Topic: recording in small bar with a laptop

[paul.barry]

I would like to record live music in a small bar.  I already have a laptop and cool edit.  The music is usually 3-4 piece jazz/funk, drums, bass, keyboards, guitar, saxaphone, etc.  I would probably be able to hang the microphone from the ceiling < 10ft from where the musicians are setup.  Are there any microphones available for less than $100 that would do a decent job?  Can you suggest an site where I can buy them online?  Do I *need* any other equipment besides the mic and laptop?

[creekfreak]

You are going to need mics, some sort of preamp and ad convertor along with an interface to the laptop, either pcmcia, USB or something external. You could run the mic in on the laptop soundcard, but that would sound like crap.

[paul.barry]

So you are saying mic directly into the laptop soundcard would be unlistenable?  Even in a small venue (I am talking about a place that hold maybe 50 people, there are usually less) with the mics 10ft away?  Any suggestions on stores or websites that sell this kind of stuff?

[admkrk]

i would think the mikes are what you need to think of first. not sure what's available in your price range?

give it a go w/ just that. it shouldn't nessesarily be "unlistenable", but you'll have an idea of what you need to add in the future.

that's what i'd try, but then again, i'm an idiot

[paul.barry]

I love to be able to get started for less than $100.  What about something like the SONY ECM-DS70P mics?

http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=1627436

What is "Plug-In Power"?  Is my laptop (Dell Inspiron) likely to have that?  Is there anyway for me to find out?

[radioboy1977]

you're going to have a very hard time getting started for less than 100 bucks.  that said, you would have no problem setting up a quality rig for less than $500.  pick up a pair of AKG C1000's, an M-Audio FireWire 410 and you'll be in business

[admkrk]

you're going to have a very hard time getting started for less than 100 bucks.  that said, you would have no problem setting up a quality rig for less than $500.  pick up a pair of AKG C1000's, an M-Audio FireWire 410 and you'll be in business

that's what i was thinking, but c1000's aren't much more and don't need phantom power.

my first show all i had was a d8 and a couple cables to sbd. wasn't happy w/ the recordings but it gave me an idea of were i needed to go.

[sexymexi]

it sucks sometimes, but this is a hobby, that needs to have some time, and money invested into it.  Most people have spent maybe on average around 2500-3000 dollers.  others up in the 9-10k range.  I don't know anything about that specific mic, but i think those mics are prone to have problems with overloading.  They just aren't able of handeling the SPL that live music hands out.  if your looking for something low key, and extremely portable, maybe look into http://www.soundprofessionals.com  good luck man.

matt

[Kindguy]

there is A pair of c1000s in the yard sale now for 150 bucks.

[George]

it sucks sometimes, but this is a hobby, that needs to have some time, and money invested into it.  Most people have spent maybe on average around 2500-3000 dollers.  others up in the 9-10k range.  I don't know anything about that specific mic, but i think those mics are prone to have problems with overloading.  They just aren't able of handeling the SPL that live music hands out.  if your looking for something low key, and extremely portable, maybe look into http://www.soundprofessionals.com  good luck man.

matt

Yep, i gotta agree. Maybe start off with a cheap, but decent pair of audio technica's and a battery module and see where that takes you.