Topic: I am a chinese field recorder,please recommend a mic for me!!!go into for detail

[battery]

recording rock show in livehouse for bootleg is my  interest!

this is my plan for recording device:

???mic > Naiant littleBox > sony pcm m-10

my budget for mic is below $800.

is there sth wrong for  my plan? please give me some advice! this forums is famous in world ,even in china, so i come here for professional advice~
i wanna buy a used mic for a better one in my limited money~waiting for your advice! 3ks for everyone here~

 

[su6oxone]

I think you're best off with Church Audio CA-11 or CA-14 (mics) > Church Audio 9100 or 9200 (preamp) > Sony PCM-M10.

You can buy the Church Audio directly from Chris Church who is on this forum (check out 'retail' subforum).  I think the total price of this rig, if buying new, is about $500-600 (including M10), or less for used. 

Sound Professionals SP-CMC-4 (which is the Audio Technica AT853 mics) is a good alternative since they have switchable mic capsules (cardioid, omni, hypercard, subcard -- although subcard isn't sold new anymore).  You can buy used here or on the sound pro website (www.soundprofessionals.com), just remember to get the 'low sensitivity' modification so you can record loud concerts without distortion.  They should cost about $300/pair new with cardioid caps, and more for more caps and less for used. 

Good luck!

[battery]

Amazing for ur fast and detailed responce!

i feel a little moved for the kind people in this wonderful forum like u~3ks again

[su6oxone]

Glad to help.  Don't hesitate to ask more questions if you have any. 

[battery]

i can't find the sp-cmc-4 in www.soundprofessionals.com，how about this one?
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=144437.0

sp-cmc-4 only or sp-cmc-4 > littlebox?

[su6oxone]

Yep, that is the same one. 

You can find it here also (new): http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-CMC-4U

For this type of mic, you won't need phantom power so you would probably be better off with a Church Audio preamp (9100 or 9200) or a battery box.

Sound Pro sells a bunch of battery boxes: http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/category/310/mics

[battery]

3ks su6oxone staying up all night

Night is coming in China,but u guys will wake up, join in this topic~

[dean]

recording rock show in livehouse for bootleg is my  interest!

What do you mean "bootleg"?  Do you plan to sell your recording for your own profit?

[battery]

no,no, i won't sell anything, maybe share with friends sometimes

[Chuck]

recording rock show in livehouse for bootleg is my  interest!

What do you mean "bootleg"?  Do you plan to sell your recording for your own profit?

Yeah, the term "bootleg" is not appropriate to use on this forum.
When we see or hear that term used we think of someone selling audio or video recordings that they don't have the right to sell.
Glad to hear that you are interested in making recordings for your own personal use.

You have come to the right place to learn about the art of recording live music.

 

[stevetoney]

In his defense, I've been all over the world traveling and I try to record local music whenever I get the chance.  The US and maybe Canada are still the only countries where the term 'bootleg' isn't still universally to mean a recording from the audience.

For the sake of the original poster and anyone else that might not be familiar, here on TS.com we've been trying to change this universal definition so that we can show that we are different than someone that records a show from the audience and sells it to put money in his own pocket.  Over the last 10 or 15 years, we've been very successful in North America in changing this perception with bands and clubs.  In fact, now many bands and clubs encourage people to come out and record.  It's a real win-win for everyone involved.  Unfortunately, outside of North America this concept hasn't caught on yet. 

Anyway, TS.com is very sensitive when someone uses the word 'bootleg' around here because we don't want to be confused with those that record to sell.

I hope this helps.

[stevetoney]

My opinion is that either the CA-9100/CA-9200 or the Littlebox would work well for you.  They would both sound very nice with CA-14 microphones or SP-CMC-4U. 

An earlier poster suggested that mics could be used with only a battery box or plug-in power (the mic in jack on a recorder), but it seems like the sound of your recordings would probably be better with one of these preamps.  It depends on the sound quality of the internal preamps in whatever recorder you decide upon.

Anyway, the Littlebox is larger in size than the Church preamps, but they both are probably small enough to put under a shirt with no problem.  The Littlebox has the advantage that you'd also be able to have XLR connectors, so if you get a pair of full-sized microphones and can record music openly, this would be a nice option.

If size is the biggest concern, you could also consider a Tinybox.

[battery]

Acutually ,In China, u can't sell the show u recorded to anyone, noboby is interested in it.
Even few people will do a “bootleg”，in the fact, just the a recording from the audience, which usually shared in internet.

sorry for producing misunderstanding here, give me some time for being familiar with  rules here

[Myco]

Welcome to the group. It's good to have some Chinese tapers now. 

