Recording Live Performances

"Can I have a line out the house mix so I record the audio of the show?” This is a common request that sound engineers get from live performers. This is a good way to get a reference recording for improving your performance or a reference for video. The key word is “reference”. In some situations this approach to live performance recording will be adequate but they are probably limited to acoustic acts with some vocals or where there is a limited amount of microphones such as a stand-up comedy act. With bands, this is usually an attempt to get a free recording during their performance. Remember, in audio, something for nothing will result in “NOISE”.

Lets consider what is coming out of the line from the house mix. First off the sound engineer is mixing to reinforce the sound from the stage know as sound reinforcement. The size of the room will determine how much of the mix will come through the mixer’s output. An electric guitar sound may come screaming off the stage but be very low in the house mix. Small rooms will mostly produce acoustic instruments, direct inputs, and vocals through the sound system where larger rooms or outdoor venues will include amplification of all the microphone/line inputs. Next there is a problem with open microphones, stage monitors and other amplified sounds. These sounds typically will muddy up a mix and will be difficult to clean up later. These channels can be muted in real time, but it all depends on the willingness of the sound engineer and how familiar he or she is with your music. Remember, the sound engineer’s primary concern is a good sound for the audience that paid to hear you perform.

So what is the solution? The best way to record live performances is to use a system separated from the house system, preferably in an isolated environment such as a recording booth or mobile recording truck. This, of course, requires a separate recording engineer. The same microphones are used that are already used on stage and the signal is sent to a splitter box that sends it to the recording console and the house and monitor mixer(s). The audio transformer splitter is used to keep the systems independent of each other. ‘Y’ connections can be used instead of an audio transformer splitter but you run the risk of ground loops and one mixer have an adverse effect on the other. You need to make sure all instruments have microphones or direct lines. This means you may need to place some additional microphones when recording in small room venues. Ambient microphones should also be set up to record the audience and the room. Close microphone techniques for instruments is best to get the signal to noise ratio and recording each input on a separate track when possible will improve the final mix. The tracks can be cleaned up and mixed in a regular mixdown session at some other time.

Stage noise is one of the challenges in live performance recording. The quieter you can make the stage the better. Some ways to quiet the stage sound is to use direct inputs to the house mixer for bass guitars, acoustic guitars, and electronic keyboards. Putting the guitar amps away from vocal and drum microphones is helpful. Omni microphones should be avoided unless you want all the sounds around them. Stage monitors add to stage noise. In-ear monitors work best for a clean sound on stage, but you would benefit from a good monitor engineer.

Recording your live performance can definitely put more life and excitement into your recording. It is always take one without ever having a take two. Making a good live performance recording with an intent to sell or distribute to fans, record labels, or broadcasting stations requires some up front planning with regard to equipment and personnel, but can result in a great session under the stage lights.

I welcome any questions or comments regarding live performance recording because I am always looking for a better way to get the best recording.

Have a Happy Year Full Of

Music Music Music

Quiz: How many times was the word “Music” used in the above article?

About the Author
This section is hosted by Danny Gray, whose West Moon Studios specializes in A/V recording and has a mobile recording truck to bring his studio to his clients. He has extensive experience mixing for CD projects, demos, website audio clips, on hold messages, voice over, presentations, theatrical and dance music, and video sound tracks. To contact Danny about submitting articles, helping with this section, or just to say hello, email him at info@OCshowbiz.com.

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