How do I make a demo tape for an orchestral audition? With a limited budget what is the best equipment to buy?
This for a major symphony orchestra pre-screening. Its instructions are:
1. Use the highest quality equipment available to you. (I don't have a lot of money for this, we are definitely looking for the most economical route without TOO much sacrifice in quality.
2. Use a stereo microphone or two mono mikes placed 12 inches apart. Dolby B noise reduction tapes are preferred. (We no longer own a cassette player/recorder nor do we have a CD burner).
3. some stuff about where to place the mikes and not to record in echoey places, et.
4. If you wish you may use the services of a professional recording studio but you should be aware, however, the committee is going to be listening to your technique, intonation, rhythm, style, tempi and how you cope with the difficulties of the orchestral excerpts, and are not going to be judging your recorded sound.
Thank you for all your answe
If you absolutely must do it yourself, you can use a laptop or computer. Install Pro Tools ( http://www.homerecorder.com/product.php?pid=487 ) along with an audio interface. Then get the 2 mics, preferably a matched pair or stereo mics. If you're on a budget you can get a pair of Behringer C-2s ( http://www.homerecorder.com/product.php?pid=194 ) or Apex185s ( http://www.homerecorder.com/product.php?pid=471 ) or if you have a more to spend, you can get the new Sontronics Apollo ( http://www.homerecorder.com/product.php?pid=383 ). Be sure to make sure that your laptop or computer meets the minimum system requirements of Pro Tools and the audio interface. This would be my recommendation for a do-it-yourself setup.