Recording Services

[Digging4Truth]

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.

[RandyWayne]

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.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by RandyWayne

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.

We use audacity which initially saves in the native format and then when we save we compress it to Mp3

[Shawn]

I believe Audactity is free online aswell. But I haven't used it.

[Praxeas]

Originally Posted by Shawn

I believe Audactity is free online aswell. But I haven't used it.

It works fine for recording to PC and yes it is free. You need to download a LAME codec for MP3 conversions

[gloryseeker]

Originally Posted by Digging4Truth

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.

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.

[gloryseeker]

Originally Posted by gloryseeker

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.

Here's a link to the gizmo I was talking about:

http://www.rolandus.com/products/pro...x?objectid=757

[freeatlast]

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

[Shawn]

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.

[Monkeyman]

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 $!!!