Performing with Your Own Microphones

Audio Technica Microphones will again grace the stage for the 2012 Country Music Awards Show on April 1st.

AE5400 used on CMAs

Nearly every year it has been televised, Audio-Technica's have been the main mics used on the annual Grammys and Country Music Awards Shows.  One of the things musicians depend on is a quality vocal mic.  Surprises on a high budget production like the Grammys Award Show and CMA broadcast is not going to be tolerated.  Take a cue from the pros on this one and check out this Artist Elite Series AE5400 they use on stage.  Why do you think they use them year after year?  I used to just keep the house microphone provided by the venue but quickly learned that can come back to bite you.

Whereas the soundman rules, you can still arrive early and speak with him regarding using your own mic.  I've done this and you'd be surprised at how accommodating they can be.  Besides most sound techs want to try new equipment so if you have a really nice mic or preamp, they are likely going to be interested.

GETTING VOCAL
One venue I played, I checked in with the soundman and discussed the equipment I was bringing.  He assured me that he would be able to integrate it into the house sound system.  The day of the gig, I arrived early and helped set everything up.  The result was a smooth, comfortable performance with no mic issues or sound surprises.  In fact, I was one of the first performers to bring and use a condenser mic onstage.  The house mic was a dynamic, you know that good 'ol Shure SM58!  After I finished the set, I took my Audio Technica ATM710 Artist Series condenser microphone with me.  We later stopped by to hear the band that followed but... couldn't!  The house microphones were barely picking up the vocals and instruments.  They were practically shouting into them. 

I knew that feeling.  I don't (want to) remember how many places I've played using the equipment that was there only to have to just about scream into the microphone to be heard, (barely).  Something like that just throws off your whole performance because now you've got to position yourself closer to the mic which may be unnatural to hold.

INSTRUMENT MICROPHONES

AT 4081 Ribbon Instrument Mic

The same thing for your instrument and amp mics.  Years ago, bringing something as sweet but fragile as a ribbon mic to a performance was pretty much unheard of.  Ribbon microphones are amazing but dropping one means several hundred dollars down the drain.  Now with new technology, the AT 4081 Ribbon Mic is much more rugged for travel and work outside the recording studio.  In fact if you are using this equipment in the studio, i.e. a drum and bass machine, vocal preamps, guitar pedals, BRING THEM ALONG too.  The familiar will make you more comfortable and confident when facing the crowds.  
The main thing to remember is that YOU are the artist.  Not to get all "Diva" on you but I think you'll find bringing your own microphones and preamps will give you the most control over your sound and performance.  They you can relax and play.

My Voicetone Create vocal mic preamp & DR-3 Drum and Bass Machine powered by a Sanyo Pedal Juice.  A little bit of my studio that goes with me on the road.

Home Recording Studio Basics: BOSS BR-1200CD

Studio equipment tips to make your next CD / Mp3 recording project a success!

If you are just starting to think about a home recording studio to make your musical ideas come to life, getting a stand alone portable digital recorder is a good place to start. You'll want a system that will grow with you so don't worry if things like mastering and recording drum and bass tracks are not top priorities right now. They will be more important later so it is best to invest in a recorder that has at least 8 tracks.
I chose the CD burning feature of the BR-1200CD 12 track digital recorder because it allows me complete control over my production from first idea to finished disc. I can also quickly provide producers or venues with a sample CD on demand in minutes. No minimum orders! Of course many pros will simply exchange MP3 files but often times the sound quality will only be as good as the receiving end's laptop or MP3 player.
A CD can travel easily in a car where is when most agents would have the time to listen to it.


Here are some of other features of the BR-1200CD from the BOSS website:
From guitar pick to compact disc, the BR-1200CD can turn your ideas into radio-quality songs with power and ease. Packed with great COSM® effects and amp models derived from BOSS’s GT-6/6B multi-effects processors, plus a great-sounding bass and drum rhythm programmer for instant backing tracks, the BR-1200CD is the friendliest and most comprehensive hard disk recorder on the market.

• 12-track playback with 192 V-Tracks
• Fast drum pattern creation with EZ Compose
• Vocal harmony generator and pitch correction
• USB port for file sharing with computers
• CD-R/RW drive

Now if you are someone like myself who has had very little if any experience in digital recording, you'll find the BR-1200CD to be pretty intuitive and easy to use. The microphone and guitar jacks are logically placed in both the front and back of the unit. The only thing is with this model, you can only record two tracks at a time. It really isn't a major problem for me because I prefer to layer or over-dub my tracks anyway. That way if the last set of tracks you recorded doesn't sound right, you can scrap it without killing all of the tracks you've recorded prior.

