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Hi - does anyone know where to get a replacement battery cover for the zoom h5 that doesn’t cost over $10? Or is there another battery cover that fits the H5? Thanks!

Beginner hobbyist here mainly recording geophony. I started my journey with a Zoom H1N and a pair of em272 mics that have served me quite well. I feel that the entry level H1N is the weak cog in the machine and am considering getting the F3 for the quieter preamps and float recording (for thunderstorms) but as you know the mics are PiP and 3.5mm connections. I've heard you can get Rode VXLR+ converter or the LOM converter that splits into 2x XLRs but was curious if it's worth making the leap now or should I wait until I get some proper XLR mics before upgrading?

Hello everyone, I make video games as a hobby and have wanted a better setup for recording audio for things like wind, foot steps on different surfaces, etc. and stumbled across your page looking for a portable recorder. Do you have some recommendations in the medium price range for a basic setup, ideal for walking around and recording anything from running water to maybe something very loud like a gunshot?

Hey - I have tascam X8 and couple of smaller recorders with standard tripod 1/4 inch screw thread.

So after installing mic on top of the tripod/boom, I want to attach my recorder lower at the bottom of the boom/tripod leg.

What is the solution ? I researched internet for different "pipe clamp mounts" and other stuff, but cant find anything great. Is there any dedicated product for this - maybe I am just using wrong keywords ?

Thanks :)

apologies if this isn’t the appropriate sub for this question but I’ve exhausted many searches with no answers.

I am looking for recommendations for an audio recording device that can meet the following criteria:

• relatively discreet
• weather proof as it will be outside
• battery operated
• does not require internet connection
• could pick up a dog bark at a minimum of 200ft and max of 400ft away
• battery life around 12hrs, more the better
• activated to record by the dog bark but continuous is fine

I am in the process of buying property and the neighbours have 2 dogs that bark pretty relentlessly anytime I visit the property.

I’ve spoken with the owner, he claims they will get used to us and otherwise just bark here and there.

Before committing to the purchase, I want to get real data of how often they are barking throughout the day.

My iPhone could pick up the barking from approx 400ft away so I figure there must be an option out there. I’d like a device I can set up and leave to record the barking data, then retrieve and go through it.

Thank you for your suggestions!

Hi everyone,

I have a budget of $2500-3000. I was wondering if anyone could help me figure out what I should buy. I've been looking at various threads and am feeling a little overwhelmed, and am not great at the reddit readings. I've been looking at the teenage engineering products and they're so goddamn expensive. I also don't know if they make the most sense for what I want to do, despite being fun little products. The most I can spend for this setup would be $3500...without going into detail, I just got some money and would like to invest it in good portable gear setup.

I want to record:

• myself playing guitar outside and singing

• nature sounds + sounds around my apartment / domestic spaces

I want a portable setup, that records hi-fi. Analog gear that won't crumble on me.

Let me know if you have any ideas :-)

Edit:

I am looking for rugged gear that can go outside. I have an ecoflow to charge batteries, but wouldn’t bring that outside. I’d only have access to solar power and not much solar storage, so ideally gear that would make sense in these settings.

I’ve been recording myself for years and have an Apollo and nice mics—none of which I’d feel comfortable bringing outside.

It would have to sound good enough that I’d feel excited to have it on an album…. If that makes sense.

Hey guys, I thought to have a mic on top of a camera and camcorder to record everyday life video in better sound quality, seem like Zoom M3 is better but is H1e more compact and get it done with more feature too?

• Is M3 still have interference issue?

Which one has better stereo soundstage?

• What if I want to record my voice behind the camera, do they catch it while recording the front of the video, if not then what should I do then?

• Is the mic necessary at all and make a lot differences compare to the mic on Nikon Zf and Panasonic WXF1 camcorder?

