/r/fieldrecording

Photograph via snooOG

For discussion of field recordings, recordings of environments, audio capture, and portable recording.

This sub is for sharing field recordings and discussing them. You are encouraged to post your own field recording audio and discuss this topic non-promotionally. To share anything else of yours, you will need to use the community promo post

for found sound, by any interpretation.

This sub is for sharing field recordings and discussing them. You are encouraged to post your own field recording audio and discuss this topic non-promotionally. To share anything else of yours, you will need to use the community promo post

Subreddit Rules

  1. Reddiquette is required - Avoid flame wars and vote complaining. Trolling, insults, brigading, or antagonism towards the subreddit participants, the moderators, or even the community itself may result in a ban. Instead of bashing, share sources and accept when your positions are going to differ. Walk away if something angers you.

  2. Self-promotion is HIGHLY restricted. This sub is for sharing field recordings and discussing them, not for hyping or propping up your ventures / projects.

  • The Share Mine community post is the ONLY place in the sub where you may discuss or link to your website, article, design, blog, video, podcast, app, tool, or anything else by you, about you, or for you or conduct appeals for money, sales, market or product research / surveys (even if there is no cost involved)
  • If you are unsure, use the pinned Share Mine post
  • No spam / promo accounts whose sole or primary activity on reddit is discussing or linking to things they are affiliated with
  • --->>> NO exceptions and NO appeals. Violations of this rule, attempts to end run it, or bad faith appeals / inquiries about it will result in a permanent ban
  • No YouTube - Due to the frequency and persistence of problems involved with youtube content here (including spam / promotion, rights issues, poor product quality, and extreme bad faith engagement), YouTube links and references to it are no longer allowed in this subreddit.

  • Link issues

    • No URLs in post titles
    • Direct links only - do not submit referral links, hidden links, or links via third party services
  • New and Low / Negative Karma accounts are restricted - New accounts may not post in this subreddit but may participate in the comments of other posts while they get to know the subreddit. Accounts with negative karma may not post or comment here.

  • No bootlegging / piracy - No posts or discussion pertaining to recordings of a broadcast, presentation, live performance, or any other scenario which may involve content rights. No exceptions, including claims you have artist / owner approval. Attempts to discuss bootlegging, capture without consent, and other forms of content abuse as well as discussion of related situations, methods and techniques are not allowed and can result in a ban

  • Helpful Resources

    Related Subreddits

    /r/ExperimentalMusic
    /r/SoundArt
    /r/NoiseMusic
    /r/Drone
    /r/LocationSound

    /r/fieldrecording

    26,078 Subscribers

    1

    Head Light recommendations for night time recordings

    looking for a decent head flash light for night time recordings / drop rigs - well sunrise in Iceland during winter is 11:00 and it's going again after 15:00 - so call it night time if you want

    i am currently looking at the Nitecore HC65 UHE 2000

    8 Comments
    2024/11/06
    19:06 UTC

    3

    Packing for a trip. What to take?

    I always over pack. Take too much gear and use hardly any. I’m going to be in a rural area with probably bad (wet weather) I’m taking a Zoom F3 and a Zoom F1 (with the M/S capsule) I’m also taking a pair of LOM micro usi or SO-1 for clip-on / binaural recording(with a mini jack cable)

    I don’t know if it’s worth taking a pair of SO.101 (XLR size) omni mics or if I’d be better off with my Sanken CMs-50. ?

    Thanks

    2 Comments
    2024/11/05
    21:28 UTC

    6

    How many mics are you all using at once?

    Saw a pic of someone having 2 mics on a bar in stereo but with a shotgun in the center. Was wondering how common this is, and where I could here a good example of this vs just an ambient recording. Was set on ordering a zoom f3 but now wondering if I need more inputs as I grow more and acquire more mics. Thanks for any guidance

    24 Comments
    2024/11/05
    20:49 UTC

    1

    Deity DQC 1 charger and SD Mix Pre question

    Deity DQC1 charger has a bi directional usb c port so am i right in saying …… that you could hook one lithium battery (let’s say the Deity S-95) with hirose battery cup to sound devices mix pre series and then connect another Deity S-95 via usb c to the mix pre so that when the main power runs out the mix pre switches over to the battery connected via usb c ? 

    3 Comments
    2024/11/05
    18:03 UTC

    3

    Voice Recorder for Genealogy Interviews?

