Q: live studio recording with one mic...

[bman001]

So basically what I wanna do is do a real basic live recording for just reference and practice purposes. I am purchasing a TASCAM Porta02mkII and am curious as to what mic would be best for this purpose. The way our amps and such are set up is in a circular fashion therefore it would make sense to place the mic in the middle of this configuration.

What type of mic am I looking to buy for this purpose? My instinct tells me a condenser mic but I am just a novice at this hoping to improve my skills. Any help or a simple answer would be appreciated.

 

[kojdogg]

first off, hopefully you have a decent sounding room and second, have modest expectations about the sound quality of the recording. with a great acoustic environment, careful arrangement of amps and instruments, and discretion about volume relative to each other, you could get a very good recording.
i don't know if your tascam has phantom power, but you'll need it for most condenser mics (unless they run off a battery or other power suppy).
on a small budget, a great choice would be a naiant omni condenser-- i believe there are models that run off battery power. otherwise, maybe an ev 635a dynamic omni...

 

[allaroundmoose]

also, I've been using an MXL V63M for micing drums, guitar, bass, vocals, and it works pretty well in single mic stuff. It's omnidirectional, so it's good for middle-of-the-room situations.

 

[Chris Long]

...I've been using an MXL V63M . It's omnidirectional...

The V63M is a cardioid microphone...it also happens to be on sale right now at MF, today only, for $50.

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXL-V63M-Condenser-Studio-Microphone?sku=273157

 

[hairylarry]

bman001,

Does your portastudio have XLR in or phantom power? In any case:

I would definitely try an omni first. My first call would be for a dynamic omni as the safest choice. In video studios everywhere when they have an ensemble they stick an EV 635a out in front of the group and see if it's good enough.

Two omnis and you can experiment with stereo. I always record with two because then I have two mono mixes and the possibility of a stereo mix.

Then it's down to moving the mics around, trying different stuff, moving the amps or the drums. The best live band sound comes from recording direct to stereo. But you have to be willing to work at it. What you hear is what you get.

Any of the standard omnis mentioned in this thread would be good quality and inexpensive.

https://homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=273636

If there is no phantom power or only high impedance inputs you should choose dynamics. Condensers require XLR inputs with phantom power. Other dynamic omnis to consider are EV 635a, EV RE50, Shure SM 61.

Thanks,

Hairy Larry