Topic: Concert Recording help

[bja5150]

I have been helping out a band in Portland that is just awesome doing the usual street team stuff....flyers and handouts. I have been thinking about helping recording a live show to give them something cool to sell and not to mention something cool to keep. I would think having the soundboard would be best vs the recorder with mic to get the best possible band sound even though the crowd sound can really make a live recording. I was wondering is there any kind of Soundboard recording tutorial or luive recording kind of help? The band has a show at the end of the month that is a big show for them and I thought that would be a great one to archive and record. For me, the easier the better especially since I am new to this. I am into audio and video and I know the more you spend the better it is. So what would be something simple and relatively inexpensive? Accessories and so on? If there is anything else to thrown in feel free. I appreicate your time and I hope I can get something cool sounding and the end of the month....

Brent

[danzz1234]

So what would be something simple and relatively inexpensive? Accessories and so on? If there is anything else to thrown in feel free. I appreicate your time and I hope I can get something cool sounding and the end of the month....

I'd say an iRiver, NJB3 or even R09 if you can spend a bit more.

Some topics that might help you:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,79197.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,73667.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,91007.0.html

[Brian Skalinder]

So what would be something simple and relatively inexpensive?

Relatively inexpensive means different things to different people.  Stating a ballpark budget, in dollars, will help fellow TSers develop useful recommendations (though some still will ignore the budget outright).

[ilduclo]

used minidisc, try a sharp on e bay. should be able to get one for under a hundred.

[taylordb]

You could also post on the Team Boards in the Portland, Or Tapers thread......someone there might even be cool enough to come out and help you.  Pretty nice people, those Portland guys.

[Jambo2]

Something you might want to bear in mind is that, especially in smaller venues, the mix coming through the PA (soundboard) might not be what you expect.  If they're using a decent backline then you'll find the soundboard mix to have VERY loud vocals, with quiet guitars/bass and drums.  Of course, it'll vary and the avoidance of crowd noise will be nice, but I just thought I'd point it out.

[bja5150]

Money seems to always be far and in between as always as it seems lately.....but I could probably afford something around $100. If there is something really worlds better and not too much more I would seriously consider the upgrade. I have always been the type to get something I can grow into and not grow out of...

Brent

[bja5150]

I forgot to ask are the hard drive machines the way to go now? I remember the DAT was the standard for good quality bootlegs of bands I would get stuff for at times and now I have read companies like Sony have discontinued alot of them and their supplies. That is a drag.

Brent

[Jimna]

I forgot to ask are the hard drive machines the way to go now? I remember the DAT was the standard for good quality bootlegs of bands I would get stuff for at times and now I have read companies like Sony have discontinued alot of them and their supplies. That is a drag.

Brent

FYI, your statement implies bad stuff, read this: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,1152.0.html

[danzz1234]

I could probably afford something around $100.

Read the first reply then 

[J.Maye]

For $100 your only option is a mini disc. Look for one in the yard sale or ebay. I went through 4-5 md’s before I got a Creative Nomad Jukebox 3 (JB3). If you can afford the extra ~50 Id get a jb3 or iriver. The only other things you will need will be an 1/8th>1/8th stereo cable, and an RCA>1/8th stereo cable (which you could get at radio shack) and you will be good to go at the vast majority of soundboards. Then just play it back into your computer via your soundcard and record using your program of choice. I know all kinds of people will think that this isnt the best option due to the additional a/d conversion, but unless you are ready to make taping a full time hobby, IME, you aren’t going to get much better quality without a significant investment of time and money.

[attheshow]

I bet you could pick up a used rockboxable (3G) ipod for around 100.00 With this I believe you could record and transfer in lossless digital. Standard MD is compressed, and portables don't have any way to digitally transfer your music from the disc to a computer. Also, regular MDs don't like bass, so you might have trouble getting a good SBD with it. I have recordings from a MZ-R70 where the bass was too heavy and they are absolutely unlistenable. I'd say either try and find a High-MD (which does transfer digitally, and records in PCM 16/44), or skip MD altogether.

