Author Topic: Digital Recorder Positioning (Read 138 times)

pauldo · « **on:** August 06, 2012, 09:59:44 AM »

Hey All -
I know some members (dadabass2001) record alot of their playing with small digital recorders. It certainly is a good idea to record your shows so that you can hear what you thought was the greatest playing only to find out that your were dragging through this part or that part . . .

I regress - This week I am playing outdoors in a bandshell and was wondering if anyone had ideas about where the best location is for recording a swing band? Will be using a Zoom H4 with a stand.
I have not been to the bandshell before but it appears to be about 50-60 ft. across.

Any ideas would be appreciated.

(Message edited by pauldo on August 06, 2012)

slawie · « **Reply #1 on:** August 06, 2012, 09:12:34 PM »

I suggest right in front of the mixing desk. The sound guy is going to set up the mix to suit what he likes to hear in his spot out in the crowd. Always worked for me.

slawie

Glynn · « **Reply #2 on:** August 07, 2012, 08:40:01 AM »

I use the Yamaha Pocketrak and have had good results recording the trad. jazz band by setting it on a mic stand dead centre facing the band at the middle of the long far edge of an oblong dance floor (if that makes any sense!!) A word of caution - if outside then use some sort of wind sock over the mic/mic parts. I didn't once and got everything sounding like in a tornado rendering the recording useless. You can't edit the wind out afterwards either. Like a bad version of 'Albatross' Glynn

pauldo · « **Reply #3 on:** August 07, 2012, 11:48:33 AM »

No mixing console at this show. :-(

I have done the same as you in the past Murray. So I already have the windsock packed.

I'm thinking about 50' back and centered. Right now there is a 50% chance for rain on the evening we are scheduled to play. Will wait and see what comes of it tomorrow. Worse case scenario - maybe centered 'behind' the band?

jzstephan · « **Reply #4 on:** August 07, 2012, 05:10:13 PM »

This picture is a multi mic set up, but there is a "Decca Tree" at the right side of the photo. Place your stereo mic there, up high like in the picture.

Here is a diagram of a big band. Put the mic where it says "solo Mic" (up about 7'; make sure its safe; point it down toward the center of the band)

pauldo · « **Reply #5 on:** August 08, 2012, 03:19:14 PM »

John -
Thanks for the input, that layout drawing is very similar to our setup - I'll go for the 'solo mic' position.

Unless we get cancelled because of rain, right now it is raining and they are showing nothing but green on the radar and are calling for 60% chance of showers.... the band is covered but not the audience. :-/

We have been in drought conditions here all summer - the one night I have an outside show and Mother Nature decides to be funny!

ha ha ha . . . :-(

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #6 on:** August 14, 2012, 07:49:01 AM »

Pauldo,
I was in Dubuque doing the third Rock & Roll Rewind this last week and so join this thread late.
First off, my recordings are typically just a quartet or quintet, so I haven't the experience of a swing band setup.

A friend had a mini-recorder stolen from a club a few years back during his set, and that freaked me out on putting hardware out in the club or hall without an assistant to watch over it. It seems I always wind up doing my recordings gorilla style (no helpers) and so I've gotten used to setting my recorder next to me on stage. I then use an AKG 822 stereo mic on a line I run to the front of the stage. I place my mic in rough proximity to a floor monitor (for vocals) near center stage for the stereo instrument blend. It works for small club/bar settings, and has the added bonus of catching all the little jokes and asides that go on in a club date.

I hope you got to play the date (without needing to know where your towel was)

Mike

pauldo · « **Reply #7 on:** August 14, 2012, 10:32:59 AM »

Thanks Mike - and everyone else.
We did play and were tucked under the bandshell whilst the audience were tucked under their umbrellas. I was certainly impressed with the turnout.

I set the unit as close as possible to the 'solo mic' position that John suggested but because of the rain it was tucked back closer to the piano, bass and drums (no guitar in this group!). The final product was OK, obviously the rythmn section over powered things a bit (not necessarly a bad thing) -

HOWEVER, a certain bass player had automobile problems on the way to the show and arrived on time but later than desired - this seemed to permeate into the whole evenings music and I wasn't 'comfortable' all night; felt like I was chasing the notes instead of jumping on top of them. Listening back to the show, it isn't terrible, but I am painfully aware of the areas where I stumble.

oh well.

dadabass2001 · « **Reply #8 on:** August 15, 2012, 07:24:53 AM »

I'm glad you got the gig in, despite the weather.

My zits & dimples live recordings always forcefully remind me of my human foibles when listening back, but also sometimes surprise me with moments of clarity and musical cooperation.

I hope we can get together again sometime, and arrange another Midwest Alembic gathering.

Mike