[NYCFarmboy]

What are some recommendations for recording live music (primarily organ & piano concerts)?

I am looking something small enough to be hand held preferably, that records in sterio digitally and that interfaces with a mac that I can make mp3 files easily enough.

Brand & model numbers, software I should use etc? any ideas? thanks!

[anthonyvthc]

get and audio interface for your powerbook (I use M-Audio USB Quattro) and download Audacity (freeware) and that should do it. Of course you will need mics and potentially a mixer, depending on how involved you want to get with this.

I recorded a few concerts when I was in college this way. Very minimal setup time, decent results.

Hope that helps.

[NYCFarmboy]

sounds good.... thanks so much!!!!

[analogika]

Actually, on the software side: QuickTime pro in Tiger (and possibly 7 in Panther) can now record stereo audio...

If you're looking for excellent budget mics, www.studioprojectsusa.com make formidable condensor mics with outstanding bang for the buck.

I have the C3, and it is great - and pretty much unmatched at the price.

[NYCFarmboy]

thanks organ guy!

you should know this....
How do you mic a Leslie? (model 147) mics in front or in the back.. I have a old Hammond CV with a Leslie that I'd like to record and was wondering what tips you would have?

[analogika]

Depends on the room, and the use (live, or recording). For live use, two dynamic mics close up to the vents of the horn compartment, at roughly 90°. I have the back panel of the horn compartment removed on my Leslies, as I like the visual feedback on Leslie speed, so I'll usually have the mics on the other side to minimize wind noise. Single mic close-up for the bass rotor.

In the studio, I have heard good things about using just two large-diaphragm condensors, on height with the horn but aimed downward slightly, halfway between the bass and horn. Try them about four or five feet away from the Leslie and spaced apart around the same distance. This only works if you have a sufficiently dead (or nice-sounding) room, since you obviously get a lot of ambience. On the last recording session I've done with the B-3 with 122 and 760 Leslies, we did a mix of four channels: the close-up, and a single condensor about four feet away, mixed to stereo.

sounded really nice, but we didn't really have time to experiment. Adding the slightly-distant condensor made a HUGE difference, making it sound a LOT smoother and more "natural".