So I bought some property over the summer and there is a badass empty building built in the 30's - 400+ sq. ft. Its going to be the new jam spot for my band. I'm wanting to put a computer in there and I am looking for some recording equipment suggestions.
We currently use a Tascam dp004 digital recorder that has built in condenser mics. We use it to record practices as thats were we write all our songs mostly. It works great but is a pain in the ass to get onto the computer. Its a process converting and mastering and all the bullshit.
I want something that has simple software, can record pretty decent tracks (just for us), records directly onto the computer. etc. etc.
Maybe something that has a decent condenser mic or what do you use for mics?
Don't want to spend a million dollars just want to be able to capture practices and easily distribute the material to the band members and also track over recorded material easily for solos, more riffs, etc.
Maybe something that works well with audacity since that's what is currently used.
Not looking for high quality just ease of use. I guess it would be cool if we could track each instrument but not necessary. I need some ideas.
Thanks
I was just checking out bluemic.com. They make usb recording mics. Anyone ever use one of these?
Quote from: ROWDYBEER on December 07, 2010, 08:07:45 PM
I was just checking out bluemic.com. They make usb recording mics. Anyone ever use one of these?
We use the Blue Snowball USB mic and it's pretty awesome. Good sound quality and it you can use it with Audacity. You just need to take the time to experiment with room placement.
I haven't used their USB mics but I use their Blue Ball and Kick Ball (rarely for their intended purposes) on fairly regular basis.
If those are any indication of their general quality level then the USB stuff might be worth looking into.
I've heard some good stuff about the Yeti.
Man the snowball is $100 and I see they are going for $50-$75 used on the bay. Fuckina that sounds like a perfect fit. Seems almost to easy and perfect.
You can get a used Zoom H2 or H4 for like 100 bucks right now. Good little field recorders.
Quote from: RAGER on December 08, 2010, 11:55:55 AM
You can get a used Zoom H2 or H4 for like 100 bucks right now. Good little field recorders.
I've used the H2 and the sound quality isn't half as good as the Snowball. It has a built in hard drive though, so if you don't have access to a computer at your practice space it's not a bad choice.
Old thread I know. I'm looking to get a little USB equipped field recorder type thing for practices. Anyone know easy is it to dump tracks into a computer with these? I have an iMac with Garage Band and iTunes. Hoping to get something used on ebay for cheap, older is fine as long as it can hold at least 90 minutes or so. My computer is not in the practice space.
I have a little USB MP3 player / recorder, it was around $20, has 1GB of storage (several hours) and just plugs into the USB slot of my computer, no extra cord required. I've recorded band practices going back the last few years with it, I just stick it in my pocket on the way out the door, set it running at the start of practice, and leave it on a shelf or the top of a cab somewhere (acually usually on the bar in our regular spot).
The downside is it does use AAA batteries at the rate of one every 7-8 hours.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on May 23, 2011, 08:36:27 AM
I have a little USB MP3 player / recorder, it was around $20, has 1GB of storage (several hours) and just plugs into the USB slot of my computer, no extra cord required. I've recorded band practices going back the last few years with it, I just stick it in my pocket on the way out the door, set it running at the start of practice, and leave it on a shelf or the top of a cab somewhere (acually usually on the bar in our regular spot).
The downside is it does use AAA batteries at the rate of one every 7-8 hours.
The price is right! How is the sound quality? Have you tried dumping the sound onto your computer? Is it easy? What model do you have?
The sound quality is fine, you can hear everything there's no buzzing or hissing or digital artifacts. It was too cheap to have a model number, or a manufacturer, they're probably all similarly made.
To get the files, you just plug it into your PC or Mac, it shows up like a USB drive, you can copy files from it, or edit them on the player, they're just MP3's so you can open them up in Audacity.
(http://www.oneinhundred.com/upfiles/upimg6/1GB---Multifunctional-MP3-play-5751376.jpg)
Looks kind of like that except mine has a little rocker instead of buttons, buttons would be better. You could probably find something like it at Wal-Mart or Best Buy or online at http://www.dealextreme.com/ (http://www.dealextreme.com/)
You could always get a bunch of mics and a mixer to record into the computer that way too. Just saying.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on May 23, 2011, 03:59:25 PM
The sound quality is fine, you can hear everything there's no buzzing or hissing or digital artifacts. It was too cheap to have a model number, or a manufacturer, they're probably all similarly made.
To get the files, you just plug it into your PC or Mac, it shows up like a USB drive, you can copy files from it, or edit them on the player, they're just MP3's so you can open them up in Audacity.
(http://www.oneinhundred.com/upfiles/upimg6/1GB---Multifunctional-MP3-play-5751376.jpg)
Looks kind of like that except mine has a little rocker instead of buttons, buttons would be better. You could probably find something like it at Wal-Mart or Best Buy or online at http://www.dealextreme.com/ (http://www.dealextreme.com/)
Ah. So the type of thing that is marketed as a "voice recorder" and is way cheaper than anything music stores sell? I like it.
