Sound on the side
Advances in recording technology leave me in awe. Last evening I was treated to an audio CD of the most recent Led Zeppelin concert, released in an unofficial manner by someone who just happened to be there. Agreed, this is a “bootleg” although what the person had on their feet may have had little to do with the affair, unless the equipment was brought past the (reportedly lax) security strapped to the calf. Instead, the recording studio may have rode inside a shirt pocket.
Last week I attended a concert involving a family member, and my recording was done with a $70 handheld device. The microphone left much to the imagination, but if I can get rid of the peaks, I’ll have content that is of similar quality to the actual CD of the concert prepared by a professional firm. Not much credit to them, or a lot of credit to my device.
You see, the cost (and size) of really good digital recording equipment is in a price freefall. The concert from England was captured using a decent microphone and a recorder that can be concealed in a pocket. The sampling rate (96 KHz) is professional quality. The media is a memory card, so no moving parts. The sound is raw data, ready to be massaged into something useful. What used to require a recorder that would need a burro for transport is now something to slip in beside the cellphone as you saunter into the hall and take your seat.
I’ve checked prices, both new and eBay levels, and anyone who intends to do their first solo album in the best Steve Winwood style could do worse. My bid is in; if I’m a winner, I might also start recording some of my practice sessions. Who knows what the future on Billboard might hold?
