Topic: N00b Rig

[hippiebob]

Hey guys, I'm looking to build a rig starting with what I have so far...which isn't much. I have an SM57 and can buy one more for stereo for about 50 bucks. I'm looking at getting a Tascam DR07. What mixer would you recommend for a budget conscious taper? Any other major components I need?

Thanks guys, if this is in the wrong forum I apologize.

[doodee]

May want to check this post. Chris' sale goes thru today only.

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=145507.0

[ArchivalAudio]

don't use 57's (not great for music)
gET AN M10
and some of Chris Church's mics
even might try some  other "phantom" powered mics
like the CAD e70's
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=122357.msg1631459#msg1631459
but you'd need a mice preamp with phantom - such as the little box

[splumer]

I started with 57's. They're certainly not ideal, but if that's what you have, that's what you have. If you have money to spend on mic number 2, though, I'd look into getting something better and maybe sell your current 57 so you have more money to spend.

[runonce]

What kind of recording are you planning on doing?

Are you going to need DC powered gear? or are you in situations where you have AC?

[hippiebob]

I'm certainly not against selling my current 57. The kind of taping I want to do is the usual bands...Phish, Panic, GMule, and some local bands that rock my face off. If Igot a used M10 and a set of Church mics, what else do I need? A mixer? Battery Box? All this is a lot to learn right off. Thanks for the help.

EDIT: Anything off Amazon would be preferable as I have a $200 gift card on the way.

[acidjack]

If you want to record standard open-taping bands I'd do the following:

Keep your Tascam DR-07 for now

Get the Studio Projects C4s in the Yard Sale section of this site.  For $150 you get two mics and two polar patterns (omni and cardiod). Or from Amazon, these are fine mics for the price:  http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-Stereo-Electret-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B004HIJ5KW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1306260363&sr=8-4

Get some kind of power supply or preamp.   
On Amazon, there is this: http://www.amazon.com/Superlux-Stereo-Electret-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B004HIJ5KW/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1306260363&sr=8-4

But I note that with that, you have nothing providing amplification meaning all of your gain would come from the DR-07. From what I know about Tascam units that may be a problem, but I defer to Tascam users.

Or you could get a Naiant littlebox, available at www.naiant.com and made by a member of this board.  It is one of the least expensive and highest quality products out there - used with thousands of dollar rigs as well as starter ones.  This is one thing you won't necessarily need to "upgrade" later on.

If I were you, and I wasn't limited to small mics (and it sounds like you're doing open taping bands) and I had $200 at Amazon, I'd:

Buy the Superlux mics off Amazon
Buy a Naiant littlebox from Naiant
use the remaining amazon cash to buy cables, a stand, etc.  (Here is a workable, if slightly short, mic stand on Amazon for $25): http://www.amazon.com/Westcott-750-Photo-Basics-7-0-Foot/dp/B000NIKQ7Q/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1306260582&sr=1-1

[ArchivalAudio]

I don't think th eOP has a deck yet
but you might check out the CAD e70's if you have a bit more $
also on amazon from 8th street music  http://www.amazon.com/CAD-Modular-Element-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B001LEYV4U/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1306305825&sr=1-2
or on Amazon for $9 more with free supersaver shipping: http://www.amazon.com/CAD-e70-Dual-Capsule-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B000ZK58NY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1306305825&sr=1-1
you get both omni and card options
get the little box and  a deck
M-10 or something else

[acidjack]

^^ I stand corrected, you're right; OP doesn't have a deck yet.

In that case it's easy:

Use the Amazon dough to buy an M10
Buy a Littlebox from Naiant
Buy the Studio Projects C4s from the YS.

That's a total cash outlay of about $350 (~$200 for the littlebox and $150 for the C4s) (plus cables/stand).  You'll do even better if you can find a decent used deck and pre.

[12milluz]

^^ I stand corrected, you're right; OP doesn't have a deck yet.

In that case it's easy:

Use the Amazon dough to buy an M10
Buy a Littlebox from Naiant
Buy the Studio Projects C4s from the YS.

That's a total cash outlay of about $350 (~$200 for the littlebox and $150 for the C4s) (plus cables/stand).  You'll do even better if you can find a decent used deck and pre.

I would go that route as well. Littlebox and M10 are great and those C4s are nice.

[ArchivalAudio]

on other thing I though about
If the OP is going to shows where others are recording- he could simply start with a deck, and then get "patches" from others, until he could complete his own system.

[acidjack]

^^ Good point, although I guess that begs the larger question of whether patches these days aren't mostly pointless(?)

Previously, when it was much harder to actually trade recordings since you had to make tapes, etc., giving out a patch was a useful thing to do - you got someone a copy live on the fly and you didn't have to make one later. Plus, making copies not only took time, but also wore down decks.

Now, with every show (esp by larger open-taping bands) being seeded for the most part, with (in many cases) multiple options of HQ rigs to download from, I would think the main reason to go to such a show with a starter rig would be:

1. It's more fun to make your own tapes
2. You learn how to do it so that when you're not one of several tapers, you can do it right

To me at least, patching doesn't accomplish either, since the patcher does none of the setup and it's not their gear. 

Just my $0.02 though.  The only other reason I can think to patch is if it's out of a taper who doesn't ever seed/trade their recordings and this is the only way to get *their* recording out there, assuming you know enough about them and their rig in advance to be able to ascertain that.

[hi and lo]

Patcher's often show up late and/or don't have the proper equipment. For that reason, I'm very much 'meh' on the entire idea and not inclined to throw an unknown variable into my recording rig.

Patching used to be a win-win, but with the advent of flash based recording and digital trading it's now of a more risk than benefit. Much better to get a budget rig and learn the ropes than be an outsider looking in.

[hippiebob]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I'll look through and see what kind of money I can spend. If anyone else has any suggestions keep em coming.

[ArchivalAudio]

Patcher's often show up late and/or don't have the proper equipment. For that reason, I'm very much 'meh' on the entire idea and not inclined to throw an unknown variable into my recording rig.

Patching used to be a win-win, but with the advent of flash based recording and digital trading it's now of a more risk than benefit. Much better to get a budget rig and learn the ropes than be an outsider looking in.

I agree
this used to be what I said of Mini Disc recorders or patchers- when I ran DAT's I'd get there early - usually at load-in (often help lug gear) and be there for Sound-check , then some guy comes up during the first or second song and asks for a patch- or I see them fumbling with a crappy  one point mic and say I can just give you a patch, they don't have the cable ... etc- but I do.
motto for the Boy Scout "Be Prepared" - motto of  a taper "Be Prepared"  I've taken this through life, and always seek to help others when I can.

peace out
--Ian