Best way to record live -

[projectx1106]

Hey guys, what is the best way to record a typical metal band live? I'm saying 2 guitars, 1 bass, 1 singer, up to 3 backup vocalists, 1 drummer with a decent sized kit, and a keyboardist? I figure it's through the soundboard on a PA, but I don't know the ins and outs, so any help would be appreciated!

 

[DrNewcenstein]

Re: Best way to record live -

The mixer/soundboard should have two RCA outputs marked "Tape Out". Run that into whatever you're recording with and you'll get whatever's coming through the speakers.

Some mixers might have a separate Gain knob for those outputs, but I'd recommend running the signal into a Peak Limiter like the Alesis 3630 before going to the recorder.


Everything will have to have its own mic, of course, though most of the time neighboring toms will share a mic (one mic for 2 toms), as will cymbals that are near to each other.

Once you've got the live mix right (and EQ'd to the room to combat feedback, rumble, etc) run the signal out to the recorder. I'd also have an external EQ after the Limiter on the TapeOuts so that if you have to cut the bass or the highs so much to contrast the room you can put those back in for the recording (which will not have such issues).

 

[TwilightOdyssey]

Re: Best way to record live -

Depends on how you are playing. If only the kick and snare are mic'd, like most small metal clubs, then you will not have a good mix.

For rehearsals and live gigs, something like a Tascam DR-1 will cover the most options. It has excellent mics for in-room recording, as well as a line in for taking sound straight off the desk. And you can fit it in your gig bag and it takes 2 seconds to set up.

 

[Binnerscot]

Re: Best way to record live -

The easy route is just as noted above you take one of the mains stereo outputs to a recording unit. Otherwise you get a splitter snake and run on set of inputs to the FOH board as normal and the others to multitrack.