Banjo Hangout - Tech Talk Forum Feed

MP3 format Question for BHO Jukebox

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 22 May 2013 06:44:51 CST

Hi folks.

Instead of bumping my own Sound Off post again, I figured this forum is better suited for my question. Simply put, I read Eric's (Admin) notes on how to choose the best formats of MP3s to upload, and am unsure if mine are anywhere close. I fear the audio on my YouTube vids may be better than the mp3s on here. Basically my question is as follows:

Eric advises not to use Float Point 32 bit.... I'm confused, can somebody advise if we can upload WAVE format audio files to BHO and then the site cuts out an mp3 from waves? See I have a slow computer, but I do manage to record my raw recordings pretty much in Float Bit 64bit, then latter cut out a CBR (constant bit rate, as Eric says to use) at 192kbps. Basically I would like to know if a mp3 made from a 64bit/32bit floating bit wave which is latter converted to a CBR mp3 is alright to use for best audio quality or not. I'm confused, which is easy for me. Also, would a 320kbps mp3 upload sound any better than the 192kbps ones I uploaded?

Thanks for any help, as it's not easy going from jamming to putting on my tech hat all the time.

Terry

newbie - how to record a video for youtube?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 20 May 2013 14:43:33 CST

Do you just buy a webcam and find the right software? How do you make a youtube video? (This is for the future banjo contests..) I have Windows 7 home edition

Mikes, pickups, preamps and avoiding feedback

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 20 May 2013 08:02:27 CST

Hi there,

First of all, I apologise for adding to the endless list of amplification threads on BHO but I felt that after searching for a while, I didn't find a thread that fully answered my question.

I'll be playing a few festivals/outdoor gigs over the next couple of months and am tired of standing on stage anchored to a mike on a stand, and was kind of wondering what my options were. I don't have a heap of cash, being an FE student here in the UK and so the solution needs to cost less than £150 and ideally less than £120 ($230 and $180 respectively). I know there are several options - clip on mikes, piezos, magnetic pickups, and was wondering which is best for tone and avoiding feedback? Any specific models that would be ideal? I understand I'm not going to get the best of the best for my price range. Also, would a preamp with a phase switch avoid feedback on a banjo, and if so, could you recommend a preamp that has this feature that preferably doesn't involve soldering the connectors on (my soldering isn't great)?

Hope I'm not asking too much!

Thanks,

Dom.

Gibson Auto-Tuner

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 09:34:01 CST

Interesting little gadget. I'd love to see this developed for the banjo with a setting to "lock" your preferred tuning into memory. Maybe A-B-C settings for capo use.

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Min-ETune.aspx

BOSE T1 ToneMatch™ audio engine

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 19 May 2013 04:06:45 CST

Guys,

Do any of you have some experiences setting up this "engine" for a banjo - using a dynamic or a condenser mike?

I´ve lately purchased a BOSE L1 Compact system http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/l1_compact/index.jsp - to be used primarily as my personal monitor system for my tenor banjo and my tenor/jazz guitars - when playing with various pro-jazz bands - plus I might use it as a small PA-system, when playing solo-gigs.

Its two built-in channels - including their ToneMatch presets - are indeed, as intended, fantastic for vocal and electro-acoustic guitar - but I have some problems using the mike channel for my banjo and the guitar channel for my guitars with magnetic PU´s.

So I´ve ordered the additional mixer/audio engine http://www.bose.com/controller?url=/shop_online/speakers/portable_amplification_systems/accessories/l1_tonematch_acc.jsp - I´ll get it in two days.

Any of you familiar with these products will know, that we´re here talking really high-tech and advanced "stuff". Plus costly of course - LOL!

Normally I prefer using a SHURE SM-57 dynamic mike for my banjo - 10-12" in front of the bridge - like this:

Do any of you guys have a suited preset for this mike and the BOSE "engine"? Or possibly a condenser mike? I have several types "in stock".

And how about a full- or semi-body jazz guitar - with magnetic PU´s?

Thanks in advance - for any advice/info

Polle

Tabledit and registered user page

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 18 May 2013 16:17:10 CST

How do you sign in to tabledit to upgrade a version if you purchased the software?

I know there is a registered users page but there is no where to find on the website.