The BR-1200CD has great built in effects for both vocals and guitar. It will even accommodate a phantom powered mic but you will need to make that adjustment within the system itself. I would seriously consider upgrading to a condenser mic for use with this recorder especially if you are looking for warm clear vocals to stand out in the mix. I've used the Audio Technica ATM710 and AT2021 condensers with this recorder and have been blown away by the presence and richness they offer over dynamics. I can't wait to find out how the new Audio Technica-4081 Ribbon Mic will perform with this unit but I'm eager to experiment. Read our recent Review of the AT-4081!

Just like any other technology, there are nuances and a learning curve in the art of recording. Starting off with quality, all in one solutions means your recording studio will be less "Rube Goldberg-ish" and streamlined to get your projects out the door like a professional. I would also recommend purchasing the BR1200CD Instructional DVD shown in the banner ad section on the left. It can help cut to the chase and quickly get around the recorder. Here is another review featuring the instruments we've recorded with the BR-1200CD!

The BOSS BR-1200CD on the job in the studio along with the BOSS DR-880 Drum & Bass Machine. All in one, stand alone digital recording studios like this means less chance that you will loose your precious music files due to your lap-top crashing. A 40 GB hard drive on the BR-1200CD gives you more than enough room to create, edit and store your music. Retails for $1052.00, Street $899.00, (Sweetwater). Headphones: ATH-M50's by Audio Technica

Studio Side: Audio Technica's AT4081 Ribbon Mic

Audio Technica's 4081 Ribbon Mic brings a new dimension in clarity and airiness to recording studio tracks. Amazingly versatile on instrumental as well as vocal tracks!

AT- 4081 Bidirectional Phantom Powered Ribbon Microphone, MSRP $895.00

We were looking for an all around, workhorse of a ribbon microphone for the studio. The problem is, ribbon mics are notoriously fragile, however the AT 4081 is showing itself to be rugged AND one of the best recording mics we've tested. One reason is the super fine mesh which protects the dual ribbon within. This innovation makes for increased sensitivity and response of the mic.

The bidirectional build of this microphone makes it easy to position in small spaces. You can use it to mic an acoustic guitar using a boom mic stand or as a vocal mic by adding a pop filter. Either way, this mic allows vocal warmth & open, airy sounds of your instrument to shine on recordings.





TC Helicon Voice Tone Create-XT

The AT-4081 is a phantom powered ribbon mic meaning you will need to power it from either a 48V connection from your amp or from a pedal preamp like the Create-XT. The Create-XT is an upgrade from the previous Create pedal. It will support any phantom powered mic but where it shines is in the recording studio quality vocal FX's and effects.

It has 100 to choose from but for all practical purposes, you only have ready access to the first 10, (twenty if you include the A-B selections). We also use the Harmony G in concert as it offers similar vocal effects PLUS vocal harmonies created by your guitar chords. Still, if you want extra polish or edgy effects on your vocals, the Create XT is IT!



,

T.C. Helicon's Voice Tone Create XT in the Studio using the "hardtune" effect.

Hercules Tilt Base Mic Stands have been especially useful in tight corners as the footprint is a bit smaller than the tripod versions. Adjustment is also easier with the Hercules Stands due to their EZ Grip Quick Release System. The adapters that come with the stands accommodate either a mic clamp as shown here below with the AT-4081 or a mic clip which is more like a flexible sleeve that come with AT hand held mics.
Used on both the stage and in pro recording studios, the Hercules Tilt Base Mic Stand is the best mic stand we own! Very easy to gig with as well while offering an adjustable, substantial base that avoids tipping.


We really can't say enough about the Hercules Line of Stands but especially their Tilt Base models. In fact we've replaced all of our studio's guitar, music and mic stands with Hercules!

The Hercules EZ Grip feature makes adjusting the height a snap without much disturbance to a "hot" studio mic. The adjustable footprint and tilt base components allow the stands to fit in where needed without interfering with instruments. You are able to get much closer to the mic for vocal and guitar pickup with these versatile stands. Quick to transport and set up, these stands make the grade in the studio & on the road.