Quote from: inductorguitars on May 23, 2011, 09:54:00 PM
You could always get a bunch of mics and a mixer to record into the computer that way too. Just saying.
For a demo, yes but I'm talking about a little thing to record practice with. You put it in the sweet spot to catch everything.
Typically I try to put it in the sweet spot, but it usually only ends up costing me money, or I get hit. bitches.
Quote from: SunnO))) on May 24, 2011, 01:18:44 AM
Typically I try to put it in the sweet spot, but it usually only ends up costing me money, or I get hit. bitches.
That's where the poop comes out, dude.
Quote from: liquidsmoke on May 24, 2011, 12:03:04 AM
Quote from: inductorguitars on May 23, 2011, 09:54:00 PM
You could always get a bunch of mics and a mixer to record into the computer that way too. Just saying.
For a demo, yes but I'm talking about a little thing to record practice with. You put it in the sweet spot to catch everything.
I wasn't sure where you were going, it seems to me a waste to buy a piece of equipment that has no other purpose than to record a practice.
In that case get a stereo mic to record into the computer.
And put it in the sweet sweet spot, not the shitty spot.
Erik, where are you practicing? There's no PC in a lot of peoples practice space. It's easier carrying a recording USB stick in your pocket. $20 to record practices is a great deal, if it means you remember that great idea that someone came up with, it's saved my ass countless times. It lets you hear the idea someone else came up with, and work your part out before next practice, you can post the MP3 somewhere and you can all hear what was going on.
Sorry, I just don't get how you can't get it ;)
Talking of boards and computer interfaces, did you ever get your Neotek?
Quote from: ROWDYBEER on December 07, 2010, 07:28:36 PM
records directly onto the computer. etc. etc.
I just realised that this is an old post. And I was thinking of this quote when I responded.
I find it a pain in the ass to download into the computer.
I go right into protools. ::) (But that's me)
No the Neotek was sold before I asked about it. I think they let it go for cheap.
Any interest in a 14 channel board?
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/msg/2393763069.html (http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/msg/2393763069.html)
I'm trading my Bass Blowtorch for this:
http://denver.craigslist.org/msg/2398361972.html
Thinking we'll have a little something for tracking for now.
Quote from: inductorguitars on May 24, 2011, 11:10:37 AM
I wasn't sure where you were going, it seems to me a waste to buy a piece of equipment that has no other purpose than to record a practice.
For $30? No way, that's a steal! I like to listen to what we do and see what needs improvement. I also want to play stuff for friends. We are going to do a demo, probably with my computer when we are ready of course, we just aren't ready yet.
Quote from: Hemisaurus on May 24, 2011, 12:05:47 PM
Any interest in a 14 channel board?
http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/msg/2393763069.html (http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/msg/2393763069.html)
Nice board probably one of the last one made IIRC. If I had the cash... (and a huge truck)
I ended up getting a Tascam DR-03(for pretty cheap) to record band practices with. It eats AAA batteries really fast and even with the input volume on 0 it clips. Arg. So it was a waste of money and I will be selling it on ebay soon.
I need one that can recharge like a cell phone or plug in to an outlet and can handle live volume levels and doesn't cost that much. Anyone? I'm not lugging my computer downstairs just to record practices either.
I had a similar problem with mine, wrapping it in a beer towel, wipe cloth, or an old sock seemed to help. Didn't seem to muffle the damn cymbals any either.
If you have a mic input, which checking Tascam's website you seem to, you can put an external mic on it, Freightshakin' Bob mounted a PZM on the ceiling of our practice space for this. Also according to Tascam, yours can run of USB bus power, which means any of those little USB chargers for cell phones and stuff would do, long as the USB connector is the same, check for mini or micro, my cheap shit $15 Tracfone came with one.
DR-03 SPECIFICATIONS
Stereo omni condenser microphone design
Up to 48kHz/24-bit WAV recording or MP3 recording modes
Records to microSD media
Auto-recording function starts when input exceeds a reference level
Limiter, low cut filter and auto gain control for input
Variable Speed Audition changes the playback speed without changing the pitch
Loop playback mode
USB 2.0 connection for file transfer
1/8" stereo microphone/line input
1/8" stereo headphone output
96x96 backlit LCD display
Powered by two AAA batteries or USB bus power
Built-in speaker
Built-in desktop stand
Includes 2GB microSD card and AAA batteries
Do you have a DR-03?
The USB thing is good to know.
I'm just wondering if some of these types of units can be adjusted even lower for very loud sound sources or if they are all about the same. Even with a mic connected I can imagine the signal being too loud.
Put a couple or even just one mic overhead from the ceiling. If you want multiple mic's you can get a simple Behringer board and run them in there to a simple digital recorder that records it as mono or as a L and R track. That's what I'd like to do in our studio eventually. I wish the iPad was better with inputs but there are ways to even get this to work. I record stuff through an SM57 into my ipad which is kinda cool at home.
