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Step 1
Buy professional-sounding audio equipment and build a taping rig for under $2000. You can purchase used equipment for even less. You also can get cheaper amateur audio equipment and discover that sound quality isn't bad with the new technologies. Look for used audio equipment on sites like "eBay" under "Consumer Electronics," or find new equipment online or at electronics stores like RadioShack.
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Step 2
Start with quality microphones. A big portion of your cost will be for mics. The better ones tend to be expensive, but you shouldn't skimp on price and quality since mics are what feed the sound into your system. Avoid using omnidirectional mics because they pick up sound from all directions. Choose unidirectional mics (e.g., cardioid, supercardioid or hypercardioid) so that you can pick up sound from one direction.
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Step 3
Acquire at least two mics to build a taping rig. You need at least a set for stereo recording. You also can purchase a stereo mic, which houses 2 mic capsules. For stereo mics, check websites, such as MicSupply.com, where most mics sold are geared for live recording.
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Step 4
Put mics up high to avoid picking up sounds you don't want. Microphone stands are inexpensive, and the higher the better for keeping unwanted sound from recordings. Professional stands are designed for stability as well as adjustability.
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Step 5
Protect your mics. At performances, some people may ask to patch your mic feed because they don't have their own mics. However, too many patchers will pull power from your system (and recording). Be prepared to deal with that ahead of time.
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Step 6
Purchase quality cables and backups. Superior cables enhance sound quality and also will be more durable. Poor quality cables can prevent you from recording a live performance. Get a patch bay (for less than $200).
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Step 7
Buy a high-quality portable stereo recording device. Digital recording duplicates analogue sound almost perfectly while leaving out background noise and hiss. Save money on taping accessories by buying a hard drive recorder. Have reliable battery power for running decks, solid-state recorders and notebook computers (computer recording devices). Find rechargeable solutions at many electronics stores.
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Step 8
Include other useful equipment, such as attenuators, a mic preamp and a shock mount. Attenuators are necessary when sound signals are reading too hot (e.g., music from a loud band and sensitive mics). Attenuate sound signals to avoid digital distortion. Buy a portable preamp to use as a mini-mixing board and gain more command over signals (versus deck preamps). Use shock mounts to protect your mics and your recordings from accidents.
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Step 9
Add taping rig accessories. Begin taping live performances and decide on the extras you want, such as professional headphones, gear pockets, cases, racks, clamps, extension arms, extension lines and windscreens.
