Topic: Zoom F8N for recording live album

[Thelonious]

Lately I’ve been thinking about what it would take to take some of my live recordings to the next level.

The thinking is, there are quite a few shows that are too small for a FOH (or at least the FOH is providing only sound reinforcement, not the full mix) where I would like to get a couple of mics on the drums, one directly on each of the guitar and bass and one, a pair of inputs from the board and a stereo pair for the room sound. This would not be common, but I would like the option.

I am happy with my mixpre 6ii and my F3. That said, the mixpre 10 is 2800 CAD right now and the zoom F8n is 1k. I may lean towards the mixpre mic Pres for very quiet sound sources, however, I would not expect that to be relevant to this application at all so I’m indifferent on this aspect.

My questions are:
1) is the type of recording I’m looking at feasible or am I missing something entirely and
2) is there anything about the zoom I may not be aware of that would make it less suitable for this application?

Thank you in advance for any perspectives on this.

[jefflester]

Yeah, I do it all the time with my bands. I'm not recording a "live album" per se, but just documenting my gigs. For the stereo pair for the room, I usually have it as stage mics rather than anything out in the crowd/by the board or other typical taper location. Good way to pick up drums.

[EmRR]

I used my F8n on some of the Avett Brothers Third Gleam record which is acoustic, some of it quiet. Use good mics, no problem. Yeah, you can split hairs, but it’s not ‘big picture’.

[Billy Mumphrey]

I have also done many of these types of recordings and it's a lot of fun playing around with different techniques. Go with your instincts first and then adjust your technique based on the results you want. Don't forget to delay your direct mics (guitar, bass) and board feed in relation to the audience mics. Most of the time bass amps have an XLR output and I just use that (but don't send phantom to their amp head!).

Good news, the Zoom F8n Pro has just been price dropped from $1k to $699. I ordered one just in case it was a temporary sale. I don't think it is, BUT you never know.

[mrfender]

Good news, the Zoom F8n Pro has just been price dropped from $1k to $699. I ordered one just in case it was a temporary sale. I don't think it is, BUT you never know.

there's one on Reverb for $600.  Very tempted myself but do not need more equipment.

Or so I lie to myself.