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Gear / Technical Help => Ask The Tapers => Topic started by: max4334 on September 18, 2012, 08:54:39 PM

Title: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: max4334 on September 18, 2012, 08:54:39 PM
Hi. Glad to be here.

Ill cut right to the chase. I'm taping this saturday's Springsteen concert at metlife stadium in Jersey. This is my first time taping a major concert. Now sure ive recorded shows in the past. But nothing major. My main worry is getting caught. I plan on using a tascam dr-100mkII. I have a somewhat irrational fear of the humiliation of being stopped because I have this in my possession. What is the best place to hide this on my body. Also, once the show starts, how do I keep this well enough out of sight while still being able to record something worthwhile?

Thanks for the help
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: eman on September 19, 2012, 10:31:32 AM
We tend to not talk about stealth techniques here. There are 5 page threads devoted to why.
That being said, it isn't the TSA, and there's a place they won't go. Can you guess what place that is?
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: runonce on September 19, 2012, 10:59:38 AM
I might wait til you are at the venue and scrutinize the entry...are they wanding people? Are guys carrying backpacks in?

Sometimes - this can be easier than you think.

The problem with sneaky concealment - is it looks suspicious if you get caught - and will likely fetch you more attention.

If would favor a more casual way of carrying it in. Girlfriends purse...?

At least if they find it, you can play dumb...vs having it taped next to your package, which is harder to explain.
(a reminder of why its not a good idea to buy used recorders from stealthers! >:D)

And maybe ask over in this thread

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=151348.0
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: audBall on September 19, 2012, 11:18:12 AM
Always works for me...

(http://www.soliloblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/captain-koons.jpg)
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: hoppedup on September 19, 2012, 11:27:40 AM
It's likely others will be taping, so:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Y1Emb7Jyks

Honestly, it's not that tough. Just use a little common sense.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: George on September 19, 2012, 11:51:39 AM
You only mentioned the recording device...what about the mikes and battery box or preamp?  If you're only going to try with the Tascam, leave it home and go to the show and enjoy it. 
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: max4334 on September 19, 2012, 12:18:53 PM
The preamp and mic on the tascam are good enough for me. I shouldve realized this would be a taboo subject. My apologies.

That being said, if the mystery spot is the groin area then great. I was thinking about hiding it in my shoe, but that would be very uncomfortable to say the least.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: flipp on September 19, 2012, 12:21:45 PM
The preamp and mic on the tascam are good enough for me.

If you are within 10 rows or so of a stack you might get an acceptable recording. If you have  a nosebleed seat, take the offered advice and leave the recorder at home and just enjoy the show.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: max4334 on September 19, 2012, 12:34:35 PM
The preamp and mic on the tascam are good enough for me.

If you are within 10 rows or so of a stack you might get an acceptable recording. If you have  a nosebleed seat, take the offered advice and leave the recorder at home and just enjoy the show.

No I have excellent seats. not GA mind you, but very close none the less
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on September 19, 2012, 12:49:47 PM
I had ZERO issues at the Izod Center in the Spring. There was no search at all. I did go in with the GA floor crowd so they may have skipped the search to get us in quicker.

If you want to be extra sure they don't find it and they are doing a pat down, but it in a place where they can't pat you down due to legal reasons (I'll leave it up to you where that might be).

Also as stated before if you don't have external mics, I wouldn't bother. Springsteen in NJ will with 100% certainty be covered by someone with a nice rig from a good spot. I don't have the ideal spot to record in Denver, but I'll probably roll anyway since Springsteen isn't huge here. I did roll last time in NJ because I was in the ideal spot. Saw him a few nights later at MSG and didn't bother because my seats weren't great (side stage) and I knew that at MSG there would be plenty of other tapers (and there were).

The only time I roll for Springsteen is if (a) I have the ideal location or (b) I'm going to a show I'm not sure will be covered.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: cybergaloot on September 19, 2012, 02:03:58 PM
Often a Tascam DR-2d dropped in your shirt pocket will get you about as good as you are going to get unless you run external preamps and mics. And its cheap too.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: max4334 on September 19, 2012, 02:19:28 PM
I had ZERO issues at the Izod Center in the Spring. There was no search at all. I did go in with the GA floor crowd so they may have skipped the search to get us in quicker.

