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Tech Crew - Harper Hall Recital Recording Procedures

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* Harper Procedures - PDF file
  1. Arrive 45 minutes prior to the start of the performance.
  2. Turn on Power to main rack, then turn on amplifier.
  3. Turn on TV monitor.  Make sure the Panasonic video recorder is ON and set to "IN 1".
  4. If recording two CDRs at once - Insert CDR for Performer in left tray of Marantz CDR machine. Select Digital Input by repeatedly pressing the INPUT button until “DIGITAL 1” is displayed.
  5. Scroll through menu by pressing MENU on Marantz CDR, then using the SELECT knob to the right of it, verify the following settings: AUTO TRACK - ON, AUTO STOP - OFF. Press MENU to exit. Press REC MODE button repeatedly until “REC EXT MAN” is displayed. Play prerecorded tone on Sony CDR machine. Level meters on both CDR machines should now be active.
  6. If recording video - place blank VHS tape or DVD in the Panasonic video recorder. Make sure tape is fully rewound and tensioned properly. HANDLE DVDs BY THE EDGES... NEVER TOUCH SHINY PURPLE RECORDING SURFACE! Recording instructions for the Panasonic video recorder are available separately.
  7. Insert prelabeled CDR labeled “MASTER” into the Sony CDR and push "REC" to enter pause/record mode.  HANDLE CDs BY THE EDGES... NEVER TOUCH SHINY BLUE RECORDING SURFACE! Make sure gains on the APHEX preamp are adjusted equally and appropriately.  Louder ensembles should have a gain of about 10 o'clock on the Aphex preamp.  Softer instruments should be set higher; upwards of 1 or 2 o'clock. DO NOT CHANGE LEVELS ON THE APHEX DURING THE RECORDING. THE INPUT KNOBS ARE NOISY WHEN MOVED. ONLY ADJUST APHEX LEVELS BETWEEN PIECES. Record input level on Sony CDR should be around the “5” mark. Adjust level input for appropriate record level (higher for speaking, softer for percussion and louder ensembles).
  8. If recording video - start recording when house lights go down by pressing the red RECORD button. Don’t worry about pausing between pieces; just let it record for the duration of the event. Zoom in and “frame” performers appropriately when they take the stage.  It is always advisable to make sure camera position is correct and level prior to start of recital.  If you are NOT recording video, it is still advised to practice with zooming, so that you are prepared for future events.
  9. Before recital begins, turn "Record level" knob all the way down (upper right side of Sony CDR machine). When performer(s) enter the stage, put all machines into record and fade up applause using the CDR record level knob.  (Notice, this controls levels to ALL machines... can't get any easier).  CDR Record level knob should be turned up to about the 12 or 1 o’clock position. Always try to avoid going above 0 dB on the CD meters! A comfortable level on the CDR is between -12 and -6 dB. If the level does not reach that high, you are recording too softly. Slowly adjust the input level as needed.
  10. Take note of the CD ID number and write on the program you will send back to the recording department with the CD master.
  11. At the end of each piece, SLOWLY fade the applause after performer BEGINS to leave the stage.  Press PAUSE on all machines. If performers do not leave stage between pieces, keep CD in record and add a new track ID before the next piece by pressing record again on the CDR while still in record. If performers talk between pieces, add a track ID and notate “TALKING” on the program and turn up input level so speaking can be heard. Be sure to enter a new ID for the piece following the talking. BE SURE TO TURN RECORD LEVEL DOWN TO NORMAL BEFORE THE NEXT PIECE.  **CAUTION - the applause is often times louder than the performance, so be ready to turn the CD record level down slightly as applause begins.
  12. When recital is complete, stop all machines, rewind VHS to beginning or finalize the DVD. To finalize the CDs press FINALIZE and YES (on the Sony CDR) and FINAL and REC (on the Marantz CDR).  If using two CDs for a longer performance, you can also finalize both CDs at the end of the recital if you are concerned that the finalization process might take too long during the performance. When CDR is finalized, put your CD master in the right side of the Marantz CDR and the blank CD in the left side. Under RECORD MODE, select MAKE CD and follow prompts. CD will finalize automatically.
  13. Give CD marked “Performer” to performer, send the rest of the materials, (CD master(s), Media Center CD copy, one clean program, program with IDs) to the recording department in the envelope provided.
  14. Shut the room down in this order: Turn off power amp and turn main power switch off in rack. Turn off TV.
  15. Make sure rack is turned off, PA power amp backstage is turned off, piano and green room keys have been returned, lights are off and door is LOCKED when you leave.
Start
New Track
End
Sony CDR
Play
Rec
Pause
Rec
Rec
Pause
Marantz CDR

 

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