Live recordings...

  • Thread starter Thread starter DeeDub
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DeeDub

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Hey folks! I'd like to try my hand at recording my bands live gigs. What I'm planning on (and tell me if this is crazy), is running from the inserts on my live board into the inputs on something like a Tascam US2000 or equivalant and then into Cubase.

Would there be too much latency running all 8 inputs? What are the best options for getting individual tracks recorded? I'll be running something with USB, can't spring for a MacBook Pro w/ Firewire at the moment!
 
Are you sure you will have the time, energy and attention to spare for dealing with the recording? Are you the sound person or do you also have to play in the band?

In theory your plan of tapping signal from the insert will work but there are pitfalls to avoid. First, how you get signal from an unused insert is different from how you get it from and insert being used. Tapping from an unused insert can be unreliable if you just use the "first click" method.

Latency only matters if you are monitoring your inputs through the interface. You should monitor your inputs the way you usually do at a gig, through the mixer's aux send(s), so latency isn't an issue.
 
Another word on latency, as you are recording a lot of tracks and as said latency is only an issue when over dubbing, increase the buffer size so that you lower the risk of glitches.

Alan.
 
taking a split from the inserts should work fine, but you'll need to make sure that doing that doesn't break the feed through the mixer. i.e. the insert needs to have a return as well as the send. You can just make up cables that take the output from the insert point, and split it straight back to the input of the insert, AND the tascam etc. be careful though!
latency isn't a problem if you do it this way, because you won't' be listening to anything from the tascam.
 
Thanks for the replies, folks!

It was brought to my attention that doing this via a split from the channel inserts that I would be passing the signal through 2 preamps.. the mic pre's in the board, and the mic pre's in the interface.

Would this be a problem?

I'm beginning to think a simple splitter snake might be a better solution.
 
DeeDub said:
Thanks for the replies, folks!

It was brought to my attention that doing this via a split from the channel inserts that I would be passing the signal through 2 preamps.. the mic pre's in the board, and the mic pre's in the interface.

Would this be a problem?

I'm beginning to think a simple splitter snake might be a better solution.
Click to expand...

Using the mic pres won't be a problem as long as they can be used for line level. If you can I would make up a splitter, this means that the PA mixer can be used for the PA without worrying about the recording levels. I always record live gigs using a splitter.

alan.
 
You can check out some recordings that I have done for local bands in the area here in Florida. Recordings have all been done live and, so far, all band members have been happy. My system blows the budget you have, but, I think is worth the investment (I hope). I use up to 3 eight channel inputs (although 95% only limited to 2 8 channel boxes). I have an external splitter with transformers and 8 channels, the best way to split a mic (the splitter is in top of the rack shown). 2. Location Audio Services | Richard King Media Everything in the way of sample music was done using what is in my rack picture (except for the recording done in 1976 or so).
 
OK, so a splitter seems the way to go. What can you recommend?

Just found the ART S8... opinions?
 
I use an ART S8 3 Way splitter. Never used the third, but it's there if I ned it.
 
While it's nice having an isolated splitter box it is also more expensive so I just I just make my own. Make some Y leads with a female line XLR in and 2 Male XLR's out. If you have any earth loop problems lift the shield on the XLR's going to the recorder.

Alan.
 
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