exactly creek! I mean you could have like $10,000 invested in a rig and still walk away making statements like this...
>>>>Soundfield ST-250!!! I got mine about a month ago and have come out with some somewhat displeasing results, but I've about got it figured out.<<<<<
so you make the best tapes? what's the playback gear that you utilize to make these assements?
One thing that really makes taping enjoyable is the lack of competition. I've always been somewhat disheartened by the competition that's so embedded in the performance of music (all the way from experiences in school bands to playing as an adult in rock bands), that I fully expected when I showed up with a newbie rig, people would laugh at me.
You know what -- they didn't. Even when I showed up (the first time I recorded a show other than my own) with a Sony ECM-MS907 and an (old, even) MD using a freakin' boom mike stand, the only thing that happened was a guy with a quality rig came over after a few minutes and said, "Hey -- why don't you patch that MD off me instead."
Not trying to rant here. I figure that "best tape" comment wasn't meant to indicate that he's trying to beat everyone else as much as just expressing that it's nice to know you got it right, as having a desirable source would indicate.
I think the "knowledge over gear" part of this thread is the best advice. Certainly better results can be had with a $4500 mic than with my $300 C1000s, but as someone new to 2-mic stereo field recording, maybe it's better for me to spend some of the $4200 on going to more shows and learning how things work. There's always time to get infected with GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) later.
In a number of threads (mostly started by njb3newbie, I see) I've recommended C1000s as starter mics, not as much because they're sonically superior to others in the price range (that's arguable and individual ears decide), but because of other practical reasons. They get a lot of bashing, most of which I think is undeserved. Maybe some of it is because it reminds people of what it was like getting started, not having the right gear, not knowing how to use it, etc. I have to admit that for a while after I got my Modulus bass I wasn't a big fan of my old Mexican Fender jazz. But now it's just a good old friend.
Sorry, everyone. Looks like you got the brunt of my morning rambling...
Chuck