Lichfield Cathedral

[Urthlupe]

Although I have played in the Cathedral and visited a number of times, I have never before recorded there (choir/organ/piano).

Anyone with experience of recording in this wonderful old place who'd like to share?

All contributions appreciated.

Loopy

[zenguitar]

I saw the title and nearly moved the thread to the Musician's Lounge. I thought it was a new game of Mornington Crescent, Ecclisiastical rules.

Carry on

Andy

[Guest]

Lichfield Cathedral is a superb recording space because due to the sandstone it has very low reverberation (which also makes it a bit hellish to sing in ). I recorded a lot there during my time as a Lay-Vicar Choral, using primarily a Rode NT4 into a Mackie Onyx desk and then firewire to Logic. The organ records well from the crossing, the choir from just in front of the screen. I recorded some English Baroque (small choir, strings and portative organ) in the Lady Chapel behind the high altar with success - adding a couple of spot mics to give me mix choices. Of course as you probably know from attending the festival that orchestra (particularly strings) sounds fabulous in front of the main doors - the oak is now as hard as iron and adds a really lively tone.
Generally I didn't bother with distant mics to provide reverb, using the convolution choices in Space designer to make things a bit more 'moist'.
Guess that's all a bit obvious but good luck with any projects - Lichfield makes a fine 'recordng studio'. Oh and the Vergers are very helpful though the 'priestly set' are a bit pompous and self important.
Mac

[Urthlupe]

Thankyou Mac.

A number of choral recordings seem to have taken place immediately in front of the screen at the crossing - for good reason I was guessing. Possibly the contribution from the north and south transepts have impact at that point?

I was considering putting something up on the other side of the screen to find some weight for the organ, but it sounds as if there may be sufficient tone again from the crossing.

Thanks again for the reply

Loopy

[Guest]

The obvious reminder - the organ goes 'round the corner' and there are pipes down the side of the nave. Mac

[Urthlupe]

Thankyou Mac. It's a long time since I've been in there and of course can't really remember the locations of things. I've simply been trying to assemble a few ideas from net images and floor plans as it will be a week or so before I have the opportunity to recce. What I've seen of the organ pipes was obviously not the full story....

Would also like a look at the library if I get the chance....

Kindest

Loopy