August 9, 2011 Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harvey's, Stateline, NV Sources Review

Phish continued their whirlwind tour out West with a two night stand in Lake Tahoe.  Harvey's was really a beautiful venue and there was plenty to do everyday.  This show, and the following, were webcast and while they weren't the greatest shows ever played, they were pretty darn good.  The debate about whether or not webcasting effects performance rages on.  I come down on the side of the more folks who can experience a show the better.  As the fanbase ages, or at least as I do, it is tougher to see as many shows as you would like, but being able to dial it up on the big screen is a nice substitute.  That said, there are 6 sources available for this show.  As usual, I have to tip my hat to the tapers who recorded this night and shared it with all of us.  Thanks a lot guys!

Source 1 (hereafter U89 source)
Source: Neumann U-89i's(Hypers)-V3-Digi out to Dr-680
Location: OTS 1st Stand against railing in section, approximately 70 degree's and 6 inch appart
Mic's raised to approx. 13 Ft.

16 bit source

Source 2 (hereafter MK4v source)
Source: Schoeps mk4v> KC5> M222> NT222> Aeta PSP-3> Edirol R44 (@24bit/96kHz)
Location: FOB, DFC, 6' Stand, DIN
Transfer: SDHC> Samplitude SE 9.1.1(dither/resample)> CDWave> flac(16/44.1)

16 bit source



Source 3 (hereafter M934C source)
Source: (Set I) Schoeps m934c> M221B> EAA PSP-2> SD 744t (@24bit/96kHz)
Source: (Set II+E) Schoeps mk5> AMC3> M221B> EAA PSP-2> SD 744t (@24bit/96kHz)
Location: FOB, DFC, 6' Stand, m934c/cardioid/DIN, mk5/cardioid/DIN
Transfer: SD 744t> Samplitude SE 9.1.1(dither/resample)> CDWave> flac(16/44.1)

16 bit source
24 bit source

Source 4 (hereafter AK40 source) ***note torrent includes 8-10 recording as well***
Source: Neumann AK 40's (NOS) > LC3 > KM 100 > Aerco MP2 > SD 702 @ 24/48
Location: FOB/DFC 60' Back
Transfer: Cf Card > Wavelab 6.0 > Resample, UV 22HR Dither >
Added +3.5 db For Set I > Cd Wave > TLH > 16/44 FLAC

16 bit source
24 bit source

Source 5 (hereafter Senn source) ***24 bit only***
Source: Sennheiser ME66s (PAS, LOB) > Lunatec V3 > Tascam HD-P2 (s/pidf @ 24/48)
Transfer: Adobe Audition (fades, tracking) > xACT (flac level 8, tagged)

24 bit source

Source 6 (hereafter CCM4 source)
Source:Schoeps CCM4(Ortf)Vms52ub>R44(ocm)24/96
Location: FOB, DFC, 6'
Transfer:SDHC>Audacity 16/44>Amadeus Pro>xACT

16 bit source


Phish - 8/9/11 "Light" from Phish on Vimeo.

The U89 source has much better bass response than the other Neuman source or the CCM4 source, however it is fairly muddy, without the distinct notes noticeable on the MK4v source.

The MK4v source is my pick for best of the night.  The bass response is excellent, as are the levels.  There is tremendous dynamic range, making the recording sound very live.  However, on the downside, particularly between songs, there is a fair amount of crowd noise.  This isn't so bad during most of the music on the plus side.

The M934c/MK5 source has lots of bass, but there just isn't much distinction or tone in the lowest frequencies.  Notice the intro to PYITE and the lack of tone in the low end.  You don't hear any notes coming from Mike, just a bass rumble.  The MK5 (used in the 2nd set) improves this slightly, but still doesn't rise to the level of the MK4v source.

The AK40's have lots of crowd noise and while the bass drum kicks the sub, the tone is just lacking in Mike's bass.  Notice the introduction to 46 Days, Mike sounds like a muddy mess down low on this recording and is tight and full on the MK4v source.

The Senn source sounds a bit distant and hollow compared to the other sources.  On the whole, it seems to lack the dynamic range of the MK4v source.

The CCM4 source just doesn't kick the sub very hard.  The bass is there and is more distinct than the M934c source or the AK40 source, it just doesn't have the prominence of the MK4v source.

Happy listening!