budget recording without multitrack

  • Thread starter Thread starter Dig
  • Start date Start date
D

Dig

New member
I have a Peavey Unity 2002 24 channel mixer. I need to record a band for a quick demo. I don't have a multi track recorder so I was wondering if I could use the Unity.

There are 4 pieces, drum, vocal, guitar, piano. I will use 3 mics on the drums and then each other piece will use 1 mic.

I will plug them all into the Unity with the mains going to a tape recorder.

I figure I can use the pan knobs to place the pieces for a better stereo sound, but I have never done this so I am not exactly sure about this.

I will leave the vocals in the middle and then will place the drums a little left with guitar and piano right.

What do you think of this?
Am I crazy or can this work?
Any better ideas on panning placement?

Thanks
 
To answer your question I am going to have to ask a couple myself. What mics are you using? Where are you recording?

Most importantly.

HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS DEMO?

If this is something you are going to hand out to friends, then you're all set. If this is your big break into the music world I would suggest getting some help with the recording. Whatever you are doing make sure you have fun with the recording process.
 
If I were you, I would at least rent an ADAT... for $50/week then you could keep the drums in there own Stereo Mix and keep the bass, guitars, keys and Vocals all seperate for mixdown....

Get all the band members to pay $10 bucks, it's peanuts compared to the increased satisfaction you will get with the end Product.....

And then the knowledge of mixing etc, is a whole other story.... that will take practice
 
"What mics are you using? "

EV ND357s


"Where are you recording?"

House


"HOW IMPORTANT IS THIS DEMO? "

Basically to hear ourselves before we spend money on a studio.

"If I were you, I would at least rent an ADAT... for $50/week then you could keep the drums in there own Stereo Mix and keep the bass, guitars, keys and Vocals all seperate for mixdown.... "

Hmmm....How would the ADAT allow me to do that? Does it have seperate recording tracks? I'll have to look that up. One of my problems is that i don't have any rental places within 40 miles. But I will look around.

Thanks
 
Back about 100 years ago, when I didn't have a multi track setup, I recorded a few bands direct to reel to reel but you could use any stereo recording device you can get your hands on. If you have access to a snake so you can get as far from the band as possible so you can mix it without being influenced by the actual sound of the band, it can be done. What I'd do is pull my old Dodge van with the mixer, power amp & speakers and reel to reel in it up close to the house and run a hudred foot snake through a window into the basment where the band was. I'd have them run through their material until I thought I had a decent mix going and then record. The key thing is to be isolated from the band so you can hear what's actually going to tape.
 
Well, prior to the advent of multitrack recording this IS how music was recorded. You'll be fine as long as you

1) Have some time to set the mics up, record a test track, move the mics and levels, record a test track, move the mics and levels, etc. You'll also need all the outboard gear and effects that you want to use. I'd pay especially close attention to the vocal performance, compresssion and effects.

2) Don't care too much about the sonic quality of it. You'll be able to a decent quality mix, but there are sure to be several things that you won't like about it. You good thing is that you can just record several versions and decide which ones you like the best later. Just take good notes about which takes you liked are where on which tapes!!!

Its essentially the same as mixing for a live performance only your are mixing for an unforgiving recorder instead of a fairly forgiving audience. Every little mistake and inconsistency is noticeable, but (provided you guys have your performance down) you should be able to get a very useable demo.

It would help if you have someone who is NOT playing in the band who knows how to run the mixer. A lot. If that isn't possible then the musicians will have to pay very close attention to their levels and dynamics.

While I agree that renting an ADAT is a good idea, if you don't know how to use it yet you will likely be spending more time trying to figure it out then recording with it. If you know how to use it, or know someone who does and is willing to help out, you will really appreciate the flexibility that multitracking offers. At this level, though, your demo might not warrant the expense.

Have fun and good luck!
Chris
 
Tell you what Dig, if you're in the St. Louis area I'll record your demo for free. I guarantee you'll like it.
:D
 
Chris Shaeffer said:
While I agree that renting an ADAT is a good idea, if you don't know how to use it yet you will likely be spending more time trying to figure it out then recording with it. If you know how to use it, or know someone who does and is willing to help out, you will really appreciate the flexibility that multitracking offers. At this level, though, your demo might not warrant the expense.
Click to expand...

That makes perfect sense, and I totally agree.. But in the case of an adat... It's as simple as working a regular tape deck.... just with 8 different tracks....
 
Thanks for the great info.

"Tell you what Dig, if you're in the St. Louis area I'll record your demo for free. I guarantee you'll like it. "

Thanks Track Rat. I wish I could take you up on it but I'm in NJ.

Thanks Chris for the info. Sounds (no pun) good.


The ADAT intrigues me and I am going to call around to see if I can rent one.

Anyone have some insite into the best way to place the sounds? Inother words should the vocal be dead center? Where should the other instruments be?

Are 3 mics enough for the drums? I figured one on the kick and 2 above?

Thanks
 
No hard & fast rules but what I'd do is one mic in the kick, one on the snare & one low overhead to catch the toms. Pan 'em to the center. Bass to the center as well as the lead vocal. If there's harmonies maybe pan the at 10:00 and 2:00. Rhythm and piano could be panned out but I wouldn't pann anything hard left and right. Leads up the middle. Just my humble opinion.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top