Why should I consider paying for a multi-track live recording instead of just connecting a recorder to the PA mixer output?
So called board tapes, where a mix is taken from the stereo output of the front of house console can be useful for some things, such as getting an idea of how the band performed on any given occassion. However, in any live show, there is a considerable amount of sound coming directly from the stage particularly with drums, guitar amplifiers, and perhaps bass guitar, as well as bleed from the stage monitors. The front of house engineer compensates for this bleed by backing off those elements that are emanating from the stage a bit, so the resulting mix that is sent to the PA may not have enough of those instruments to be usable as a live recording. In addition, most live sound rigs, while they have left and right outputs, are not operated in stereo, except for effects such as delays, reverbs, and break music, so there is no stereo imaging on the resulting tape. One alternative to taking a stereo mix is to take a matrix mix from consoles that are so equipped, where a separate feed can be
Related Questions
- Is it possible to ensure integrity of continual recording from an AudioSoft Recorder and any associated communication channels?
- Recording Live Sessions is a MODL recommendation. Can I resell this recording for additional business opportunities?
- What Is the Best Digital Recorder for Recording Live Music?
