Here's What I Use, Comments Welcome!

[Daveace]

Hi, everyone, my name's Dave and I have been recording concerts for about a year now. I just discovered this messege board and am delighted to see some topics and suggestions given by you all. Anyway, here is what I use/do in terms of live taping, and I would appreciate some comments if you want to.

MD Recorder:

Sony MZ-NF810CK

Mic:

Sony ECM-717

Computer Software:

Cool Edit Pro 2.0

Method of getting gear into venue:

I have a pair of formal boot-type shows (which go up to my ankles) which is where everything goes. I put my recorder in a thin half-of-a black sock and it goes securely against my ankle. My mic goes in front of my toes (which hurts like a mother, but it's only there for a few minutes...). Extra disc goes in my wallet.

When I get into the venue, I go straight to the bathroom to unload my gear. My MD unit is to go in my left pant pocket and the wire is run under my shirt and the mic is clipped onto my left breast pocket (a hole in the back of your shit pocket is necessary for this). The shirt is black, as is the mic, so it works out well.

As for setting manual REC levels, I have committed the button path to memory, so can do it in the dark, though I always have a backup mini keychain light.

As for battery operation, I use the standard rechargeable, fully charged for shows, but employ the AA adapter if I want the opening act.

I've been recording in SP mode for all this time and changing discs during the show (resulting a few times in clipped songs), but have recently discovered LongPlay modes on my MD. I've toyed around with both and it appears as if LP4 mode is too lossy in quality, but LP2 seems to sound the same as SP. Anyone have any experience in taping with LP2 mode?

Also, venues with metal detectors? How do you all get in with metal detectors at the front?

Thanks!

David

Edited January 17, 2005 by Daveace

[mgdimo]

I must wholeheartedly agree that "a hole in the back of your shit pocket" is a good thing.

Seriously Dave, I'll give you a shout since no one has yet. You bring up a question I've been meaning to ask for a while. How DO you stealth bootleggers do it--get your stuff into the venue? Perhaps if there's enough input on this we can assign it its own thread. Sounds like you got your system pretty down pat, though.

Makes me think...if big brother cams were ever placed in bathroom stalls, imagine the shit they'd see?? [Yes, pun intended in every way you can think of.] All these people in there fidgeting with all kinds of equipment..... I'd better quit now before I get too silly. Anyway, welcome Dave. This is a great place.

[Daveace]

Hey, thanks for the reply and the welcome.

Yes, it would be interesting to see some other methods. I've seriously encountered my share of tough security. For example -- Mohegan Sun Arena in CT -- the security there is a real force. I taped a show there in the Summer of '04 and I saw on a msg board for the artist that three other tapers were caught during the show.

I've often thought about cameras in the bathrooms at venues, but it is probably too risky (maybe even unconstitutional, in the U.S.) for said venue.

Maybe some time soon, I'll be able to upload some pictures of my method and my materials in case anyone wants to check it out. I'll also post some mp3's of my work. Some real quality material there, if I can say so, myself.

Thanks again,

Dave