Setting up the BR1180CD to record:

1. Should I go directly from the 3X to the BR
2. Should I go directly from the 3X to the Zed, to the BR?

Seems things get a little weird when using a mixer, in line.

Any suggestions appreciated. zuki

I recorded 2 albums on that machine, and I plugged straight in. Used Headphones to mix. You don't need the external mixer in this scenario.

Zuki what is the final product going to be used for?

Thanks Dave, what content did you do on your albums? Original material, or marketing?

Well, sure not a million dollar seller, lol. Primarily for marketing myself. I've not ONE lick of marketing, no web, no CD, nothing. I just call people and say "trust me". I have many repeat customers, but a heck of a lot more that won't give me a shot.

I'll put a few originals on the CD too.

In my experience Cd's don't recoup much work $$
as they all know the wonders of studio editing vs the REAL thing.
Could be nice for friends and family to listen to.
Same with websites,....it's ok gives a bit of credibility
but as you do mostly NH gigs, etc, it wont generate that much attention. Word of mouth from other AD's, people talking,
or maybe a free show here and there works wonders....
they want to see & hear what your show does to
entertain their residents no more no less.

Interesting...

I need to branch out to other venues later this year. Kind of getting burned out on NH gigs. This will give me an idea of my musical worth too (not afraid to try).

Studio quality recording I wouldn't think would make a difference vs live play. I play the same thing and add harmonies to boot. A fair number of patrons have asked for a CD! My live sound sure sounds like a studio to me, as I run stereo (maybe I'm wrong).

Many prospects, almost all, have asked for a CD.

Combining a CD with my Zoom (through YouTube) video/audio look would help too. This can be done in studio and live.

I've answered my own questions. Now I have to find that energy pill somewhere.

Thx Donny - always like to hear your take.

Good luck Zuki...
and if you branch out against the competition
better be ready to really MIX IT UP!
Good luck.

I give away CDs to customer/fans when I feel it's appropriate. Seems to always generate good will, and most often tip$. I know some of them copy and share them, but that is pretty flattering if they do. They make good memories for the tourists and good feelings for the regulars.
Years ago when I did recordings, usually cassettes, for marketing purposes, I would only do parts of songs, beginning and part of verse and part of chorus and fade out. If they wanted to hear the whole show they could hire me.
I would advise not giving a full-blown DVD to a NH or AL. It could cost you a live booking.
Even though most of them are owned by huge, successful corporations, the Activity Directors are usually on a very small budget and are always looking to cut costs.

It was a straight up paid session. MY client (hairdresser) wanted to give away gifts of his favorite songs to his clients. He picked the songs, paid the session time, the publishing rights, and I made the product. It was all standards and jazzy stuff. Here's a sample done on the 9000pro ... which I often regret selling.