[battery]

For the sake of the original poster and anyone else that might not be familiar, here on TS.com we've been trying to change this universal definition so that we can show that we are different than someone that records a show from the audience and sells it to put money in his own pocket.  Over the last 10 or 15 years, we've been very successful in North America in changing this perception with bands and clubs.  In fact, now many bands and clubs encourage people to come out and record.  It's a real win-win for everyone involved.  Unfortunately, outside of North America this concept hasn't caught on yet. 

what u have been doing about the changing this perception with bands and clubs is so admirable!!
It is my great honor to be a part of it ~

[battery]

Welcome to the group. It's good to have some Chinese tapers now. 

Soooo~~happy to know u guys~
i can't wait for learning from u

[battery]

My opinion is that either the CA-9100/CA-9200 or the Littlebox would work well for you.  They would both sound very nice with CA-14 microphones or SP-CMC-4U. 

An earlier poster suggested that mics could be used with only a battery box or plug-in power (the mic in jack on a recorder), but it seems like the sound of your recordings would probably be better with one of these preamps.  It depends on the sound quality of the internal preamps in whatever recorder you decide upon.

Anyway, the Littlebox is larger in size than the Church preamps, but they both are probably small enough to put under a shirt with no problem.  The Littlebox has the advantage that you'd also be able to have XLR connectors, so if you get a pair of full-sized microphones and can record music openly, this would be a nice option.

If size is the biggest concern, you could also consider a Tinybox.

Thanks for u and su6oxone, who give me some similar advices. that make me being confident of the solution

Church Audio CA-11 or CA-14 (mics) or SP-CMC-4 > Church Audio 9100 or 9200 (preamp) or littlebox > sony pcm m-10

thanks for all u watching and helping~!

[stevetoney]

I agree with everyone else.  I'm not sure we have any other members from China...so welcome to taperssection battery! 

I recently visited Shanghai last October.  It was my first visit to China.  It was a fun trip, but since I was on business, I couldn't do any sightseeing.

Oh, and I should have mentioned that you have very good English skills.  Unfortunately, I'm thinking there aren't too many people here on Taperssection that would be able to speak to you in Mandarin!   

[Chuck]

I agree with everyone else.  I'm not sure we have any other members from China...so welcome to taperssection battery! 

me 2

[dean]

I agree with everyone else.  I'm not sure we have any other members from China...so welcome to taperssection battery! 

me 2

Me 3.  And thanks for clarifying your "bootleg" word choice, battery.   

[F.O.Bean]

Welcome and happy taping

[newplanet7]

this is my plan for recording device:

???mic > Naiant littleBox > sony pcm m-10

my budget for mic is below $800.

Hi Battery.
Is the $800 budget for the mics only?
Or is the $800 for mics/pre-amp/recorder?

[illconditioned]

Welcome, Battery.

Instead of importing US/European gear, most of it that is made in China to begin with, why don't you explore Chinese gear directly.

One company I am curious about is BSWA (http://www.bswa-tech.com), and also selling under the name retail name MicW (http://www.mic-w.com/).  They make various systems that a clones of DPA and other high quality measurement mics.

These are distributed in the USA, for example:
  http://www.fullcompass.com/product/384117.html
  http://www.mic-w.com/showpro.asp?id=28&lb=5

Also sold capsule only as:
  http://www.bswa-tech.com/products-microphone%20capsules-mp201mp231.htm

These are very expensive capsules, but I'm curious if they can be had for a lot cheaper in China.  If that is the case, there is no point in importing USA/Europen mics!
 
What I suggest you do is buy a Sony PCM-M10, for approx $200 USD.  This is the best sounding (stereo) rig you're going to find.  Get this and start out with the built in mics.

Then get a set of good measurement mics and show us how good they sound!

  Richard

[kirk97132]

Hmmmm do I for see an overseas connection to gear that is unavailable in the US?  Welcome to the group and I would also like to give you credit for your english language skills.  I can only wish I was able to have any skill at another language. 

[setboy]

I'm confused. He said he wanted to spend less than $800 for a mic. Why then, is everyone  telling him to buy mics that are pretty far below that price?  Don't get me wrong those are good mics for the money and he would most likely like them, but why not suggest other mics closer to his top end ?
Or am I totally missing something?

Welcome to TS.com !!!!

[battery]

Hi Battery.
Is the $800 budget for the mics only?
Or is the $800 for mics/pre-amp/recorder?

thanks for responsing ,
mics only, however ,mic + preamp is prefer~

is there any other choices?

