Need Live Rec Help (pre CEP)

[NYCBlues]

Sunday I will record a band with my Teac 4 track 3340 Reel-to-reel Deck w/15ips and DBX"1". I am using the original Mackie CR1604 board.

This is to record basic tracks that will then be transferred to my Computer via ECHO MONA 96hz32bit and Cool Edit Pro for keyboard/gtr/vocal overdubs...

I need comments about my recording plan:

Basic Setup:
Trk 1: BASS by DI
TRK 2+3: STEREO DRUMS (4 drum mics mixed in a stereo field: snare; kick; kick toms; floor toms)
Trk 4: ELEC GTR DI (Live Off Fender Amp)

What I did in an earlier session was to run the drums out the main outs to trk 2/3 and SOLO TRACKS to monitor the recording via the 1604 headphone out. I ran a non-amplified headphone cue box feeding 8 headphones off the 1604 headphone out, and the sound was terrible. I am told I could have blown up the headphones or the board? Not sure.

Possible Configurations:

PLAN "A"
TRK 1: BASS by DI - OK - Bass to Deck
TRK 4: EGTR by DI - OK - Amp to Deck
TRK 2/3: BUSS INSERTS - 1604 to Deck
MONITOR MIX: SOLO TRACKS / SOLO MAIN OUT to stereo amp to drive the headphone cue box.

PLAN "B"
TRK 1: BASS by DI - OK - Bass to Deck
TRK 4: EGTR by DI - OK - Amp to Deck
TRK 2/3: MAIN OUT - 1604 to Deck
USE AUX MONITOR to DRIVE CUE BOX? - MONO Headphone Mix

PLAN "C"
TRK 1: BASS by DI - OK - Bass to Deck
TRK 4: EGTR by DI - OK - Amp to Deck
TRK 2/3: DI - USE (2) Mics only for drums on each side of drum set
MONITOR MIX: MAIN OUT to stereo amp that will drive the headphone cue box feeding 8 headphones...

Which "Plan" do you like best? Thanks in advance.
Brewer

[Steve H]

First, drive your headphones via a separate amplifier so that you don't blow up the 1604 hp out. It's designed to handle only one set of head phones.

Second, how are you intending to mic the drums in plans A & B? Multiple mics mixed in the 1604? With more mics you can achieve a closer balance between drums/cym's. However, you should monitor the mix somewhere where the live sound isn't to loud so that your ears aren't fooled when you balance the mix.

Steve H

[angus]

Hi NYC

Ok so I'm too late for your session but ... next time?

If you have 4 mics for drums you'd be best be using two for o'heads, fairly close and not worrying too much about the toms you'll probably pick up enough on them anyway and a bit of careful duplicating and editing the other mics in cep can beef them up, using O'hs will give you a better overall balance.

I'f you can find another mic you'd be better with one on the guit.