[dvdan]

hi trbguy
guessing you're a trombonist? me too! As trev has stated here, a great section of three or five or even more players should balance themselves out. Arrangement has a lot to do with the sound as well.
The real secret is great, accomplished players with just a couple of well placed mics in a room that is not too small. Again as Trev says, distance from the musicians is the key to allow all the sounds to gel together. On a budget, dynamic and ribbon mics are the order of the day, expensive LDCs are very good for solo instruments. Royer 121s are really sweet on brass - especially trumpets. Anything in fact.

dan