Live band recording with Model 12

[davidp158]

I will be using my Model 12 to record my band in a week and wonder if the unit will have any issues recording 8 isolated tracks for a 90-110 minute set. As I am performing, it is not practical to stop between songs. Thus, I want to record one long take for each set. I have only used my Model 12 for single track takes/overdubs of 4-5 minute songs.

I am familiar with how to set up the mixer and record to it, and just curious if there are any "gotchas" to be aware of when recording a long, multi-track session. I will be using V90 grade SDXC media, so record speed shouldn't be an issue. If anyone has experiences to share, I'd love to hear 'em.

 

[Mark Richards]

...a 90-110 minute set...any "gotchas" to be aware of when recording a long, multi-track session...

@davidp158, is that SD card on the TASCAM tested/approved list (OM p.18)?

Pay attention to mic placement to help minimize bleed/phase issues.

I suggest creating in advance a separate "song" for each set if there's time in between sets to manage/swap songs.

 

[davidp158]

I currently use Transcend V90 class SDXC cards with the Model 12, but will check to see if Tascam recommends a specific brand SDXC card.

Yes, I planned on making song files for each set well in advance.

My mic placement will be minimal, as I only need 7 tracks. My input assignments are 3 vocals, guitar mic, bass DI, kick drum and single drum OH.

 

[Max Relic]

Tascam approved cards should grant safe recording of up to 12 tracks at time with no time restrictions. I.e. you can fill a 128GB card with a single long song, though recording such a long single take will expose to media fault risk (always possible). I made a full 128 GB SD recording with no faults, if you have free time I would suggest you to make a test recording before the show in order to prevent last-minute "hiccups".
Tascam official website has a list of tested cards which is continuously updated. FWIW SanDisk is my favorite brand and never disappointed me.

I get you will be both performer and recorder operator on stage, then probably you may want to place a "mark" at each song start (see p.42 of the manual) for ease of later editing or even listening after the show. For hands-free operation a footswitch can be assigned the "add mark" function so only a foot press is required to drop a mark when needed.

 

[-mjk-]

SanDisk is my favorite brand

Mine too but once I used a SanDisk that wasn't on the list. Now I use an Extreme Pro that's on the list. Lesson learned!

 

[shredd]

Other than solving your show-recording dilemma...the lesson of this (like countless other threads) is "don't flock around with SD cards - spend the extra US$1.50 and get an approved card" - even if you have others laying around (you can always use these for backups/storage, rather than recording use).
The other lesson, of course (also repeated ad infinitum on this forum), is develop and implement an effective backup strategy.To not do so is assuring a disaster - sort of like driving your car without a gas gauge and just expecting it to never stop...or voting indiscriminately, simply expecting everything to work out.