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

If your MD recorder is anything like mine (relatively boggo Sharp), it's
possible to monitor the signal with a half decent pair of headphones and
alter the recording level as you go along to get something reasonable.
Obviously some bits will be louder than others, so you'll want to check
you're not going to get clipping when you set it up.