December has arrived and our first live recording session for the Toucan Music Exchange with the fabulous Dionne Bennett and the band. Which consisted of Toucan veterans Jon Goode on keys and bass, as well as Toucan owner Simon Kingman and obviously The Earth’s Dionne Bennett. They were accompanied by fantastically talented percussionist Paulo Tomateo.
List Of Equipment
Below is a detailed inventory of the equipment that we would use for the duration of these projects for live recording.
1x Shure SM7B (Lead Vocals)
1x Shure SM58 (Backing Vocals)
1x Shure Beta 57 (Guitar)
1x AKG 451 B (Guitar& Cajon)
2x DI Box (Guitar, Bass & Keyboard)
6 x XLR Cable
2x Jack Cable
4x Mic Stands
1x Mackie Thumb Monitoring Speaker
1x Allen &Heath QU-SB Compact Mixer
1x Apple I Pad
1x Apple MacBook pro running Logic Pro DAW Software
So the rig we used was designed primary with portable and simplicity very much in mind. An Allen& Heath QU-SB mixer which was constructed within equipment case on wheels so we could move it at any point for our convenience. A collection of high quality microphones each designed with purpose from vocals to guitar etc.
A Macbook pro laptop running Logic Pro X DAW recording software which was monitored via a mixing app on a Apple I pad and plugged into the mixer connections at the back of the case.
A set of headphones to monitor the audio signals, DI boxes for guitar and keyboard so both instruments could have their own direct monitoring with out complications which would certainly make matters easier.
A pair of Mackie thumb monitor speakers to capture the overall sound. Plus all the XLR , jack leads and stands for microphones all this could be fitted into protective cases etc for easy transporting to and from location.
My role in all of these recordings would involve carrying and setting up equipment taking in turns with other member of the group in monitoring the capture of the live recordings, liaising with the artists and film crew alike on the day, and every part of the initial concept from the mixing the audio to discussing how the project could be conceived from an idea to a finished project. Which would include everything I have so far discussed to my thoughts on such matters like title credit designs etc.
The recording and filming of the first session didn’t run smoothly with out its own teething problems along the way, there were issues with the monitoring at the beginning that delayed matters. Although the film crew on this day were being excellently run by Sean Davis who’s expertises were invaluable which was reassuring for all involved.
Unfortunately also, because of an organised Christmas diner that same evening we had to relocate from our originally chosen spot for recording in front of the fireplace to another part of the hall certainly for this shoot anyway.
Never less everyone was incredibly patient and the day was a great success in the end. I have to admit I enjoyed the whole experience and it was rewarding to be able to use some of my new found skills in a professional set up.
Unfortunately I wasn’t able to make the next session due to illness but I was happily informed that it went well. The film department are now in the process of post edit while ourselves have started mixing and mastering the best takes.
MUSIC BLOG 