Thanks,

tunning head, seems to have cured tunning probs. Possible?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 17 May 2013 06:15:59 CST

I am forever tweaking strings on the 5, and it is well documented, on the tuning issues of the inst. I bought a drum dial to check my head ,$60. it was bet 86- 91. after going around, and settling on trying it at 90, I found it just a little brighter, ( and thought rightly so), but once it came into tune, its is spot on everywhere on the neck . I have played out about 6 times since the adjustments,and have experienced the same thing. Is this even possible? was I hearing overtones or the like to convince me I was a bit out? ,Or am I justifying the purchase?, vodoo?. Am almost embarrassed to post ( sometimes with a new hat , I shoot archery better!)

Video Recording Problem

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 16 May 2013 17:36:28 CST

My Tascam DR-40 works great ... but that's not my problem.

The Problem: When I record a video, I'm using A Logitec C-525 and my voice comes out allright on the audio but the audio for the banjo is terrible. It sounds as if it's picking up only one note out of three!

I admit that I'm a total novice at video recording and that there's probably some kind of setting I need to make that I haven't made. I tried an external microphone plugged into my computer and it wasn't much better. This, alone, makes me suspect that the problem might lie with my computer and not the Logitec 525 or with the external microphone.

My operating system is Windows 7 (if that makes a difference).

I'd really like to make some video recordings, put them on Youtube and share them here at BHO ... but I don't know what I don't know concerning how to make it work correctly.

Please point me in the right direction.

Thanks,

Frank "Tater"

Electronic devices for lyrics

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 13 May 2013 18:56:55 CST

I sure don't want to open up that " is it ok, is in not ok" argument about having lyrics at a jam, but around here, it's quite common and accepted

Every once and a while, I see someone at a jam using an Electronic Tablet or Notebook kind of device for their lyrics instead of a binder full of printed sheets. Any idea what they are most likely using? Is it just an internet device that they use to look up lyrics on one of the many available sites, or do they have a means of storing and re-calling their own material?

Just wondering. Electronic stuff baffles me, so don't know if I would ever want to do that, but I would like to understand what they use and how.

.Thanks

best radio capture software---for mac

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 12 May 2013 07:24:58 CST

before i can use slowdowner to learn a tune, i often want to capture an old time radio show, but all the systems i've tried either don't work well or have since been removed. Anyone have a good software to capture radio shows?

advised to get a pre-amp....help!

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 9 May 2013 08:48:33 CST

I play clawhammer and sing in an old-time band, and have been advised that in addition to a pick-up (which I have, though I don't know the brand, someone gave it to me. Looks like it has a stylized "S" engraved on it, butt doesn't look like any of the pickups on the Schatten website.) I don't really care for the sound with this pickup so I'd be open to trying something new. I think it only cost around $50.

I've been advised to get a pre-amp, but don't know where to start.

Any suggestions?

My banjo is fairly quiet, compared to the other instruments, and they want to hear more of me. My preference is to play acoustic, but that's not gonna happen, so I need to get on board, so they can hear me.

The other instruments in the band are electric guitar, accordian, autoharp, fiddle, bass, guitar, and we have a Peavey PV14 mixer.

Youtube Free Downloader

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 May 2013 16:49:57 CST

Many of these out there but this one appears to be the best. youtubefreedownloader.com

This one can save your Youtube as a video, or it can download it as a sound file, which I used to do with a separate program after I got the video file. So you get the download and the file conversion to audio file all in one step.

Great free program.

Let's Play "Name That Microphone!"

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 May 2013 16:23:10 CST

With all the discussion that goes on about what microphone to use, or what type of microphone to use, I decided to record something with three different microphones and see what people think about them.

We'll call them A, B, and C for now - I'll reveal the particular microphones used after people have had a chance to listen and comment.

This was recorded in an untreated room in my house. No processing has been done on the recordings, except to (roughly) equalize the levels.

What differences can you hear? Is one "better" than the others? Or, alternatively, do you have a favorite? What is your least favorite? Would you be seriously bummed if your least favorite was your only mic and you had to use it to record yourself?

Have at it! And this is meant to be fun, so don't be afraid to state your preferences even if you don't think you have "golden ears."

