Correction. The banjo is always playing what you are hearing are the banjo players dynamics. Mandolin players often can’t stand banjo players for that very reason. I’m a banjo player, and I totally get it. Now a rhythm guitar player that doesn’t like a banjo player usually doesn’t have no drive because any quality Martin played right can hang with a banjo any day of the week. If you have the right technique most rhythms guitar are really weak and even the mandolin chops drown them out.
I just recorded with my iphone. I wish I had a better set up. That's not something I know much about unfortunately. The other living room jam sounded awesome because Jeff brought his recording equipment.