My little trio tried the "one mic" approach, and I must admit I have alot of respect for anyone that can make it work. We never could get the choreography down without someone eating a headstock. I normally use between five and seven different instruments in the course of our show, and I've found that a dynamic mic (I use the old SM58) on vocals, and a small diameter condenser on instruments sounds decent, doesn't cause too much feedback trouble, and makes switching instruments a no-brainer. If I switch from guitar to banjo, I just take about a half step back, and if I go to a nylon stringed guitar I can throw it right up into the mic-instant sound man. The only instrument I run direct is the upright bass. I agree that no mics is the best setup for the performer, especially from a vocal standpoint in a group setting. I love to be able to get real close to each other and hit that "sweet spot" on the harmonies in a natural enviornment. Moments like that remind me of why I love to make music!
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