Recording Services
 

We are working toward recording the services soon.

It is a small setup with one of those old rectangular 6 or 8 channel boxes that looks more like an old bass amplifier than a mixing board.

So... the mics feed into the box and the sound feeds from there into some nice big speakers.

So... I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on what type of recording device is best to use for recording services.

I once tried a digital recorder but when the preachers got loud it distorted to no end.

Any suggestions or information would be greatly appreciated.

Re: Recording Services
 

For the initial recording the easiest thing to use by far is a PC. It doesn't have to be a good one, just bare bones but with a decent sound card (for input). Save the file as a WAV or direct as a high quality MP3 (256 kbit or higher). From there you can do whatever you want such emailing, hosting on a web site, and keeping multiple copies in the archive -the PC's hard drive as well as regular backups to DVD kept off site.

Re: Recording Services
 

Actually there is this little device (could fit in a shirt pocket) that will plug directly into your sound board. I think think of the name of this device, but it has awesome recording capabilities.

The file actual records to an SD card and then you can upload into your computer. This eliminates the need for a laptop or PC in the sound booth (most churches seem to have limited space).

This device sells for only about $400 and comes with an cool editing software so that you can easily clip out dead spots, blunders, sirens, etc.

If you are interested pm me and I will call the guy who I know uses this thingy.

Re: Recording Services
 

We record to PC and then burn as many CD's of the service as we have request for.

Re: Recording Services
 

There's tons of different ways to go for this. From PC's to standalone units. Even mixers that record directly to Mp3 players/Ipods.

Just depends on how much you want to spend. I have a standalone recorder for recording my stuff but am going back to a computer based system real soon.

If someone there with you is good with a PC it shouldn't be to hard. You can buy software for recording and sound processing but there's all so some free stuff online.


As far as his voice distorting, just make sure the signal on your mixer isn't to hot. trim the gain if necesary.

Compression might help all the way around as well.

Re: Recording Services
 

You already have done most of the work by getting a digital recorder. Pick up 2 things: A Nanoverb & Nanocompressor...very inexpensive. Add these into the effects loop on your amp/mixer (by your description, this is what you have) The verb will tweak and polish your music on the recording and the comp will limit the loud preacher. Send the signal via the "Tape Out" jacks to your recorder so it is line level which will be cleaner than a headphone jack.
There are many types of professional and costly equipment, but for your current gear, this would be the least $!!!

Re: Recording Services
 

Alesis nanoverb on ebay.... http://shop.ebay.com/items/_W0QQ_nkw...romZR40QQ_mdoZ

Re: Recording Services
 

Re: Recording Services
 

Digging,

If you have had a problem with distsortion when recording to CD's you might want to consider that when you are recording a digital signal the signal has to be a lot less than when recording analog. You may have been used to having a VU meter at + dbs but with digital you probably need to be around minus 10-12 db's to avoid distortion.

One of the things every preachers mic needs that doesn't cost a lot but many smaller churches do not have is a compressor on that channel. Even better a compressor, limiter, and gate. A compressor can be had for $100-$100 bucks and a compressor / gate for not much more. It will keep the level more equal and smooth out the contrast between when a preacher is speaking quietly and then screaming as many Pentecostal ones do. It will also limit him from distorting as badly when he is loud.

Re: Recording Services
 

We output to our computer and record it to the hard drive, which is convenient if we need to edit it.