• Is AM7 for phone make a lot differences too to iPhone 15 mic? I think iPhone 16 Pro mic has better Noise To Signal ratio

Any audio experts know why these dual mics to single 3.5mm jack will not record on separate tracks when connected with the OP3? https://micbooster.com/clippy-and-pluggy-microphones/98-294-clippy-stereo-em272-microphone.html#/83-plug_type-straight/203-microphone-em272z1

I am recoding in stereo using a TRS to usb c adapter to the OP3 and only audio from one mic will record.

I have experiemented with mono so I know both mics work. I was hoping to get omini direction separate audio tracks by using two mics.

I am thinking it is just a compatibility issue. Thank you in advance.

Hello people!

I was pretty close to buying my first field recorder with a budget around 150$ /€ for my first 'pretty HQ' missions for collecting sounds.

I was close to buying the Zoom H2n as it has pretty decent reviews & as I read good 360 recording capabilities. I'm not that well educated yet, main goals would be capturing the '360 ambient' of places & recording 'decent HQ samples/foley type projects' that I could convert into pieces of compositions with a little tweaking - like snares/video sound effects etc.

Now I saw a good deal for a used Zoom F2 and realized that (as i understand it) basically could focus on getting a decent recorder like the above mentioned or even cheaper(?) and use some omnidirectional microphones to plug in as main sound source? What should i watch out for to avoid unwanted background noise/humm here?

My other question would be if someone could explain to me the pro's for 32-bit float microphones & if I could reach similar 'quality' with a setup in my price range- let's say for the 32-bit float option a higher budget? Or would that be overkill anyways?

I know I'm a little late but I hope to express order my recorder very soon so I'll be able to record some fireworks on new years eve- But that'll be my problem lol

Thank you very much for your opinions!

I’ve got an upcoming project at a hot springs resort recording the sounds of the pools, the river, ambience, kids playing, etc etc. I’m mostly a novice and I’ve used 32 bit as a crutch for most of my time. Generally I’ve been recording dialogue with very high paying clients where I fly out to shoot so I just liked having that safety net.

I use a Zoom F8nPro. I’m wondering if by recording in 32 bit I’m making it so I can’t actually control the gain of my recordings. Yes, I can crank the faders up and it lets me select if that controls gain or the actual faders sent out to my mix track, but is it really controlling gain? Is it controlling gain the same way it would in 24 bit? When I have tried to record really quiet sounds in nature in the past and have cranked up my gain I mostly wind up increasing the level of noise in the recording.

I’m pondering this even further as I got the XLR-2 adapter for my LUMIX GH7 which allows for 32 bit recording in the camera. However, in this mode, gain controls just do not work at all.

I might be completely misunderstanding how it works but I can’t shake the feeling I’d be getting better quality if I gave up the crutch.

Hi! I received a Sony PBR-330 for Christmas from my girlfriend. I am new to field recording but really gravitated towards wanting a parabolic microphone. It seems there isn't a lot of documentation around this product but the general consensus seems to be that an omnidirectional microphone is required.

I see a lot of people recommending the EM272's; however, they're a little small for the housing of the 330 and to get stereo I'd have to jerry-rig two of them. This leads me to believe my best option is finding some kind of affordable omnidirectional pencil microphone that would fit snugly.

I'm hoping to find something under ~$100. I'd like to record anything from nature sounds to crowd conversations. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I'm looking to record audio of myself (eg. talking to myself throughout the day) at all times, and minimize the amount I have to fiddle with setup.

In order to do this I was thinking something like the Zoom F2 with a power-bank and a large microsd card. But, to be honest, I don't like the idea of worrying about the internal batteries. (Does anyone know if the device will work without batteries in it, eg. only powered via the USB-C port?)

Other option is the Tentacle Track E, but I can't find out if it can record while being charged via usb-c.

