Sony ecm44b, shure sm57, audio technica at815b.

Small garage, 5 members with guitars&drums, closed door.

Which 1 mic would get the best coverage?

(yes, crazy limited space & mic selection, but that's what's available)

XLR'd into a Sony z1u.

You might want to consider a Western Electric T-1 single-button mic. It will add a little extra "grunge" to your recording.

Sony ecm44b, shure sm57, audio technica at815b.

Small garage, 5 members with guitars&drums, closed door.

Which 1 mic would get the best coverage?

(yes, crazy limited space & mic selection, but that's what's available)

XLR'd into a Sony z1u.None of the above. The least inappropriate would be the SM57.

You really intend to attempt to get a good sound from a 5 piece in a garage? I hope it's an acoustic set with the drummer playing light! If on the other hand, they've all got amps on the go, where are vocals coming from? Please not a PA?

If you really have to do this, then oddly, I'd suggest the 57. Absolutely NOT the 815, it's really not very good at the bass end - and the Sony can easily overload if the volume is up a bit.

In all seriousness, the chances of getting a good balance and quality sound are remote. Do they have a CD of them that's been properly recorded? If so, I'd suggest miming.

Sound is vital - you have a nice camera, would you smear the lens with vaseline and hope to get good images?

I won't offer microphone recommendations, but I would recommend you get a bunch of moving blankets or comforters and place them around the "garage" to help tame some of the acoustic reflections.

J.

Uh.. Maybe I'm overstating the obvious but why not ask for some local help doing a bit of sound design before the shoot. That way you will end up with something you can stand to watch and maybe listen to as well.

With you being in the LA area how hard will it be to find some help?? Its likely they will even have the gear to do it right.

If choice is A B C and no "none of the above", go with the 57. Experiment with location all around the garage to get the right mix from the instruments, vocals, and room acoustics.