If you want to be extra sure they don't find it and they are doing a pat down, but it in a place where they can't pat you down due to legal reasons (I'll leave it up to you where that might be).

Also as stated before if you don't have external mics, I wouldn't bother. Springsteen in NJ will with 100% certainty be covered by someone with a nice rig from a good spot. I don't have the ideal spot to record in Denver, but I'll probably roll anyway since Springsteen isn't huge here. I did roll last time in NJ because I was in the ideal spot. Saw him a few nights later at MSG and didn't bother because my seats weren't great (side stage) and I knew that at MSG there would be plenty of other tapers (and there were).

The only time I roll for Springsteen is if (a) I have the ideal location or (b) I'm going to a show I'm not sure will be covered.

do you think 131 front row will be good enough? the tickets and me deciding to bootleg were last min decisions. 800 bucks for 4 tickets. yikes! so worth it though.

i already have the dr 100mkII
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: mfrench on September 19, 2012, 02:25:52 PM
(http://www.youreagle1069.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/fingerboard.jpg)
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: fmaderjr on September 19, 2012, 02:39:30 PM
do you think 131 front row will be good enough? the tickets and me deciding to bootleg were last min decisions. 800 bucks for 4 tickets. yikes! so worth it though.

A lot of members here freak out at the use of the word bootleg, which actually means you are planning to offer your recording for sale.  Most of us are OK with stealth taping, but not with selling our recordings.

In future, best to use the word tape.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: hoppedup on September 19, 2012, 02:41:03 PM
If you don't get busted and tossed, the worst case then becomes that you come away with a crappy tape. Best case, you come away with a listenable tape, maybe even a good tape. So if you're confident in not getting caught, go for it.




Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: bryonsos on September 19, 2012, 02:58:42 PM
(http://www.youreagle1069.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/fingerboard.jpg)

Mixing it up? I expected the Hof.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: max4334 on September 19, 2012, 02:59:39 PM
do you think 131 front row will be good enough? the tickets and me deciding to bootleg were last min decisions. 800 bucks for 4 tickets. yikes! so worth it though.

A lot of members here freak out at the use of the word bootleg, which actually means you are planning to offer your recording for sale.  Most of us are OK with stealth taping, but not with selling our recordings.

In future, best to use the word tape.

yipes! yet another poor job by me. i have no intention of selling. im not expecting a stellar recording, just a recording by me. also itd be nice for a change to hear in 96khz/24 bit, regardless of space consumed ( i have a 1tb usb hard drive so im good on that end)
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: fmaderjr on September 19, 2012, 03:04:40 PM
Always works for me...

(http://www.soliloblog.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/02/captain-koons.jpg)

Good answer, Good answer!

(http://i926.photobucket.com/albums/ad105/fmaderjr/Back%20to%20School_zps8f22b95f.jpg)
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: hoppedup on September 19, 2012, 03:19:41 PM
do you think 131 front row will be good enough? the tickets and me deciding to bootleg were last min decisions. 800 bucks for 4 tickets. yikes! so worth it though.

A lot of members here freak out at the use of the word bootleg, which actually means you are planning to offer your recording for sale.  Most of us are OK with stealth taping, but not with selling our recordings.

In future, best to use the word tape.

yipes! yet another poor job by me. i have no intention of selling. im not expecting a stellar recording, just a recording by me. also itd be nice for a change to hear in 96khz/24 bit, regardless of space consumed ( i have a 1tb usb hard drive so im good on that end)

Don't sweat it. There are some curmudgeons around here. No great secrets of stealth have been revealed. Bootleg, tape, recording, ROIO, some of us don't really care what you call it. Others get their panties in a wad over semantics. Some others will probably chime in and say taping at 24/96 is a waste with internals. Ignore that, too. Do what you can with what you have. If it makes you happy, cool. If you are dissatisfied with the results, come back here and you can get lots of advice on adding external mics and preamp.

If you are using internals, your options for st3alth ( often indicated here by using this emoticon: >:D) are limited and really shouldn't take much thought. And if you're in assigned seating, you're gonna get what you get.

Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: mfrench on September 19, 2012, 04:14:45 PM
(http://www.youreagle1069.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/fingerboard.jpg)

Mixing it up? I expected the Hof.