I also like the idea of the various small wireless mics like the DJI mic 2, hollyland lark m2, etc. (i wouldn't mind swapping out the transmitter/recorder A/B to charge in the case every ~10 hours) but it seems i'd have to be recording to my phone all the time with a physical attachment (rather than independent / to microsd)

For wireless, the ideal here would be if the case for these itself was a receiver and file-recorder: battery + microsd, that could be charged via USB-C powerbank in a backpack or something -- said differently, a possible solution (but I don't know if it exists / can't find it): would be to attach the receiver of a DJI mic mini or lark m2 to some USB-C-"in" recorder (eg. to microsd) that can be USB-C powered at the same time and just keep that in my backpack / nearby.

Does anyone know of any device that fits my needs / can anyone think of a combo of devices that would work?

Hi
I just came accross a electrmagnetic spectrum microphone from Another Design called the Atome. Does anyone have experiences with it or can suggest alternatives? I know there used to be a similar microphone from LOM but that as been sold out for ages.

When setting up the Sony PCM-A10 for the field, which "soundscape" is recommended to obtain the most natural sounding recordings?

Any suggestions or pointers to previous posts covering this topic appreciated.

Hey guys, I’m going to be filming a transatlantic sailing expedition in January and I would like to take a budget friendly field recording setup with me to capture all of the sounds of the boat and the ocean.

I’ve been looking at zoom recorders but Im a novice here and I have no idea what mics would be best to pair with it (or if this is the best idea)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

I am looking to leave a recorder overnight in woods or wetlands to record owls and nocturnal birds. Basically, install at dusk, pick up at dawn.

I'm looking for some recommendations. New or used recorders.

Key features I'm looking for:

• Relatively inexpensive due to risk of theft or damage.
• Batteries able to last all night or accept USB battery.
• Auto record when sounds are present
• Decent pre-amps due to potential low sound levels.
• Prefer self contained mics but will use clippys.
• Relatively sturdy construction
• Any other considerations?

Grazie!

is this even the right subreddit for this kind of begging lol

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE...i cant find it anywhere :(

Recording with Zoom H8 yesterday and chirping/buzzing happened around 40 minutes into the recording. Hope someone can help me identify the issue. I recorded through XAH-8 with 2 condenser (Behringer C-2) microphones plug into input 3 and 4. The chirping only present in the XAH-8 track, but not in the input 3 and 4 track. This never happened when I record with XAH-8 alone.

I was using batteries (Panasonic Eneloop) without plugged in power. Has anyone having a similar issue in the past? Thanks.

Hi there, I just built my first serious field recording system while planning a trip to India. I bought a MixPre3, a MKH 8030/8040 MS system inserted into a Rycote Nanoshield BA.

Portability and simplicity is a big deal for me here and i was thinking about swapping out the HD25 for some in ear earplugs. Does any of you have tested such workflow on the field ? Does it sound like a bad idea to your ears? I don’t know about mine. Would you recommend some models/type of earplugs over one another ? I already have some AirPods Pro and an Airfly, but it’s two gadgets that need connecting manipulations and battery management, so it doesn’t seems to fit there.

Thanks!

Hey, recently got the mikro usi (TRS) during their last drop and was wondering if there was an easy way to record with it on my phone?

I assume a trs to trrs would end up making it record in mono? And id need to buy a splitter and spend an extra 75bucks or so to use something like this: https://a.co/d/eSnDSC6

Idk, I didnt buy it specifically for my phone but id like to know what the easiest/cheapest way would be to get it to record with my phone if possible

(Iphone 16 with usb c if that makes any difference)

Hi. I've noticed that my H4e is cutting recordings at exactly 1h33m12s. Initially I thought it was some power drop from the batteries or something, since the AA's haven't been lasting long. But today I've recorded 5h straight with the recorder in front of me and power by a power bank. The result is multiple 1:33:12 files.

Is there a way to overcome this? Some setting I'm not finding?

Update: As many said, it's a 2Gb file size limitation, and is clearly stated in the manual.

