I have checked the archive and found some good background info on starting to tape live shows. I know I need mics, gain, power supply, and a recording device. Which is better a DAT or a lab top. Iam plannng on gettin a new computer soon but was looking at a desktop. I think I need software to convert the dat into wave. I dont know if I should just get a laptop and not the dat?? Also I see all this stuff that I have no idea what it is. Is there a magazine that can clue me in on some gadgets that go along with taping or just read more of the archive?? I want to get started with just what I need in order to record a good sounding recording. I have found some AKG c1000s but dont know if that will be right for me. I plan on recording in mostly smaller venues but then some midsize also. Well thanks for the help and Iam sure some more questions will come to me in the future. Also where is a good site to get the equipment??