Sometimes, it can be fun to do things a little differently.
Today’s article reflects on how I created audio recordings for a new set of songs to send to the other half of my duo. Since we live a fair distance apart, practice is more about sharing audio files across the wide world web. Now, how did I do it? Let’s find out.
Every musician has one piece of gear that just impresses them. Now, I love all my guitars and gear, but this piece of equipment amazes me. I am referring to my Fishman LoudBox Mini Acoustic Combo Amp. What amazes me is the power and clarity of sound that this amp produces. It has a substantial feel to it and the build quality is excellent. So what does it do? It simply allows a performer to have a very small, yet powerful setup to amplify both their guitar and vocals. It includes acoustic guitar and microphone inputs, each with additional controls like EQ and reverb. The guitar channel also includes a nice chorus effect. I carry this amp with me to every gig, simply as a backup in the unlikely event my PA fails. Does it have the power of my JBL PRX ONE? Not at all, but it’s very respectable and would do its job as a backup at a gig (small venue).
Now, back to the process of creating the audio files to share. I plugged my Breedlove Jeff Bridges acoustic and my Shure Beta 58 mic into the Loudbox Mini just like I would, if I were at a performance. I then connected another mic cord from the direct out on the Loudbox Mini into my Zoom Q8n-4K handy video recorder Line 1 input. I placed the Q8n recorder on a stand facing me. I adjusted the levels for the internal mics and the external mic from the Line 1 input. I then recorded video like normal for each of the new songs. What I like about the Zoom Q8n, is that it provides separate audio files for both the internal mic audio and the Line input mic audio. The video channel is provided with the combined audio.
Lastly, I used Adobe Premiere video editing software to bring the audio tracks in and blend the levels of the internal mic with the external Line 1 mic. The internal mics picked up my vocals, guitar and suitcase drum kit. The direct out from the LoudBox Mini picked up the guitar and vocals. Blending the two created a great live recording. Was the process worth it? I think so. The quality was excellent, and the experience was fun. Would a cell phone work? Probably, but the quality wouldn’t be as good. So the next time you have a task to do, simply ask yourself if there is another way. It just might be a fun to do something a little differently. Have a great day.