On stage Di box for banjo

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 May 2013 13:13:55 CST

I've recently purchased a MiniFlex condenser mic for banjo:

http://stores.intuitwebsites.com/DSCreationsDonnell12345/-strse-11/MiniFlexMic-Model-dsh-10-Series/Detail.bok#itemadded

Mike Munford of Frank Solivan and Dirty Kitchen plays thru one of these. He runs an LR Baggs Venue Di for his on stage Di.

My question is this: Is this a good Di for this mic?

Headphone's Quality!!!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 8 May 2013 06:35:14 CST

I know it is not just me. I can well remember the days of the 1980's and purchasing an $80 pair of Koss headphones that lasted me nearly ten years with no problems. WHAT HAPPENED??

Over the past 15 years I must have gone trough literally many dozens of headphones (maybe $1000 worth) of all types, purchased at all price ranges. The expensive Sony ones broke faster than some of the $10 phones, and yet never even sounded any better. Ear buds work better before the wires break, but they do not sound as clear as full ear covered phones do.

The local Big Lot stores seems to be banking their business on this. All up and down the lanes one can see many dozens of nice quality looking headphones, most for $10.00 or less. BUT they always break in one way or another, often within days and no exchange can be made usually. I stress, no matter the price, I have been getting nothing but junk for headphones for many years now.

I can no longer afford it. The headphone JACKS on modern devices always has too little solder on them, thus $1000 new computers have intermitting headphone use when brand new. And just try to use the new lead-free solder to fix electronics!! I had to use a lighter and electrical-black tape for my hardwiring, and it's working out great.

My wife got a $10 set of phones yesterday from Big Lots, and I said "See you in a week" to the clerk- and she laughed as she commented on how bad and quickly their headphones broke. I live in a small apartment, I am heard even when playing backing tracks through phones, I have no real option to use speakers for song writing/producing when it's 4:00 AM..

Finally I managed to hardwire a set directly to a mono connection to this tower (stereo-connection was not an option due to the way the computer was built) that I made from two other broken pairs and so far this has been the over-all best headphone set I have had since the 1990's! Radio Shack makes a killing selling jacks and such that also break very easily. The goal seems to be to force music lovers to keep paying $$$ every week for the luxury of inexpensive old technology. Finally I took matter into my own hands, and if these pair last many more weeks I would of already saved about $100 in replacement headphones. Headphones always seem to break in a different place too, they may burn out (rare), have a wire break at a stress point inside the wire, often near the jack (very common), plastic head band often snaps... and on and on.

I will no longer put up with it. From now on I will keep building my own phones because it is too large a $$$-making scam, and I have enough. If things do not change soon I may start building high quality headphones and selling them online. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out how to make quality headphones.

Opinions?

Terry

Gold Tone Mic System + Acoustansonic 150

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 7 May 2013 21:36:16 CST

Hello there. For the first time tonight, I plugged my Gold Tone mic system into my new Fender Acoustasonic 150 amp and clearly have some things to figure out. I had to turn the volume way up on the p to hear my banjo come through. Is there something that I am missing? I thought the "box" preamp thing would provide enough juice to push the sound through my amp. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Microphone ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 4 May 2013 06:36:13 CST

What type and Brand of Microphone should I buy to record a Banjo into a Digital processor ?

Thanks In Advance

tabledit and mp3 tabs

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 27 Apr 2013 09:15:01 CST

Is tabledit capable of converting a banjo clawhammer mp3 to tabs, even if roughly.

I have some banjo mp3's I would like to learn and am considering buying tabledit partly for this reason.

Recording internet radio

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:19:59 CST

Hi there - I thought someone on this forum might be able to help. I would like to be able to record a scheduled internet radio program - I really want to be able to listen to the Old Time Jam on radio WAMU but keep missing it. Can anyone recommend any free download software?

Many thanks

Audacity question

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:59:56 CST

I have a recording I made with my recorder with the banjo and a guitar playing backup. Is there a way to make the banjo louder while keeping the guitar lower in Audacity? I'm guessing it might not be possible with a simple mono recording. Thanks.

H4n Recorder or ?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 20 Apr 2013 17:52:26 CST

I am about to pull the trigger on the H4n recorder. It will be used for personal recording of my banjo to help me pin point problems and to post recordings on BHO. I would also use it to record the national banjo competitions and other festivals. I want to have it also for when I record a band I play in once in awhile with the mics plugged into the H4n for mixing. Is there any better recorders on the market for doing these things? Keep in mind that I want to GROW into this investment and not be out dated in a couple of years. I have heard recordings with this unit and it is better that CD quality. Any comments?

