2014.03.04 - Spokane, WA, USA @ Spokane Arena
Source A: Solid State — Church Audio 11 > Sony PCM-M10
Notes: If I were not simply an ole Country Boy from Michigan I would say that this recording has elemental nuances that make it sound like this is actually a mix between the AUD recording information provided and a stellar IEM Sennheiser box recording source of the same kind,; artfully blended to bring out more of the AUD rather than the IEM because, having a lot of equipment myself, this is not in anyway or circumstance, just an internal M10 mic rig… at least to my ears, that is what this is, albeit uncredited. Excellent performance. Great energy and what appears to be lots of fun.
Setlist:
Hooker With a Penis
Vicarious
Descending
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
B'Boom
(drum solo)
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
Stinkfist
Source B: Unknown Video Recording
Notes: For the overwhelming part, relatively distraction free and lots of on-point focusing correctly by the filmer. The audio leaves a bit to be desired but this is generally the same walkaway from almost every video recording. Focusing for the most part on the entire stage than any individual member, this is a decent capture of a decent performance. I don’t know… I would much rather go into a show with lets say 6-7 independent sources strapped on my body than focus an entire 'performance’ through the lens of a video. Hard pass. For those that can do it and are decent, kudos. Not for me, that is for sure.
Time: 1:37:38
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2014.03.06 - Portland, OR, USA @ Moda Center
Source A: Solid State — AKG CK63 > Sony PCM-M10
Taper: terabyte23
Notes: Exceptionally clear recording. One could reasonably argue that this source sounds like a mix of fantastic microphones and an IEM recording mixed together in post. But, we know that’s not the case right? Beautiful capture with the AKG’s, talk about solid microphones for stealth taping applications. After listening to this recording, I am interested in upgrading to some AKG microphones, wow. Minimal crowd noise and the position of this taper was perfection to capture this killer mix. Fantastic. Clearly, the best recording of the bunch for this performance.
Time: 1:42:20
Third Eye
Vicarious
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
B'Boom
(drum solo)
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
Stinkfist
Source B: Solid State — Church Audio 11 > Sony PCM-M10
Taper: LeifH
Source: In isolation, this is a fantastic recording (which it is) but, in comparison to the AKG source (Source A) this does run a close second. This recording is great although the crowd noise is more prevalent and it does sound like the taper was a bit away from the PA’s but this is like judging a diamond from Tiffany’s; it is fantastic and able to shine on it’s own. Strong performance by the band and wow what a setlist, for the most part.
Time: 1:41:39
Source C: Zoom Q3HD > Zoom Q3HD
Taper: MeddleEarth
Notes: For the source information used, this recording should not sound as crisp, vibrant and lovely as it does. This was a built-in microphone, all in one? Whoah. This was lucky and the taper pushed his equipment to the limit. This is not going to win any beauty contests what with lots of crowd yipping and yelling throughout but the overall sound quality is well above average particularly for this time period. Good job, taper.
Time: 1:45:09
Source D: Unknown Video Recording
Taper: MeddleEarth
Notes: So MeddleEarth both audio recorded and filmed this show at the same time with different recorders. Not an easy feet for any show let alone a Tool show; excellent job. The audio from the video is above decent but is not the same audio as Source C (above). The video lacks in clear close-ups and was filmed from the crowd so do not expect an amazing blow-out recording that is going to redefine live videos for you - far from it. The video is shaky/jumpy and is difficult to make your way through the entire video. That said, hats off to the taper/filmer, he killed it.
Time: 1:45:17
Source E: Unknown Video Recording
Taper: LeifH
Notes: Whew. This was recoded from stage-left towards the back of the venue. So, LeifH busted out a great AUD recording at the same time he was filming a stealth Recording of Tool? I’m sorry, the balls of these taper/filmers’ is just out of the ordinary. Not content for one way to get kicked out of a show, they go for two. It’s nuts. I support your efforts and appreciate the work, risk, dedication and for being totally OCD; it is a skill, not a gift. Excellent.
Time: 1:42:17
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2014.03.07 - Eugene, OR, USA @ Matthew Knight Arena
Source A: Solid State — Church Audio 11 > Sony PCM-M10 + Unknown Video Recording
Taper: LeifH
Notes: This is a solid recording featuring, for the most part, very low crowd noise. If any complaints, the vocals are somewhat buried in the mix but this is a common aspect of live recordings of Tool. The instruments are exceptionally clear throughout this particular source. Tight performance. I would like to note that Adam does a little different riff about 3/4 way through the recording which I’ve not heard him perform at other shows. This taper, at the same time, filmed the performance (thus he did double duty but as a note any videos have the above audio with the video which is why I have this as one entry). Filmed it! I cannot express how much of a badass you have to be in order to pull off taping Tool successfully in this capacity. But this fella did and the thing is, the result is good. Really good. Great sound (i.e.: AUD recording), clear focus, steady hand and a clear appreciation for the music and stage performance of Tool. Great stuff.
