A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

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RightOnTime31

A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

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Posts: 5173

03/22/2006 2:14 AM

3rd Row Is Too Far!

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I guess I will just lay out all my questions/concerns and anyone that helps me out is great and much appreciated:

First off I love the SBD tapes. So if I was going to get into it that would be the only way.

1) How much from start to finish would it cost? (ballpark with solid equipment and get some solid tape ratings of 9+ examples: Ed, Michael Fries so on)

2) Do I get to shows early and somehow allowed in?

3) How do I set-up or "plug-in" to the SBD?

4) Do I ask JP and do I need a pass or anything?

5) Anything I need for my home computer?

6) Are all the shows allowed to be taped into the SBD? (i know no if they have a record)

7) Do I just pick up stuff right after the show?

How hard is converting?

9) Anything else I need to know....

email me at Tindawg33@optonline.net I plan on going to double-digit shows every year and instead of relying on someone else figured maybe I would suck it up.

THANK YOU SO MUCH whoever read and whoever helps!

"Things may not come when you want them too, but they will be Right On Time"- Marc Roberge

JDH263

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#1

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Posts: 1446

03/22/2006 3:11 AM

Quote:
1) How much from start to finish would it cost? (ballpark with solid equipment and get some solid tape ratings of 9+ examples: Ed, Michael Fries so on)

A sbd tape is a sbd tape, not much you can do about it.

jb3 with 2 batteries $180 (check the yardsale at taperssection.com for one of these)
rca > 1/8 from radio shack $10

that is it. You can get a mini disc recorder for cheaper, but i'd go with a jb3

Quote:
2) Do I get to shows early and somehow allowed in?

If you want to tape the opener also, get there when the doors open. If you are just taping oar, then go before they go on.

Quote:
3) How do I set-up or "plug-in" to the SBD?

there will be a patchbox, just plug the rca's into that.

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4) Do I ask JP and do I need a pass or anything?

no pass or anything is needed, only ask jp if you can't find the patchbox. you can say whats up to him.

Quote:
5) Anything I need for my home computer?

cdwav to track it, flac frontend or something like it to compress it, and smart ftp to upload. those are all free and that is pretty much all you need. You can get audacity to tweek the recording, like adding gain in post. that is also free

Quote:
6) Are all the shows allowed to be taped into the SBD? (i know no if they have a record)

recording is allowed at almost all of their shows.

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7) Do I just pick up stuff right after the show?

don't know what you mean by this. If you are talking about the recorder, then yea, just grab it after the show.

Quote:
8 How hard is converting?

easy, the jb3 has a program that you use to transfer, either USB of firewire. it is all pretty easy. uploading takes a little while.

If you have anymore questions just ask.

MFries

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#2

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Posts: 2469

03/22/2006 3:15 AM

I will start by saying by no means am I a pro..

ok..

1) How much from start to finish would it cost?

All depends. You get as simple as a mini disc recorder ($100) some cables ($5) and you're set...all of my shows that you've heard have been recorded with a MD. You could upgrade and get a mp3 player (more options than a MD)...both of those examples can be used with SBD taping. If you are intersted in AUD taping, it can get very pricey, but it those tapes have a great sound as well. I will let Mike, Ed, and some others talk more about that.

2) Do I get to shows early and somehow allowed in?
Typically speaking, no. Years back you would walk in any of these clubs and hang out for hours without anyone asking. If doors are at 6pm, show up then...if you HAVE to see the opener, then get their earlier, but if your goal is to see and record o.a.r., I think showing up when the doors open is PLENTY of time...

3) How do I set-up or "plug-in" to the SBD?
When he seems "not busy", introduce yourself to JP (o.a.r.'s sound engineer). Mention you're new to taping, were hoping to get a feed for the show, and if he could plug in your cables. (cables should be in your hand at this point!) JP is VERY nice, and VERY helpful, but remember, his main focus will be on getting his gear ready for the show.

4) Do I ask JP and do I need a pass or anything?
Don't need a pass.

5) Anything I need for my home computer?
All depends on what you want the final product to sound like. If you have a desktop you most likely have a "line in" option. You can get a cable ($5) to go from your MD/MP3 into your pc. Generally, this is NOT the same cable as you would use at the show. If you're using a mp3 recorder device, you should be able to transfer the file via a USB cable. Much faster and stable than "playing it back" into the pc.

6) Are all the shows allowed to be taped into the SBD?

Most of the shows o.a.r. plays can be recorded from the SBD. Most.

7) Do I just pick up stuff right after the show?

Yes. I generally don't leave the area throughout the show, but once the show is done, try to "break down" your stuff ASAP. bouncers will be yelling, and the o.a.r. crew will be moving stuff out of there really fast.

How hard is converting?
I think pretty easy. I use a program called Cool Edit Pro, and CD WAV. If you have a mp3 player I don't believe you need to play the show back in real time to get it into the pc. I have to though because I use the old school MD player.

