Hello! I'm recording my symphonic bands rehearsals for later review and would like to get the the best quality I can get with
very limited equipment and budget. I'm almost completely new to recording and don't really know where to start. (I have looked at some tutorials, but they tend to focus more on quality recordings rather than cheap-and-dirty ones).
Setup:
* Sony ECM-DS70P Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone
* phantom power: Silent Brass headphone amp
(
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-SB59C-Silent-Trombone-System/dp/B003B1N2N2/ref=pd_cp_MI_1)
* recorder: laptop. built-in sound card; mic/line-in input. audacity.
* mixing board: none
* cables: simple no-name mini sterojack double-male connectors
* location: band rehearsal space (dampened walls). mic is attached to a music stand right behind the conductor's head.
The quality is okayish, but the dynamic range isn't enough (there's very occasional clipping and the quiet passages are too quiet) and there' some distortion whenever the volume changes dramatically. The mic also seems to be too close because the woodwinds are much louder than the brass, but I can't move it any further away.
Which component is most likely the weakest link in this setup? In other words, if I can only upgrade one component, which should it be? My guess is that it's the sound card because I've heard that the mic input will often cause distortion when that volume changes. Should I get a USB mic interface, like the Blue Icicle? Are there any computer settings I can change to help the quality?
Thanks for your time!
-cj