[matt_theripper]

I've got a friend who is looking to get into tapping of live shows (only bands that allow it, so there's no legal issue here) and the occasional impromptu jam session at his house. He has very little idea what to look for in a set up for this kind of thing so I told him I'd ask around to some people who might know more than I.

Does anyone here know anything about taping live?

[zooloo]

I've got a friend who is looking to get into tapping of live shows (only bands that allow it, so there's no legal issue here) and the occasional impromptu jam session at his house. He has very little idea what to look for in a set up for this kind of thing so I told him I'd ask around to some people who might know more than I.

Does anyone here know anything about taping live?

What is this tape you speak of grnadad!

...zoom H4 worth a look-see

[Little Wing]

My friend has the Zoom and it works really well

[AcousticSmash]

I think it depends on the setting and how many inputs you require. Some people choose to mic a band to record, others opt to mic individual amp cabinets and the drum kit, vocals usually run into the recording unit and then to the monitors and PA system. I use an M-Audio Fast Track Pro for home recording and it would be sufficient for recording an acoustic set right to a computer since it has inputs for MIDI, microphone and 1/4 inch jacks, as well as the proper outputs, for two acoustic guitars it would be fine or a soloist with maybe a drum machine and vocals.

[CheapAdviceGuy]

I operate an on-location recording company in Columbus, Ohio, and often record bands at shows or rehearsals. I use a Korg D16XD 8-track digital recorder and have had very good results from it. It's light enough to transport, but can record eight tracks at once and has a complete set of features.

Although this unit is not made any more, there are a number of current units from Korg (and other manufacturers) that would fill the bill for your friend. (The D16XD itself is available for a decent price on eBay.)

I would avoid the temptation to use a laptop with an audio front end, as this opens the door to many problems that could easily derail a beginner.

-CAG

[bobbyjoe]

The thing is you either record everything as it is in 'stereo' (the least expensive) or you need a few inputs. If you do, you need to think about how many you need. I've used as many as 24 inputs at a time. I record all my portable work (live and the bands rental 'studio') with an AKAI DPS24 MKII, the only thing like it was the Roland VS2480. They don't sell either of these anymore either. Everyone has dropped the big SIABs. You can still get them sometimes on the bay or on forums by the gears name, but you're talking dropping some serious money (a couple grand to me is serious). I don't like the feel of the smaller boxes, but I'm old school. I like a long throw fader.
Figure out how much you have to spend, go to your local shops and talk to the techs. Don't buy anything just yet, but get quotes on everything you like. Go home, check the bay and sleep on it for a day or two. If your still a go, take the plunge.
Recording to just playback is easy, but if you want to get into mixing and mastering, get ready, they're like learning two whole new instruments.

[ninjato]

I use a ZOOM H4 also

Great product. I can also use it in conjuntion w/ my EZBUZ mixer if I have a lot of inputs.
W/ a 4GB card, it gives me a good amount of recording time at WAV quality, and unbelievable amounts of recording time in MP3 mode.

The BOSS Micro is also a great product but IMO, the Zoom is a little more versatile. There is a small learning curve dealing w/ the on screen menu on the ZOOM H4

This post has been edited by ninjato: 02 December 2008 - 09:35 AM

[bscott600]

I also use the ZOOM H4. Not real happy with the condenser mikes (big surprise), but my friend got a mixer and we take the Control Room Out from that into the H4 and it's awesome...

...sadly, moreso that that which is being recorded. More practice...

[ninjato]

dude...the new ZOOM H4n rocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm trying to sell my old one to get the new one.
This sucker takes 4GB cards and records directly to MP3 if you want for a sick 9+ hours of recording. Mine can run and record for 4 hours on 2 AA batteries

This post has been edited by ninjato: 15 April 2009 - 02:34 PM