 The Clarinet BBoard
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Author: Lori
Date: 2001-01-18 20:19
Okay... I read the string about the minidisk recorders, so I know where to go for information on those. Where would I find more information about DAT recording? I am thinking about going back to school to study Sound Engineering, but a little info before then would be great.
I am specifically looking for answers to the following questions:
1. What is the minimum set up that I could get away with for recording, say, a big band, but still have a decent product at the end?
2. What special considerations should I look at if I want to do a lot of recording of the clarinet specifically?
3. How much money are we talking in solving the previous questions?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
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Author: Anji
Date: 2001-01-18 21:34
DAT is uncompressed. MD, while pretty good in listening quality, throws away bits based on an algorithm that emulates the sensitivity of human hearing.
DAT is like any other recording medium, it can only be as good as the input.
If you want to get really good recording, an expensive microphone will be necessary.
No kidding, try Sam Ash or the other mega stores for details.
The same gear will work fine for both considerations, unless you add lots of mics.
Personally, I hate multimicrophone recordings and buy the ones with the simplest recording chain. They tend to produce the most realistic staging and timbral accuracy.
Bottom line, you're talking about more than $2000.
Check out Opus3 records to hear what a really good, minimal rig can do.
anji
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Author: Daniel Bouwmeester
Date: 2001-01-18 21:54
Lori, here are my answers to your question to get a professional result :
(1) ***************
The minimum set up is for big band is:
- two cardioid or unidirectional (depending on the room, audience, size of band..etc) condensor mics such as the shure SM81 or even better : the AKG 451.
- a small mixing panel which supports phantom power.
- a two track recorder (stereo).
-good cables.
- good headphones
(2) ***************
For recording clarinet, the best mic is : AKG C414B-ULS
You need two or three mics.
-One mic has to be positioned in front of the middle of the clarinet (20 cm away)
-mic n°2 has to be positionned under the bell (20 cm away)
-mic n°3 is not necessary but it will slightly improve the linearity of the clarinet in the different registers it is positionned in front of the lower part of the clarinet, and mic n°1 at the higher part of the clarinet (when 3 mics are used)
Use a track per mic, making sure that the gains are well adjusted so that there is no distortion.
While recording.. make sure the clarinetist doesn't move.
Good places to record clarinet are churches with wooden surfaces.
While editing, take great care in adjusting levels and equalizer for the two or three tracks. Otherwise the clarinet will not sound natural. A good thing to improve the sound of the clarinet is to use a little compressor.
(3) *****************
Price depends all on what you want to do
Choose if you want a simple two track DAT or a multitrack...
I recommend Roland VS recorders which are multitrack direct to disk recorders of excellent quality for reasonable price. These machines are all in one. It contains, mixer (with phantom power), 8 to 16 track recorder (depending on the model, editing screen and tools and possibility to master directly to a cd (by connecting a scsi cd burner).
Simple two track DAT is very good too, and much easier and simpler to use, but if you want to master to CD, you have to have a pc with digital input, or go to a studio and let them master it for you.
The PC with a good sound card is a very good recorder too, it's my favorite. Using your soundblaster gives you allready a good result. Using a multitrack card such as the Yamaha DSPfactory or the Gadget labs 8 track card is very very good too.
About the price :
I don't recommend you buy any mics if you really aren't using them once a week. You should rent them, it's much cheaper.
an AKG 451 costs ~ 1500 $ per mic (= 3000 $ if you buy two)
A recorder such a Roland VS with a scsi cd burner is reasonable and is a good investment... ~ 2000 $
DATs are in the same price range as the VSs and can probably go upto 4000 $ if you take the best model.
For me the cheapest solution was to buy a Yamaha DSP factory soundcard and a cd burner and a big hard disk. ~1000 $ for the sound card
A mixer is good investment too... There are small mixers of good quality such as the Behringer mixers (I bought an 8 track Behringer for 200 $)
cables are alwayz usefull. so it's never a loss to buy them....
Lori... recording equipment is extremely expensive. If you can afford it buy.. but Usually renting is not very expensive.
If you have any other question email me
Best wishes
Daniel B. (Geneva)
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