impc
Quaver
Posts: 5
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Post by impc on Jan 18, 2023 14:36:24 GMT
Might be a good place to share what we use for recording. I have a Tascam DR-07mkII stereo mp3 recorder. Quite easy to use, USB link to squirt it straight into my computer. Probably superseded by now but it is good kit, takes a micro sd card and small enough to carry around.
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Post by keff on Jan 18, 2023 15:14:24 GMT
I was considering obtaining a Tascam recorder prior to covid but then when the lockdowns started our music group began to share performances over Zoom and Youtube and a microphone appeared more important. I ended up with a moderately priced audio-technica AT2020USB condenser mike which I am pleased with. At present I'm still making my recordings using a mid tier smart phone but really need to use the AT2020 mike with recording software on this laptop. Audacity has been recommended but there are also a couple of facilities such as GarageBand that have come with the operating system.
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Post by pavane on Jan 18, 2023 16:39:08 GMT
My brother and I started doing playing duets via recordings during lockdown (him on guitar, me on recorder). We never played duets before! We live a long way apart, and whereas I'm retired and have some time (not as much as I'd expected) my brother works fairly long hours. However, we both had more time then, and it seemed a fun thing to try out. We probably both bought better equipment than we really needed, but it was a time for self-indulgence (backed up by a "might be dead tomorrow anyway" justification). I bought a Behringer audio interface for the computer that was a very reasonable £35 (they have gone up since then, but still good value), a slightly used (amazon warehouse deal) AT2035 condenser microphone (£135) and a beyer mic stand (another warehouse deal) for £50, so total cost £220. It all works very well - shame about my playing really, but that's another story.
I'm on Linux so use Ardour as a mixer. I've used Audacity too for basic recording but you get a lot more functionality with something like Ardour (or GarageBand which is what my brother is using - presumably you're on a Mac?). It's easier to do very precise editing and to synchronise tracks to mix - there is a huge amount of extra stuff you can do if you have the time and inclination to learn, but it's surprising how much you can do after an hour or so. We also added a metronome track which was much easier than us trying to rely on each other's time keeping, and it's amazing how much better it all sounds with a bit of basic reverb added!
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Post by keff on Feb 3, 2023 9:21:38 GMT
Just had a go recording a sound file using QuickTimePlayer which is the basic built in audio program coming with Mac operating systems. I used the computer internal microphone and the computer was about eight feet from the piano. I saved the file as a .m4a hoping that it would be accepted by www.whyp.it , almost reaching 100% download before the something went wrong screen came up. I did notice that when I was finding the file to download whyp had highlighted some mp4 files suggesting they could be downloaded but when I tried a mp4 earlier this week it failed. Perhaps I just got the mp4 trial wrong. I was quite surprised by the quality of recorded sound so I am going to explore this route further.
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Post by pavane on Feb 3, 2023 10:17:58 GMT
It's easy to convert mp4 or m4a files to mp3 - no reason why the file type should be a problem but almost anything can deal straightforwardly with mp3 files.
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Post by keff on Feb 3, 2023 10:32:42 GMT
Thank you pavane. Yes just converted my m4a into mp3 and it downloaded without problem into whyp. I'm wondering if I should put the recording into critique corner but I do want to record the piece again with an external mike. Also it is a piece currently being learned so it's very rough.
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Post by pavane on Feb 3, 2023 13:53:59 GMT
I think it's brilliant the way you post these things - I really don't have the courage to even consider it! Will look forward to hearing it, either now or after you have worked on it a bit longer.
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Post by Zi on Feb 3, 2023 16:19:47 GMT
Ditto - about the posting and ditto with the lack of courage. I keep hoping I'll get there one day. But it's inspiring when you show the way keff!
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Post by keff on Feb 4, 2023 11:21:57 GMT
I have just had a half hour at the piano this morning which I hadn't expected as the first Saturday in the month is always quite busy. Did a recording trial with AT2020 mike directly into laptop. Sound quality I thought was very good and it did sound like my piano. Volume of sound was rather low but just about adequate. May have a little more time this afternoon.
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Post by Zi on Sept 18, 2023 11:34:33 GMT
I've just bought a Tascam DR-05X. Mr Z said I could borrow his but I decided that if I have my own, here in my study, then I won't have any excuses about recording myself on a more regular basis... That's the hope.
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Post by keff on Sept 18, 2023 12:05:35 GMT
I've just bought a Tascam DR-05X. Mr Z said I could borrow his but I decided that if I have my own, here in my study, then I won't have any excuses about recording myself on a more regular basis... That's the hope. That sounds a plan.
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Post by Zi on Sept 18, 2023 14:40:02 GMT
I'm afraid that I might think of more inventive excuses though... Mr Z has just explained patiently how I can attach it to my computer... I explained equally patiently that I've bought it to bypass my computer...
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Post by Zi on Sept 19, 2023 16:14:11 GMT
The DR-05X turned up today. In the box was the recorder and 2xAA batteries. Nothing else. Luckily, Mr Z had a micro SD card which he kindly fitted for me. It isn't difficult to set up and it uses a conventional USB connection to the computer so I didn't need any extra cables. We always have a supply of AA batteries so that isn't an issue either. Set up was very easy except I didn't realise at first that to record you need to press record twice. Sound quality seems fine - at least to me it does. It's very light and seems easy to use. My only issue is that I haven't found anything to put it in. It's a little longer than conventional voice recorder pouches and cases and a little too big or too small for camera cases. I'm sure I'll sort something eventually.
So far, I'm pleased with how easy it is to use and I'll have to see if it makes me record more and then listen to what I've done.
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Post by keff on Sept 19, 2023 17:14:50 GMT
I must admit that getting my microphone out of its box, attached to its stand, placed near the piano where there is a reduced chance of pulling it over and connected to the computer is a chore that does limit the number of recordings I attempt. A few weeks ago the cable was given a tug and the mike ended up on the floor. Fortunately it was still working.
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Post by Zi on Sept 19, 2023 17:29:03 GMT
keff - I sympathise because I know that getting the mike out of the drawer, plugging it in and messing around with the computer drives me spare. This is just switch on and press twice though I have already failed to record because I didn't press twice. I'm hoping I'll listen to what I've done and do things like check my timing... If I get very brave I may record the whole practice session and then play back. I'm hoping it will help. I also want to try playing against myself with the descant and treble but so far I haven't touched the treble yet because I'm struggling with the fingering on the descant. It may turn out to be a five minute wonder... But I do really admire the way that you record and share. I really think it's a positive thing to do and it's something I aspire to. I'm not going to get anywhere with the mic attached to computer...
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