Filming a Marching Band?

[killkhan]

Hey everyone.

So next weekend, I am filming a marching band so that they can make an audition tape for the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, CA.

They want this to look as pro as possible so they are giving me a budget to get microphones, cameras, gear, etc.

Here's my problem. I've decided on a camera but I don't know what to do about sound.

Currently, the budget is open-ended (not limitless, but large). I do not get to keep the equipment afterwards obviously.

Now, I need to capture the music that the marching band is playing as clearly as possible and sync it to the camera. I was thinking about using a dat recorder and four shotgun microphones, one for each section of the marching band.

Does anyone have any ideas for capturing sound well for this type of thing? Keep in mind, not limitless budget, but decent. Probably in the $5000 range (for all of the gear, maybe more)

[killkhan]

*bump*

no one has any ideas?:(

[dailyproductions]

Try these two forum topics:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-things-audio/124066-mic-kit-marching-band-orchestra-general-video-work.html

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-things-audio/111198-avoid-clipping-while-recording-marching-band.html

The last one has some ranting in it but links to another topic on mic selection and such.

[RAM]

I was thinking about using a dat recorder and four shotgun microphones, one for each section of the marching band.
The dat recorder is a good idea, but you could end up with phase issues between all the mics. Could potentially ruin the sound and force you to use only the signal from a single mic, unless you can nudge them into time without ruining sync.

Simplest solution would be to just get a stereo mic. No phase issues and if positioned right it should work fine.

The real question is whether or not the band is actually going to be marching during the filming. If they aren't you could get away with using the 4 mics, providing you position them correctly. If they are it'll obviously be more difficult.

Rob

[google550]

I'm no expert with sound, but I know that you NEED to get good recordings of the sound, and edit TO the music. Make sure you get good coverage so you can do your thing in the editing room.

[killkhan]

The dat recorder is a good idea, but you could end up with phase issues between all the mics. Could potentially ruin the sound and force you to use only the signal from a single mic, unless you can nudge them into time without ruining sync.

Simplest solution would be to just get a stereo mic. No phase issues and if positioned right it should work fine.

The real question is whether or not the band is actually going to be marching during the filming. If they aren't you could get away with using the 4 mics, providing you position them correctly. If they are it'll obviously be more difficult.

Rob

They will be marching which is whats going to make this difficult.

[killkhan]

Try these two forum topics:
http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-things-audio/124066-mic-kit-marching-band-orchestra-general-video-work.html

http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/all-things-audio/111198-avoid-clipping-while-recording-marching-band.html

The last one has some ranting in it but links to another topic on mic selection and such.

Thanks alot man!

[RAM]

They will be marching which is whats going to make this difficult.

Ouch. It won't be easy then. Is there any chance you'd have a little bit of time before filming so that you can find the best place to stand with the mics?

If so, try and keep the mics this distance for the whole shoot. (I realise this is pretty obvious but I just thought I'd mention it).

Are they going to be doing a short rehearsal so that you have some idea of the gain levels you'll need?

Depending on the recording system you use you'll more than likely need a wireless system to prevent yourself tripping over wires. (obviously this won't be necessary if you choose a stereo flash recorder).

A non-wireless solution would obviously be best.

Sound wise, having the mic(s) at the front will probably be best. Marching Bands are usually sectioned so as to have the louder instruments at the back. So by having the mic at the front you should be able to achieve an already balanced sound.

Rob

[digitalburr]

Why not have them play the music their going to play while marching before hand so you can record it and sync it to the video? As long as its what their playing while marching there should be no trouble. Just a suggestion.

[RAM]

Why not have them play the music their going to play while marching before hand so you can record it and sync it to the video?

No matter how good the band are: there will be slight timing differences every time they play a song. Which would more than likely make it really difficult to sync the audio (and make it look believable).

You are right in a way though: the best sounding solution would be to record it all inside in a studio. Then get them to march without playing at all. Just play what you recorded in the studio to them as they march so that they can mime it. But this would take too long. I think the OP wants a simpler solution.

Also it would be a lie. The band is trying to enter a competition based on their skill. If someone in the competition hears that they recorded in a studio (with all the editing and correction that that involves) the ban would probably be disqualified.

Rob

[killkhan]

Also it would be a lie. The band is trying to enter a competition based on their skill. If someone in the competition hears that they recorded in a studio (with all the editing and correction that that involves) the ban would probably be disqualified.

Rob

Exactly, I was thinking about using 1 or 2 parabolic microphones, im not sure if those can be wireless or not.

What do you think?

[RAM]

Parabolic mics might be a good option. You might end up losing some of the lower bass sound unless you get some big ones though. The loss in bass however will lower handling and wind noise while also reducing some of the sound from the percussion section. Shouldn't be too big of a problem though.

The handy thing of course (which I'm sure you know) is that by using the parabolic reflectors with whatever mic you choose you can just focus on the band. This directionality however could be a hindrance. You could potentially cut out part of the band if you don't have it aligned right.

Also a parabolic mic is pretty senistive. Since the band are going to be loud a shotgun mic might be a better choice. It's still directional but it's less sensitive. You could potentially end up with distortion with the parabolic.

Have you seen the band perform before? If you have: draw out how they were laid out and think about the sound in that way. Directional mics might not actual be as necessary as you think.

Sorry for all the differing views. As you must know: every type of setups has its faults and benefits. Just try to think about them all. Personally I'd be more inclined to go for a shotgun or stereo mic setup. But that's just me and I might be wrong.

See if you can record them during their practice so as you can practice with whatever setup you choose.

Oh and wireless shouldn't be a problem with the parabolic.

Rob

[movieidiot]

If you can I would like to see how it turns out!

[killkhan]

Im going to have a shotgun mic just in case. Maybe I'll try two different thigns at the same time.

I could record with the shotgun and the parabolic mic on two different decks and see which one is better.

Thanks for all the help everyone.

[Green Hat Productions]

if there is a pit then you could just have a regular mic over them! we tape our shows with just too shot gun mics. in our media tower!

[The_Count]

i just turned on the tv and there was a marching band going through London CIty Centre and when the cameras showed a distant shot of the whole band there was a man marching along side the band at the front on the right hand side holding a boom pole.

so perhaps you should consider that, having someone march with a boom pole and a nice mic on that, will certainly get you the most consistent sound.


i fear this information may be too late however.