Izotope Ozone: anybody use or try it?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 13:15:31 CST

http://www.izotope.com/products/audio/ozone/

Reading a lot of good reviews about this. Not cheap, steep learning curve I guess. Wondering if it would be worth the investment in time and $$. I wonder how close it gets to mastering with outboard gear (which would cost a lot more). I suppose I need to find time to do the free trial on some of my stuff. Just wondering if anyone here has used it and what you think.

Condenser or Dynamic Mics?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 07:04:55 CST

OK, I need some advice from people who have a bit more experience playing live than I do. My first band broke up a couple of months ago. We played mostly retirement homes, general stores, and a couple of private picnics. I miss the performing so I have decided to start my own band. I plan on steering this band more towards Gospel Bluegrass rather than the traditional drinking, killing, she broke my heart Bluegrass. My PA system is almost complete. However, I can’t decide between spending a lot of money on one NICE condenser microphone or buying a bunch of dynamic mics instead. My mixer will handle either just fine. Whenever my old band was miced up we used dynamic mics but we found it awkward not being able to see each other like we did whenever we rehearsed. Using a condenser mic would help in this matter but I’m unsure about how to refine the mix. Half the bands in my area use condensers and the other half use dynamics.

Opinions?

Suggestions?

Advice?

Best non powered speaker for vocal group?

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:17:43 CST

Looking to get one or two if needed speakers for our small 4 of us bluegrass/gospel group. We use the one mic setup. Looking for a very good sound quality speaker. We only play in small to med sized churches. Most people max prob 250 in a larger church. Thx

Anyone have experience using Electro Voice SX100+ speakers

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:55:59 CST

I've heard these are very good speakers. I'm wanting a set for our bluegrass/gospel group. I can't find a web page that has serial numbers or any dating info. Are the older ones as good as the newer ones?

banjo amps

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 07:07:50 CST

I play bg in a band, we use single mic, and PA . I have recently started playing with some country musicians,, and am looking for an amp to use on my banjo, or on occasion with my elec guitar. I also know they make amps engineered for acoustic inst. that I am told do not fare well for electric. I went to guitar center, and played (with a mic, and banjo), 2 different "acoustic type amps".one was $200, one was$500, wanted something in the middle, So I left without. On a whim, I went back to try some regular guitar amps. I checked out a 35 w "orange amp with a strat, ($250), Incredibly loud. Took it home, same thing with my guitar, put a mic into it, played banjo, volume cut by 2/3 prolly. Is this normal, that a guitar pickup is so much more responsive than a mic? I also should say , I have a number of mics, including 2 that need a phantom box, and they were a little louder. I have 30 days to return this amp, and I am going to, i do not want a pick up, I want more volume, with a little reverb., not really looking to reproduce the sound and tone of my 5, just need to compete with the drums, and tele's. any suggestions ?

single mic shows. which mic?

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 06:51:21 CST

i have seen an increasing number of bluegrass bands , who are performing with one mic. We use a AKG perception 400, and a recent band I worked in used a shure, but am not sure of model and it worked pretty well, we do however put another mic on the bass. which other mics work well for this application? Of course the main reason is the amount of equipment you just took out+ 8-10 mics , 4-5 stands, mixer, monitors. Plus I like seeing a band work the one mic, and enjoy doing it as well

Audacity free version help please

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 02:41:11 CST

I've just got myself a tascam dr-05 and recorded last nights whole practice session on 1 track ( just left constantly recording), thinking that i could put the whole track onto my free version of audacity, then cut and paste individual tracks into new files, I can get the tracks cut but can't find a way of pasting them into a new folder, the paste button depresses when i click on it but it just pastes in a blank track.

So am i doing something wrong, or does the free version not give this facility, any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Bob

tab to iPad mini

eric@banjohangout.org — Mon, 8 Apr 2013 11:27:47 CST

I'm trying to organise all my music and tabs onto my iPad mini from my MacBook so they are accessible for summer trips and festivals. Syncing albums and iCal and Contacts was easy enough to do manually via iTunes but can anyone suggest the easiest way to transfer jpeg and PDF files? Also a way to convert or compress these to reduce the drain on memory on the smaller device.

