Topic: Equipment for home recording

[Chanher]

If I'm also recording her live shows through this, I would assume Streaming Mode would be the way to go?

Assuming it doesn't affect the mixing of her live show, you would use Recording Mode and get a multitrack of her live performance (assuming you are up to mixing it in post). Definitely find out through research or testing if Recording Mode has any effect on her live mix.

If you used Streaming Mode, the stereo recording made via USB would probably be very vocal heavy and you would not be able to change the mix.

[Dan33185]

If I'm also recording her live shows through this, I would assume Streaming Mode would be the way to go?

Assuming it doesn't affect the mixing of her live show, you would use Recording Mode and get a multitrack of her live performance (assuming you are up to mixing it in post). Definitely find out through research or testing if Recording Mode has any effect on her live mix.

If you used Streaming Mode, the stereo recording made via USB would probably be very vocal heavy and you would not be able to change the mix.

I am still in the process of learning that, but I would definitely prefer that. So, if I just use the 2 outputs on the top right, I should get a multitrack recording of it?

[Chanher]

So, if I just use the 2 outputs on the top right, I should get a multitrack recording of it?

No, the 2 outputs on the top right (MAIN L and MAIN R) are a sum, or a mix, of all of the inputs (1, 2, 3, 4). During live shows, she would use these outputs to send a stereo mix to the PA or speakers.

Technically this a 4 channel mixer, and the only way to get a multichannel recording is connecting a computer via usb cable in "Recording Mode". This is a pretty advanced recording technique, prepare for a steep learning curve. That's not to mention the post-production process; mixing and mastering is just as (if not more) daunting. I've always loved learning new techniques and ways of doing things so I don't want to discourage you. I wish you luck!

[SMsound]

Advice:  Find a singer/songwriter recording on YouTube where you like their sound. Copy their setup.

Start with OurVinyl Sessions if you're not sure where to start. They make tapes in many 'like a home' locations (including outside) and run a variety of mics on solo voice/guitar.

For example, I think this tape of Tyler Childers is a better recording than pretty much any of his other (many) recordings, and he works with the best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QzcrflqDCg

That tape is just an SM7B on voice, a stereo (2-channel) XY mic on guitar a few inches above maybe the 8th fret (?), and he's plugged in so assume guitar gets an input too (total of 4 inputs). Can be replicated with a very cheap setup. Just watch out for fake SM7B's, as most on Ebay used are fake Alibaba.com copies that don't sound great.

[Dan33185]

Advice:  Find a singer/songwriter recording on YouTube where you like their sound. Copy their setup.

Start with OurVinyl Sessions if you're not sure where to start. They make tapes in many 'like a home' locations (including outside) and run a variety of mics on solo voice/guitar.

For example, I think this tape of Tyler Childers is a better recording than pretty much any of his other (many) recordings, and he works with the best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QzcrflqDCg

That tape is just an SM7B on voice, a stereo (2-channel) XY mic on guitar a few inches above maybe the 8th fret (?), and he's plugged in so assume guitar gets an input too (total of 4 inputs). Can be replicated with a very cheap setup. Just watch out for fake SM7B's, as most on Ebay used are fake Alibaba.com copies that don't sound great.

That's exactly the sound I'm hoping to get (and the 4 input setup I am envisioning), it won't necessarily be the quality you can get at a high end studio, but definitely good enough for distributing if she wants to, and it won't cost her anything but her time. Thanks for the link, makes it easier to visualize what I'm going for.

[SMsound]

Advice:  Find a singer/songwriter recording on YouTube where you like their sound. Copy their setup.

Start with OurVinyl Sessions if you're not sure where to start. They make tapes in many 'like a home' locations (including outside) and run a variety of mics on solo voice/guitar.

For example, I think this tape of Tyler Childers is a better recording than pretty much any of his other (many) recordings, and he works with the best:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QzcrflqDCg

That tape is just an SM7B on voice, a stereo (2-channel) XY mic on guitar a few inches above maybe the 8th fret (?), and he's plugged in so assume guitar gets an input too (total of 4 inputs). Can be replicated with a very cheap setup. Just watch out for fake SM7B's, as most on Ebay used are fake Alibaba.com copies that don't sound great.

That's exactly the sound I'm hoping to get (and the 4 input setup I am envisioning), it won't necessarily be the quality you can get at a high end studio, but definitely good enough for distributing if she wants to, and it won't cost her anything but her time. Thanks for the link, makes it easier to visualize what I'm going for.

Nice. As you know, pay a lot of attention to the exact setup locations, which probably matter more than the mics (although in this case SM7B does have a pretty unique sound). Usually, singers are told to eat the SM7B and get super close. For some reason, Tyler doesn't do that in this video. And it sounds amazing.

Same with the XY mic on his guitar. Not sure how much of that they put in the mix, but it's pretty high up and also close to the guitar opening.

So, unusual mic placements that would usually be recommended against, yet killer sound (in my opinion). Also, it looks to me like they're in a big untreated wooden room, with some treatment visible (panels and stuff), and a bunch of rugs on the floor to try and kill the floor reflections.

Room is going to matter a ton (more than mics, probably less than mic setup distances). Have a nice big living room, or a friend who does, or a buddy with stage access?

[rocksuitcase]

re the Xy mic near the guitar opening:
I worked for Mark Fitzgerald who was a great mic tech, FOH guy for Heart and others (also great dude and mentor).
He would often, during acoustic studio sessions or all acoustic stage setups mic an acoustic guitar this way. In studio he would use two Beyer m160's in a crossed pattern (two fig 8's X'Y) very close to the mic hole but ABOVE the fingers.
Onstage, he would use two cardioids x-y close to the hole but beside and under the fingers.
SMsound is right- placement here can make a huge difference

[rowjimmy]

Mic placement on a guitar is dealer's choice.
There's plenty of "right" ways to do it and even more "wrong" ways.
The way the player picks or strums will impact the sound of some placements. The type of guitar will as well. The room and mic selection too.

The real trick is to gather up a few ideas and try several, listening back carefully, until you land on something that works given all of the variables.

Then, the next time, start with what worked and be willing to make adjustments as needed.
If it sounds good, roll tape.