BR-8 and recording drums

  • Thread starter Thread starter PatrickK
  • Start date Start date
P

PatrickK

New member
Has anyone tried to record drums on the BR-8?
The drum machine is nice, but doesn't provide a realistic sound.
I've been trying to capture more of a live sound with the BR-8 by recording drums and guitar and vocals at the same time, (one line in for each, since there's only 3 lines in). There's 8 tracks, but only 3 inputs. Is there anyway to get more lines in? (like for bass, background vocals-- or do I have to go to a different system.
I'd appreciate any assistance.
Thanks.
 
to do drums, guitar and vocals at the same time and do it good would require a different system.....

you could still get the live feel by having the guitar and vocals play along with the drummer, but only record the drums thru the 3 inputs (i mic on kick, 1 on snare, and an overhead).....when you get a good drum track, go back and overdub the vocals and guitar.........
 
BR-8 and drums

That makes sense.
I guess there will be some bleed over from the guitar amps but we'll see if that 's a problem when we lay down the guitar tracks and vocals later. I'm guessing it won't as long as the guitar is played kind of low volume, and somewhat minimalized.
Thanks for the input,
P.
 
while recording drums, have the guitar player play direct and use headphones for everyone....isolate the vocalist as much as possible.......
 
br8 solution

hey,

i solved this problem for my live band recordings by buying a small 6 channel stereo mixer(i think it was @ $80). i have it by my side while i'm playing drums. there's plenty of channels for micing the drums, and you could even mic the bass or whatever and run it through also. get a 1/4" splitter(two female down to one male) so you can go from the stereo mixer into one input on the br8. this leaves you two open inputs on the br8, and a nicely mixed and eq'd drums and bass track. i don't know if you have ever heard frank black's(of pixies fame) solo stuff with the catholics, but those amazing albums were recorded live to two-track in basically the same manner, give or take a few thousand dollars of equipment. just a suggestion.


lazy72
 
the problem with tracking the drums to 2 tracks is that you are commited to the mix once its on "tape".....if the snare is just a tad loud on an otherwise awesome take, you are screwed......thats not saying it wont work...
 
2 tracks

gidge,

that's kinda the problem though, because the BR8 has limited inputs. you can run headphones out from the mixer too to get your levels decent before you "roll tape".


lazy72
 
Re: BR-8 and drums

PatrickK said:
That makes sense.
I guess there will be some bleed over from the guitar amps but we'll see if that 's a problem when we lay down the guitar tracks and vocals later. I'm guessing it won't as long as the guitar is played kind of low volume, and somewhat minimalized.
Thanks for the input,
P.

Its not the best method but I have found that if you have to record with a guitar amp in the same room as the drums, you can minimalize bleed over by placing a couple of heavy blankets over the amp cabinent. It keeps the amp loud enough where you can still tell whats going on but you don't get near as much guitar sound coming through the drum mics. Your best bet is to isolate the amp and use headphones if at all possible though.
 
Back
Top