Need tips on how to record live shows??

[Rancidska]

Hi! :wave:

I need some tips on how to record live?

Maybe some info on material (recorder, etc) to use, position at the show, or ways to dampen the sound or something like that etc...

I own a Iriver mp3 player with a mic on it.
Tried a few time to record but I always end up with the same problem:
Sound issue and too much bass (wich sounds distorded)...

Don't tell me things like: Don't stand next to the speaker. I already know :cool:

Thanks for taking time to answer my question!

See Ya In The Pit
Dom

[diesel]

Well, there are a few options for live recording.

1)Mic everything for the PA (including the crowd that could just be sent to your recorder) and take a send off of the front of house console. Send that to some kind of recorder (ie computer, tape deck, even your mp3 player if it's got a input jack).

2)Find a good tape recorder, maybe a four track even, something with a mic pre amp. Then run a condensor mic, directly into that. Then put some really good headphones on and try and find a place near the mix position that sounds good (best to do during sound check or even an opening band)

3)Find one of those really good spot recorders that the media use, you might be able to get something decent with that.

4)Mix the show on a Mackie Onyx 1640 (with the firewire card) and run the into a computer, then you get full multi-track recording to be mixed later. (Note, can be fairly cost prohibitive, but it is an option to some people)

[Rancidska]

Thanks for the info Diesel!

Second of all, I was wondering if there exist a software that could, i don't really know how to say it, but that could help ''clean''/edit/mix, the sound of my bootlegs. Lol, I don't really have the money to buy a mixer like Mackie Onyx 1640 (which looks pretty awesome!!) or do I really have to position myself correctly at a show?

You see, I recorded this show a while back (still with my mp3) and the guy was playing keyboard (solo project), when I arrive home hoping the sound was perfect... it wasn't. The bass note on the keyboard sounded distorded, so I was wondering if any software could help edit the sound to make it more listenable, and sound almost perfect or is my bootleg a total lost... (which is a shame cause I won't see another show of him until a very long time :angry: )

Thanks in advance for answering my (long, weird) questions!

Dom

[diesel]

Well, if it was analog distortion, I would say you'd have half a chance, however, digital distortion is a done deal. You can try and tweak a little with EQ somewhere along the line, but you're not likely to make it sound "almost perfect". My only advice there, is next time, turn the input down. When you take a lower volume signal in, you'll end up with more hiss and noise, but you won't clip as fast.

PS. I'll warn you that not everyone around here approves of unauthorized bootlegs, always make sure you have the artist's approval before anything goes to tape.

[10571z]

this year im just getting my mates laptop from the lineout of the mixing desk.. they mic everything.... its a fairly even mix.