[darktrain]

I wouldn't use an ipod, notoriously unstable and unreliable for recording, keep an eye on ebay or craigslist for a h120 or h320 and you can pick one off for under 100, i got a h120 off craiglist with all accessories delivered for 75.00. Just have patience

[J.Maye]

I bet you could pick up a used rockboxable (3G) ipod for around 100.00 With this I believe you could record and transfer in lossless digital. Standard MD is compressed, and portables don't have any way to digitally transfer your music from the disc to a computer. Also, regular MDs don't like bass, so you might have trouble getting a good SBD with it. I have recordings from a MZ-R70 where the bass was too heavy and they are absolutely unlistenable. I'd say either try and find a High-MD (which does transfer digitally, and records in PCM 16/44), or skip MD altogether.

Meh, I used a MD for years. Non-hi md, just normal md. I never had a show overload specifically from bass. You might get too hot of a signal from the SBD, but many times they can turn it down for you. Sometimes they cant and you get what you get, all depends onthe board. Some attenuators would solve this problem. I think the problem is with the overall signal being too hot, not specifically being bass heavy. YMMV, but I pulled dozens of SBD RCA>MD recordings in my formative years and they sound great. You would be hard pressed to tell me there was an additional a/d step, or the attrac coding or whatever, unless you have a super high end stero, in which case youprolly dont need to buy a $100 MD setup.    

[J.Maye]

I wouldn't use an ipod, notoriously unstable and unreliable for recording, keep an eye on ebay or craigslist for a h120 or h320 and you can pick one off for under 100, i got a h120 off craiglist with all accessories delivered for 75.00. Just have patience

I agree, but thats a lofty goal of a fat deal on an iriver considering he wants it by the end of the month. I havent seen them going for less then 150 lately myself. If you find an iriver for under $100 purchase it immediately (assuming it works, has a good HD, and a good batt).

[danzz1234]

I wouldn't use an ipod, notoriously unstable and unreliable for recording, keep an eye on ebay or craigslist for a h120 or h320 and you can pick one off for under 100, i got a h120 off craiglist with all accessories delivered for 75.00. Just have patience

I agree, but thats a lofty goal of a fat deal on an iriver considering he wants it by the end of the month. I havent seen them going for less then 150 lately myself. If you find an iriver for under $100 purchase it immediately (assuming it works, has a good HD, and a good batt).

I bought mine for $80.
You could go for H100 wich has smaller HD and its probably cheaper.

[J.Maye]

I wouldn't use an ipod, notoriously unstable and unreliable for recording, keep an eye on ebay or craigslist for a h120 or h320 and you can pick one off for under 100, i got a h120 off craiglist with all accessories delivered for 75.00. Just have patience

I agree, but thats a lofty goal of a fat deal on an iriver considering he wants it by the end of the month. I havent seen them going for less then 150 lately myself. If you find an iriver for under $100 purchase it immediately (assuming it works, has a good HD, and a good batt).

I bought mine for $80.
You could go for H100 wich has smaller HD and its probably cheaper.

Is there anywhere to get one for $80 right now? I have $80 burning a hole in my pocket.

[danzz1234]

I wouldn't use an ipod, notoriously unstable and unreliable for recording, keep an eye on ebay or craigslist for a h120 or h320 and you can pick one off for under 100, i got a h120 off craiglist with all accessories delivered for 75.00. Just have patience

I agree, but thats a lofty goal of a fat deal on an iriver considering he wants it by the end of the month. I havent seen them going for less then 150 lately myself. If you find an iriver for under $100 purchase it immediately (assuming it works, has a good HD, and a good batt).

I bought mine for $80.
You could go for H100 wich has smaller HD and its probably cheaper.

Is there anywhere to get one for $80 right now? I have $80 burning a hole in my pocket.

