What kind of physical placement would you recommend? (like, on a stand, centered, how far away from the band, etc)

Attend a rehearsal and try out different recording positions. Sound Check!