Advice: Just starting out...

[bwags]

My first post!

I've been lurking for a bit on these boards. I've learned a ton already from reading the threads about HiMD's, mics, etc. I read through this section and didn't see any related threads. Here is my situation...

I am a live music enthusiast and want to get into recording live music. My girlfriend has a band and performs in small bars/clubs in NYC. Without sounding elementry, it sounds like I'll need a HiMD, blank discs, mic's, an attenuator (because the bass at bars/small clubs is overwhelming), and some type of a mic stand (depending upon where I am).

For the experience people out there...

1) What HiMD would your recommend?

2) Which mic's would you recommend?

3) Which attenuator would you recommend? (read here that the Radio Shack one might do the trick)

4) Obviously, because I'm starting out, ease of use is important to me. I'd like to use a USB option to transfer the files onto my comp and convert to .wav or .mp3. I've read that with the HiMD's this is possible. Is this true?

5) While at the club, can I plug in any headphones to listen to the live recording and make adjustments (recording volume, etc)?

6) If I was given permission by her band to record from the soundboard directly, what cables would I need to do so?

I appreciate any feedback you guys have and I'm happy I've found this form...

-Brandon

[A440]

1) What HiMD would your recommend?

Any Hi-MD with a mic jack. NH700, NHF800, NH900, RH910, RH10.

Recording function is the same on all models. Variations are in other features. I'm in the minority, but I dislike the NH900 because Stop and Pause--two very different functions--are on the same button.

The cheapest with full recording functions is the NH700, still a total bargain from:

http://www.minidisc-canada.com/shopdisplay...iniDisc+Players

2) Which mic's would you recommend?

For starters, Sound Professionals BMC-2, with clips so you can attach them.

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-BMC-2

Or get better ones as your budget allows. Look for a full frequency range: 20-20,000 Hz. Two mics that you can separate are better than a one-point mic for stereo realism. Get omnis rather than cardioids unless you are absolutely sure you need directional mics. Cheaper cardioids tend to lack bass response.

3) Which attenuator would you recommend?

Two things can overload when recording loud music: the preamp in the unit, which is very touchy about bass, and the mic itself, which can overload with extremely bassy music.

You can use an attenuator--small, cheap, effective--to record through mic-in or a battery module--more expensive, a tad quieter, good only for loud music--through Line-In. An attenuator lowers the signal from the mic to prevent the MD unit's mic preamp from overloading. With superloud music, though, the mic itself can overload.

A battery module provides power to the mic, which expands the mic's dynamic range and prevents the mic itself from overloading. It also allows you to go through the line-in, where there's no preamp to overload. But only with loud music that's providing a strong enough signal for line-in.

Radio Shack is the most easily available attenuator (Headphone Extension Cord with Volume Control, 6.59). Get two--eventually they wear out.

With consistently loud and bassy music the battery module will do better. Like this little thing:

http://www.microphonemadness.com/products/mmcbmminminc.htm

Look at the Live Recordings gallery to hear some actual results.

4) I'd like to use a USB option to transfer the files onto my comp and convert to .wav or .mp3. I've read that with the HiMD's this is possible. Is this true?

That's what they're for. See uploading information.

http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?showtopic=6330

5) While at the club, can I plug in any headphones to listen to the live recording and make adjustments (recording volume, etc)?

You can, but you'll get a weird phasing effect with the difference between the live and headphone sound. Better to watch the level meter with a flashlight or, if you've got the money, the RM-MC40ELK remote (about $75 on ebay). And best to find a good setting and leave it alone.

6) If I was given permission by her band to record from the soundboard directly, what cables would I need to do so?

Whatever the soundboard out jack is to a 1/8 stereo miniplug. Connect via line-in.