$75 actually.

http://denver.craigslist.org/ele/408943125.html

[J.Maye]

+T! I guess Im a slacker, thats a hell of a deal. Im considering stealth mics>SP bbx>analog H320 for the rare stealth job. Ive just been checking ebay, I never reazed stuff like this was sold via craigs list. 

Thanks

bja5150, def get a h320/h120. I think I may vave been wrong on the price.

[Jimna]

+T! I guess Im a slacker, thats a hell of a deal. Im considering stealth mics>SP bbx>analog H320 for the rare stealth job. Ive just been checking ebay, I never reazed stuff like this was sold via craigs list. 

Thanks

agreed, the mans on his game.  T

[bja5150]

Brent
[/quote]FYI, your statement implies bad stuff, read this: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,1152.0.html
[/quote]

You know I never really thought of that word as a bad word. To me, as a person who loves music, that word was a general title to some of my most favorite and cherished music. There have been people in the past who went against the rules and archived rock n roll history. A moment in time that would have been forever lost, but due to someone saving it immortalized it forever to be relived. I have some shows I have done personally too that in all honesty if put on something eBAY would sell a bunch, but that was never the purpose. The motivation behind my current project is the same. Whatever I get recorded from the show will be something I can take with me from that show and enjoy for quite some time. If I can help the band out great...but still the love for that music is why I am there and the want of saving that night to come is still my main motivation. You know the subject of taping can be a touchy one....some musicians don't like it and some don't mind it. I respect both sides, but in my opinion for the person who does what ever it takes to get the recording against the rules just shows how strong that love for the music is. If there was any negative side misrepresented I apologize....I have nothing but respect for you all and I want to join the club so to speak. Tape on.

Brent

[danzz1234]

+T! I guess Im a slacker, thats a hell of a deal. Im considering stealth mics>SP bbx>analog H320 for the rare stealth job. Ive just been checking ebay, I never reazed stuff like this was sold via craigs list. 

Thanks

bja5150, def get a h320/h120. I think I may vave been wrong on the price.

 
I bought mine here at the YS from someone that bought at craiglist. It seems it's a nice place to look after cheap iRivers 
Actually I had never heard about craiglist as it's not popular in Brazil, but I found out some really cheap stuff there. You just need to check with that guy if he will ship it to you, 'cause many people there prefer local pick-up (maybe that's why they put it at craiglist and not at ebay, dunno).

About the "bootlegging" thing, maybe some folks are just taking it too seriously IMO.

[darktrain]

+T! I guess Im a slacker, thats a hell of a deal. Im considering stealth mics>SP bbx>analog H320 for the rare stealth job. Ive just been checking ebay, I never reazed stuff like this was sold via craigs list. 

Thanks

bja5150, def get a h320/h120. I think I may vave been wrong on the price.

I also picked up a cherry h320 for 50.00 on a buy it now on ebay last month but don't count on seeing that kind of deal to often, you really have to be on there all the time and then be lucky.

[Jimna]

+T! I guess Im a slacker, thats a hell of a deal. Im considering stealth mics>SP bbx>analog H320 for the rare stealth job. Ive just been checking ebay, I never reazed stuff like this was sold via craigs list. 

Thanks

bja5150, def get a h320/h120. I think I may vave been wrong on the price.

 
I bought mine here at the YS from someone that bought at craiglist. It seems it's a nice place to look after cheap iRivers 
Actually I had never heard about craiglist as it's not popular in Brazil, but I found out some really cheap stuff there. You just need to check with that guy if he will ship it to you, 'cause many people there prefer local pick-up (maybe that's why they put it at craiglist and not at ebay, dunno).

About the "bootlegging" thing, maybe some folks are just taking it too seriously IMO.

just trying to help out a new taper with some essential info on the hobbie.  the idea is to handle it all in a manner the perpetuates taping (ie: the bands continue to allow us to open tape them) and not create reasons for them to deny us for the fear of the masses would "steal" their material or something.   its a privilege that if not respected could be taken away.  sorry to seem like an extremist.  as a taper you should be aware of all this, now you know.

.....all that being said, welcome to the most rewarding hobbie on earth, IMO of course.  this place is the best resource you can find.   