9) Anything else I need to know....
Know your device inside and out. Know all the options (formats, limiting, is there compression...) Sounds funny, but close your eyes and know where all the buttons are. Most of the clubs are very dark and unless you remember your flashlight, you wont be able to see your readouts and such. Also, make sure you have the right cables. Unless things have changed, this is the cable you will most likely need for the SBD feed:

that's all i've got for now...im sure i've left out some info...

remember, most of my descriptions come from someone who has ONLY used an MD recorder...so if you have something fancier than my POS from '78..then you may need to ask specifically!

~MF

WWJBD?

soccerkid

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#3

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Posts: 10604

03/22/2006 5:16 AM

I Can Convert
Faster Than You

look for a used nomad jukebox 3, i love mine.

you can watch ebay or tapersection for used ones.

make sure you get one w/ 2 batteries

Nate
nate@oarfans.com

RightOnTime31

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#4

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Posts: 5173

03/22/2006 6:30 AM

3rd Row Is Too Far!

YOU GUYS HAVE BEEN GREAT. I would def like the higher quality recorder. So an extra 20 or even 50 bucks do not matter, if I can get shows that turn out like you guys have it. No question that I would like the SBD. I guess it doesn't make sense now, that I just "plug in" hopefully more it will. I will def ask you guys some more questions. If you can just throw out a few names of the top SBD ones that are in that 100-200 price range that would be great. Would def buy one that Ed, or Nate or Michael Fries has, they sound great, basically I want to hear it and have other people hear it as 9+ quality. So more expensive box and cables would be worth it!

Thanks SO much. Security doesn't give a problem when I walk in with it? I mean sometimes im not even allowed a camera or bottle of water.

"Things may not come when you want them too, but they will be Right On Time"- Marc Roberge

MFries

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#5

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Posts: 2469

03/22/2006 7:13 AM

Quote:
Security doesn't give a problem when I walk in with it?

They may give you grief at first, but just explain (or show them) that o.a.r. has an open taping policy which the club should know about and that's all you have. don't try to hide cameras or things in there. I think if you go up the bouncer with the bag already open, he's less likely to give you a hard time!

As for what I use, every show that you have heard that I've taped has been taped with this (very very close to this pic):

is it the best to use? No. I do have to flip MD's half way through a set, but other than that, it has been the best $150 I've spent in a long time...I think I used it for about 6-7years! The Nomad's sound like they're fantastic, but they don't make them anymore so you have to scour ebay and the tapers section for them.

I may actually get another MD (I know everyone is growning!)

~MF

WWJBD?

JDH263

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#6

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Posts: 1446

03/22/2006 8:54 AM

i started with a md recorder, but upgraded to jb3's because i got tired of the transfers. You have to play the md's to your computer, re-recording it. You need a good soundcard to make the tape sound good.

as for getting in to shows, i just keep my jb3 in my pocket with my cables. if i am asked what it is i just say it is my mp3 player, no questions asked.

Wipenguin

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#7

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Posts: 5

03/22/2006 9:16 AM

I have a Nomad Jukebox, Im pretty sure that it has a recorder...does anyone out there use Nomad? Ive had it awhile now and I'm not sure if I have all the cables for it, what kind would I need?
If anyone could help me with the use of the Nomad in any way it would be great!

JDH263

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#8

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Posts: 1446

03/22/2006 11:35 AM

this is the jb3, if you have one of these then that is what you need. there are some other nomad's that won't work, or don't work good enough for taping shows

Ed Paff Jr

Re: A virgin to taping lots of questions for the pros....

#9

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Posts: 28150

03/22/2006 5:26 PM

Setlist Pimp

Anyone considering taping should just suck it up and get the jb3. The little bit extra that it costs (versus minidisc) is well worth it in the end. You do not have to switch discs in the middle of the show, transferring to your computer is much faster, the batteries are rechargeable, etc. This is coming from someone who used to use minidisc. There were many of us who switched from minidisc to jb3 once the jb3 became available and I think all of us are much happier now. Good luck!

Ed Paff

Email: edpaff_jr@oarsa.org
edpaffjr.com | Shows I Have Attended & Taped

didya

nli

#10

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Posts: 5859

03/22/2006 10:47 PM

Pics or I Wasn't There

To chime in

>>>So an extra 20 or even 50 bucks do not matter, if I can get shows that turn out like you guys have it.<<<

:lol

you'll soon find out we don't do anything super human to get these tapes, half the time we're so banged up we're amazed that our gear is still standing or that the tape even came out. I have plenty of shows that never went public because I accidently fell over and unplugged a cable, hit the power button on the jb3, or in one extreme case, completely deleted my tape when i tried to stop recording.

