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recording or location sound recording has its
own set of rules and problems that set it apart from
more conventional studio recording and there are only
a few companies with the specialist equipment and practical
experience to make great location recordings.
The
whole point of location
sound recording is to enable a large ensemble
like a choir, orchestra or brass band to create a blend
of the direct sound of the group with the natural ambience
or acoustics of the venue and with this in mind the
choice of venue is really important and determines what
the final recording will sound like.
All venues large and small have their own unique acoustic
properties that interact with the performance of the
musicians and some concert halls become famous for their
great sound whilst others achieve notoriety for theirs’.
That's
not to say that you have to hire a famous concert hall
for a great location sound recording and over the years
we have made some very fine sounding recordings in local
Methodist chapels, old churches, village halls and even
some school halls can sound OK. As a rule of thumb you
really can say that if the hall sounds good to sing
or play in then chances are it will also be a good venue
for recording.
Generally with a choir or brass band you really need
a space that will comfortably fit everyone in 4 or 5
times and with a fairly high ceiling. This space then
begins to work for the recording, blending voices and
instruments into an overall sound so that no individual
parts stick out. Of course, some people don’t
come with a volume control and occasionally there is
one individual who gets to be heard above everyone else
and this is where the recording engineer and the MD
have a discreet word!
Try
to find a place that is not on a busy road as traffic
noise is a real problem along with the occasional ambulance
or motorbike and make sure that you can get facilities
for a drink in rest periods and that there is adequate
power. When you are considering your venue take along
a digital camera and take some pictures and if you email
these to me I will be able to advise you on choosing
the best location.
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