Banjo pickup ridiculously quiet

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 5 Apr 2013 14:29:12 CST

Hi folks. New guy here. I just got a fishman bluegrass banjo pickup installed on my fender single rod banjo. When I plug the banjo and my acoustic guitar (also with a fishman pickup) into my PA thru a DI box, the banjo is barely audible, but the guitar sounds great, even tho their signal chain is the same. The banjo is a little louder without the DI box, and if I send it thru an audio interface where I can turn up the volume, it can get louder still, but with an annoying hiss sound present.

so what's going on? Bad pickup installation? They're designed for a double rod banjo, mine is single, but it fits in there (seemingly) secure enough.

thanks folks!

cassette to MP3

eric@banjohangout.org — Fri, 5 Apr 2013 03:41:01 CST

How would person with limited,(very) computer savy find the easiest way to get cassette tape recordings into the computer,so he could share them..........thanks,that very limited person....john

Got my new Focusrite 2i2 please help software wont install

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 2 Apr 2013 18:30:32 CST

I got the focusrite 2i2 and when i install the scarlett plugin suite i cant open it nor does it open automatically or put a icon on my desktop. Ive been messing with this hours im about to smash it!!!! I have windows 7.

Dynamic vs. Condensor

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:45:00 CST

What type or what mic woks well for bluegrass recordings? Trying to capture a good sound without breaking the bank for some home recordings? I have looked mostly as condensor mics such at the AT2050 and AT4033, also, has anyone used the Zoom H2? Is the Zoom H2 a recorder and a mic? Thanks for the help.

Looking for quick answers... condenser mic

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 28 Mar 2013 07:47:37 CST

I'm looking at an ebay auction for an Audio Technica Pro 70 condenser mic, but am a little ignorant as to the connections. The auction ends this morning so I'm looking for quick answers.

The power module has a female XLR connection. How do I adapt this to the standard (1/4"?) female jack plug I see as typical for plugging into the amp?

The Audio Technica site states "operates on battery or phantom power". I see that the power module uses a single double A. I assume that to be what is referred to as battery power? So what then is 'phantom' power?

This little power module box then.... where would this be while on stage? Would it typically be clipped to you belt, or would you place it in a safe location on the stage floor? I see that it has a 6 ft. cord.

I'm intending to mount under the head in one of the ways I have read a few well known/respected members here do... namely John Balch and Jason Mogi. I like the idea of a small mic like this vs a pick up.

Thanks for any quick answers or advice.

Recording Software Help

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:11:23 CST

I am seeking some help and advice regarding recording software. I am new to this so my knowledge is based only on what research I have been able to do. I would like to be able to create quality recordings of me playing my banjo individually as well as make recordings as I am playing with friends on the guitar, bass, mandolin, fiddle. I have looked at sweet***er.com for recording mics and interfaces and was wondering what type of equipment I would need. I have heard the Shure SM57 mic $99 is a good quality instrument mic. I was also looking at the Avid Mbox Mini with Pro Tools Express (2 channel USB Audio interface with 1 Mic Preamp) $250. Interface located at http://www.sweet***er.com/store/detail/PTMboxMini/

My question is how all of this equipment is connected? Since it is USB I imagine it will connect with a computer. Would this mic and interface allow me to make quality recordings given that the interface comes with pro tools express? Also, do I need more mics or an interface that allows more mic hook-ups if I want to add vocals? Any help on this subject would be great. Also, if any of you have used any of these products please let me know how they work and list any other good equipment to use as well. I'm just getting tired of using a simple audio recording device in which the sound quality is lacking. The banjo is to strong for such a device as it creates a buzz or blaring sound over the recorder.

As always, thanks for the help.

banjo friendly ampflifier?

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 06:53:26 CST

Please bear with me, as I know very very little about speakers and ampflifiers.

As far as I can tell, the existing acoustic amplifiers on the market are designed to be used primarily by acoustic guitars. Is that right?

Would it be theoretically possible to design a better acoustic amp for banjos? If so, what sorts of features would it have? Not to get too crazy, but is there anybody out there building custom ampflifiers, in the off chance that I ever had enough money to commission one?

