Topic: Newbie Question

[bopper]

Hi,
I need some help with a project in the future.  I have a friend who gives a small acoustic beach concert for a group of 50 people every year in the Caribbean.  I told him I would record it next year. 
I have access to a zoom h4n.  I also have access to a Sony ecm-737 mic.  Keep in mind that we don't expect a pristine recording.  He tends to move around a bit, so the "soundstage" needs to be wide.

Should I just use the internal mics of the h4n or go with the external mic?  Any other tips would be greatly appreciated.  Thanks!

[acidjack]

External mics will be of better quality.  It really depends what you want to get out of the recording, though.

The mics in the H4N are, I believe, XY, which provides a fairly wide soundfield (see here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:XY_stereo.svg)

The H4N mics aren't completely terrible, and to only do one event a year, may be all you need. They're better than that Sony, in any event.

What you definitely should do is place the H4N appropriately - ideally, close to the performers (it sounds like this isn't amplified, so you should effectively place it almost directly in front of the group, maybe 2ft in front), and in a fixed and stable position, ideally using a small stand, which can be had for about $25. 

Given that it's outdoors, I'd also be sure you use a sturdy windscreen.  For outdoor work on a beach, I'd get a furry one like this: http://www.amazon.com/Zoom-H4n-Furryhead-Windscreen-Black/dp/B004EJELS0

[newplanet7]

My question was also, is this just a once a year thing OR
will you be out taping after. There are quite a few taper friendly acts that go unrecorded.
If it is just a once a year thing, go for it with the zoom.
If you think this will become a hobby, step up and drop a little on a full inexpensive rig.

[stevetoney]

Since your guy walks around alot, I recommend omni's.  The new Tascam DR100mkII ($330) has both omni and cardioid mics built in.  The built in mics on this recorder sound pretty good.  Alternatively, get a cheaper recorder like a Tascam DR2d for $130 or so and buy some Church Audio CA14 omni's ($129 I think).  This will be a cheaper option than the first and give better sound.  Regardless, since you'll be outdoors on the beach, you'll have a breeze.  Make sure you put good foam windscreens over the mics with furry deadrats over the top of the screens to ensure wind noise is eliminated.  If you don't consider and solve any potential windnoise, don't bother worrying about the recorder/mic question because whatever you use won't be listenable.