• From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Topic: How to record band practice?

I want to record my band practice: a PA (vocals only), bass, two guitars, and drums.

I was thinking about putting a Sterling Audio ST55 condenser mic (burrito mic) on the other side of the room to get the band sound. that mic would go straight into my MBox into Garageband on the Mac. here is a link to the mic if you don't know about it.
http://www.guitarcenter.com/Sterling-Au … .gc?mode=1

Is this the right method? The right mic?
we have SM-57's too, but I was thinking this would be better. The ST55 has that -10DB built in.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • Registered: 2008-10-02
  • Posts: 373

Re: How to record band practice?

That should work, you won't be able to mix anything but just to get an over all band level you should be find. Play with the mic placement to get a good balance or you can use the SM 57 as a second mic on the other side of the room as well, the Mbox will do two tracks at once.

  • From: Lancashire
  • Registered: 2008-02-26
  • Posts: 700

Re: How to record band practice?

I remember a few years ago we wantd to record a few reheasals in someones front room...
the bassist sat opposite me facing me his amp pointing my way and me the same amp pointing towards him and me facing him. The drummer was sat to my left and the singer sat to my right facing inwards (so practically we was in a circle) we dropped a condenser from the ceiling by wrapping it around the light fitting, a condenser dropped down above the drums a sm58 for the vocalist going into one of the marshall acoustic amps that have a guitar and acoustic input.. We all levelled out so it wasn't too loud and just played as we normally would... All this went direct into a mixer and then a PC

It was s suprisingly good nice "live" type sound... We thought the drums wouldn't come out well but interestingly they did smile

I think keeping it simple like that added to the music we was trying to play.... I imagine as soon as you add a PA etc your starting to get louder amps need to go up etc etc so you might need better equipment....

We've also used one of the portable recorders http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/73392 I found this very good for acoustic work. I could sing and play with this sat a couple of metres away nd it picked up a good amount of detail and was very good quality even if my singing wasn't big_smile I've actually really enjoyed messng with this as my recording PC is dead at the moment its give me something to play around with big_smile. In a band setting however it just didnt seem to get the bass response, specially live recordings they sounded like there was no bassist or he was being drowned out and because there is no seperate channels you cant mix the bassist in sad Also it was very easy to clip the mic on it and get a mushy vocal quality (very apprently going from me singing to the female vocalist who has alot more ooomph in her voice)

  • From: Germany
  • Registered: 2009-12-25
  • Posts: 101

Re: How to record band practice?

I recorded a few reheasals with that technique (not your mic). I think the recordings were alright.

By the way, does anybody know Joe's recording process?
Is he recording track by track or is the whole band playing together?

Lookin' back in front of me
  • mbcl
  • BONAMETAL
  • Offline
  • Registered: 2008-05-01
  • Posts: 1,491

Re: How to record band practice?

I get very good results form a zoom H2 using the front and rear mics. Quick easy and no messing around.

Martin
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  • From: Detroit
  • Registered: 2006-06-02
  • Posts: 5,807

Re: How to record band practice?

so my computer went to sleep after 30 minutes, and when I moved it to "come to" the program locked up.

SO we did the set over again. It sounds alright, just gotta cut it all up. BUT OF COURSE, the first set felt better than the second time through.

- Nic from Detroit... posting on JB's Forum since 6-2-2006
Ask me about my handwound Great Lakes Guitar Pickups
Since 2010, Bonamassa fans have taken advantage of my JB friend discount = my cost + shipping. cool
  • ken
  • ken
  • Titanium
  • Offline
  • From: Orlando, FL
  • Registered: 2007-05-28
  • Posts: 949

Re: How to record band practice?

mbcl wrote:

I get very good results form a zoom H2 using the front and rear mics. Quick easy and no messing around.

I agree with Martin. Zoom H2, records direct to mp3 and you can set the quality (if that's what you want). Quick, easy, and an accurate representation of your sound. This may or may not be a good thing though,... tongue

  • Registered: 2009-11-24
  • Posts: 94

Re: How to record band practice?

+2 on the zoom. I have a h4 and it's a very handy band practice recorder.

  • From: Norddeutschland
  • Registered: 2008-12-03
  • Posts: 1,458

Re: How to record band practice?

mbcl wrote:

I get very good results form a zoom H2 using the front and rear mics. Quick easy and no messing around.

Hey this sounds like a very practical and convenient option. Just checked out the prices and its not unreasonable. I'm just looking for something for rehearsals. Read quite a few of the reviews on this model and most seem favourable. Given the price one shouldn't expect too much.

We can be a loud band in a small space so the low gain settings will be a must. Any further tips and advice on this device would be appreciated.

Thanks for the heads up.

No Hits, No Hype.......................Classic Rock Jan 2012