[battery]

I'm confused. He said he wanted to spend less than $800 for a mic. Why then, …………Or am I totally missing something?
Welcome to TS.com !!!!

I guess the sollution which su6oxone and tonedeaf have recommeded maybe a suitable one for my purpuse that is for live show recording
that above is my own comprehension， right？？

Or because of high quality with reasonable price ？ $800's mic is almost  four times than the price of CA-14 microphones or SP-CMC-4U, but the quality maybe not get the four times enhancement??

[setboy]

but the quality maybe not get the four times enhancement??

You are. You very well might not get that.

carry on.

[battery]

Hmmmm do I for see an overseas connection to gear that is unavailable in the US?  ………… I can only wish I was able to have any skill at another language.

English is international language.
Movie, music, TV and work is full of English, even in China~ i have to learn it, u guys don't have this kind of trouble. ^ ^

[battery]

I agree with everyone else.  I'm not sure we have any other members from China...so welcome to taperssection battery! 

me 2

Me 3.  And thanks for clarifying your "bootleg" word choice, battery.   

Thanks 4 ur warm welcome,dean,Chucka and tonedeaf~

To tonedeaf,
Shanghai is the most modern city in China, the city i live is the oldest in China，which called Xi'an that have Several thousand years of history
Welcome here if u have the opportunity

[battery]

Instead of importing US/European gear, most of it that is made in China to begin with, why don't you explore Chinese gear directly.

One company I am curious about is BSWA (http://www.bswa-tech.com), and also selling under the name retail name MicW (http://www.mic-w.com/).  They make various systems that a clones of DPA and other high quality measurement mics.

These are distributed in the USA, for example:
  http://www.fullcompass.com/product/384117.html
  http://www.mic-w.com/showpro.asp?id=28&lb=5

I am trying to contact this company,ask for the price of the Mic W CN201.
I will show u the price when i get it， but i
h

[battery]

Instead of importing US/European gear, most of it that is made in China to begin with, why don't you explore Chinese gear directly.………………
These are distributed in the USA, for example:
  http://www.fullcompass.com/product/384117.html
  http://www.mic-w.com/showpro.asp?id=28&lb=5

$17XX for a pair of MicW CN201, even more expensive than the price in US.

The truth is what is made in China usually cost more than US or European, i don't know why~

[rastasean]

I have to agree with Kirk, your English is impressive. People always tell me "sorry I don't know english" and I tell them they know more english than I know their native language!

happy taping from the other side of the planet!

[illconditioned]

Instead of importing US/European gear, most of it that is made in China to begin with, why don't you explore Chinese gear directly.………………
These are distributed in the USA, for example:
  http://www.fullcompass.com/product/384117.html
  http://www.mic-w.com/showpro.asp?id=28&lb=5

$17XX for a pair of MicW CN201, even more expensive than the price in US.

The truth is what is made in China usually cost more than US or European, i don't know why~

Thanks for the checking!

OK, better look for some cheaper mics then...

  Richard

[Brian Skalinder]

One more important question:  do you plan to record openly (with permission of the venue and musician), or stealth (without permission, typically requiring much smaller gear that is easily concealed)?

The answer will make a big difference in the gear people recommend.  If you intend to record primarily openly and can use full-size microphones, there are plenty of mic options in the sub-$800 range.  If you intend to record primarily stealth, there are far fewer options.

[battery]

One more important question:  do you plan to record , ………………there are far fewer options.

Excuse me，i should go to the “start here” section.
I just finish my learing about "start here"~
Now i realise that's a key background before i post a question, and next maybe should search,but not post a new topic ^ ^.
However, it make me feel so warm  to communicate with all u directly though this new post. So FORGIVE ME FOR THE FIRST~

I guess it's stealth in most cases.
Because with the permission of the band, i still can't find a perfect tapersection for recording. u know it, most live show is crowded and noisy

[rhinowing]

wow! Xi'an looks beautiful:

[illconditioned]

Hey Battery.

It would be great if you could record some *ambient* sounds from China.  Street scenes, local (nonwestern) music, etc.  There are quite a few people doing this, but none I know of in China.  Just put the mics on your hat and record interesting sounds.  Maybe take one or two still photos to go along with it.

Anyway, keep up posted once you get some gear and get started on your sound journey.

  Richard

[stevetoney]

wow! Xi'an looks beautiful:

Natural beauty too!

[F.O.Bean]

Damn, that place looks like Heaven

[setboy]

Damn, that place looks like Heaven

[neumannkid]

Welcome Battery! It is quite a honor to have a Chinese taper join us. 

