Microphone for live recording?

FenderJazzFan · #1 02-20-2009, 11:51 AM

Could someone reccomend me a microphone for live recording? I just want to get 1 microphone to get an idea of what my band sound like as a whole when playing together. I don't want anything too expensive, just something that will capture everything from the bass to the hi hat at the same time. What sort of mike should I even be looking for? I have tried a vocal mic but the output was really low and it detected nothing unless you were an inch away from it

FenderJazzFan · #2 02-20-2009, 12:03 PM

would a Peavey PVI 2 be any good?

http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/options.php?id=71328

bk2mono · #3 02-20-2009, 12:29 PM

What are you recording to?

TL5 · #4 02-20-2009, 12:52 PM

On the very cheap, Behringer ECM8000.

It will require phantom power. You can usually get that from a mixer or external preamp. It's doubtful that the recording device has phantom power unless it's professional piece of gear.

You get better as you go up the food chain, but a single, omni directional, condenser can be very effective.

dave_p · #5 02-20-2009, 01:19 PM

Jehos · #6 02-20-2009, 03:02 PM

What vocal mic did you use, and what is it plugged into? The fact that you didn't pick anything up makes me think you had the gain turned way down.

stingray69 · #7 02-20-2009, 03:10 PM

If you want to capture a live performance, a Zoom H2 is a brilliant little device. Incredibly good results every time.

Here's one of a few TB threads regarding the device: Zoom h2

A useful YouTube primer on the Zoom H2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAOJQ_78Y7I

Another useful primer that shows mic patterns of the H2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3eXtfuyAoo

FenderJazzFan · #8 02-20-2009, 03:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jehos

What vocal mic did you use, and what is it plugged into? The fact that you didn't pick anything up makes me think you had the gain turned way down.

I have no idea what vocal mic I was using

but it's going into the Mic input of a Line 6 toneport ux1.

So basically I need an omnidirectional condensor microphone?

Edit:

Thanks stingray, but I only need a microphone and thats also a recording device

Also another vocal mike i tried was some behringer rubbish microphone. For that you also needed to sing within an inch of it or it wouldn't pick up the sound. :/ I really need a mike that can pick up all the instruments in the room

Jehos · #9 02-20-2009, 04:06 PM

I don't know if that TonePort UX1 will put out phantom power, which is what you'd need for most condensers.

Seriously, for the price of a decent omni condenser mic you can buy a used Zoom H2. You should seriously consider one, they can not only record your practices but they're a cheap(ish) device to take to shows and record your live sound too. Even though you don't necessarily need the recording ability, it's handy to have so you don't have to take your computer everywhere your band plays.

bk2mono · #10 02-20-2009, 05:35 PM

To add... the only type of condenser mic that would work would be the type that takes a battery and a decent one will cost over $200. Lower priced condenser microphones tend to to distort at high volumes and sound thin.

If you don't want to spend more than $100 then, as someone else mentioned... get a SM57. It is not the right tool for the job, but it is one of the most useful microphones made and you could use it for many other applications. Everyone should have one.

----------------

+1 Zoom H2
I put together a rehearsal/gig recording system some years ago with a Rode NT4 stereo self powered condenser and a Sony MiniDisc. If Zoom had those recorders back then I would have jumped at it. I'm still thinking of getting one.

fretlessrock · #11 02-20-2009, 06:53 PM

I'd think about blowing off the UX1 and getting an inexpensive stereo condenser mic and a 1/8" stereo extension. A trip to radio shack would do it. Most laptops will supply "plug in power" to a condenser mic and you will get better results than with a vocal mike like a SM57 or a cheap SM57 clone. I've run the "T" mic that came with my MAudio Microtrack like this and it works fine.

knarleybass · #12 02-20-2009, 06:55 PM

I have the Rode NT4 and an Edoral recorder, it's pretty good sounding. The limiter in the Edoral is great.

selfblessed · #13 02-20-2009, 06:58 PM

SM57 I recorded my 3 piece band with one. For reference only style. My friend and his band were jealous...after they multi miced their band. get good placement.

RustyAxe · #14 02-20-2009, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FenderJazzFan

Thanks stingray, but I only need a microphone and thats also a recording device

Why dismiss what is probably your best and easiest option? We use it to record all our rehearsals. FOUR mic capsule let us record from all sides, automagically mixed down to stereo, and direct to mp3 (among a dozen options). Even a freekin' Behringer or MXL condensor will cost as much or more.

hbarcat · #15 02-21-2009, 04:01 AM

I'll go with the crowd saying to get the H4 or similar self contained recorder. You'll end up spending less money than on a condensor microphone(s) and phantom power. Dynamic mics just won't cut it to record room sound and your cheapest and easiest solution is to get a used handheld recorder.

Luther Blissett · #16 02-22-2009, 12:18 PM

an extremely good condensor mic for the price is the Rode NT 1 A, good for vocals, but you can also record a session through it. That would give you a mono recording

but a better suggestion would be a rode nt 4 or a couple of rode NT 55, for stereo recording.

but if it is just to document your stuff, I second the zoom H2. or the H4. practical, cheap, mobile, and you can record anything anywhere

Luther Blissett · #17 02-22-2009, 12:35 PM

oh, my guitarist just bought a tascam DP - 004. a pretty cheap 4 track recorder. It records on flashcard. it has two internal mics and two mic / line inputs. We recorded a session with it (just using the internal mics), and we are quite happy about the results (we're even going to release a song or two of that session). It's definitly not the most HD way to record, but it's definitly fun to use...

Jim C · #18 02-22-2009, 12:38 PM

I'm interested in the Zoom but have been using a Crown PZM for years both in live recording (excellent ambient crowd mic for small rooms or stadiums) and love it for recording rehearsals. Has a built in AA battery; does your recorder have an attenuator for the input as the signal is reasonably hot? These things work great for recording rehearsals.
http://www.music123.com/Crown-Sound-...27293.Music123

6BG6G · #19 02-22-2009, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stingray69

If you want to capture a live performance, a Zoom H2 is a brilliant little device. Incredibly good results every time.

Here's one of a few TB threads regarding the device: Zoom h2

A useful YouTube primer on the Zoom H2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAOJQ_78Y7I

My drummer has one of those little zoom units. Very impressive sound and easy to use.

As far as microphones, you don't need an expensive mic to get good results for a room recording. A 57 or 58 work well. just be patient and experiment with mic placement/orientation of the microphone.

snappytom · #20 02-22-2009, 01:20 PM

For recording a band with 1 mic I have had good results with the Audio-Technica AT822 Condenser Stereo Mic.
Usually input to an Edirol R-1, it captures a live band very well.