First time recording for a 5 piece band.

[jordanvoth]

Pair of these?
Green12 - 12 Gauge Microphones

I haven't heard them but for that price it can't disappoint.

Something like this?
PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL | Sweetwater.com
If the preamps are the same in the firestudio, I have heard this box and it does well. I've since upgraded to higher end stuff but I wouldn't be afraid of cutting an album with this.

The rest of the way I would be using 57/58's for snares, toms and guitar cabs and I would consider something like the Cad E100 which sounds incredible for kick and vocals. I think for a first time out sorta recording. The name of the game is simple. Don't throw every mic on the guitar cab or multi mic things because it's what you see in big studio pictures. If your room is in bad shape you should at the very least get rid of the flutter echo with some heavy blankets but proper bass trapping will clean your sound up a lot but it is on a budget.

Without knowing the style of the band or the style of production I really can't tell you much more but these tools work and they work well. You will without a doubt be able to make a good recording with it.

[Wingman3434]

Thanks for the reply. I like the look of the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL, but am not to sure about those Green 12's, what are you're thoughts on a Drum Mic Kit? We play a wide range of music but mainly 70's and 80's Pop. The room we play in is lined with carpet on the walls (the acoustics are quite good). Also would we be better off plugging the guitars and keyboard straight into the audio interface?

[bytehoven]

It sounds like you might have occasion to record the band many times offering you the opportunity to experiment.

What are you using for a stage mixer?

With an 8 channel interface, you might 1st try capturing the PA vocal mix (2 channels or maybe 1 with the idea of adding EFX later)
+ stereo sub mix of the drums mixed thru your stage console to sub groups or thru a stand alone mixer (2 channels or could also be 1 channel)
+ discreet channels mic on the bass, guitar, keyboard amps (3 channels)

You might also consider recording an ambient stereo mic somewhere in the room by keeping the above to (6 channels) .

Good luck and have fun!

[Wingman3434]

Thank You for you're input. On stage we use my anties old gear for a PA its an 8 Channel Peavey Mixer with two 300w loud speakers. Usualy we have no need to mic the drums but im looking to start doing it. What are you're thoughts on Drum Mic Kits?

[bytehoven]

One other question... have you ever made a good stereo mic recording from within the room? I ask because you might do it just the hear what you have, and then decide what you would like to change. Sometimes, a good stereo mic recording in a good room can produce a very good result.

[Wingman3434]

So like with just two mic's in an XY configuration and record that way?

[bytehoven]

I made up a piece of wood, 6"x1"x1/2" and mounted a thread mic base on top at either end. The drilled a hole in the center to allow mounting the rig on a mic stand.

I used to use two cardioid or hyper cardioid mics with smallish mic holders. I tried a bunch of different mics but often ended up using some sennheiser mics because of the ability to run different capsules for different settings.

Then I played around with angles of the (2) mics to get a stereo field I liked. There are some recommended angles to use, but I don't recall them off hand.

The nice thing, the single mic stand mount can be easily set up, moved around, raised, lowered, etc.

[Bunjji]

Avantone Audio CK1's are a good pair of overheads, as well as Oktavas, and the sm57 or audix i5 is nice for snare. I know somebody mentioned a CAD mic for kick (and vocals), and I think that should do. What is your budget? A Sennheiser MD 421 is a great mic for snare and guitar, but it costs 300.

[Wingman3434]

Probably about $400 ish for the Audio Interface and $250 - $300 ish for the drums (for snare mic, kick mic, 2 OH's)

[Wingman3434]

Any help on a drum mic kit?

[Bunjji]

The CAD for kick, a SM57 for snare, and for OHs? Maybe the Samson CO2 pair, but I don't know.

[Wingman3434]

Ok thank you for that im thinking;
Audio Interface - PreSonus AudioBox 44VSL
Snare Mic - Sure SM57
Kick Mic - CAD D12 or KBM412
Over Head's - Samson CO2 Pair

[Bunjji]

I have a CAD kick mic and it is pretty good for the money.

[mattjew24]

Originally Posted by Wingman3434

Ok thank you for that im thinking;
Audio Interface - PreSonus AudioBox 44VSL
Snare Mic - Sure SM57
Kick Mic - CAD D12 or KBM412
Over Head's - Samson CO2 Pair

Should work well as long as your drum kit and drummer sound good. I use the Samson's they are fine.

[Wingman3434]

Im also tempted to try out those Green12's any thoughts on them?

[mattjew24]

Originally Posted by Wingman3434

Im also tempted to try out those Green12's any thoughts on them?

Wow at $45 each I'd try those.

[Wingman3434]

Does anyone have any recomendations for an audio interface under $300? for this project?

[Bunjji]

Originally Posted by Wingman3434

Does anyone have any recomendations for an audio interface under $300? for this project?

The PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL seems ideal; you should try to spring for it. Check out the website for PreSonus, you will see a lot of cool features of the Audiobox. Also, you may be able to find it cheaper used.

[Wingman3434]

I have heard some good things about the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL. I found one on ebay with a Audio-Technica MB/Dk4 Drum Mic Set for $550 AUD then I might add 2 Green 12's as overheads for $100 Extra.

[Wingman3434]

What do you think?

[Bunjji]

Sounds good. I haven't used the Audio Technica mics, but they seem nice.

[mattjew24]

Originally Posted by Wingman3434

I have heard some good things about the PreSonus AudioBox 1818VSL. I found one on ebay with a Audio-Technica MB/Dk4 Drum Mic Set for $550 AUD then I might add 2 Green 12's as overheads for $100 Extra.

This is the first time I've seen someone else mention the Audio Technica midnight blue series drum mics. I have the set, 3 Tom/snare mics and a kick mic. Pretty solid mics and they sound good. I am bringing them to work to try them live for the day.

I've compared the Shure PG drum mics, the CAD drum mics, and next up is the MB series. So far the CADs are better than the Shures.

[Wingman3434]

I have been doing some more searching on ebay and found a Tascam US-1800 W/ Samson 8 Piece Drum Mic Kit For $650. Im not sure if this is a good price Seeing as the Audio Interface by it self is $320. Whats a Samson 8 Piece Mic Kit Worth?