Topic: Help Appreciated! Starting Out.

[ChordsofLife]

Hi everyone-

I'm entirely new not only here, but also to the recording scene in general. I've always loved live music, and I've been dependent on others recording shows, and then me finding them. Just recently, I got involved in a project that's going to archive and share shows that take place in Burlington, VT, as well as offer services to local bands trying to make it.

One of the duties I would like to get into is recording the shows I go to, and I'm looking for some help as to where to get started. So far, it's pretty clear that the Edirol R-09 is recommended, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick one of those up (unless someone recommends something else!). Here's my question though- I know I need:

[1]  mics
[2]  power to the mics
[3]  gain
[4]  analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
[5]  storage device

but how many of those things does that little device cover? And what do you recommend for the other things?

This is all 100% new to me.

[setboy]

How much money do you have to buy gear with?

[ChordsofLife]

The way I look at it is I'm willing to spend more if the quality difference is that much better. My initial thought would be in the 300-400 dollar range, but I have no idea if that's ridiculously high OR low.

[rowjimmytour]

Hi everyone-

I'm entirely new not only here, but also to the recording scene in general. I've always loved live music, and I've been dependent on others recording shows, and then me finding them. Just recently, I got involved in a project that's going to archive and share shows that take place in Burlington, VT, as well as offer services to local bands trying to make it.

One of the duties I would like to get into is recording the shows I go to, and I'm looking for some help as to where to get started. So far, it's pretty clear that the Edirol R-09 is recommended, so I'm pretty sure I'm going to pick one of those up (unless someone recommends something else!). Here's my question though- I know I need:

[1]  mics
[2]  power to the mics
[3]  gain
[4]  analog-to-digital converter (ADC)
[5]  storage device

but how many of those things does that little device cover? And what do you recommend for the other things?

This is all 100% new to me.

Welcome aboard and start reading here:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/board,46.0.html

[rowjimmytour]

The way I look at it is I'm willing to spend more if the quality difference is that much better. My initial thought would be in the 300-400 dollar range, but I have no idea if that's ridiculously high OR low.

Will if you look at prices that would enough to get a r9 w/o cf cards, mics, stand, preamp, and battery pack. Check out the yard sale and your $$ will go further and you can score some great gear for a good price.
Mics:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,107863.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108462.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108241.0.html
Preamp:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,107407.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,107221.0.html
Recorders:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,107407.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108435.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108405.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108044.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,105438.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108222.0.html
complete Rig:
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108267.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108010.0.html
http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,108210.0.html

[flintstone]

It sounds like you'd be taping in the open.  If that's the case, it's hard to go wrong with the Fostex FR-2LE. 

The FR-2LE is a large recorder, not something you can slip into a pocket, but it has quality features not found in the smaller recorders.  For example, the FR-2LE has both trim and gain controls for each channel, balanced XLR mic inputs, and a pre-roll buffer.

The FR-2LE can provide phantom power to your mics, has a good preamp, and can accept an inexpensive rechargeable battery internally so you can tape for many hours while providing phantom power. 

The FR-2LE costs about $550 from most online retailers, but can be purchased from eBay for less than $450, shipping included.  You'll also need to purchase a couple of Compactflash cards and that rechargeable battery.

The FR-2LE doesn't have good internal mics, so you'll need to purchase a pair plus appropriate cables and stands, or just take a feed from the sound board at the venue where you're taping.

See these threads for lots of information about the FR-2LE
Part 1  http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,62698.0.html
Part 2  http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,98557.0.html

Flintstone

[MSTaper]

I've taped for a year with Church Audio CA-11 mics>Church Audio STC-11 preamp >R-09 and got some very nice results. My entire rig, including cables, stand, media, etc. was about $700 or so. Definitely check out the yard sale here for used stuff.
I just bought a pair of used mics and found a Fostex FR2-LE on eBay for $409 plus shipping. There's one there for $438 and several for $599 (with two Fostex mics). I chose the FR2-LE because I didn't need a pre and the battery options are very attractive. But you won't go wrong with an R-09, but go with the R-09HR. I'm keeping my R-09 for backup and other recording activities. MSTaper

[ChordsofLife]

I've taped for a year with Church Audio CA-11 mics>Church Audio STC-11 preamp >R-09 and got some very nice results. My entire rig, including cables, stand, media, etc. was about $700 or so. Definitely check out the yard sale here for used stuff.
I just bought a pair of used mics and found a Fostex FR2-LE on eBay for $409 plus shipping. There's one there for $438 and several for $599 (with two Fostex mics). I chose the FR2-LE because I didn't need a pre and the battery options are very attractive. But you won't go wrong with an R-09, but go with the R-09HR. I'm keeping my R-09 for backup and other recording activities. MSTaper

When you use something like the CA-11 mics- if you walk around/say something to your neighbor, is that going to be noticable in the recording of the show? I'm thinking about getting something like your set up, but i also don't want to just find a spot and not be able to move for a few hours, you know?

[setboy]

I've taped for a year with Church Audio CA-11 mics>Church Audio STC-11 preamp >R-09 and got some very nice results. My entire rig, including cables, stand, media, etc. was about $700 or so. Definitely check out the yard sale here for used stuff.
I just bought a pair of used mics and found a Fostex FR2-LE on eBay for $409 plus shipping. There's one there for $438 and several for $599 (with two Fostex mics). I chose the FR2-LE because I didn't need a pre and the battery options are very attractive. But you won't go wrong with an R-09, but go with the R-09HR. I'm keeping my R-09 for backup and other recording activities. MSTaper

When you use something like the CA-11 mics- if you walk around/say something to your neighbor, is that going to be noticable in the recording of the show? I'm thinking about getting something like your set up, but i also don't want to just find a spot and not be able to move for a few hours, you know?

You really can't move if you want a good recording.

[ChordsofLife]

So would sticking that on some sort of mic stand be acceptable taper etiquite even though it seems its not for that kind of set up?

If these questions are answered elsewhere, please link me. I don't want to be a burden, but I do want to learn all this.

[setboy]

So would sticking that on some sort of mic stand be acceptable taper etiquite even though it seems its not for that kind of set up?

If these questions are answered elsewhere, please link me. I don't want to be a burden, but I do want to learn all this.

Yes. mic stand is what you would want. I ran small mic about the size of the CA's on a stand for a year or two.

[ChordsofLife]

Alright, great. So to narrow the following down:

Church Audio CA-11 mics>Church Audio STC-11 preamp >R-09HR

+ Mic stand (do they have little mic specific stands or do you just clip them to something?
+ SDHC card(s)

Is that setup complete? Like, I buy it, then go out and record a show?

[stantheman1976]

Yes, that is a complete set up.  The CA preamp will power your mics and give you gain and the recorder will translate what is sent to it into WAV format for editing.  The CA mic/preamp combo with the Edirol is a very good rig and should give you some nice results.

You will still need a stand and something to hold the mics in a specific placement.  You'll probably have to make your own holder for the mics or find someone who can make something for you.  The CA mics are fairls small and you can make a holder out of PVC pipe pretty easily.

[ChordsofLife]

Ok, I'm looking around at prices, and I can't seem to find the Church Audio STC-11, but there is a ST-20B. Does anyone know if that'll make any difference or have experience with it?

[su6oxone]

Ok, I'm looking around at prices, and I can't seem to find the Church Audio STC-11, but there is a ST-20B. Does anyone know if that'll make any difference or have experience with it?

Head down to the "retail" forum and there is a thread there for Chris Church's CA-11 with omni+cardioid caps and 9100 preamp for $250 +shipping for August. 

Or click here:

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,90474.0.html