Phil T

Surely analogue systems record at an infinite sampling rate where as digital records at a finite sampling rate? Infinite sampling must equate to more “data” than finite? I’ll say no more because as you say, this isn’t the place to discuss this subject at depth.

It’s easy to say, but the head should make this decision, not the heart.

A lot depends on how the nave organ is to be used. If it’s never going to be played with the quire organ then what it sounds like (in relation to the Willis) is of little relevance and manly comes down to personal preference. As has already been mentioned, no matter what course of action is taken, someone will think it’s wrong.

That must take up a serious amount of memory? What ADC do you use and at what sampling rate? In theory a good analogue machine running at a high enough speed will record more “data” than any digital system.

The organ is there to help lead the worship and accompany the choir. The question should be (within money constraints): What gives the greatest flexibility in accompanying the choir and congregation? To my mind, unless you can reinstate the organ chamber as an organ chamber (which sounds unlikely), the decision has been made for you.

When I was much younger I used to go (was taken) to “Hooked on Classics” concerts. At the time I thought they were great and I thoroughly enjoyed them. I wouldn’t go one now though. There was much debate at the time about the music being trivialised etc etc. What I thought at the time was that it introduced music to an audience who would never have ordinarily heard it. This I don’t think is a bad thing. I’d never heard of Virgil Fox before reading this thread. You may not like what he did or the way that he did it, but if he in any way inspired others to listen to or learn to play the organ, then it can only be a good thing?

And why not bang the drum for the Sony? If it does all you want/need, then why spend any more? Sadly, for my bank balance at least, I’m into Hi-Fi. The sky, or more importantly the size of you bank account, is the limit. Sounds good though.

As you say, a better microphone would improve things, but just like Hi-Fi, it’s the law diminishing returns. To get a microphone that is twice as good as your Sony, you’ll spend considerably more than £120. Then it comes down to, what do you want the recording for, can you justify the expense etc? If (like Hi-Fi) you’re bitten by the bug you’ll always be saving for the next upgrade and have a very empty wallet.

Well said. I for one will be sad if sjf stops reading and posting on this board. I value ALL opinions even if I don't agree with them.

Half full or half empty, it all depends where you start. The last two towns I’ve lived in have had a shortage of organists and singers who are prepared to commit to two services a Sunday, week in week out. You must be lucky to have so many churches with quality music. Where is it you live? I must move there in a few years time when I’m due to leave Scotland.

Ah yes, very nice but at a shade over £4000 I don’t suppose Santa will be bringing me one even if I was a very, very good boy.

The PZM is ideal for recordings where an audience is present as they have very good rear and side rejection characteristics but don’t have a totally flat frequency response. Like many things in life (sadly), the more you spend, the better the product. Priory use (if my memory serves me right) the Calrec Soundfield microphone. You can’t buy them new, but second hand they’re worth hundreds.

Sadly cathedrals don’t do these and many churches won’t do them as it excludes those who can’t sing.

I’ve no doubt that it will be superbly sung with fantastic diction and lovely vowel sounds. I just hope the recording quality does them justice.

Hope this helps Like most things, there are no hard and fast rules, only guides. It all depends what sounds good to you and how you’re going to use the recording.

All microphones have a polar pattern. This explains it better than I could This is the reason why careful microphone placement is essential. Priory and Lammas tend to get it right and preserve the correct balance between organ and choir and manage to retain the natural acoustic of the building.

I have a cd of a nine lessons and carols from the same era. It’s lovely to hear the choir from that time but the sound quality is very, very poor. I hope the BBC recording is of better quality else I’ll not get much further than “O Lord open thou our lips”.

The limitation of this is the in built microphone and how much memory you have (assuming no sound compression). I personally wouldn’t make a recording without permission of the performer(s). A good stereo recording would need a separate mic/stand etc, yet more cost.

Is Ewell too far south? St Marys the Virgin has a fine 3m Willis that I'd love to get a recording of.

Liked the sound of this organ, particularly the dulcian. Would need to hear it in the flesh (or at least a well recorded cd, e.g. Priory) before passing final judgement.

I can’t believe that 1. He’s still married. 2. She actually gets him a drink.

It all depends on what times it’s on, if I’m looking after my daughter, if I go to (sing) evensong and what style of music they look at.

A truly fantastic piece, can’t say I’ve ever heard it for a wedding though.

Only one of the best programs on TV, shame there are so many repeats.

I didn’t watch it. As soon as I saw the program synopsis I decided to watch something else instead. Hurray for the Simpson’s.