Capturing Metal in 3D

The Challenge of Capturing Authentic Live Ambience

For audio engineers, capturing the raw energy of a live audience is as important as recording the performance on stage. Few environments test this ability more than Wacken Open Air (WOA), the world's largest metal festival, in Germany.

In 2024, Thomas Geiger, a Berlin-based sound engineer and music producer, introduced an innovative recording method using Schoeps microphones to capture audience ambience in a way that immerses listeners in the true atmosphere of WOA. Geiger, known for his expertise in 3D audio and immersive formats, turned his experience into an art form. He founded Immersive Guerrillaz to bring audiences into the heart of the festival experience – of course, with the help of Schoeps microphones.

Thomas Geiger and Immersive Guerrillaz

Thomas Geiger's career spans over two decades, during which he has worked with renowned artists and studios, including Funkhaus Studios in Berlin and The Banff Centre in Canada. His credits include collaborations with artists like Will.i.am, Nils Frahm, Blind Guardian, Helloween, CRO, TEESY, and Axel Rudi Pell. Beyond engineering and production, Geiger is also a skilled multi-instrumentalist and the owner of a certified Dolby Atmos studio, enabling him to push the boundaries of immersive audio production.

With Immersive Guerrillaz, Geiger specializes in capturing not only the artists on stage but also the audience's reaction in detail. Their mission is clear: to create a listening experience where the audience feels transported into the middle of the live event. This goal demands not just technical proficiency, but also innovative recording techniques tailored to the unique challenges of live environments.

A Guerrilla Approach to Recording: The Setup at WOA

Recording at a massive outdoor event like WOA presents significant challenges. The sheer scale of the crowd, unpredictable weather conditions, and safety concerns all affect how an audio team can operate. For Geiger, mobility was key. "We mounted our arrays on mobile booms," he explains, "so we could quickly adapt to changes in the field, whether it was sound-related or for safety reasons, such as crowd surfers or mosh pits."

At WOA 2024, Geiger deployed an array featuring two Schoeps ORTF-2plus2 systems. Designed as a 4-channel plug-and-play set for immersive 3D ambience recording, the array features two CCM 41 and two CCM 41V supercardioid microphones. This setup provided flexibility and high-quality results despite the demanding environment. The ORTF-2plus2 system, offered an ideal balance between portability and sound fidelity. Its performance exceeded expectations, particularly in handling wind noise and physical vibrations. The team opted for the maximum width of their stereo rails, allowing for greater spatial depth in the final mix.

A Long-Standing Relationship with Schoeps

Geiger's connection with Schoeps microphones dates back to his student days when he won his first Schoeps CMC 6 with MK 22 open cardioid capsules at an AES Convention recording competition in New York. Since then, Schoeps microphones have become a staple in his studio and live recording setups. "Whether it's room miking for drum recordings with Blind Guardian or close MS for piano recordings with Nils Frahm, Schoeps microphones always deliver unparalleled sound quality," he says.

Schoeps' reputation for precision, versatility, and durability made them the obvious choice for Geiger's work at WOA. "In a setting like WOA, where conditions can change rapidly, having reliable, high-performance microphones is essential," he emphasizes.