Topic: Newbie Question About Recording Levels & Mic

[___Twiggy]

Hey Guys,

Glad to be here...had a couple of questions.

I have a Sony Hi-MD and a set of Giant Squid Omni-Directional Mics w/ Bass Rolloff.

My questions are:

- Does anyone know if Giant Squid are even a decent brand?
- What is a good recording level to set my MD on right before recording?

Thanks,
Steve

[Nick Graham]

"decent" all depends on your budget. If the most you can afford is <$100, then they're probably the best. If you've got thousands to spend, then no, definitely not.

As far as setting levels, that will vary from show to show and venue to venue. What type of music will you be taping? What size venues? How close to the stacks will you be? All of those things have to be taken into consideration.

[terrapinj]

can't help you as far as the Giant Quids, although the omnis are supposed to be much better than their cards as far as frequency response

in regards to setting levels, it really depends on what you are recording, the venue, where you are located etc. Usually if you are set up in advance you can get some idea based on a sound check or if they have loud music over the PA, but being able to be prepared in advance for proper levels is gonna take some time to get an idea of your equipment and the venues

sorry that's probably not the answer you are looking for and perhaps someone can chime in, but like anything involved with taping there are no absolute answers

welcome and good luck, this is the best resource you will find

+T

sorry to repeat what nick said, waited to long to post

[___Twiggy]

Hey,

I'm thinkin' of recording Def Leppard 10/15/05 in Raleigh. It's an amphitheatre, and I have row 8 tickets.

Steve

[itook2much]

I use a Hi-MD, but the mics are gonna affect how you set your levels as well.
FWIW, I ran @ 15/30 about 20' from the stage for Dinosaur Jr., started at 17 but got chickenshit
With a stealth job, you don't wanna spend much time checking the levels, so I'd start off at 13-15 & keep an eye on 'em during the first song.  adjust 'em if necessary & then leave 'em alone.  Perfect levels won't mean nothin' if you get busted.

Good luck +t

[beatkilla]

Do your giant squids use a battery box?

If not i wouldn't set your mic level that high,as on mine without a battery box(using)csb its around 6 or 7.....with battery box 10 maybe 11.

I'd say start at 10 and check em once your at the spot you'll be staying in.

Don't set your levels to a good point and then move right in front of the stack.Set em oce your there.

A few times of doing different venues)clubs,front of stack etc. You'll know pretty much(as long as your using the same mics each time)what the level should be without having to check.At least thats how it is for me.

[___Twiggy]

Thanks for the responses. My Giant Squids have a battery box with a fixed bass rolloff. I'm not sure at what frequency it rolls off at, but capacitors used are .068 micorfarad. Also, the factory setting for the recording level is set at 12.

Hopefully I won't get busted, LOL, as my seat number is 5. which means I'm right beside the guards...haha.

[Patrick]

I use a Hi-MD, but the mics are gonna affect how you set your levels as well.
FWIW, I ran @ 15/30 about 20' from the stage for Dinosaur Jr., started at 17 but got chickenshit
With a stealth job, you don't wanna spend much time checking the levels, so I'd start off at 13-15 & keep an eye on 'em during the first song.  adjust 'em if necessary & then leave 'em alone.  Perfect levels won't mean nothin' if you get busted.

Good luck +t

I think that most rigs would pull "chickenshit" at a Dinosaur Jr. show.  Those guys are LOUD!!!

[itook2much]

I think that most rigs would pull "chickenshit" at a Dinosaur Jr. show.  Those guys are LOUD!!!

Yeah, I was close & had 'em at 17, wasn't going over but I was a little afraid that at some point J would stomp on some effects box that he thought would sound great cranked wide open...and the volume would jump & I'd end up with clipping.
Came out good, so better safe than sorry.  Ya can always bump it up in post, can't fix it if it's brickwalled.