Melville Park Studio does live multi-track recording at clubs, churches, concert halls and other performance venues.
Many live recordings, such as those typically found on YouTube, are made with a single room mic, or from the “house” mix. Their sound does not compare with what can be achieved using multi-track methods.
Having said that, I also do “classical style” room mic recordings of ensembles, choirs, opera singers, and in other cases where there is no sound system, and the room acoustics are an important part of the sound.
I’ve also been multi-track recording at various open mics for over 30 years, including 15 years at Club Passim. For a small fee, an open miker can get a studio mix of their performance. Currently I’m recording the monthly open mic at The Center For The Arts in Natick.
How to Deliver a Good Open Mic Performance
The large number of open mics in the Boston area provide opportunities for performers at all levels of skill and experience.
1. An open mic performance consists of three parts; the setup, the intro, and the song. All are important, and should be planned and practiced with equal diligence.
2. Learn to set up quickly, If you use a direct, check your batteries before you leave home. Don’t bring effects boxes or amps. Tune before you get on stage. Know your song by heart so you won’t need to set up a music stand or smart phone for lyrics.
3. Keep intros short and interesting. Don’t say “This is a song I wrote last month about….” We know it’s a song, we don’t care when you wrote it, and songs usually explain themselves!
4. If you have a cheap pickup, use the mic instead. You’ll sound much better.
5. Learn how to use microphones. Stay close and don’t move around.
6. Pay close attention to the other open mikers. Notice what the good ones do.
To sum up, come prepared, be observant, and you’ll become a better performer.