Equipment for recording a live event

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Equipment for recording a live event

2011-02-07 16:13:45

I'm interested in some best practices on how to record a live event of a band I know.

If I can get mixer-output, how should I handle it? I haven't heard such output, but I guess that it will sound quite harsh, too little ambient and not optimized at all for normal listening. My thought was maybe the optimal would be to mix the mixer-output with some ambient recordings?

In that case, how many mic-locations should I have? Does it even make sense to have a left and right-channel, e.g. by placing a mic in each side of the scene, or should a stereo-mic in the center suffice?

What equipment should I use to record ambiance with? I've looked at some Edirol devices (inspired by the fan-made Radiohead live recording), but I think they seem a bit pricey, especially if I should get several of them.

Alternatively, I thought about using some of the many iPhones many of us are carrying anyway as recording devices, with a stereo-input cradle, the Blue FiRe app, mic-amp and a good microphone. I also need some advice on mics and mic-amps.

Equipment for recording a live event

Reply #1 – 2011-02-07 17:33:05

What size of venue, and what kind of music?

Generally speaking, the larger the venue, the better (i.e. more balanced) the console output will be - assuming a competent audio engineer. In large venues, the bulk of the sound is (hopefully) coming from the sound reinforcement system, so the mix that the A1 builds will pretty much define the sound in the venue - including adding effects such as reverb and delay - and therefore to a 2-track out, as well. Under the right circumstances, those recordings can sound surprisingly good.

In smaller venues, and especially with rock bands that insist on cranking their amps to 11, the A1 will often be fighting/balancing his mix against the sound coming directly from the stage. As such, the board output may indeed bear little resemblance to the sound in the room. In such situations, getting a separate record mix built off of a dedicated aux (or at least a matrix, if the A1 has/is using a lot of groups) can give much better results, but it obviously requires cooperation from the A1 and some setup and testing.

Stereo mic recordings can be all over the map in terms of sound quality, as there are so many variables involved: the quality of the mics themselves, the sound of the mix in the venue, the overall SPL, distance from the PA stacks/hangs, audience noise, etc. Whether or not it would be an improvement over the board mix - or if it could be blended with such a mix - is difficult to say without hearing the band in a given room.

However, if you do want to pursue that option, the number one thing to remember is: watch your levels! Distortion from overdriven mic preamps and/or A/D converters is a common problem with live mic'd recordings, and can't really be dealt with effectively after the fact. You want to make sure you can adjust the input levels manually on whatever device you use, and that you also have at least halfway-decent metering, i.e. preferably something more precise than a green/red "OK/clipped" indicator, but even that is better than nothing.

Equipment for recording a live event

Reply #2 – 2011-02-08 01:51:42

Going to Archive.ORG's free live music section, one can see how others have done it.

For example, one person recorded the band Perpetual Groove live, last November. He gave all the equipment and encoding paths used before uploading to the site:

http://www.archive.org/details/pgroove2010...83.busmanTModR4

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Source: AKG483 > Busman T-Mod R4 (48/24)
Lineage: R4 > Audacity > CD Wave > TLH > flac 8
Taped by: Paul & Kim (PGroove_Lotus_Fan)
Transferred by: Paul & Kim (PGroove_Lotus_Fan)
Keywords: PG; PGroove; Huntsville; Busman; Crossroads

Equipment for recording a live event

Reply #3 – 2011-02-08 03:54:27

I would add to what mixminus1 was saying, that the vocals can sometimes be really high in the house mix, possibly due to the said problem of balancing the house PA with what's being amplified on stage.

Equipment for recording a live event

Reply #4 – 2011-02-08 05:53:25

There are undoubtedly many people on HA who can answer your question, but you should also visit taperssection.com.

Equipment for recording a live event

Reply #5 – 2011-02-08 13:24:33

Quote from: odyssey on 2011-02-07 16:13:45

If I can get mixer-output, how should I handle it?

You would then need a good digital recorder with what is known as line level inputs.

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I haven't heard such output, but I guess that it will sound quite harsh, too little ambient and not optimized at all for normal listening.

What you are talking about making is what is known as a "board tape". It has all of the potential that you mentioned.

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My thought was maybe the optimal would be to mix the mixer-output with some ambient recordings?

Not optimal, but a possible upgrade.

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In that case, how many mic-locations should I have? Does it even make sense to have a left and right-channel, e.g. by placing a mic in each side of the scene, or should a stereo-mic in the center suffice?

If you can place your mics in a central location not too far from the band, then a stereo mic in the center might work out very wall.

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What equipment should I use to record ambiance with?

You would then need a 4 channel recorder.

When you buy mics your choices are guided by your application and your budget.

Does the equipment need to run off of batteries or can you plug your equipment into a wall plug?

Is your recording surreptious or can the gear be conspicious?

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I've looked at some Edirol devices (inspired by the fan-made Radiohead live recording), but I think they seem a bit pricey, especially if I should get several of them.

I'll make some recommendations once I understand your requirements better.

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