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Need help!!! Need to record band live... what to use???

#21
I have used a Zoom H2 in the past to record rehearsals and gigs and it did great.
Easy to use, great recordings, just switch it on, set the correct recording level, press record and that's it.
The screen was a bit small be the newer H2N has this covered.

I also like it can record stereo (2-channel) and 4-channel (so front and back simultaneously, 360 degrees).
Great for recording rehearsals, just put it in the middle of the room on a tripod.
The newer H2N can also do mid-side recordings, very nice.
 
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#22
in the old days we used to record using a cassette tape recorder, and each member had their own practice tape...

roll on 25 years,

I used to use a USB 2 channel sound card, use a room mic in one input, and the other channel direct from the desk.
the files are saved as MP3 and each member has a memory stick.

For live gigs, I now use a multi channel (10 channel) USB sound card (Edirol UA101) + laptop, and made some insert plugs to go into each desk channel.
Using your favourite D.A.W recording software, you can record the whole band mix.
I do
3 x vocals
1 x guitar
1 x bass
3 x drum mics

You can then mix down latter to your taste. Makes quite good live demos.

Here is a shameless plug for one of my band's live recordings at a gig, using the above configuration.
 
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#23
Same here....
rickdog said:
I picked up a Zoom H1 about a year ago. Love it. It can record MP3 or wav (up to 96Ksample/sec., 24-bit stereo) straight to micro SD card, can take a stereo input instead of the built-in mic, plugs into USB to either transfer files or work as an audio interface. It comes with a 2GB micro SD, good for about 3 hours of CD-quality recording. Lots more features, you can download the manual from the Zoom web site.

Battery life is fine... if you take the battery out when you're not using it. Apparently it consumes a lot of power just to keep the time/date.

Including the accessory kit (tripod, mic stand mount, a few other little things) I think I spent about $130 at my local independent music store. Hold your nose and go into a big chain store, you might save $5... or spend it and support a business where they'll remember your face and your name ;)
Click to expand...
 
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#25
I'm glad to hear about your recovery! All good recommendations. I have a zoom h2 that was less than $100. You can select 44.1 khz /16-bit, wav so you don't need to make a conversion. Attach it on a mic stand. I'd raise the stand high (a little above the ear level) make sure you're not clipping (let the band play as loud as it'll get and check levels). Experiment with different placements to get a nice balance. Hit record, rock.
 
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#27
beatnut said:
I use a Tascam DR-05. It is almost foolproof. Turn on the automatic gain control and forget about it.
Click to expand...
I tried the automatic gain control on the DR-40 when I first got it and was disappointed with the results, I had a whole rehearsal of recordings that were pretty much useless. I then tried fixed record level and found that letting it clip occasionally (snare hits mainly) was way better.

The DR-40 doesn't clip "digitally" it is more like analogue clipping so just removes the peaks. It didn't seem to make much difference to the sound of the snare ans certainly makes it so it doesn't dominate the mix. As always this was with our rehearsal setup and YMMV.
 
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#29
delta7fred said:
I tried the automatic gain control on the DR-40 when I first got it and was disappointed with the results, I had a whole rehearsal of recordings that were pretty much useless. I then tried fixed record level and found that letting it clip occasionally (snare hits mainly) was way better.

The DR-40 doesn't clip "digitally" it is more like analogue clipping so just removes the peaks. It didn't seem to make much difference to the sound of the snare ans certainly makes it so it doesn't dominate the mix. As always this was with our rehearsal setup and YMMV.
Click to expand...

I process the recordings in Audacity, usually. Just normalization and very rarely some EQ. The DR-05 has a pair of fixed omni-directional mics, so that may have something to do with it. I usually put the recorder on top of the portable PA combo so it's closer to vocals and acoustic instruments. Not a hifi recording by any means, but a useful enough balance for reviewing performances.
 
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