Well, I found a great animated .gif pole-dancer Hoff. I'm just waiting for the right moment to debut it.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: yltfan on September 19, 2012, 04:30:46 PM

do you think 131 front row will be good enough? the tickets and me deciding to bootleg were last min decisions. 800 bucks for 4 tickets. yikes! so worth it though.

i already have the dr 100mkII

(http://intl.stub.com/seating-charts/x450/metlife-stadium-bon-jovi-8668.jpg)

Assuming this is the setup, 131 is ok, but if you can get on the floor, or closer on one of the sides, you'd probably be a lot better off. Maybe someone more familiar with the dr 100mkII can chime in.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on September 20, 2012, 01:36:50 AM
I don't know how the new Giants stadium sounds compared to the old one, but I wouldn't expect a good recording from back there.

If you want to give it a whirl just for "practice" I say go for it.

Like I said, it WILL be covered. I am not aware many Springsteen shows in the east that haven't turned up eventually.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: cybergaloot on September 21, 2012, 06:31:17 PM
Depending on the arena, sometimes those corners can be problematic due to excess reverberation from the room. I know our local civic center is terrible in that spot. Maybe the venue design where you are going will deal with it better. Let's hope! Good luck with it.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: daspyknows on September 27, 2012, 01:07:15 PM
You only mentioned the recording device...what about the mikes and battery box or preamp?  If you're only going to try with the Tascam, leave it home and go to the show and enjoy it.

Best answer so far.  The DR100 is tiny.  With wands there are many ways.  In fact full on metal detectors should be of minor issue if one is creative.  That said, get there early on line and watch and observe.  There is ALWAYS one person working security who is clueless and that is the person you should have check you.

After seeing the seating chart and 131 I would guess the difference between a DR100 w/internal mics recorded at 24 96 and mp3 would be much less than you might think.  Hope you just went and enjoyed the show.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: guitard on September 29, 2012, 02:13:44 AM
If would favor a more casual way of carrying it in. Girlfriend's purse...?

My buddy's wife wears a double-D bra - and she can hide the entire  >:D rig under her boobs.

Hey . . . if it's an option . . . run with it!
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: runonce on September 29, 2012, 06:52:11 AM
If would favor a more casual way of carrying it in. Girlfriend's purse...?

My buddy's wife wears a double-D bra - and she can hide the entire  >:D rig under her boobs.

Hey . . . if it's an option . . . run with it!

Yep - we had our buxom GF "escort" a D5 and D6 under "the shelf" at JGB 91 Cap center shows!

Those are some big decks!
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: daspyknows on September 29, 2012, 10:33:10 PM
My old housemate's girlfriend tops you all.  Neil Young at the Cow Palace in 1986 or 1987.  PCM F-1, SL2000 Betamax and 3 Nicad batteries under her skirt.  Granted, she was not a size 2.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: twatts (pants are so over-rated...) on September 30, 2012, 12:41:35 AM
My old hosemate's girlfriend tops you all.  Neil Young at the Cow Palace in 1986 or 1987.  PCM F-1, SL2000 Betamax and 3 Nicad batteries under her skirt.  Granted, she was not a size 2.

I'm not sure I'd be so proud to tell everyone I went there...  But I guess fat chicks need love too...   :P

Terry
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: daspyknows on September 30, 2012, 01:20:29 AM
My old hosemate's girlfriend tops you all.  Neil Young at the Cow Palace in 1986 or 1987.  PCM F-1, SL2000 Betamax and 3 Nicad batteries under her skirt.  Granted, she was not a size 2.

I'm not sure I'd be so proud to tell everyone I went there...  But I guess fat chicks need love too...   :P

Terry

Wasn't MY girlfriend.  I have no shame when it comes to getting gear in.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: twatts (pants are so over-rated...) on September 30, 2012, 01:23:35 AM
My old hosemate's girlfriend tops you all.  Neil Young at the Cow Palace in 1986 or 1987.  PCM F-1, SL2000 Betamax and 3 Nicad batteries under her skirt.  Granted, she was not a size 2.

I'm not sure I'd be so proud to tell everyone I went there...  But I guess fat chicks need love too...   :P

Terry

Wasn't MY girlfriend.  I have no shame when it comes to getting gear in.

LOL!  High-five!

Terry
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: splumer on October 05, 2012, 09:33:31 AM
My old hosemate's girlfriend tops you all.  Neil Young at the Cow Palace in 1986 or 1987.  PCM F-1, SL2000 Betamax and 3 Nicad batteries under her skirt.  Granted, she was not a size 2.

