HERE'S SOME GREAT TIPS ON...
Tips for Concert Bootlegging
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1. What is a Bootleg?
A bootleg is a live recording of a concert. Generally, recording the show is not allowed by most venues. To the best of our knowledge Third Eye Blind are generally pretty cool about people bootlegging with one simple understanding: if they play new songs DON'T post them online!
2. Getting the Recording Device Into the Concert:
Some venues have no rules posted about recording devices, in this case you can usually just walk in with the recorder. If the venue or ticket says "No Cameras or Recording Equipment" then we have a couple suggestions of how to get your recorder into the venue.
Girls, try hiding it in the bottom of your purse. They will never make you dump out your purse to look at everything. Be ready to open your bag and let them look around - most security guards don't check that well. If you have your bag open and ready, they take a quick look and let you go by.
If they are patting down (girls and guys) they usually check your tummy, back and sides. Bring a jacket, put the recorder in the jacket (but don't wear the jacket), and hold the recorder with the jacket wrapped around it. If security checks the jacket they will not know the recorder is really wrapped in the jacket in your hand.
If they are only patting down your sides, put the recorder in the small of your back held in by a belt. Girls can place it in their bra between their breasts or even down their pants. You can also stash the recorder inside your sock and pull your pant leg over it to hide it.
Remember: some venues do have security run their hand up your chest to see if girls are hiding anything there. If security finds the device, just take it back to your car. If you do get the recorder inside the venue and are caught by either staff or crew - don't argue with them, just tell them you will stop the recording or if they want the tape, give them the tape. You can be kicked out of the venue or the recorder can be confiscated. Be nice and keep your sense of humor and people will be nicer to you if you cooperate.
3. Tape Recording (helpful hints):
Tape recorders are lower quality recording but are the cheapest way to make bootlegs. Any tape recorder will do as long as it has a microphone. We recommend CD Quality cassette tapes and 120 minute tapes - keeping in mind that means there are 60 minutes on each side.
Keep track of time - you will have 60 minutes on each side of the tape so if a song ends and it's been 53 minutes, it's your call to try to use the last 7 minutes or to just flip the tape right then. Also when you flip the tape, you can try to rewind side two to the very beginning but it may just be easier to flip the tape and hit record again. That way you won't lose any songs that start in the meantime.
No matter how much or little you scream and yell, it will record your voice and others around you. It's best to keep the recorder lower - like in a purse around waist level or in the pocket of your pants.
4. Mini-Disc Recording (helpful hints):
MiniDiscs record digitally, which is much higher quality recording but they are more expensive.
You'll need to purchase a microphone. The sad truth is the better quality microphones are more expensive - you can pick up a $30 mic at radio shack or order the $380 one from online.
Some minidisc recorders have a "mic line in" and a "line in," plug the microphone into the "line in" - it creates a better recording. BUT if your line in reads "(optical) line in" avoid that plug-in (it won't work with a microphone) and then use the 'mic line in."
Some minidisc recorders skip so you may not want to bounce and jump as much, plus you don't want to drop the recorder and have it break.
Wear quiet clothing, jackets are bad and synthetic shirts are bad. They make too much rustling noise when you move.
Practice recording during the opening act so you can adjust the sound levels. If the level it too high the bootleg will be muffled.
Like the tape recorder, the minidisc recorder will record every scream you and those around you make. Try to put the mic where it won't record your singing and screaming. The best place would be to attach the microphone on a hat.
The minidiscs are 74 to 80 minutes in length. You may have to bring a second disc to the show to record the last part of the concert. When you have to switch discs, remember it may take a couple of seconds to "write" the disc and eject it. Then slip in your second disc and continue to record.
5. Other Things to Keep in Mind
Yes, you may want to change your concert habits.
You can still sing but try singing a little softer, otherwise you will have Stephan, Arion, Brad, and Tony doing backups to your lead vocals.
When you scream, don't do it during the middle of the song. Wait until it's over.
Keep your friends quiet - well we know you cannot force them not to talk. But when they decide to talk to you during the performance, try to get them to talk in your ear and not scream over the music.
Avoid standing next to screamers or use your friends as buffers for the sound.
Front row has the best view but the worst sound quality. If you get stuck in the middle or back of a seated venue, you are actually in a better place to make a recording. Also there is better sound to the sides of the stage. I know, everyone wants to be front row, but truly it's the worst place to record from.
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nicked from:
www.thirdeyeblind.net
Topic: Tips for Concert Bootlegging (Read 10833 times)
January 03, 2006, 14:18:23
