Which single mic to record band rehearsals/demos

[Lebowsky]

We're a three piece, drums, guitar, bass, no vocals. Heavy/loud rock music.

We're currently recording rehearsals/ideas/demos using a Scarlett interface and an old vocals mic we had lying around (Sennheiser e835 I believe).

I'm looking into improving on the mic to get something more suitable for a single mic recording. What would be a good option?

To be clear, we are not looking to record production material (we'd go into a studio for that), only quick demos and ideas for ourselves to remember them and be able to hear everything distinctly.

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

 

[SoCal80s]

Try a drum overhead mic. Will need phantom power. Use omni-directional mode instead of cardioid if you have a choice.

Behringer B-5 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
Audio-Technica AT2021 Cardioid Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone
AKG P170 Small-diaphragm Condenser Microphone

 

[kjp360]

It really depends on the room and the mic placement more than anything, but I have had luck with an omni in this situation. A PZM was surprisingly good and was very clear as well.

 

[And I]

I'd say it also depends on the budget. Just because you don't want to make production ready recordings with this one mic doesn't mean you want the cheapest available option. In case you don't, consider the Audio Technica 8022. It's a stereo mic that will give you a nice clear image that sounds very close to what you hear in the room. The AT 8010 is a cheaper omnidirectonal mono mic that should also work well if you don't care about stereo.

On an even-less-expensive note, I've gotten the best results using a Tascam DR-07. I think the DR-05x is the current offering. It's a standalone recorder, not just a mic. Under $100.

 

[Lebowsky]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. The 8022 is out of my price range (and we don't particularly need stereo). The 8010 seems interesting, it's a bit above what I was hoping ($100-$150). But if there's nothing else I'll probably go with that. I really am clueless as to what condenser, diaphragm, cardioid, etc. means, so I am sincerely grateful for the help. (although I assume cardioid is the opposite of omni-directionnal )

 

[seamonkey]

This site focused on room measurement
REW room acoustics and audio device measurement and analysis software

Recommends
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...07-20&linkId=4b8523e5473d4163f27fa890d94fae9b

It will use the phantom power off the interface.

 

[Bassamatic]

Just looking ahead - I use a Zoom Q2n audio/video recorder. You can set it to just audio for your rehearsals then video your gigs in 4K video and stereo. A little more expensive than just a mic, but it is self-contained and the videos are good to have.

 

[Discount Bassy]

When I was starting out as a part of a backing band for a weekly open mic, the drummer would bring a Zoom and managed to find the perfect spot to place it for good bass response and clarity in the high end frequencies. We would back anyone and record it on condition that they returned the following week to pick up their live recording. The band members were also sent marginally edited files (removal of non-song business) of the entire show. It sounded pretty good for a band in a bar without the greatest acoustics and he bought the thing used, so wasn't out much. The learning curve to find the sweet spot (on an overhead beam) took a couple of shows. He's still using the thing a decade plus later and the technology has only gotten better in the mean time. I second opinion of a used Zoom recorder and some of the models do have XLR direct inputs if you really want to add something down the road.

 

[dbsfgyd1]

We're a three piece, drums, guitar, bass, no vocals. Heavy/loud rock music.

We're currently recording rehearsals/ideas/demos using a Scarlett interface and an old vocals mic we had lying around (Sennheiser e835 I believe).

I'm looking into improving on the mic to get something more suitable for a single mic recording. What would be a good option?

To be clear, we are not looking to record production material (we'd go into a studio for that), only quick demos and ideas for ourselves to remember them and be able to hear everything distinctly.

Thanks in advance for your ideas.

I have a Tascam digital pocket recorder that works great for what your are looking to accomplish. I've been using mine since about 2007. It has a limiter so you can be as loud as you want.

I record all practices as well as live performances Occasionally I record from the house, but most of the time I just set it up on stage. Probably the best $70 I've spent in helping me be a better bassist.

