Howdy all,
First off, thanks for the wisdom. Have been lurking for a little while to try to get up to speed. Here's the story.
I used to tape with a minidisc in the early aughts. Mainly taper friendly bands; SCI, String Summit, YMSB (RIP Jeff), Umph McGee, bands throughout the PacNW in various taper friendly venues. Generally just patching into other folks rigs or the SBD. Gave it up to hang out more as taping sections were strong and I could generally find recording after the fact on LMA, etree, etc. Fast forward to now. Taping sections are shrinking rapidly. No recordings for the last few shows I've seen, Infamous Stringdusters Oregon run in January, Umph, Del McCoury, etc. Nothing has even popped up from SCI recent 3-night run at the Cuthbert in Eugene. I only saw 2 tapers through the weekend of this run and recordings have yet to surface. That was the kicker to my desire to get back into taping.
I've been reading threads and doing some research and have decided to invest in a small rig to start taping again.
I am looking for a full basic versatile rig for a variety of purposes:
-Taping at open taping shows of various sizes. Outdoor venues up to about 5,000 (similar to the Cuthbert in Eugene), mid-size theaters (Crystal Ballroom in Portland, McDonald in Eugene, Rogue in Grants Pass, OR, Hi-Fi/Sessions), and local breweries throughout Oregon. I probably would not mic at larger shows like Phish but might patch in.
-Would like a recorder with onboard mics to record band practice and discussion forums. Quality not super important but acceptable.
-Mics that I could also use in a home studio recording local bands. Generally acoustic groups like bluegrass and americana type. Leaning towards Cardioid patterns.
-Not planning on stealth for now.
I have a few basic mics that I have been using for home studio recording. Both dynamic SM57, SM58, Audix, Senn, etc. And condenser MXL 990/991. Have used some AT2020 and similar as well. I am have been looking to pick up a few more condensers for recording anyways. I was already considering a stereo pair so getting some that I can use for taping as well would be great.
This is what my research has been leading me to:
Recorders: Tascam DR-100MKIII, Tascam DR-40x. (I have had good experience with Tascam equipment. Seems Tascam has the best onboard preamps as well. Would like something with phantom power to power the mics.)
Mics: AT2021, Rode M5, sE7, there is currently a set of AT-ATM450 for sale used locally for $325 (I have used AT mics and liked them in the past. I have found them to have a good bang for your buck. Never used Rode or sE.)
I have listened to a variety of recordings with mics plugged into and powered by the same unit and the results are generally acceptable. Unless a separate battery box would make more sense, I am trying to keep it simple with just a recorder and mics. I would have no problem upgrading in the future if necessary. I do have various stands and many XLR cables so would proabbly just need to purchase recorder and mics.
Budget is $500-600 for now. I am leaning towards the Tascam DR-100MKIII and AT2021 mics. This could be had new for about $500. Would it make more sense to get a Tascam DR-40x and put the $$ towards better mics (for example Rode NT5, maybe used 4041 if I can find them) ? Not in a super rush to buy anything but there are some NYE shows I might tape locally and several bands coming through in January I would like to tape.
Cheers
and thanks for any thoughts or advise.