How to Record Live Music
When you want to record live music, you will need a portable recorder that you can take with you wherever the music is. Depending on how inclement the conditions are, you might want to choose one that can withstand water and has a minimal number of moving parts.
- Choose the right audio recorder for the job. Choose a recorder that is portable and runs on battery power. It should be able to last more than just a few hours, as you do not want to be caught without power in the middle of a recording session. A digital media recorder with an integrated microphone will be the most convenient, but it should also have a recording input available, as well. Digital media also does not have any moving parts, which means it uses less battery power.
- Ask if you can plug in directly into the soundboard. If you are trying to record a concert, sometimes you will be able to plug your recorder directly into the soundboard. Ask the audio engineer in charge of the soundboard for permission to plug in directly with your recorder. If you already see a wide array of small recorders in and around the mixing board, then that is a good sign that they are allowing people a direct recording connection.
- Place your recorder in a position where it will not pick up extraneous noises. Sometimes you have to sneak a portable recorder into a concert and have to discreetly position it such that it will not pick up too much audience noise. An external portable directional microphone will help when you want to hone in on an audio source, without picking up audience noises.