Quote from: clockwork green on October 08, 2011, 07:42:54 PM
Put a couple or even just one mic overhead from the ceiling.
This would be lower input? I have an SM57 but not a condenser, I've never thought of a 57 as a whole room type mic.
The overloading is the mic, not the gain. The sound pressure is moving the mic beyond it's limits, so the only cures are to either reduce the nose level to the mic, either by distance, or swaddlng it, or use an external mic that can handle high sound pressures, like a 57.
If you can't find a way to make the 57 cover the whole room, there is a way to change the pattern of the mic capsule to be omnidirectional, you have to block the small holes at the back of the mic capsule, with glue or caulk. Check tapeop.com
I need my 57 for cab recording so I don't think I want to mod it but if I can get the right connectors to hook it up to my Tascam I'll give it a go.
imo, if you plan on having a computer in there, use an existing mixer and run the monitor or whatever RCA output jacks it has into the sound card's line in. a femaleRCAstereo->1/8"stereo mini jack from radioshaft and any old RCA cable is all you need for connectivity.
If the pc will be a dedicated music pc, maybe invest 50-100 in a righteous soundcard vs onboard one if anything, but probably not necessary.
you can plug everything in like normal and use the mixer to select what you are recording, so if you want full mic'd drums ok, same ole same ole and so on. you know like recording off the mixer at a show, except into a pc. zero investment beyond a $4 adapter for an initial try.
if you don't want to lug your desktop into the space for practice, see if one of your bandmates has a laptop he can bring. then just get an audio interface and plug your 57 into it, hang it from the ceiling, tada. you can get supercheap AIs if you're only looking for one or two inputs.
I probably should have just bought a used laptop for like $70 but now that I've got this Tascam I'll look for a mic adapter cable and try that route.
i think you can get Zoom H4's for less than $100 nowadays. Mine works perfectly for practice.
Quote from: strangelight on October 10, 2011, 08:29:12 AM
if you don't want to lug your desktop into the space for practice, see if one of your bandmates has a laptop he can bring. then just get an audio interface and plug your 57 into it, hang it from the ceiling, tada. you can get supercheap AIs if you're only looking for one or two inputs.
original premise: [sic]"..plan on having a computer in there.."
ya, so it seems like all the add-on stuff that CAN be added to a PC CHEAPLY, would be a logical 1st go. nothing lost if you dont like it.
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IMO, everyone should own a small mixer with USB stereo out plus the regular outs. You will use it for everything in place of everything else.
Practice, experimenting, multi mic things, small shows, recording demos or with a DAW recording nice shit ..a track at a time, even adding channels to an existing rig like at a jam..did it heh one mixer can go into a channel of another mixer. It will become soo central to all you do and ez2 lug being the size of a laptop or w/e
This is all great and makes sense however the idea here is one mic into something cheap and super portable to record practices so I can review and see how we are sounding and maybe play it for a few people. As long as I can hear all the the sound sources and nothing is clipping I'm good. Demos will come later and be multi-tracked with much better gear of course.
edit: my cell phone charger does power the Tascam and I am very happy about that.
so is the PC part of this or not?
makes a big difference. starting with zero, those little zooms etc, would be needed to actually record.
starting with PC you only need input like usb mic or mixer you already have etc.
ANY hi impedance mic ->female1/4"->1/8"mono mini male adapter-> mic in on soundcard
No pc.
Hooked my SM57 up to the unit and it's working good. I should probably be using a condenser but I'm not going to spend the money. Sounding pretty good so far.
I used to use a couple of 58's (one near the drummer, one near the amps), into a small mixer, into a regular old VCR. VCR tape works just fine for recording audio, and you can fit 6 hours on it if you want. Of course, a regular cassette deck or any other recording device would do the same job.
Quote from: chille01 on October 14, 2011, 11:39:04 PM
I used to use a couple of 58's (one near the drummer, one near the amps), into a small mixer, into a regular old VCR. VCR tape works just fine for recording audio, and you can fit 6 hours on it if you want. Of course, a regular cassette deck or any other recording device would do the same job.
vcr has a superb stereo track. quite hi-fidelity. great call. mega recording hours for dirt if you can find an old stack of vcr tapes
I always thought somebody should make an 8 track recorder that used VCR tapes. I have no idea if you could use the whole width of each side of the tape for audio though. Would eat cassette's recording quality for lunch.
It was called an ADAT ;D
VCR had two methods of recording audio, earlier VHS the audio track was linear and fairly low quality because of the slow tape speed, Hi-Fi VHS striped the audio along with the video. Betamax always striped the audio, and was HQ from the start.
ADAT striped digital information like an 8 track DAT machine.
If you were going to make a linear recording machine out of a VCR, with an eight channel headstack, you might want to step up the tape speed from 1.32 ips.
Analog and high speed of course.