Recording Live Music, Recording Live Music Options

[brianjones]

I am new to this and happy I found this site.

I have a new iMac coming tomorrow. It is a G5 2.1 - whatever is the latest version.

I want to record live music. This is the set up.

Jamaican dancehall music is basically done like karioke??, where the sound system plays a pre recorded rhythm track on CD and the DJ sings his lyrics over it.

How do I set up the sound system to record into the iMac and also how do I set it up so the vocal can be captured on a separate track? I then want to mix the two together, along with video I am shooting and make a DVD of the performance.

I am not sure if the vocal should be captured in the mix with the music out of the sound system or if it should be recorded on a separate track.

The only software I will have is garage band that comes with the iMac. I have had two iMacs before and have used Peak, Deck to record music but want to see if garage band can do it before buying additional software. What hardware will I need?

I need some guidance and advise and also and directions to music/mac tutorials that I can read since I will be using the iMac for recording in a studio as well.

Thanks
Brian Jones

[dangt]

With Recording in Garage Band i think you are limited to recording a stereo track (or 2 mono tracks) only.

so to capture the performance live you could either. capture a stereo feed from out of the sound system (this should include music and vocals) or use a mic in the room to get the overall room sound of music, singing and probably background sounds (dancing, talking) as well.

To get the vocals recorded live to a seperate track with music on the other, you could feed the vocal channel into track left or 1 garage band (mono) and the music on 2, right (mono)

Garage band is limited for live recording. its not really a multitrack recorder.

[rickenbacker]

I think Garageband 2 now allows eight-track simultaneous recording. If you want to record audio in, you'll need an interface of some sort. FireWire options are better than USB - something like the Presonus Firebox is very popular and also comes bundled with Cubase LE, so then you'd have two sequencer options to try out.

From what you describe, you'd probably want at least three tracks - one mono for the vocal and a stereo pair for the backing track. If you wanted to add extra vocals, add extra tracks.

[brianjones]

Thanks for the help and advise.

Brian

[brianjones]

Can anyone recommend where I can buy a Presonus Firebox?

Thanks
Brian Jones

[ArchivalAudio]

I got mine at Cascademedia.net
they have been always very good with service
and Frank the owner is a taper too!
my buddy taper jeff also works there
they are in Portland OR
tell them Ian
sent you
I ahve been getting media and gear from them for 5 years or so
and they are very cool
you can get it other places too
just do a search
but I always try to support the little local guys especially if they can meet goodprices
like cascade media does!
and they are clos eto me

-- Ian

[ArchivalAudio]

PS
I usually recordin an "ambient"or matrix configuration
a pair of stereo mics (110°ORTF) on stage
and +the house PA stereo feed
now I run this 4-track and mix it down later
using cubase and then peak to track it and Jam to disc
It works pretty well this way


-- ian

[DANO10]

In the US. I've had good luck with both Sweetwater.com and audioMIDI.com. I bought my G5 tower from Sweetwater and saved good money.

Dano10