View Full Version : Does this set-up make sense?
NJSpeedbeast
10-12-2006, 02:54 PM
http://img206.imageshack.us/img206/8492/recordingsx7.jpg
Don't laugh at my crudeness. Alrighty, we want to record a live show with tracks so I can mix it. I will mix the drums prior to recording so it's ok for them to be on one track.
We still need it to be coming out of the speakers also. Does that set-up look right?
the setup look ok. i'd try if you have 8 tracks of input to record everything like this:
1. kick
2. snare
3. the rest of the drum mics from the mixer (toms/overheads)
4. guitar 1
5. guitar 2
6. bass
7. vox 1
8. vox 2
trust me, you will want to be able to have at least the kick and snare on separate tracks later on so that you can make them sound pretty in the context of the other tracks. if you have more than 2 vocal mics, then get rid of the snare track and keep the kick unless your kick sounds absolutely astounding.
second, you should try to not have any speakers playing when you record, use headphones for the vocals. also, if you can stomach it, try recording just a scratch track for the vocals when you play live, and then go back later and rerecord them so that you can concentrate on your performance.
NJSpeedbeast
10-12-2006, 05:07 PM
the setup look ok. i'd try if you have 8 tracks of input to record everything like this:
1. kick
2. snare
3. the rest of the drum mics from the mixer (toms/overheads)
4. guitar 1
5. guitar 2
6. bass
7. vox 1
8. vox 2
trust me, you will want to be able to have at least the kick and snare on separate tracks later on so that you can make them sound pretty in the context of the other tracks. if you have more than 2 vocal mics, then get rid of the snare track and keep the kick unless your kick sounds absolutely astounding.
second, you should try to not have any speakers playing when you record, use headphones for the vocals. also, if you can stomach it, try recording just a scratch track for the vocals when you play live, and then go back later and rerecord them so that you can concentrate on your performance.
Whoops....I mean a live show! Sorry, I meant to clarify that.
1) Drums
2 ) Guitar 1
3) Guitar 2
4) Bass
5) Vox 1
6) Vox 2
7) Vox 3
8) If I can't get it mixed...snare
Sorry for the confusion
cadencethefire
10-12-2006, 06:29 PM
run the monitor outs to the PA, but see with that you'll have to have someone sitting at the rack playing with the levels the whole show... what kind of PA do you have anyways?
NJSpeedbeast
10-12-2006, 08:57 PM
Well, we are going to soundcheck ourselves before hand and mix it so we know a ballpark, then my friend is going to run the levels.
Erm, the speakers are two Peavey Black Widows......15"....if I remember right: 1000W peak and 800W constant.
Right now we will be renting/borrowing a mixer. If we rent the same one we used at our last show it will definatly be loud/clear enough for all the instruments.
I don't know if the moniter outs are powered or not......I know our Black Widows need a powered mixer.
Moseph
10-12-2006, 10:50 PM
Can you get a mixer for the PA with discrete line outs? That'd be the best solution. Then you can have front of house and recording levels independent of each other.
NJSpeedbeast
10-12-2006, 10:58 PM
Can you get a mixer for the PA with discrete line outs? That'd be the best solution. Then you can have front of house and recording levels independent of each other.
Yeah, I was thinking about that. I'm gonna try to get one, it all depends on what I can find. That is the best solution. It's less cable junk too.
diesel
10-13-2006, 08:32 PM
Will the firepod work as a simple line mixer? yes.
Will it have a huge impact on your live sound? yes!
When you try and use an interface like the firepod to produce music in a live seting, you open yourself to a whole world of problems.
Lead singer sounds a little muddy? Unless you have a software platform that can EQ without recording the changes, you're sunk. Turn up the guitar too much for his solo? You've just clipped the track and made a horrible noise that can't be fixed. Have a friend who's a professional technician or engineer who wants to help you? You've got no control availible, so they can't do much of anything.
Please keep in mind that on it's own, the firepod is designed to balance, not mix. It will work to get sound out of the speakers, yes, but it's like using a large sledge hammer to pick a lock, it gets the job done, but it's not pretty.
My suggestions?
Can you rent a mixer with direct outs and a small recording snake?
Could you rent a mixer with subgroups, and just record 4 tracks off the group outs?
Is there a local music store or studio, or rental house that might have a few more suggestions?
NJSpeedbeast
10-13-2006, 08:46 PM
I'm thinking the direct outs is looking as the best option.
Thanks for the help guys.
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