I think everyone here started off going with the MiniDisc route... which is why everyone here is recommending you get the JB3. Since you're just getting your feet wet, keep it simple, and the JB3 does just that. You don't have to worry about conversions. Plus with just starting out doing sbd tapes, you'll find out if this is a hobby you enjoy, and then can move on to buying a set of mics and investing even more money. good luck

~Joe

Wipenguin

Re: nli

#11

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Posts: 5

03/22/2006 11:22 PM

Are the cables that MFries had a graphic of the cable I would use for the JB3?
If so, I would just go up to the soundboard area and get it all hooked up to the soundboard?
Obviously the JB3 has to be in the right setting and everything, but besides that it's pretty easy...

didya

Re: nli

#12

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Posts: 5859

03/22/2006 11:42 PM

Pics or I Wasn't There

yeah, you just need that one cable... RCA part of it plugs into board... 1/8 mini part plugs into the line-in of the JB3

Tangus999

Re: nli

#13

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Posts: 7917

03/23/2006 3:10 AM

Can't Spell Can't Type

"if I can get shows that turn out like you guys have it."

sbd tapes from oar come out damn fine bc jp knows how to mix unbelievably well
aud tapes are where you will find you will have to dum a ton of moeny on to get a kick ass pull.

aud taping has alot of skill involved sbd tapign does not
they both have the pros and cons

Check you later, BOB Klabik
Tangus999@speakeasy.net
AIM:Tangus999

"GET A MAC"...
an apple a day, keeps the PC tech guy away

DelicateFew2

RE

#14

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Posts: 575

03/23/2006 4:35 AM

Hey just a question, im only 15, would the sound board guys care if I plugged into the patchbox. I mean I don't really think it matters cause I know a lot about taping and recording, i just didn't know if they would be like "what the hell are you doing" j/w, Thanx,

Mike P.

MFries

Re: RE

#15

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Posts: 2469

03/23/2006 5:37 AM

Quote:
Anyone considering taping should just suck it up and get the jb3. The little bit extra that it costs (versus minidisc) is well worth it in the end. You do not have to switch discs in the middle of the show, transferring to your computer is much faster, the batteries are rechargeable, etc. This is coming from someone who used to use minidisc. There were many of us who switched from minidisc to jb3 once the jb3 became available and I think all of us are much happier now. Good luck!

I have to be honest though, it's a pain in the ass to find them...I know that ebay and the tapers section have them...but why don't they make them anymore? Or other companies putting out things that are comparable? I guess that M-audio thing has some things wrong with it, plus it $400+ right?

I'm with you Ed, I would LOVE to have a Nomad...but it seems shady that you have to relaly dig hard to find sellers and batteries and hopefully you're not getting a bogus one...believe me, I'll write a check right now for $150-$175 for one with 2 batteries...

On a sidenote, the MD that I have has a rechargable battery, do the new ones not have that?

~MF

WWJBD?

HeyGirl22

Re: RE

#16

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Posts: 884

03/23/2006 10:01 AM

Alright, now I'm assuming this is a dumb question, but there's no way to go directly from the patchbox to a laptop, is there?

I don't think we have any tapers for the UPenn show, and I would love to tape (but don't have any equiptment/money to buy anything more than $15ish).

on a side note, anyone that wants to tape the UPenn show, let me know, and I can buy you a ticket

thanks

| Amanda |

"Just let yourself Go"

bburton86

Re: RE

#17

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Posts: 8629

03/23/2006 1:48 PM

Do you guys leave you taping stuff there (if you're doing SBD) and go sit in seats or do you sit by it? I know if you're doing AUD you need to be right by it so no one bumps it or knocks it down.

aim: punk883
bburton86@yahoo.com

Ed Paff Jr

Re: RE

#18

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Posts: 28150

03/23/2006 7:43 PM

Setlist Pimp

I've left my gear at the SBD many times. There is often a case or something that you can leave your stuff on that is inside the SBD cage.

Quote:
I have to be honest though, it's a pain in the ass to find them...I know that ebay and the tapers section have them...but why don't they make them anymore? Or other companies putting out things that are comparable?

The truth is that at the heart of it all, it's still a mp3 player. There are plenty of other ones out there with the same capacity (20 or 40 gigs) that are much smaller than the jb3, creative even makes some of these. That's the reason they don't sell them anymore. The market for tapers searching for these is very small comparable to the general publics needs in a mp3 player.

I've had mine for a long time, so I haven't been searching for one, but it seems like you should be able to find one somewhere. I think the one I bought was refurbished by creative themselves. I haven't had any problems with it.

When I said rechargables, I guess I should have specified Lithium Ion. With two you can get record times up to 6 hours, which is pretty good for most. 3 hours (1 battery) would be good enough for someone who is only gonna tape OAR. If you are looking for much above that, I can point you in the direction for external batteries that I've found to be useful...

Ed Paff

Email: edpaff_jr@oarsa.org
edpaffjr.com | Shows I Have Attended & Taped

Mike Sarnovsky

hmmm

#19

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Posts: 7374

03/23/2006 8:43 PM

Gonna Leave The Door
Wide Open, So I Can
See Everything!

Def get the JB3... you want a hard disk based recorder, rather than a minidisc that is subject to getting screwed up if bumped or moved during the show.

Plus the JB3 is uncompressed audio, you want to stick with that.

I would also ensure (just in case patch box is not around as it is some of the time OR if you want to tape soundboard of other bands) you have the following cables:

Dual RCA Male to 1/8" stereo Male

1/4" male pair to 1/8" stereo Male

Dual XLR male to 1/8" stereo Male

Dual XLR female to 1/8" stereo Male

Granted the dual RCA mail to 1/8" stereo male is what you can use 80% of the time, but depending on older/newer soundboards and such, I would invest the additional $50 to $75 in this wide variety of cables.