Jordan Wolf
Forum Replies Created
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Jenny,
I would look into a simple, dual-channel audio interface. You mentioned that you have a Macbook Pro – what types of Firewire does it have (400 and/or 800)? I know the new ones only have the Firewire 800 in them.
If you have Firewire 400, I would look into the PreSonus Firebox. If you go USB, look at the PreSonus Audiobox. Many interfaces come with the DAW software, so there shouldn’t be a problem – you can always use Audacity until you save up, anyway.
For headphones, try to get what the stations you cater to have. Same thing with microphones, but…I would look into: Shure SM7/SM7B, Sennheiser MD421, E/V RE-20, Sony C500. I, personally, would get an AEA R84 ribbon microphone. The Coles mic, mentioned before, is a ribbon mic, also.
Don’t buy Monster Cable or anything like that – Mogami makes some nice stuff as do ProCo and Whirldwind.
Good luck and have fun!
Wolf
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Think of it this way:
When you make coffee or tea, you might add milk or sugar. Once you add it, it’s there to stay. Any recording is the same way – whatever environmental noises are captured are there to stay. There are destructive ways of removing them (no matter how advanced the tecnique, you still have to make compromises on quality).
I, for one, very much enjoy live recordings of any sort and feel that they bring a different dimension to the recording that can’t be found in any studio. I think it would be best to live with what you have, so long as it is a quality recording – or at least of a quality that you are pleased with.
Wolf
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The Zoom H2 recorder would be a good fit, methinks. It’s simple enough to use and professional enough that he will get the desired results with a little practice. He can add a lapel mic later on.
Wolf
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William,
If you are asking that question, I think you are in over your head and should back out of the job. You should already know the answers to that question if you are doing an install. If you take this job, I guarantee that you will suffer the consequences of (1) an unsatisfactory install job, (2) loss of a client, and (3) a bad reputation in your area. This will not benefit you in any way.
If the client isn’t willing to budge and their decision (or lack thereof) will result in a finished job that I myself am NOT satisfied with, I don’t want my name on it. Back out now.
For similar opinions and advice and more in-depth answers, go to ProSoundWeb’s SR Forums. I would post in the Installed Sound/Contracting forum.
I’ve always felt this forum was more for on-location audio/audio post-production Q&A (maybe I’m wrong?).
Wolf
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Carl,
First off, if there is no reinforcement, the sound will be lacking in the house – that is, after all, the point of reinforcing it: so that an even mix is attained. People aren’t used to this imperfect sound that comes from a live recording without reinforcement and it doesn’t usually sit well with them. I, on the other hand, enjoy it very much. 🙂
The way I see it you have a couple of choices.
I. Somehow (buy…rent…) do the following to get the mix that people EXPECT (note that this is not necessarily an accurate mix):
Put microphones/DI boxes on everything that needs reinforcement (vocals, if any; guitars and/or amps; drums/percussion; keyboards). You will need a way to either mixdown these signals LIVE, to a stereo track OR record them separately/somewhat separately so that they can be mixed in post-production later.
Room mics are a great investment and will help bring that “live feeling” to the mix, since the audience will be included now.II. On the rare occasion that you do get a band that can mix their own levels well (and they are few-and-far-between), go with a simple stereo mic setup. Place them where you feel an accurate representation of the band can be heard, check your levels, and start recording.
Frankly, I think that the sound you will get out of this will be sub-par – and that’s not to discount your abilities/talents. In situations like this, it is often better to have a person who can be dedicated to monitoring the audio and nothing else. Without that person, I think you will work yourself too hard trying to balance filming and keeping the mix balanced.
Hope that helps and good luck in your ventures!
Wolf
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If you’re looking for paid stuff, there is plenty…I’ve used Juicer extensively.
But, if you ask me, making your own is by far the best way – and the most challenging/fun thing you’ll do for the film.
Wolf
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John,
Here is a link to another forum that had a good thread on that board. There’s a good bit of opinion but also a lot of insight and thought from the responses. As always, take with salt:
PSW SR Forums: Presonus StudioLive Mixer
Wolf
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More information is needed, as Ty said, however, I think that we can give you some options…
Interfaces and/or Software: M-Audio, MOTU, Metric Halo, E-MU, Digidesign, and Focusrite’s Saffire series. Of course, there are others out there, so search away!
I personally recommend MOTU.
Ableton Live might be your ticket if this is for live performance.
Keep us informed as to your decision(s). 🙂
Wolf
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Boy, I’m glad you did! That adds a whole ‘nother piece of the puzzle to worry about and deal with…
Wolf
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Ah, that’s better! Okay…let’s see what we can do for ya:
My first recommendation is to look into a different mixer. I understand the need to set up quickly and load-in/-out efficiently, but there are better (and similarly-priced options) out there.
I would look into an Allen & Heath PA series mixer. Full Compass has some good pricing and details if you are interested.
If you were to move to something like this, you would open up rackspaces in the rack you currently use, but would want to look into a road case for the mixer (not a huge one). You could set the mixer on top of the rack you had the old one in. Two racks would be better and more stable, but one can work for a smaller mixer like that.
I’m sure you have concerns about purchasing new gear (budget, etc.), but I really feel like you are limiting the quality of your shows – live AND recorded – by not having gear that is up to the standards you NEED (not just want) it to be and has the features you require.
Hope that helps a little. I just woke up like 20min. ago, so if something isn’t clear, I’ll probably find it later or be reminded by one of you.
Wolf
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