Recording a Band With One Mic

[wazzabang]

Im in a band with a guitarist/singer, bassist and drummer. We need to record some songs roughly and we hav a very cheap budget. I think I will get an Audio Technica 2020 and a Behringer mic 100 tube ultragain. Will this work if I record everything seperately? Im planning on using audacity and connecting the mic to a computer through the mic input. I dont need studio quality sound but I need to be able to hear each instrument clearly. In what order should I record each instrument? Where should I place the mic around the drums? I just need advice.. Anything will help. Thank you.

[String7th]

Ahh, the ol' budget recording setup.

Record the drums in a living room or bigger room with normal furnature around the walls. You can put the mic 7-8 feet away and move it up and down untill you can hear the kick and snare over the cymbals. If you have a heaphone out on your guitar amp or bass amp, play along with the drummer for timing.

Next bass guitar, best to go direct instead of using the mic on the amp.

Next guitars. Use the living room again. Since it's a condenser, you may get a better sound with the mic a couple feet away from the cab, but facing the center of one of the speakers.

Next vocals. For a pop shield on a budget, get a leg of panty hose, and stretch it over a coat hanger, and put it between you and the mic.

[Hivemind]

S7's got it. I can't tell you how important it is for the drummer to have someone rocking out within view, even if they can't hear it it will help the energy level. Sounds stupid but it works.

Another good angle is to record a scratch guitar track for the drummer to play to in the headphones. Don't try and make it a final take, just a scratch, since the drums should set the stage and be the first "real" recording effort.

[MetalDave]

I really believe in a click track. The drummer and the guitar player can play to this track only recording the drums and only hearing the guitar nd click track through headphones as mentioned. This will make it easier in the end for everyone to add their tracks. You will have to try several mic placements with the drums expecially. After you get a good sound on that then do all the songs you are going to do with your drummer first. Then go back and add the other tracks. remember everything you say will be on tape so try to be quiet when the tape is rolling. Start with the sticks clicking a 4 count or so on at the beginning. This can be edited out later, before mastering. And last but not least make sure you post it on here so we can bash it. We may be able to help you make it better from there. Also go to this link... 10 Things Every Band Should Know Before Recording it will help you alot before starting.

[GJFeenix]

I have had really good results recording a drum kit with 2 shure sm57s placed right around where the drummers ears are approx. 6 feet apart. This is a really simple technique but you will be pleasantly surprised at how good the kit sounds. I don't see why this couldn't work with one mic placed somewhere around the drummers head. If you think about it, the mic will "hear" what the drummer hears which ain't a bad thing. Try it and let me know if it worked.

[brandondrury]

Where should I place the mic around the drums?

Smart ass answer: Where the drums sound best.

Non-smart ass answer: Where the drums sound best. I'd try 10 different spots and listen. You can get good drum sounds for specific genres like this.

Next bass guitar, best to go direct instead of using the mic on the amp.

Agreed, but only if it sound better.

Another good angle is to record a scratch guitar track for the drummer to play to in the headphones. Don't try and make it a final take, just a scratch, since the drums should set the stage and be the first "real" recording effort.

I would only do this if you are playing to a click track, but this is what I generally prefer.