backwardsvoyager wrote:Keep in mind that if you set the level very low and then apply gain to it you'll be amplifying the noise floor too.
This stands to reason, but I've not had any problems with noise over the last three years or so, and even if I had there's always gating, noise reduction, etc.
johnnydeformed wrote:I've started playing in a band again after a 4 year hiatus due to jobs and personal commitments. I'd like to record each practice in order to work on songs, remember parts, tidbits etc...
Given this scenario would a stand alone digital recorder or laptop be preferable? If a stand-alone, any suggestions?
A laptop or phone will work well enough but have questionable A/D and D/A convertors and record only mono (unless you get accessories for your phone/ipad like ryan summit suggested). Also a laptop isn't that portable - I've used iphones for recording jams quite a bit. But they can serve the purpose and won't cost you anything, assuming you already have one.
I definitely prefer the handheld recorders like the Zooms, and the Tascams that people are posting. The mics configured in a perfect XY pattern tend to give great stereo imaging. And honestly, they can sound pretty great (they can be a bit noisy for quiet stuff, but I've heard they've gotten better recently). But in my opinion they sound great for the money and are very portable and easy to use. I've even used a Zoom H4n to cheat and record ambiances and sound effects for film projects. Outside ambiences - no additional mics or stands needed... Stereo effects like a car driveby or something - no panning needed, it's already in a stereo track. Very happy with the results.
A lot of people I know have used the Zoom products with really great results for practice room recordings. The last band I was in where we recorded every practice, we used a small laptop, simple 2 input interface and a single omni mic (Sage Bova Ball) in the center of the room. Worked excellently for being able to hear everything pretty clearly. Once in a while the lead guitarist would angle his cab away from everyone else and put an SM57 on it, so he could listen to what he improvised and/or mute himself and use it as a backing track to work on leads.
The last time I did a practice recording, it was just a single dynamic mic, on a stand, going into one input of an old tape 4 track.
Either way it usually comes down to just moving the mic around, recording, listening back and finding a good spot for capturing everything. It usually helps if you already have your levels pretty well balanced in the room. I suppose it could also be a good way to help figure that out, if you don't.
I love it!
