Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: jagraham on October 09, 2012, 10:54:29 AM
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I'll be taping at Nissan Pavilion(aka Jiffy Lube) this weekend and wanted some tips on the process. The show is open taping "from your seat" and I am down in Sec 102 a few rows up, 4 rows left of the board. It's a great seat to tape from but I'll be alone at the show so it might be hard to achieve that without bothering anyone around me. I will have my stand and access to a superclamp with extension pole. Another possibility is to set up the stand behind the board but I don't know until I arrive. There is a handicap section behind the board that may end up being empty, but if there is no space there I will have to opt for the seat. I know many tapers clamp to the seat in the FOB/near board sections but there are usually many more tapers, I have a feeling I will be the only person taping here. Any advice is appreciated.
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I found this pic of the seats there:
http://www.pollstar.com/photo_details.aspx?ID=780920
This style of seats are a PITA for clamping, there's not much of an arm for the clamp to grip. I'd take both hoping to clamp, but prepared to use the stand. I'd also bring gaff tape on the chance you can "lash" your stand to the divider in between seats.
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I found this pic of the seats there:
http://www.pollstar.com/photo_details.aspx?ID=780920
This style of seats are a PITA for clamping, there's not much of an arm for the clamp to grip. I'd take both hoping to clamp, but prepared to use the stand. I'd also bring gaff tape on the chance you can "lash" your stand to the divider in between seats.
using gaff tape to secure your stand to the divider between the seats is probably your best bet. however, i've only been successful using that strategy when other tapers were on either side. as the OP noted, having non-tapers in the seats immediately adjacent may restrict his ability to secure a stand without infringing on his neighbors' space. this is a very legitimate concern.
the past two weekends i was in a similar situation, but since it was a very taping-friendly band i thought the people around me would be understanding and reasonable... NOPE! i initally taped my stand to the divider in between the seats and people around me were a total PITA. i wasn't in the mood to fight with people all night so i removed the stand from the divider and held it in front of me the whole show. that was also a PITA, but at least everyone shut up and left me alone. hopefully you have beeter luck than i did.
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I've never had to do this, but if I ever had to clamp to a seat with non-tapers around me, I would use any part of my own seat to secure the mics and gear, set the levels, and then go watch the show from the back. I wouldn't even try to make room for my gear AND myself.
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I had two seats once for a Chris Robinson Brotherhood show. I figured if someone I knew wanted to go, they'd know the scoop. If not, I'd use the extra seat for my gear. Ended up going solo and needed the extra seat as I live streamed the show so I had more gear than usual. I'd say this is tough if you only have one seat, but it can be done if the row in front of you is slightly offset from yours. You can then jerry-rig the stand/ext. pole in the gap in seats in front of you.
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If you can get your hands on one of these, you could Superclamp to the seat divider, and adjust the ball head to hold your extension pole vertically:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/863646-REG/Kupo_kg007112_DOUBLE_BALL_JOINT_ADAPTER.html
I may have tp pick one up myself, I'm already imagining how I'll use it.
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Tip - Be sure to use appropriate shock mounts for your mics. Generally theater seats are mechanically connected together in rows. Clamping to theater seats can easily transfer undesired vibration from the connected seats through your clamp and extension pole to the mics.
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This, and another thought. After hearing a sqeaky theater seat on my recording, I've been meaning to add WD-40 to my gear bag.
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I've never had to do this, but if I ever had to clamp to a seat with non-tapers around me, I would use any part of my own seat to secure the mics and gear, set the levels, and then go watch the show from the back. I wouldn't even try to make room for my gear AND myself.
Sorry, but IMO, this is HORRIBLE ADVICE :P ;D I stand guard at my stand if im ANYWHERE but by the SBD. ANYTHING can happen when youre away from your gear and I mean ANYTHING :(
I just bought a Manfrotto Superclamp and a Lowel Full Pole[7'] and i'll be ready to clamp onto damn near anything at an amphitheater/theater/etc :) I would advise doing the same ;)
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I've never had to do this, but if I ever had to clamp to a seat with non-tapers around me, I would use any part of my own seat to secure the mics and gear, set the levels, and then go watch the show from the back. I wouldn't even try to make room for my gear AND myself.