Time: 1:45:35
Hooker With a Penis
Forty Six & 2
Descending
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
Intermission
B'Boom
Jambi
Opiate
Ænema
Stinkfist
Source B: Solid State — AKG CK63 > Sony PCM-M10
Taper: terabyte23
Notes: Yet another phenomenal recording by terabyte23. Wow. Clean, clear, precise and an absolute pleasure to listen to. This source is a gem you did not know you were searching for and now you found it. If anything, clearly due to the mix from the PA’s, the vocals are buried a little bit, however, somewhat less-so with this particular source. Excellent; could be the best recording of this performance by Tool.
Time: 1:42:20
Source C: Solid State — Zoom Q3HD > Zoom Q3HD
Taper: MeddleEarth
Source: I am unable to articulate the plethora of reasons that this recording should sound like garbage but instead sounds rather remarkable. Not perfect by any means but built-in solid-state microphones in 2014? Phh one would expect nothing. Excellent job to the taper. Light crowd noise, some minor movement/phasing but the end result is a recording which, again, shoudl not be this decent.
Time: 1:46:20
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2014.09 - Reno, NV, USA @ Reno Events Center
Source A: Solid State —- IEM > Unknown Recorder
Taper: seneca
Notes: I make it a point to NOT list IEM recordings fir all sorts of reasons. This, however, is quite widespread and it would be lax of me to not make a note of this exceptional RF recording captured by one of the most prolific, intelligent and cool tapers’ out in the wild. I believe, if memory serves, this was recorded from a hotel room. Hotel! It is amazing what ingenuity, problem-solving and a clear focus on the craft can deliver. Performance, this is just sick as Tool were primed and ready to create amazing music although AJ missed some cues throughout. The recording quality is exceptional and is, by all calculations, one of if not the best IEM’s around.
Setlist:
Third Eye
Vicarious
Descending
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
Intermission
B'Boom
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
Stinkfist
Source B: Unknown Video Recording
Taper: DPUPENYA
Notes: Obscured at numerous times, this is actually a really nice video recording. I will spare you the adjectives easilly accessible to discuss the cajones of Tool filmers’ as this is a totally solid and clear video. The audio quality is actually better than many microphones reproduced for this era. Excellent video of a solid performance.
Time: 1:48:07
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03.11.2014 - San Francisco, CA, USA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Source A: Solid State — Schoeps CCM 4 > Sony PCM-M10
Notes: Solid recording with enough of a distance between the PA’s and the microphones, even Schoeps, to make this have somewhat of a more live than stack feel to the recording. As can be the norm, Maynard’s vocals are somewhat buried in this mix whereas the instrumentation + percussion are both dominant and clear. For sure though, this is the clearest AUD source of this performance to be released; the exploration of alternate sources, that is up to you.
Setlist:
Third Eye
Forty Six & 2
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
B'Boom
Jambi
Opiate
Ænema
Stinkfist
Source B: Solid State — Sony PCM-M10 (internal microphones)
Taper: Armogi
Notes: Distorted recording. Real bad. Intense collector’s only.
Time: 1:42:48
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2014.03.12 - San Francisco, CA, USA @ Bill Graham Civic Auditorium
Source A: Solid State — Schoeps CCM 4 > Sony PCM-M10
Notes: Source sounds essentially exactly like the previous nights’ performance. Clean sound with instrumentations bright in the mix whereas if anything MJK’s vocals are somewhat buried. Recordings source like it was not recorded right by the PA’s. Crowd noise is minimal but noticeable at times. All in all, wonderful capture of a strong performance and for sure this is the clearest AUD recording known to be around.
Setlist:
Hooker With a Penis
(w/Third Eye Heartbeat Intro)
Vicarious
Schism
Sober
Intension
Lateralus
B'Boom
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
Source B: Solid State — Sony PCM-M10 (internal microphones)
Taper: Armogi
Notes: Distorted recording. Real bad. Intense collector’s only.
