I was curious if anyone here has explored recording live performances with one of the newer handheld recorders from Zoom (H4N, H6) or Tascam (DR-100MKII)?
Are you recording acoustic or electric sets live? I have recorded a few full length CD's with the Zoom H4n using the stereo on board mike AND the line in, off the board.
For acoustic sets
I use the board stereo out for the band mix, then the on board mikes for the 2 main components that may need adjustment in the final mix, like vocals or a specialty instruments. Side note.. the latest H4N firmware has finally made the on board compressor work great!
For electric sets
I use the board MX stereo out for the band mix, then the on board mikes for the either crowd response, lead and one backing vocal OR the kick. What ever I think may need. Using the upgraded compressor really is the key to getting balanced mixes on the fly with the 2 on board mikes live.
For electric sets with no house PA (small or NON venues)
Use the on board mikes for the kick and and bass. They are usually side by side, so the H4N unit is placed between them, but closer to the kick. Then I use the the 2 XLR inputs( good mic pre's) for vocals or a specialty instruments like mandolin or harmonica and use the wired remote with LED indicators (usually sold separately), to control volume, and start/ stop.
The recording that the clients purchased from me paided me 3x the cost of the unit. They liked the recordings so much went out and bought a Zoom H4N. They eventually asked me why their recordings did not come out like mine, so I gave them the same info as I stated here.:encouragement: