Recording the scratch track in Astoria Park went relatively well. But, to step things up a notch, we went iconic. So, we recorded the Hummingbird for Dawn and Tim in Central Park.
Because with a light audio recording setup, we can!
Rig run down
- Samsung Galaxy S9 smartphone
- BandLab Link Digital audio interface
- Pig Hog 10ft XLR cable
- MXL V67G microphone
- Beyerdynamic DT-240 Pro headphones
- Portastand Compact Mic Stand 2.0
- Epiphone Hummingbird
- Acoustic guitar strings: Ernie Ball Earthwood Medium Light
- Dunlop Gator Grip 1.14mm picks
- Audio Evolution Mobile for Android DAW app
Recording: Dawn and Tim Hummingbird in Central Park
But, there are iconic spots even within Central Park! So, I opted for the Bethesda Terrace and Fountain. Why? Well, it’s iconic, d’uh. But also, there’s a nice picture of me and the missus there. In fact, I think it might have been her first profile pic with both of us in it. So, that’s when I knew it was serious…
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, I needed to record some Hummingbird.
When I got there, there was a perfect corner spot to take in everything, but there were a couple of ladies chatting there. However, when they left, I was straight over – you can see it in the video.
Now, with camera set up, I set up following my usual step one. In this case, it went…
- Link Digital plugged into my phone
- DT-240 Pros plugged into the Link Digital
- V67G plugged into the Link Digital via XLR cable
As there’s no WiFi in parks, I was using Audio Evolution as my DAW. Because I had already done my admin at home, I could go ahead and take a level.
Next, I just hit arm, then record, and away I went. Although it took a few takes, here’s a decent one.
Conclusion
| I tracked some guitar in Central Park!: so that’s cool! | It was one of the hottest days of the year: therefore, it was uncomfortable, and took several takes… and you can still here a little sloppiness from my sweaty, Irish hands |
| Central Park: certainly, it was cool to immerse my recording in distinct New York CIty vibes | Central Park: but, you never know how that will translate to a recording |
| End result: overall, I think it came out OK – as well as it could anyway | I’m actually an introvert: so I was incredibly self-conscious doing this |
To conclude, here’s the take I’ve opted to run with. It should be noted, that no additional effects or processing has been added.
Also, this isn’t one of my best or favorite songs. To be honest, I think I’m only recording it because it’s be written so long. And I’ve never envisioned anything too elaborate for it, so, it’s a decent one demonstrating compact-to-the-point-of-mobile light audio recording.
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