[kirk97132]

It is hard to imagine being one of only a few people recording Live music.  And if you consider the size of the population being the first one even here at TS.  You are almost legendary before you even start.  Imagine it...it is hard to wrap my head around the idea.  Don't worry about your first post.  You are doing well and taking a great approach to your quest for knowledge.  Being open, and asking questions is a perfect way to start.  It is refreshing to see considering that some people come here for the first time and are confrontational, ignorant and not ope to others points of view.  You my friend will soon find yourself being totally absorbed by the same hobby that we all obsess over now.   What are your favorite bands from China?  And what about favorite bands in general? 

[rokpunk]

I wish some of the clowns on ts.com from the USA spoke English as well as you do, battery. Welcome.

[MSTaper]

Neat, a Chinese taper! Just a comment about the "bootleg" thing. Jamie Barrier, the guitarist/singer for the Pine Hill Haints, always lets me tape his bands and I always give him copies. He always refers to them as "bootlegs." It's probably because he's a huge vinyl collector and grew up, like I did, knowing those early live recordings as bootleg albums. Of course, that's what they were at the time. I don't correct him. 

MSTaper

[battery]

What are your favorite bands from China?  And what about favorite bands in general?

I will introduce some wonderful singers or bands  from China, especially who sound different from ones in US,CA and EU.

but it's too much for just a reply, would u mind me starting a new subject in TaperChat ,Open Forum or somewhere else about this topic ?

how can i share my chinese music in TS.com??

[setboy]

What are your favorite bands from China?  And what about favorite bands in general?

I will introduce some wonderful singers or bands  from China, especially who sound different from ones in US,CA and EU.

but it's too much for just a reply, would u mind me starting a new subject in TaperChat ,Open Forum or somewhere else about this topic ?

how can i share my chinese music in TS.com??

feel free to start a new thread.

[dean]

What are your favorite bands from China?  And what about favorite bands in general?

I will introduce some wonderful singers or bands  from China, especially who sound different from ones in US,CA and EU.

but it's too much for just a reply, would u mind me starting a new subject in TaperChat ,Open Forum or somewhere else about this topic ?

how can i share my chinese music in TS.com??

feel free to start a new thread.

Yes, please start a thread (if you haven't already) and put a link to it in here, so we can all make sure to check it out if we want to.   

[stevetoney]

how can i share my chinese music in TS.com??

Dear Battery. 

For music that I don't know where else to go for sharing, I put my recordings onto file sharing websites such as mediafire or mega upload.  I just upload my music files to the sites and then share the link with ts.com friends so they can download whenever and whatever they wish.

[GDfan]

how can i share my chinese music in TS.com??

upload to archive.org?
post link in the kickdown section.

nǐ hǎo

[kirk97132]

What are your favorite bands from China?  And what about favorite bands in general?

I will introduce some wonderful singers or bands  from China, especially who sound different from ones in US,CA and EU.

but it's too much for just a reply, would u mind me starting a new subject in TaperChat ,Open Forum or somewhere else about this topic ?

how can i share my chinese music in TS.com??

Yes please feel free to start a new thread about your favorite bands.  Taperchat could be a place to discuss it.  As for uploading.  There are a few places.  The LMA (live music archive) can host most stuff.  There are many different categories for sharing there.    then there are sites like etree.org is you know that the band allows sharing.  Some sites have less strict standards Demonoid is one I can think of off the top of my head ( I can give you an invite if you need one).  Dime A Dozen(aka eztree) allows some things that etree does not.  The Traders Den allows a lot of stuff and can host video's.  Be cool to hear what musicians are laying down currently in China. 

I'm curious is rock n roll a large or small part of the music scene there?  What is the bigger attration musically? IE:Hip hop, country, jazz, etc. 

[tapinfool]

Damn, that place looks like Heaven

I think it very well may be, Bean. 

[Gutbucket]

nǐ hǎo Battery,

I have great memories of traveling for a month in your country 14 years ago.  Entering from Laos, and traveling North, the closest city to Xi'an that I visited was Chengdu, where I stayed about a week awaiting permission to enter Tibet. I'm sure much has changed since then.  I often wish that I had taken equipment to recorded the sounds and music I encountered.  Incredible trip. I hope to make it back again some time. I will never forget the 24hr sleeper bus journey that took 50+hrs.  5000 years of history is hard for us to comprehend in the USA- my city only celebrates it's 100 year anniversary this year!

Welcome to the forum, and best of luck with your recordings!