One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

G

G&Legacy

New member
I have a zoom recorder (4-track) and I want to record my rock band's practices. I only can only use ONE dynamic mic and I dont have the money to buy a mixer. Does anyone have any suggestions on a type of dynamic mic to get for my needs. The recorder also has a build in mic, so I might try to use both internal and external mics. I have an sm57 but i am not sure if it will work well. thanks
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

A good omni-directional like the one posted will work great at capturing everyone. It won't be the perfect recording but for catching stuff on tape for review and such, perfect.
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

Just remember dont place it too close to the drums, unless you want overpowering cymbals and high hat.
Also a good idea it to raise all the amps off the ground including the bass amp and put the mic just above waist height.
My band did this a few years ago and it turned out quite respectable.
As for the mic, its not gonna be a super high quality recording so don't bother getting a really good mic. A semi- decent Omni directional will suffice.
We used an Audio Techinca 4033.
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

This might sound weird, but try your 57 pointed at the floor at a 45 degree angle. Put it right down within a 1/4" or so, but not touching and off to one side away from the band if possible.

Theater types sometimes use this technique along the front of a stage to get the overall sound. It works on the same principle as the pressure-zone microphones developed by Crown for picking up sound over large areas. Cheapo versions are commonly used on conference tables for speaker phones, etc.

It's worth a try and costs you nothing.
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

Rich_S said:
This might sound weird, but try your 57 pointed at the floor at a 45 degree angle. Put it right down within a 1/4" or so, but not touching and off to one side away from the band if possible.

Theater types sometimes use this technique along the front of a stage to get the overall sound. It works on the same principle as the pressure-zone microphones developed by Crown for picking up sound over large areas. Cheapo versions are commonly used on conference tables for speaker phones, etc.

It's worth a try and costs you nothing.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I'll have to try that in the garage next time we jam. This past weekend I used one mic, a cheap $30 V-Tech, hanging off a guitar stand about mid-way between my cab and the drums and another one near my mic stand on the ground angled up towards my cab. It worked really well for the drums. The guitar level could be better though.
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

yea, ive done this and an sm57 works fine.....i put the mic pretty high up, like above my head, and i put it out in front of everything, with everything facing it, i do however raise the amps with folding chairs...
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

Kev said:
Ive done exactly the same, same mic same recorder (if its a mrs-4) The results are pretty shocking. Funnily enough... we then tried my mates zoom porta with a in buoilt mic, and it sounds pretty good-

Hears a sample.

http://www.fireway.co.uk/den/omission/Omission - Secure Your Escape Route.mp3

Kev
Click to expand...


Our recorders are close. I have the PS-04 Palmtop. I am borrowing a audio-technica MB 3K to try out. I will have to listen to that sample.
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

Rich_S said:
This might sound weird, but try your 57 pointed at the floor at a 45 degree angle. Put it right down within a 1/4" or so, but not touching and off to one side away from the band if possible.

Theater types sometimes use this technique along the front of a stage to get the overall sound. It works on the same principle as the pressure-zone microphones developed by Crown for picking up sound over large areas. Cheapo versions are commonly used on conference tables for speaker phones, etc.

It's worth a try and costs you nothing.
Click to expand...

what if there is a rug on the floor, is cement better for this technique? Thanks for the tip.
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

so I have the audio-technica MB 3k mic to try. Should I hang it in the middle or put it on a stand? Our band is usually in a circle.
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

band is normally in a circle? then deffinately in the middle...
 
Re: One dynamic mic for recording band practice.

G&Legacy said:
Our recorders are close. I have the PS-04 Palmtop. I am borrowing a audio-technica MB 3K to try out. I will have to listen to that sample.
Click to expand...

Yeh man, thats what it is. Its a PS-04 :smokin:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top