IMO, the iriver is more of a grow into unit than the MD for sure. 

[danzz1234]

+T! I guess Im a slacker, thats a hell of a deal. Im considering stealth mics>SP bbx>analog H320 for the rare stealth job. Ive just been checking ebay, I never reazed stuff like this was sold via craigs list. 

Thanks

bja5150, def get a h320/h120. I think I may vave been wrong on the price.

 
I bought mine here at the YS from someone that bought at craiglist. It seems it's a nice place to look after cheap iRivers 
Actually I had never heard about craiglist as it's not popular in Brazil, but I found out some really cheap stuff there. You just need to check with that guy if he will ship it to you, 'cause many people there prefer local pick-up (maybe that's why they put it at craiglist and not at ebay, dunno).

About the "bootlegging" thing, maybe some folks are just taking it too seriously IMO.

just trying to help out a new taper with some essential info on the hobbie.  the idea is to handle it all in a manner the perpetuates taping (ie: the bands continue to allow us to open tape them) and not create reasons for them to deny us for the fear of the masses would "steal" their material or something.   its a privilege that if not respected could be taken away.  sorry to seem like an extremist.  as a taper you should be aware of all this, now you know.

.....all that being said, welcome to the most rewarding hobbie on earth, IMO of course.  this place is the best resource you can find.   

IMO, the iriver is more of a grow into unit than the MD for sure. 

I know.
I read that thread a while back and I certainly agree with that, just think it gets too seriously sometimes.
But that's just my opinion... 

[danzz1234]

NJB3 is a nice option if you can't find an iRiver: http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,91519.0.html

[bja5150]

In looking up iRIVERS, I came across various versions.....the h320 was the recommended one for the price and its 20GB...alittle more could buy the h340 40GB version.....ok....I started looking around....I found hit and miss things on eBAY and there it listed a 20GB h10...what is different about that one? It seemed relatively cheap at times...so just curious. I saw somewhere about stealth microphones and they had clips to hook on ya I guess....that sounds like the next step

Brent

It doesn't look like I will be finding my equipment before my Sept 29 concert.....oh well....bummer

[Jimna]

In looking up iRIVERS, I came across various versions.....the h320 was the recommended one for the price and its 20GB...alittle more could buy the h340 40GB version.....ok....I started looking around....I found hit and miss things on eBAY and there it listed a 20GB h10...what is different about that one? It seemed relatively cheap at times...so just curious. I saw somewhere about stealth microphones and they had clips to hook on ya I guess....that sounds like the next step

Brent

It doesn't look like I will be finding my equipment before my Sept 29 concert.....oh well....bummer

i have an h10, not the thing to do what you want to do.  i dont know about the 3xx series though.  search the archives possibly.....  i believe the 1xx series is what most are taping with.  they have a optical input.  if you dont have any luck with serching the archives, post the question on which iriver is best in the recording gear section.  also check the team iriver in the team boards. 

sorry to hear your gonna miss the show, but dont give up.  taping isnt a thing you jump into.  thats why its so worth while.

[danzz1234]

You must search for iRiver H1XX and H3XX series and/or Creative Nomad Jukebox 3 (NBJ3).
Many around here use the H320 (H340 is fine also but maybe too expensive) without any problems. The only difference from the H120/H140 is that there's no optical in.
A bunch of people use the NBJ3 wich seems to be very nice also.

Don't get in a rush to buy your equipment, if you need to miss this show to buy the 'right' gear, just do it.

Cheers

[Jimna]

You must search for iRiver H1XX and H3XX series and/or Creative Nomad Jukebox 3 (NBJ3).
Many around here use the H320 (H340 is fine also but maybe too expensive) without any problems. The only difference from the H120/H140 is that there's no optical in.
A bunch of people use the NBJ3 wich seems to be very nice also.

Don't get in a rush to buy your equipment, if you need to miss this show to buy the 'right' gear, just do it.

Cheers

^^he is smart.