Camera reccommendation

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 24 Mar 2013 09:15:53 CST

I'd like to get a new Camera that I can say hook up a zoom H1 recorder to to do some videos. I'd mostly be interested in the sound quality and good pics and mediocre video is OK.

I like Canon Rebel because you can use AA batteries. I would just like to be able to do some recording videos for upload. I don't like the sound quality on most I see.. just looking for opinions.

Where to buy a magnet for a magnetic pickup

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 16:43:33 CST

I was removing a Rare Earth pickup from a banjo today and as I was removing the magnet it flew across the room. I won't be able to find it. Where can I buy another one?

Thanks,

Frankie

Simple 2 banjo set up for live shows

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 23 Mar 2013 05:11:46 CST

I'm playing my open-back SS Stewart banjo with a full electric band - I've had great results using a gooseneck Sennheiser trumpet mic adapted to fit onto the tension rod of my banjo which runs into an LR Baggs Venu DI. I get a great authentic mellow banjo sound which rarely feeds back and that I can control.

So what's the problem? Well, due to quick changes during the set I need to quickly jump between tunings and keys, and don't have time to fart around between tunes - sound familiar? So anyway I got myself an electric banjo from Andy Banjo (a UK banjo maker), and I keep this tuned to an open C for a quick switcharoo.

However the output from the electric banjo is a very different beast to the mic'd up (obviously) and I need to get hold of a decent preamp/eq foot pedal for this - I'd love get another Baggs Venue DI, but money does not allow. Any suggestions? The electric banjo has a simple humbucker, so I'm thinking an electric acoustic modeller pedal might be a better bet to try and reduce the powerful 'b' string and try and get something sounding more banjo'y if possible.

But that's not my real problem!

Many of the venues we're playing at have PA's with limited channels, as does our own musty old pa that we cart around. Ideally I'd like to send one signal to the desk, so I'm in complete control of my setup and the sound guys doesn't have to scratch his head when I switch instruments.

Perfect set up would be an A/B footswitch that takes 2 XLR inputs and outputs a single XLR output. Thatw ay I can take advantage of the balanced XLR output from the Venue DI box and the A.N.Other DI/preamp I get for the electric - can't seem to find anything liek this out there? Funny seems like an obvious thing that alot of musicians would be after.

I've seem that some people recommend using a small mixer on stage put I'd don't really want to be tweaking knobs - I'd rather get everything set up, and just have an A/B switch down the line between my banjos and their preamps/DIs, and the desk.

I'd appreciate any advice

danjo

Behringer XENYX502 mixer help!! Newbie question

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 13:01:48 CST

Ok got a Behringer Xenyx 502 and the Behringer C1 as a loaner to play with. I don't know anything about any live gear. But I do have an older sunn mixer that we use to use and it will blow me outta my livingroom if I attempt to turn it up. This 502 mixer I got it hooked up with one of my sunn speakers and I have got it cranked and its not much louder than my singing voice. What am I doing wrong? Or is this all this lil guy has?

blending pickup with clip on mic

eric@banjohangout.org — Sun, 17 Mar 2013 14:31:42 CST

Turns out that mixing my Goltone ABS clip on mic and my ACB banjo pickup through my amplifier creates a really good sound. I'm gonna try to use this system tomorrow and see how that goes. When I tried this last year with my fishman pickup, it didn't really seem worth the trouble, but I think these two blend together quite nicely.

It will be a lot of cables to trip over, and more stage real estate sacrificed to the amp, but I'm gonna give it a shot and see how it goes.

Electric banjo bridge

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 16:08:29 CST

Is there any interest out there for a dedicated electric banjo bridge and possibly one for banjos with pickups, that would enhance electric and plugged in tone dramatically, making you electrified instrument sound more like a banjo?

