Easy Live Recording...

[tubesornothing]

I am looking for the easiest setup for half-assed "OK sound" for live recording at a small show.  Vocals go through the main PA,  everything else is on its own (keys, bass, guitar and drums).

I only have a stereo recorder and don't really want to get into a lot of set up.

Any suggestions for getting the best sound with these types of restrictions?

thanks
ToN

[simonallaway]

Does that stereo recorder have its own microphones?

If not I'd use both channels to get two slightly different recordings. One mic close to the stage (less ambient room noise), and another further back (with ambient noise, which might help later).

If it does have its own microphones I'd try and place it close to the stage, perhaps on a lump of foam to minimise vibration from furniture/people.

Only testing is going to let you know how good of a sound you'll get, and it will depend on the room (with audience) and how well balanced the band is.

[thermion]

In all my time in stage and marching bands (even through college) enormous groups of musicians would be miked using a simple stereo setup. They would put the two microphones in something of a X shape a couple of feet above the heads of everyone, about ten to 20 feet out front. These must not have been very directional mics; I don't know exactly what was used though they looked alot like a typical "shotgun" mic. When I would hear these recordings later I was always amazed at how good it sounded for such a simple technique. This worked well in both room and outdoor environments.

[tubesornothing]

Thanks for the feedback guys.  My recorder does have built in mics, but I can also use external mics as well.

... in something of a X shape a couple of feet above the heads of everyone, about ten to 20 feet out front...

A buddy suggested that I do this.  He said it is called "coincident pair technique".  It will give a stereo image without some delay issues or something like that.

Found an article on it:  http://www.tape.com/resource/stereo_microphone_techniques.html

[Dynaflow]

 I've recorded some rehearsals using a pair of mikes and the results were mixed just because everyone was setup all over the rather small room that by day was the bass players place of work. It was a small 12x14 room they did copier repair in. Linoleum floor and the mikes I used were just some garden variety AKG omni mikes. What it picked up it did well, but because of everyone's set up it was difficult to get a good sound.

 That said if everyone is set up on a stage you should be able to get a reasonably ok sound. Heck The Beatles only used four tracks.. heh.. The other guitar player I played with had bought one of those Zoom recorders with the built in effects and all that jazz and depending on where he set it up it turned out ok.

 The funny part was he was the ahem 'lead' guitar player and despite his attempts my guitar (with my little 18 watt lite II B amp) was cutting through like crazy while his boutique 5e3 with expensive transformers etc would get buried with all his pedal use.

 Anyway when he bought the zoom to try and record "HIM" (a real EGO problem and part of our falling out) basically he got "ME" and it always pissed him off (haha which is ok, we're not friends these days).

 Sorry for the sidetrack, but you should be able to get ok results I'd bet. Hey if it turns out cool can we hear it? Take care.

Regards,

Don

[PRR]

> everyone was setup all over

Yeah, where they wanted to play. And as loud as they like.

Bring in all your Mothers. Or a potential Agent, contract in hand. Set a chair(s).

NOW where do you set up? How loud do you play?

Kick Mom out, put the stereo-mike right there.

(In a larger room, move your mike 4-8 rows closer than you'd put a live listener. Mom has eyes and can turn her head, the mike does not get all the acoustic clues she has.)

[Dynaflow]

 Not sure what that was all about, they setup all over because of the copiers getting repaired, rehearsal space is expensive and hey if you have a free place you make the best of it. The recording I was doing was merely to practice the song, not get a contract... 50 year old guys in bar bands ain't looking for a contract.

[tubesornothing]

I am looking for somewhat decent recording - if I can.  We need to get a few songs together so we can submit them for a bluesfest.  For that I'll will kick mom out of her seat!

[Dynaflow]

 You should be able to do that, the stuff we did with even the little zoom deal with built in mikes, not exactly the ideal placement of mikes was passable for someone to hear the band, good luck with it and the bluesfest.

Regards,

D.

[Ritchie200]

Where do you put your sound man?  Or do you have one?  We kind-of touched on this in another post about getting a balance sound live.  You need someone front and center with the last word on individual's volume - period.  Do this during your soundcheck and tweak when people fill the room.  Do a sample recording during the sound check.  If your unit has built in mics, can they handle the sound pressure?  Many of the hand-helds will only tolerate normal conversation and are sensitive enough to pick up the soft voice speaking across the room - not barroom band levels (without distortion - the bad kind!).  You may need external mics to get the quality you are looking for, especially when you are using it as a resume.
Good luck!
Jim