Sorry, but IMO, this is HORRIBLE ADVICE :P ;D I stand guard at my stand if im ANYWHERE but by the SBD. ANYTHING can happen when youre away from your gear and I mean ANYTHING :(
^Ditto that, Bean.
For reserved seating shows where "tape-from-your-seats" applies, and I *know* the venue will allow me to run at or above head height (rare anymore, it seems) I still like to have a one seat buffer. I'll buy a pair of tickets in hopes I can find another taper that wants to clamp on and run the pole between the two of us, or at the very least a non-taper buddy of mine that can deal with the clamp/pole on the arm rest. IME, one complaint from a neighbour that doesn't get the "taping thing" will get you shut down.
For reserved shows at venues where band policy defers to venue policy (Bela Fleck and the Flecktones and MMW spring to mind) I always plan to run a hat rig. If you get lucky they'll let you run your stand in what is likely the least ideal location, if at all.
It's a trade-off at times. But usually, I'll work a little extra to get the mics where they need to be... YMMV.
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I've never had to do this, but if I ever had to clamp to a seat with non-tapers around me, I would use any part of my own seat to secure the mics and gear, set the levels, and then go watch the show from the back. I wouldn't even try to make room for my gear AND myself.
Sorry, but IMO, this is HORRIBLE ADVICE :P ;D I stand guard at my stand if im ANYWHERE but by the SBD. ANYTHING can happen when youre away from your gear and I mean ANYTHING :(
I didn't say I wouldn't be watching closely.
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IME, one complaint from a neighbour that doesn't get the "taping thing" will get you shut down.
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It does pay to get there early, shake some hands, kiss some babies...
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IME, one complaint from a neighbour that doesn't get the "taping thing" will get you shut down.
It does pay to get there early, shake some hands, kiss some babies...
Arrive early, wear a sharpie around your neck, with a two-way radio and clipboard in hand and act important, they'll think you're an official, problem solved. ;D
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Just run in the hat >:D
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^ All good advice, thanks! I'm still debating what to bring and do. I guess I forgot to mention I run really small mics, CA-14s and CA-CAFS Omnis. The CAFS are tiny. The seats in front of me ARE offset so that directly in front of me is the divider. I'm imagining somehow rigging a pole to the back of that seat and the ground, but then the concern is the people in front of my seat would complain. I guess my strategy is to show up, see if the board area or behind is possible, and if not try to rig up something for the seat.
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^ All good advice, thanks! I'm still debating what to bring and do. I guess I forgot to mention I run really small mics, CA-14s and CA-CAFS Omnis. The CAFS are tiny. The seats in front of me ARE offset so that directly in front of me is the divider. I'm imagining somehow rigging a pole to the back of that seat and the ground, but then the concern is the people in front of my seat would complain. I guess my strategy is to show up, see if the board area or behind is possible, and if not try to rig up something for the seat.
Pick your best show that has appeal to the fans of the show you are going to.
Burn a stack of discs.
Write email address/archive.org info on em
Spread freely in your section.
Get your neighbors invested.
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^ All good advice, thanks! I'm still debating what to bring and do. I guess I forgot to mention I run really small mics, CA-14s and CA-CAFS Omnis. The CAFS are tiny. The seats in front of me ARE offset so that directly in front of me is the divider. I'm imagining somehow rigging a pole to the back of that seat and the ground, but then the concern is the people in front of my seat would complain. I guess my strategy is to show up, see if the board area or behind is possible, and if not try to rig up something for the seat.
Pick your best show that has appeal to the fans of the show you are going to.
Burn a stack of discs.
Write email address/archive.org info on em
Spread freely in your section.
Get your neighbors invested.
^ This might be gold. I have a great show of the band in question and it's not something most of their fans are probably familiar with. This will take minimal effort and may save all the frustration in the world.
