Topic: Open Mics/Rig (Some advice needed)

[Liquid Drum]

Well, basically I'm starting to think about a possible open mic set-up. I 98% stealth concerts I usually tape but for the odd open show I'd love to have a rig to pull the sort of recording that sounds almost 'professional'.

Another thing is I would like a set of mics that I could also use to record my bands rehearsals, maybe even record rough live demos of tracks. Of course I'd be using the open mics for my own band/s 99% of the time but for the other 1% I'd be taping concerts. And even would love to use the mics to record any live gigs my band/s will do in the future.

I haven't a clue about mic possiblities so some advice is what I'm looking for. Also, a good stand thats not too big, so that its not in the way or anything when placed near the sound board/mixing desk.

1 last thing. Would I need a new recorder? Or can I use my R-09? My current equipment is in my sig.

What else would I need? I would take a guess that these open mics don't terminate in a 1/8th jack?

Thanks for your time,
Simon.


EDIT: cost, looking for something under $300 if possible. Maybe I need to aim higher?

[Jeremy Lykins]

Your Church mics and preamp into your R-09 will make a damn fine open recording.  All you'd need to buy is a mic stand, T-bar, and maybe an extension cable for between the mics and preamp.

[Belexes]

Within the last year or two I moved to an open rig from my stealth gear. (see my sig)

I started with a set of Studio Project C4 mics.  Those used will run you around $200 or so. With that, you'll need a pair of XLR cables.  15 footers should be fine.  Most "open" mics take phantom power, so you'll need either a recorder that supplies phantom or an external like a Denecke PS-2.  Further on down the chain you just need a Hosa adapter to get things down to 1/8" to run into your R-09.

I now moved to Busman mics ($525 new, includes T bar) and a Fostex FR-2LE (stock) that I picked up in the Yard.  Probably more than you'd want to spend, but the Fostex has phantom power built in and has a good ADC, so it's not much gear to lug around.

As for a stand, Bogen makes 9 footers and you'll be all set.

[Liquid Drum]

Thanks for the replies so far. I had a feeling I'd need phantom power, heh.

I'm currently looking at the AT4051's. If I was to buy them, what would I need to go between the mics and my R-09? Something that works well but isn't too pricey. I was looking at the UA-5 but even used its $400   , which is a little too much for me.

[Liquid Drum]

Sorry, I meant AT4041's.   

[Sunday Driver]

A UA-5 would not be much help to you if you want to use it with your R-09. Most folks use these as analog to digital converters, and the R-09 lacks a digital input.

I would invest in a good stand / t-bar and use your stealth equipment in an open environment.

[Belexes]

^ Sony D-50 has a digi-in if you want to move to something like that or I think the MT II as well.

Phantom power:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ART-Phantom-ll-Dual-Phantom-Power?sku=180621

You could also track down a Denecke PS-2. 

Much of what you need you may be able to track down with ISO's or seller posts in the yard on this board.

On those AT's you plan on getting, does it have interchangeable caps?  With open mics, it's nice to have interchangeable caps.  Not a must, but definitely a plus.

[Liquid Drum]

^ Sony D-50 has a digi-in if you want to move to something like that or I think the MT II as well.

Phantom power:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ART-Phantom-ll-Dual-Phantom-Power?sku=180621

You could also track down a Denecke PS-2. 

Much of what you need you may be able to track down with ISO's or seller posts in the yard on this board.

On those AT's you plan on getting, does it have interchangeable caps?  With open mics, it's nice to have interchangeable caps.  Not a must, but definitely a plus.

Funny enough, I was just researching the PS-2.  It seems a reasonable price for me. I guess I can plug the AT4041's straight into it and then from the PS-2 straight to my R-09.

Would that be a worthwhile open set-up? As I said, I don't do much open taping (only done it 2 times so far since I started taping in 2005). My main aim is to have it as a portable recording set-up for my own gigs plus I'd like to record any rehearsals. Using for taping is a bonus. I would also like to try the AT4041's to record my drums (maybe using as overheads). So another possibilty is for when we do studio work.

I'm not sure if they are interchangable caps, I will look.

+t

[Todd R]

Another option for a mic pre+phantom power is the new USB Dual Mic Pre from Art:

http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?type=90&cat=13&id=132

I know nothing about this, and it may well be utter crap, but it looks like a good possibility for a ultra low cost mic pre + phantom powering option.

[Javier Cinakowski]

Another option for a mic pre+phantom power is the new USB Dual Mic Pre from Art:

http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?type=90&cat=13&id=132

I know nothing about this, and it may well be utter crap, but it looks like a good possibility for a ultra low cost mic pre + phantom powering option.

HOLY SHIT, $99 ?   The specs don't look half bad.  If this thing is able to be modded it could make a real nice device for our purposes....

[Liquid Drum]

Another option for a mic pre+phantom power is the new USB Dual Mic Pre from Art:

http://www.artproaudio.com/products.asp?type=90&cat=13&id=132

I know nothing about this, and it may well be utter crap, but it looks like a good possibility for a ultra low cost mic pre + phantom powering option.

That looks quite good, nice price too!

Thanks for the heads-up. +t

[Belexes]

Funny enough, I was just researching the PS-2.  It seems a reasonable price for me. I guess I can plug the AT4041's straight into it and then from the PS-2 straight to my R-09.

Would that be a worthwhile open set-up? As I said, I don't do much open taping (only done it 2 times so far since I started taping in 2005). My main aim is to have it as a portable recording set-up for my own gigs plus I'd like to record any rehearsals. Using for taping is a bonus. I would also like to try the AT4041's to record my drums (maybe using as overheads). So another possibilty is for when we do studio work.

I'm not sure if they are interchangable caps, I will look.

+t

I think that once you have an open rig, by nature you will just start doing more open recording than you thought, or at least that is what happened to me and I was 100% stealth at one time.

I'll take photos of some of the gear I have to show you how to get it down to the R-09 and will report back.

Again, I strongly recommend mics with interchangable caps.

[Humbug]

I open tape with AT933s all the time.

Mics clipped to piece of scrap plastic as a T-bar, DIN works well with AT933s (853s).

pm me if you want further details..why not start with what you have.

[indietaperwloo]

Beyerdynamic MC930's are awesome sounding.  illconditioned uses them on many a recording and they sound amazing.  He uses either XY or ORTF configs.  Go to www.soundmann.com and listen to a few clips using the MC930's - you'll be impressed  I really want a pair for myself. 

Also for stealth, check out the clips that use the Nevaton MKE400's and Sennheiser KE4-210-2's.

[Liquid Drum]

I open tape with AT933s all the time.

Mics clipped to piece of scrap plastic as a T-bar, DIN works well with AT933s (853s).

pm me if you want further details..why not start with what you have.

I might do this while I save up for a full open set-up. Will PM you later.