recording an Open Mic Gig

[kbhill]

Hi,
I have been contacted by a guy that hosts an open mic at a bar. He has asked if I could come set up and offer to record the players that come to his open mic. I was wondering if anyone had any advice, tips, etc on how much to charge each person that wants to be recorded and what equipment should I use, such as compression, reverb, etc....

I have a Mackie 1620 Onyx, 16 channel Mic Splitter, 100' 16x4 stage snake. I am just planning on recording the Stereo Mix only. So, any tips on how to get a decent quality stereo mix would also be appreciated. I am pretty new to all of this and am still learning.

Thanks!
KB Hill

[therecordinghous]

tips?

dont forget to press record.

[bishopthomas]

If "the stereo mix" is the FOH mix then it probably won't be ideal for recording. If you are doing a dedicated 2 track from the Onyx then go for it. Make sure you have acoustic isolation of some sort.

[kbhill]

Yes, I am doing the 2 track from the Onyx mixer, What would you suggest for Acoustic isolation?

[bishopthomas]

A pair of monitors in a quiet room would be the best. Otherwise a good set of headphones with excellent isolation is second best.

[kbhill]

Yeah,
I am going to the bar this evening to see what it's like, Will more than likely have to use headphones..

[mixedupsteve]

Does your 1620 have the firewire card??

[kbhill]

yes, I have the Firewire card.

[fallforward]

-Don't forget to press record
-Record direct to stereo and make the cd's right there
-Use a good limiter so that you can get a good level with out overloading
-Have the CD labels pre printed with your name/business name as the prominent feature.
-Be cool and get to know all the performers
-network for future gigs
-save a copy (archive) of each of the cd's, and advertise that fact to give reasons for the performers to call you, (because they will lose the cd!)
-Buy a decent camera and make DVD's (that already have awesome sound, you will sell a lot more of these)
-Setup a mediafire account (or something similar) and archive the stuff on there that way when people lose their CD and call you for another one, you can just send them the link and be done with it.
-Make the venue pay you as well as the performers.
-Don't expect to make much money from selling copies of CD's, as even my grandmother knows how to burn a CD now.
-Enjoy yourself.
-Experiment with mic usage and placement
-Tape down cables in traffic, especially power cords (I am not concerend as much with people tripping as I am with losing power, though I don't imagine being sued is very fun! [touch wood])

*breath*

I have done this at a few different places and managed to get some decent gigs out of it. They were successful for me because I treated it as getting paid to practice and network, it was a bit of delayed gratification i guess. IMO, if you have that same mindset you will be successful too!

[mixedupsteve]

I agree with the above but I would go ahead and record all the channels raw and the stereo so that the performer could have mix down available for extra if the performer really wants it. (that's why I asked about the firewire card)

[jude]

all these points listed below are very important, dont forget your stomach tho! i always try get a few free light beers or soft drinks/juice throw in, maybe even a meal once you get to know the management!

Originally Posted by fallforward

-Don't forget to press record
-Record direct to stereo and make the cd's right there
-Use a good limiter so that you can get a good level with out overloading
-Have the CD labels pre printed with your name/business name as the prominent feature.
-Be cool and get to know all the performers
-network for future gigs
-save a copy (archive) of each of the cd's, and advertise that fact to give reasons for the performers to call you, (because they will lose the cd!)
-Buy a decent camera and make DVD's (that already have awesome sound, you will sell a lot more of these)
-Setup a mediafire account (or something similar) and archive the stuff on there that way when people lose their CD and call you for another one, you can just send them the link and be done with it.
-Make the venue pay you as well as the performers.
-Don't expect to make much money from selling copies of CD's, as even my grandmother knows how to burn a CD now.
-Enjoy yourself.
-Experiment with mic usage and placement
-Tape down cables in traffic, especially power cords (I am not concerend as much with people tripping as I am with losing power, though I don't imagine being sued is very fun! [touch wood])

*breath*

I have done this at a few different places and managed to get some decent gigs out of it. They were successful for me because I treated it as getting paid to practice and network, it was a bit of delayed gratification i guess. IMO, if you have that same mindset you will be successful too!

[gareth.h.rees]

I'm doing similar

Check out:

Direct to Stereo

location recording: 2trk vs multi

Anyone going live multi to stereo? +any location mixers being used for that purpose?

Good luck!
Gareth

[slaphappygarry]

Keep your price to the artists pretty cheap if you can and get the venue to cough up for the majority of it (maybe half you nightly fee).

This will allow the musicians to get a good deal and will instantly create a good buzz about what you are doing and get people excited. Once you are better established up your prices a little bit at a time and start bringing the venue's contribution down. You get a little more cash, your clients will get a better product (as a result of experience) and the venue get to have a buzz about their night.

Also, I would seriously consider doing the first night for free. Get all your mistakes and the learning curve out the way when no cash is on the line. Even if it is just a few acts or whatever. It allows you set up, check everything and strike it all down.

[kbhill]

Thanks for all the feedback. We are going to do the first night next wednesday. I will let everyone know how it went.