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^ All good advice, thanks! I'm still debating what to bring and do. I guess I forgot to mention I run really small mics, CA-14s and CA-CAFS Omnis. The CAFS are tiny. The seats in front of me ARE offset so that directly in front of me is the divider. I'm imagining somehow rigging a pole to the back of that seat and the ground, but then the concern is the people in front of my seat would complain. I guess my strategy is to show up, see if the board area or behind is possible, and if not try to rig up something for the seat.
Pick your best show that has appeal to the fans of the show you are going to.
Burn a stack of discs.
Write email address/archive.org info on em
Spread freely in your section.
Get your neighbors invested.
^ This might be gold. I have a great show of the band in question and it's not something most of their fans are probably familiar with. This will take minimal effort and may save all the frustration in the world.
on the surface it is excellent advice. however, don't be surprised if people thank you for the discs, tell you they'll be quiet and then proceed to yell, scream and clap all night long.
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^ All good advice, thanks! I'm still debating what to bring and do. I guess I forgot to mention I run really small mics, CA-14s and CA-CAFS Omnis. The CAFS are tiny. The seats in front of me ARE offset so that directly in front of me is the divider. I'm imagining somehow rigging a pole to the back of that seat and the ground, but then the concern is the people in front of my seat would complain. I guess my strategy is to show up, see if the board area or behind is possible, and if not try to rig up something for the seat.
Pick your best show that has appeal to the fans of the show you are going to.
Burn a stack of discs.
Write email address/archive.org info on em
Spread freely in your section.
Get your neighbors invested.
^ This might be gold. I have a great show of the band in question and it's not something most of their fans are probably familiar with. This will take minimal effort and may save all the frustration in the world.
on the surface it is excellent advice. however, don't be surprised if people thank you for the discs, tell you they'll be quiet and then proceed to yell, scream and clap all night long.
The idea was more about giving them a reason to have a clamp and pole next to them. Alum flavored taffy for the screamers.
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^ All good advice, thanks! I'm still debating what to bring and do. I guess I forgot to mention I run really small mics, CA-14s and CA-CAFS Omnis. The CAFS are tiny. The seats in front of me ARE offset so that directly in front of me is the divider. I'm imagining somehow rigging a pole to the back of that seat and the ground, but then the concern is the people in front of my seat would complain. I guess my strategy is to show up, see if the board area or behind is possible, and if not try to rig up something for the seat.
Pick your best show that has appeal to the fans of the show you are going to.
Burn a stack of discs.
Write email address/archive.org info on em
Spread freely in your section.
Get your neighbors invested.
^ This might be gold. I have a great show of the band in question and it's not something most of their fans are probably familiar with. This will take minimal effort and may save all the frustration in the world.
on the surface it is excellent advice. however, don't be surprised if people thank you for the discs, tell you they'll be quiet and then proceed to yell, scream and clap all night long.
Do not supply your e-mail address or archive.org info.
Make sure they know you have the discs and will hand them over after the show if they'll help you out. If they behave great they get the discs but if they don't behave and still expect the discs for their misguided efforts then give them bum discs or better yet some music they are certain to hate, preferably something with lots of crowd noise. Maybe just maybe they'll get the point.
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IME, one complaint from a neighbour that doesn't get the "taping thing" will get you shut down.
[/quote]
It does pay to get there early, shake some hands, kiss some babies...
[/quote]
Typically, I do that but it doesn't always work. One bitchy 50-something wife that sees 2 shows every decade complaining to her husband after they arrive 10 minutes into the first song can get you shut down right quick.
Fuck that. Hat rig. All the way.
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I once had a patron at an Allman Brothers show complain about the stand. The usher told him to deal with it - the band encouraged it and he wasn't going to ask me to move it or take it down. But, that is the exception. Definitely easier to run low pro if the crowd is going to be an issue.
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I think I'm going for a mix of all the above advice. I just realized the band's policy is record for "personal use" so maybe handing out CDRs isn't the best idea. That could easily turn into some big man on campus going to security with "he's bootlegging the show and just gave out samples." Cards with an email might work better in this case.