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2014.03.14 - Fresno, CA, USA @ Selland Arena
Source: Solid State — Olympus internal > Olympus LS-11
Taper: rxz706S
Notes: For the equipment used, internal microphones, this recording certainly should not sound as clean, clear, precise and have such relative depth, but it certainly has all of these positive attributes. When I say depth, there is a striation of sound but do not confuse this as something like a Schoeps or DPA 4061 recording but more like a Cardioid sound reflected in this capture. The vocals are somewhat not embedded within the instruments which is a very good feature in fact at times MJK’s mix is almost where you hope to hear at a concert. The crowd’s whoops and hollers can be a trifle annoying. For the most part, this is a source which is as good if not better than sources with microphones.
Time: 1:44:09
Third Eye
Vicarious
Schism
Sober
Intension
Lateralus
B'Boom
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
Stinkfist
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2014.03.15 - Las Vegas, NV, USA @ Planet Hollywood Theatre
Source: Apple iPhone 4s
Notes: Oof. Distorted recording and broken up into 8 minute sections only. The bass is just terrible. Intense OCD collectors only.
Time: 1:51:22
Hooker With a Penis
Forty Six & 2
Schism
Sober
Intension
Lateralus
B'Boom
Jambi
Opiate
Ænema
Stinkfist
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2014.03.16 - San Diego, CA, USA @ Valley View Arena
Source: Solid State — Danish Pro Audio 4061 > Sony PCM-D50
Taper: Ed Davis
Notes: A very, very nice DPA 4061 recording of perhaps the greatest band ever to grace a stage. Vocals are up front (enough) in the mix and the crowd is relatively low throughout the performance. This performance and recording have, to me, a classic feel to the energy created on stage which the microphones pick up splendidly. Although perhaps not a perfect recording it is absolutely in the realm of being pretty darn close at times.
Time: 1:47:53
Timothy Leary Speech
Third Eye
Vicarious
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
Intermission
B'Boom
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
Stinkfist
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2014.03.19 - Mexico City, Mexico @ Palacio de los Deportes
Source: Unknown Video Recording
Notes: What is really cool about this particular source is that it is a full video (well, Intermission is cut a bit) and that the actual quality of the act of physically filming the performance was done by someone with some amount of experience and skill. Many very clear shots of individual members of the band as well as excellent stage-shots. Having not seen Tool in 2014 myself it was interesting to actually see what visuals changed from one year to the next as this video does a very good job of the lightshow. The sound is also surprisingly strong in quality even for being filmed from upper bowl, center. Excellent job to the unknown taper/filmer.
Time: 2:05:11
Hooker With a Penis
Vicarious
Descending
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
Intermission
B'Boom
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
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2014.03.21 - Papantla de Olarte, Mexico @ Parque Temático Takilhsukut
No Known Recording
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2014.03.24 - Cedar Park, TX, USA @ Cedar Park Center
Source: Tascam DR-08 (internal microphones)
Taper: DDemon72
Notes: Distant, and tinny with a lot of layers of crowd noise pervasive throughout the recording, the bass sounds like a boom more than a sweet roll of low frequency and the highs/mid are stuck in a swampy, stew of audio mud. Absolutely could have used some microphones here. Now this is certainly not as bad as many internal recorders during this era but it is part of a trend of tapers’ just relying on internal microphones at times I know I’ve been guilty of that numerous times.
Time: 1:47:57
Third Eye
Vicarious
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
B'Boom
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
(-)Ions
Stinkfist
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
2014.03.25 - Houston, TX, USA @ Toyota Center
No Known Recordings
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2014.03.27 - Phoenix, AZ, USA @ US Airways Arena
Source A: DAT — Sanken COS-11D PT Red Mark > Sony PCM-M1
Taper: Desertrat
Notes: The last performance of 2014 and wow what a source to make it happen. One of if not the best recording from this tour, this amazing AUD capture of Tool in it’s native habitat, creating amazing prog metal. Subjective, yes, but this recording has a ton of replay value. The Sanken COS Red Marks are awesome microphones and in this capacity, recording a Tool show, is perfect to demonstrate serious professional microphones. And, hey, Desertrat after my own heart while still using a good ole trusty M1 DAT machine. Excellent recording and I have only great things to say about it but don’t take my opinion, check it out. Pushit really hums on this source!
Time: 2:02:37
Third Eye
Sober
Descending
Schism
Pushit
Intension
Lateralus
B'Boom
Jambi
Forty Six & 2
Ænema
(-) Ions
Stinkfist
Source B: Solid State — Olympus LS-11 (internal microphones)
Taper: rxz706
Notes: No one is going to mistake this source for the Sanken > M1 source based on the audio quality. That said, for the equipment used this is actually a solid recording even from internal microphones. It’s good, decent at best much like a Cardioid recording. Surprisingly, the crowd noise is actually not very loud throughout which is rare with handhelds. Crowd noise does exist it is simply not terrible is my point.
Time: 1:48:46