Thanks for the input everyone, it's what i was already rapidly concluding from a number of other threads ... that it's a mistake. I'm all over the place from acoustic folk, jazz, symphony to rock and metal so I think I will at least get a battbox. It's the loudest shows that seem to really suffer. Advantage of the preamp is that it helps set gain, zero it in better? Does it color the recording at all, would think so? I don't mind recording low and post processing, but I imagine it'd be best to listen to unadulterated masters?
I would LOVE to not tape all stealthy, but one can only attend so many elementary school ensembles before It's a Small World comes back to sounding like the masterpiece it is! But that's a topic for other threads -- where is all this open taping happening?
I noted the legal thread outlining various state laws about this hobby. And I've predominately been reading gear and tech threads, but is it OK to talk about getting gear in? Cause I've got some awesome stories of duct tape, girlfriend's thighs and the screams that eminated from the ladies room once we were in. So yeah, it's pretty much up to me now. When I go to shows, if i'm not solo, friends I'm with don't even know I'm taping! (So right, my boots aren't something worth trading beyond the quality issue.... full conversations throughout!)
But I do enjoy taping, I'm extremely aware of the folks reactions around me of course, but I'm also laser-like focused on the performances! Seems to really zero me in, and I get soooo excited "OMG i hope I'm getting this, OMG OMG!"
Hmmm, db meter? I do carry a light meter most of the time, something else for my hipster's kit!