Here's the current plan... Wedge the stand between the two seats in front of me, with ample bubble wrap to provide protection and keep it back from the folks in front of me. Keep the stand folded up and to ensure stability I will shove some tape under one side, then tape the stand to the seats in front as well as the floor. Rig up the mics, planning for head level, but leaving room to go up a bit as well as down in the event the crowd decides to sit. Run the tables down to a bag at the base of the stand, then run the cables back to the under part of the seat. That will be duct taped to the floor so it can't get kicked around. The bag can then either sit in the seat or under it, depending on the crowd. This way, I'm only blocking my own view and taking up my own space.
To ensure a tape, I'll go ahead and set up a hat rig just in case someone decides they don't like the stand as it is above.
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i would get as center as u can so ppl can exit the row both ways either to the left or right. ppl always bitch so if the band is taper friendly then the crowd around u will just have 2 deal w it :) folks in pburgh kinda know tonedeaf and i and r very cool about taping. they ask where the show will b available for DL and then leave us alone ;)
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i would get as center as u can so ppl can exit the row both ways either to the left or right. ppl always bitch so if the band is taper friendly then the crowd around u will just have 2 deal w it :) folks in pburgh kinda know tonedeaf and i and r very cool about taping. they ask where the show will b available for DL and then leave us alone ;)
Not usually/always the case for me. In fact, rarely.
Despite the fact that I'm smack dab between 2 metro areas (Philly and NYC), you'd think crowds would be hip to the taping thing. Not always so. Especially for reserved-seating shows for "respectable" acts like Flecktones and MMW.
I've had bitchy patrons (male and female alike) complain about my actives on a 3/8" threaded stud "stand" interfering with their sight lines shut me down.
Never an issue for a hat-mount rig. So much easier to get the mics where they need to be without issue... YMMV.
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yea i feel u Tim, but I HATE stealthing and if i cant record openly, i just dont go to the show or record. mostly here in southwestern PA, folks are pretty cool to open taping and if the band is pro taping, there isnt much a bitchy patron can do about me recording. and if ppl want a recording after the show then they will just STFU and deal with my stand :) running actives helps a LOT too :)
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^ Agreed with most of the above. I don't hate >:D at all but I'm not doing it if I don't have to.
I got lucky in this situation as I was permitted to set up behind the board. The seats were unused handicap seats that were obstructed by the camera men. So I guess I can't even really add to my own thread. This advice would all still be useful though because I got very lucky there just happened to be somewhere other than my seat the stand could go where no one had an issue. If a venue handicap section was crowded into one place(maybe like in a smaller venue) this would likely not work at all as the presence of the stand would intrude.
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yea i feel u Tim, but I HATE stealthing and if i cant record openly, i just dont go to the show or record.
I hate stealthing too, Bean. But there are certain bands and/or situations where the situation merits getting the mics in the proper area outweigh my own comfort/convience. Some recent MMW shows being the case.
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^ All good advice, thanks! I'm still debating what to bring and do. I guess I forgot to mention I run really small mics, CA-14s and CA-CAFS Omnis. The CAFS are tiny. The seats in front of me ARE offset so that directly in front of me is the divider. I'm imagining somehow rigging a pole to the back of that seat and the ground, but then the concern is the people in front of my seat would complain. I guess my strategy is to show up, see if the board area or behind is possible, and if not try to rig up something for the seat.
Pick your best show that has appeal to the fans of the show you are going to.
Burn a stack of discs.
Write email address/archive.org info on em
Spread freely in your section.
Get your neighbors invested.
^ This might be gold. I have a great show of the band in question and it's not something most of their fans are probably familiar with. This will take minimal effort and may save all the frustration in the world.
on the surface it is excellent advice. however, don't be surprised if people thank you for the discs, tell you they'll be quiet and then proceed to yell, scream and clap all night long.
Do not supply your e-mail address or archive.org info.
Make sure they know you have the discs and will hand them over after the show if they'll help you out. If they behave great they get the discs but if they don't behave and still expect the discs for their misguided efforts then give them bum discs or better yet some music they are certain to hate, preferably something with lots of crowd noise. Maybe just maybe they'll get the point.
I LOL-ed loudly at the last part of your post. It woulnd't be appropiate, but it should be fun as hell ;D;D;D