(I think im in the right place, i'm looking to sample and tweak textural layers of field recordings and r/sampling didn't seem like the right place to start)

I'm around alot of heavy equipment that i want to record for personal use, the audio quality isn't paramount because i'll be manipulating it after the fact, but i want to be able to capture low hums and groans. I only say sturdy and discreet because i'm clumsy with these things and i'd like to have it as an every day carry.

Android phone attachments or whole units that fit in large pockets would probably work ? and it's gonna get converted to mono either way. (Ik, but quasi-dawless isn't very conducive to stereo work)

It's alot of new info and i really don't have any time in my day for research. To be honest i'm probably going to end up with a massive backlog of a library that all the pto in the world couldn't cut through, c'est la vie though, i guess.

I want to be able to capture my sonic environment as naturally as possible (as my ears capture it), obviously with good sound quality. What kind of portable recorder would you recommend? I currently use my phone as a recorder, and I want to level up.

I was considering the Zoom H5, but apparently it takes some time to boot up, which is a deal breaker for me because I like to be able to hear a sound and record it immediately, lest it disappears before I’m ready.

Edit: I also would like USB interface and no batteries (chargeable)

Hi, are there any ready-made alternatives to Soma Ether to catch wide EMF around? Not interested in small coils, sniffers, as I have Lom Elektrousi. Most alternatives Google shows are those. I want to try something wider, more sensitive and usable with less direct approach: to catch electromagnetic landscape, signals around the city. Something that too uses regenerator and a demodulator? I know about Electrosluch and Priezor but they don’t really seem as what I’m looking for. Maybe any DIY kits I didn’t manage to find? Anything with exceptional sensitivity?

Hey all. Literally brand new field recorder here. Looking for recommendations for tripods between 0-35 euro range that's lightweight and can fit in a backpack (think of a travel kit).

some ive had my eye on are Rollei Camera tripod Monkey Pod 2 and Ulanzi MT -44.
Would also be good to have some advice what to look for :)

Not sure if this is the right place to ask but I'm trying to record a cars exhaust whilst driving. Will be connected to a dji mic 2 and want to route the cable to the licence plate and stick the microphone in that area. I tried using the dji lav mic but the sound quality isnt the best. Any suggestions for a mic with a windsock for this applocation?

Hello everyone.

I am an audio engineer and producer, so I am very experienced with sound, DAWs, software, mixing, etc. However, I am very new to field recording as a practice.

I've been putting together sample packs for producers, and really want to get into field recording so I can incorporate them into my sample packs, and even use them in my own original productions.

As far as the actual recording device itself, what I am looking for is something fairly portable (duh). It doesn't need to be too fancy. I will probably not be doing too hours and hours of recording in one go, and I won't need any fancy tools for preparing or mixing anything on the spot. I also have several pairs of nice headphones already.

As for mics, I want to be able to record very small sounds with very low noise. I'm talking about the sound of bugs eating if I want to. I know that's going to require something special.

But I also would like to do more standard recordings of ambient sounds like forests of birds, thunderstorms, the usual.

So I am more or less looking for suggestions for a recorder, specific types of mics, and any accessories you think I would need. (Windscreen, mic stands, etc.)

And it's imperative that I have the ability to do MS and XY stuff too.

Lastly, all of this information is very clearly available all around the internet and in other threads. But I thought coming at it as a recording newbie that already has a lot of other audio experience might yield different results than what I've been finding.

Thanks everyone!

I am planning to get a Rode NTG 5 with the Zoom H1-XLR for all of my audio recording purposes as I am quite into wildlife videography and cinematography, and want the best audio possible under 750-800 dollars.

So will this combo be sufficient as what I have heard is that the NTG5 has great sensitivity which could easily compensate for the higher noise ceiling of the H1-XLR. I am mostly going for good audio reception at higher distances to record birds while keeping the setup smaller and will use this as a dialogue for interviews.

So, what do you guys think?

Please tell me if this setup is good enough or any suggestions for other microphones and recorders (32-bit float is pretty important here as i want full autonomy on my levels).

Thanks!