I'm not sure I'd be so proud to tell everyone I went there...  But I guess fat chicks need love too...   :P

Terry

My wife was um... not exactly skinny, and we always hid my stealth rig (not that I stealthed much) and a camera in her ample bosom. For better or for worse, she had gastric bypass surgery and lost a lot of weight. Now she can't hide rigs the way she used to.

But yeah, I'd love her if she was 1000 or 100 pounds.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: hermannhesse70 on October 05, 2012, 09:53:38 AM
The preamp and mic on the tascam are good enough for me. I shouldve realized this would be a taboo subject. My apologies.

That being said, if the mystery spot is the groin area then great. I was thinking about hiding it in my shoe, but that would be very uncomfortable to say the least.

Hide a Tascam DR100 MK2 in your SHOE? What - you wear a size 25W?   ;D  I have one of those and they're uh.. kind of big.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: TimSmith on October 07, 2012, 06:22:41 AM
There are actually some benefits of living in Moscow (where I live). Unlike the USA security don't really know about all these recorders. If I am getting searched I always pretend that my sony pcm-m10 is some kind of an audiophile player. If I would hide something in my shoe they may automatically think that it's something prohibited, maybe even a bomb  ;D  Just joking, this is not Israel.  ;)

Tascam dr-100 mkii does not seem like the best choice for st3@lthing to me. Like some people said: with Zoom h2 you can pretend like you're shaving, with olympus - talking on a phone, with Zoom H-1 - blowing bubbles.  ;D But dr-100 looks like really serious professional machine :(
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: cybergaloot on October 07, 2012, 03:58:23 PM

Tascam dr-100 mkii does not seem like the best choice for st3@lthing to me. Like some people said: with Zoom h2 you can pretend ... with Zoom H-1 - blowing bubbles.

Now that's funny!  ;D
I think the best bet for a low profile recorder now is the Tascam DR-2D. There are smaller ones but this seems to be the best bang for the buck on the small end of things.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: daspyknows on October 08, 2012, 12:43:44 PM

Tascam dr-100 mkii does not seem like the best choice for st3@lthing to me. Like some people said: with Zoom h2 you can pretend ... with Zoom H-1 - blowing bubbles.

Now that's funny!  ;D
I think the best bet for a low profile recorder now is the Tascam DR-2D. There are smaller ones but this seems to be the best bang for the buck on the small end of things.

The rea; key to success are external mics. 
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: The Giz on November 08, 2012, 02:49:06 AM
Did you manage to record the gig?
Satisfied with the result?
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: F.O.Bean on November 08, 2012, 01:41:03 PM
Did you manage to record the gig?
Satisfied with the result?

I'm wondering the same ??? And what made you buy a dr100?
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: The Giz on November 13, 2012, 04:01:29 AM
I'm also new to taping. I bought a Sony PCM-M10. No mics yet, my aim is to be very 'stealth'.
When I just had the device I had one lucky shot with the internal mics, a amplified concert (70's hardrock) and is sounded very decent. Guess that was my one in a million proper amplified concert recording with internal mics though. The concerts after that sound pretty distorded, and not much fun to listen.

It might have been asked before, but what mics can be used without a battery box at amplified concerts?
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: stepeanut on November 13, 2012, 05:00:15 AM
It might have been asked before, but what mics can be used without a battery box at amplified concerts?

Buy a battery box.  Seriously.  A CA-UBB or Sound Pros model will add very little bulk to your rig, and your recordings will be better as a result.

It's no trouble at all to stealth with a small battery box.  If you can't envisage it, send me a PM and I'll explain further.
Title: Re: Hi new here-Taping questions
Post by: yltfan on November 13, 2012, 08:29:57 PM
I'm also new to taping. I bought a Sony PCM-M10. No mics yet, my aim is to be very 'stealth'.
When I just had the device I had one lucky shot with the internal mics, a amplified concert (70's hardrock) and is sounded very decent. Guess that was my one in a million proper amplified concert recording with internal mics though. The concerts after that sound pretty distorded, and not much fun to listen.

It might have been asked before, but what mics can be used without a battery box at amplified concerts?

Can't you use the plug in power on the m10 for some 853's?