steve wrote:

Thanks for all the excellent advice. I seem to be homing in on a
workable, compact solution, which would mean using the Minidisc player as
the recorder
and forgetting the PC. I have an old pair of National Panasonic WM-2244-N
microphones (bought as a pair, reference RP-8135). They are "low
impedance" 500ohm dynamic, and seem to work OK with the MD player,
providing I set
"high sensitivity". That would avoid the need for pre-amps and electrical
power, since the MD player will record happily for long enough on its
internal battery coupled with a piggy back alkaline AA.

My only concern would be whether the mikes would be sensitive enough when
placed, say, 40 feet from the centre of the choir and orchestra.

With a choir *and* orchestra you have the potential for some serious use of
dynamic range so when they go full pelt mic sensitivity may not be a
problem. if you are placing the mics 40 feet away I assume that means the
choir + orchestra is about that width? if it is less you can bring them in
closer.

Might it
help to make the mikes more directional if I place some kind of cones
around
them?? Or an umbrella behind??

Definitely not, you would almost certainly introduce unwanted side effects.

Ian