Found a lost microphone

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:52:39 CST

We were digging through some bags in the linen closet and found an SM 81 microphone in one of the bags!! I thought I lost this mic. Brand new these run $349 or so. I tried it out and it works fine. I'm not sure how it got there, but I've been looking for it for about 2 years now...

recording video with free software

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 15:31:04 CST

I've tried making videos using free software such as Debut Video Capture, with audio captured either on the laptop inbuilt mic or a Samsom Go-mic with the video captured once again on the inbuilt camera. I'm not after anything sophisticated regards video, but decent audio is important. the problem I seem to have with audio is the volume is very low, no matter what I do to settings. So I thought it might be better to record audio separately using such as Audacity and then synching the video and audio together. From what I have read,this is the accepted way, so which free software would let me do this "EASILY",without months of learning and losing valuable banjo playing time.thanks M

Anyone use MXL 606 for recording banjo?

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 9 Mar 2013 04:27:31 CST

Just curious if anyone has experience with these new small-diaphragm condenser mics for recording banjo. I'm looking for a decent (cheap) small mic. At $59 shipped, these are cheap enough. But are they any good?

The new 606 model looks promising to me. It is designed for snare drums (w/ high pass filter and 20db pad). What interests me about this model is the fact the the frequency response is NOT exaggerated in the high ranges. It appears to be relatively flat compared to others in the price range.

Any comments are appreciated.

Thanks.

http://www.mxlmics.com/microphones/studio/606/

Good Condenser Mic for one man shows? (Banjo/Guitar/Fiddle)

eric@banjohangout.org — Sat, 9 Mar 2013 02:01:18 CST

Hey All!

I'm doing a lot of gigging these days (hurrah!), and after finishing my gig tonight, I'm finally willing to say I'm sick of borrowing sound equipment and otherwise using in-house microphones. I'm ready to become sound-guy proof.

Tonight, playing alone on banjo, guitar, dulcimer, and fiddle, I had to move the mic around (a blue encore 100 I believe) so much that it slowed down my playing, and levels were giving me trouble all night. Banjo? Move that thing back! Guitar? It better be right up against the soundhole. Meanwhile, the vocal mic is slipping because the stand was missing hardware. Not a disaster, but some of my best material fell victim to the microphone being in the wrong place. I'd like to eliminate this problem, and I thought a condenser might be intuitive.

Does anyone know of a good condenser mic for one-man-bands and/or 3 piece bluegrass setups? What are the risks to only using one mic? I can't find concise answers anywhere, and given that ya'll know the vicissitudes of the instruments (a fiddle being biting an cutting, a banjo having high treble, a guitar/dulcimer being more bassy/strummy) you might know what problems one might face.

NOW THAT AUDIOGALAXY IS GONE

eric@banjohangout.org — Thu, 7 Mar 2013 12:25:05 CST

Audiogalaxy was purchased by Dropbox, and is no longer available.

I used it extensively to access my personal iTunes libraries when not at home via my iPhone or iPad.

So, now I am looking for a replacement APP that will basically do what Audiogalaxy did. In my case, all I want is the ability to search my home iTunes library and call up a tune.

Does anyone have experience with any other APPS available for the iPhone or iPad that will do the above deed?

I've read about some, but I hesitate to fork over the money without getting a personal recommendation.

acb pickup has arrived!

eric@banjohangout.org — Wed, 6 Mar 2013 19:29:41 CST

Well, my new ACB banjo pickup from EMG has arrived. It's installed now and seems to work. I need to play with it for a while before I can really say what I think. I'll provide an update soon.

Tascam DR-40 Test

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 16:30:17 CST

I'm trying to find a recorder that can reproduce acoustic instruments and not change the way the instruments sounds too much.

This mp3 was made with a Tascam DR-40 using one External mic and the two built in internal mic's. I'm recording a Martin DM guitar.

I bought this recorder from Guitar Center and have 14 days to return it if it's not what I want.

I don't have much of an ear for this and I was wondering if you could give a listen and let me know what you think about the sound quality.

What's a good affordable pre amp for the ATA4033

eric@banjohangout.org — Tue, 5 Mar 2013 12:05:54 CST

Or if there is another mic out there that's better about the same money. Will be used to record at home and used as a single mic for a vocal group of 4 with just an acoustic guitar. Small country churches mainly. Haven't bought the mic yet but looking at the ata4033. Know it's had a good rep in the past with alot of bluegrass groups. But want to get a decent preamp for recording at home with this mic. I seen there are slot of cheaper mics that have good reviews for homerecording but want one to use live also so I figured I could just get by with the one if I go with it. Will be purchasing a multitrack to use with this setup. Any help is appreciated. Thx