 

[Stevie Bandrum]

A small Zoom or Tascam recorder is the way to go for quick demo recordings that don't need to be too fancy. Depending on the model you can use it as mic for your Scarlett too if you want to keep using it.
I use a zoom h4n for almost 10 years now and it still holds up. Stays in the gig bag so I can record at whatever random location we practice at.

 

[stigbeve]

I just use my iPhone. Then I will send the iCloud links to the other guys after practice.

 

[Wood and Wire]

Rode NT4.

Or a pair of Rode NT5 for half the price.

Alternatively, many hard disk recorders (such a models by Zoom) have perfectly fit for purpose mics built in.

 

[bassfran]

If you have the scratch, an AKG 414.

 

[bassbrad]

I've been using a Zoom Q2HD for audio and video recording for a good while and have always been pleased with the results.

 

[WRM]

A Zoom Handicorder would be a good solution, and cheaper that many Mics. I have the H6 - stereo recording head + 4 inputs (or 6 inputs w/proper adapter). Use the stereo head for the band, and run your DIs into the other ports so you can balance the mix later if you choose. I also picked up the H1N on sale awhile back (mic only, no inputs).
Handheld Recorders

I have no experience with the Zoom audio/video recorder, but that should work, too.

 

[Queue]

Best bang for your buck is this:
Behringer ECM8000 Measurement Condenser Microphone

You can get a PAIR for $70. I found them recommended by Harvey Gerst on the HomeRecording forum. Anyhow, check the reviews on SW. Yes they are not made for recording, but they are amazing when used for recording.

 

[Shepsdad]

I use a cheap (sub $30) lapel mic that plugs directly into my iPhone, so I get video and audio. I got the mic from Amazon, and it sounds fantastic for what it is, it outperformed my expectations by a ton. Plus I have video, because just because I HEAR what I played, doesn't mean I'll necessarily REMEMBER how I played it.

 

[superheavyfunk]

Honestly, you don't need much if your only goal is to capture the band rehearsals for later review. I used to use an SM58 for this purpose for years and years, recording to a 4 track (first cassette, and then later a digital one). Nowadays, I use the Shure MV88 and record into either a iPad or my iPhone.

The placement of said mic is much MUCH more important. You can have a $500 mic but if it's placed poorly, you're gonna end up with a crappy recording.

 

[Queue]

I use a cheap (sub $30) lapel mic that plugs directly into my iPhone, so I get video and audio. I got the mic from Amazon, and it sounds fantastic for what it is, it outperformed my expectations by a ton. Plus I have video, because just because I HEAR what I played, doesn't mean I'll necessarily REMEMBER how I played it.

I sometimes use a GoPro Hero 4 for this. Remarkably good sound for the tiny mic.

 

[And I]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. The 8022 is out of my price range (and we don't particularly need stereo). The 8010 seems interesting, it's a bit above what I was hoping ($100-$150). But if there's nothing else I'll probably go with that. I really am clueless as to what condenser, diaphragm, cardioid, etc. means, so I am sincerely grateful for the help. (although I assume cardioid is the opposite of omni-directionnal )

A condenser mic uses a couple of electrically charged plates to sense fluctuations in air pressure in space over time (otherwise known as "sound"). Other types of mics are dynamic mics and ribbon mics which each use different mechanisms to capture sound. The "diaphragm" of any mic is the element that senses the air pressure changes (which is what sound literally is). Cardiod is a "polar pattern". Depending on how the diaphragm(s) of a mic are arranged / oriented, and how the microphone casing is constructed around them give you different "polar patterns". This means which direction the mic picks up sound and which direction it "rejects" sound from. You're spot on that Cardiod is uni-directional (picks up sound in front of the mic, rejects sound behind the mic).

I would seriously consider something like the Tascam DR-05. Not only is it a bit cheaper than most decent stand-alone mics, you can bring it anywhere (gigs, rehearsals, etc) and get a decent recording without having to set up a computer / DAW.