    Hello, I am a genealogist and I am ready to upgrade my oral history recording capabilities. For years I've just been using my phone or iPad. I think an actual recorder would be a good investment. But I'm looking and I just can't figure out which one to pick.

    Basically I just need a recorder to document conversations with family members and elderly people. Something easy to use, relatively inexpensive, a good battery life, storage, with obviously good sound quality. It doesn't need to be perfect just a device to use for this independent project. There are many options I see but honestly have no idea how to differentiate between them. I tried posting some Amazon links but my post was flagged and blocked.

    I also do phone interviews and I guess I need some extra device (like an Olympus TP-8) to capture that properly. But honestly I don't even know how that works exactly. I would think it needs bluetooth connection to the phone or something. I'm tech savvy this stuff is just not my forte.

    Thank you in advance and any other tips are much appreciated!

    9 Comments
    2024/11/05
    04:18 UTC

    13

    Thank you all for your help

    I'm new to all this but from your advice and conversations I bought a Sony PCM A10 and a pair of clippies.

    I've been on holiday in Australia where they have some of the most wonderful birdsong. So given the right conditions I've spent several mornings at 4am recording the Australian Magpie. Some of the recordings came out great regarding mic and amp noise, but you find that a Kenworth truck ticking-over 300m away is quite loud. (In fact with this recorder and mics you can hear them 2 miles away.) It doesn't drown out the birds just the echoes from the gum trees.

    More importantly I would not have been outside enjoying the bird song and ambience of the area and now I can listen to it any time.

    Someone recently posted a comment saying don't get obsessive about your gear just get out and do it. I can't agree more.

    On an admin note, why does this show as a question and how can I change it

    2 Comments
    2024/11/04
    15:57 UTC

    2

    If I get the Zoom F3 for wedding toasts, corporate interviews, is there any reason to record into both XLR inputs (in order to have a safety track at a lower db)?

    With my old school Tascam DR40, splitting the XLR into 2 inputs into the DR40 was essential, to give myself multiple audio levels for wedding toasts, etc... That way when I am home editing, there is a really good chance I'll have good audio levels (because I am not really able to "monitor" the audio levels while they're happening, I'm operating a camera 30 ft away usually) - the DR40 records backup tracks at -12db AND I split the XLR input into 2, so L & R channels are at different levels. I'm going to get a Zoom F3 (simply because I need a secondary field recorder, incase one were to perish on a big shoot, I need to have 2 with me). Zoom F3 will be primary recorder now, and DR40 my backup in my bag just incase. With the Zoom F3, it sounds like there is no real reason to split the XLR into both L & R inputs, since it captures the audio in such a wide dynamic range. So I guess my old method is no longer needed, is this correct? The F3 does not do a "backup track" like my DR40 did. But I guess I just will record 1 single XLR input into the F3 at shoots now, and no longer split into L & R channels. Any thoughts, recommendations, etc? Thank you!

    13 Comments
    2024/11/04
    11:45 UTC

    7

    Good news! Clippy EM272M does not pick up RF interference!

    I connected the stereo Micbooster Clippy EM272M to my smartphone via BOYA BY-K4 (which supports stereo) and put it right next to a router and nothing. Even right against my phone with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and NFC turned on and gain at +12 dB, nothing! No RFI!

    Although I found that the Clippys aren't really suited for my application I thought I'd share this information incase it is helpful to some of you thinking about getting a Clippy EM272M!

    5 Comments
    2024/11/04
    08:06 UTC

    3

    What's the best wind protection for the Sony PCM A10?

    I got the $12 windshield and still hear some wind, there is another one advertised by another company for like $30, should i get it or is it a waste?

    10 Comments
    2024/11/04
    02:09 UTC

    1

    Zoom SSH-6e Self Noise Information? Does anyone here have one?

    I have a Zoom H6 Essential and I am seriously considering getting the SSH-6e shotgun capsule, but I can’t find any information regarding how noisy it is (or isn’t). I’ve read that the shotgun for the older H6 was basically unusable for quiet sources.

    I’m recording quiet sources and using the stock XY capsule for some things, which seems sufficient for my use-case in terms of noise. However, any more noise would be too much. I’d like to be able to capture some isolated sounds sometimes. I’m not sure if I should go with the SSH-6e for convenience or just get a similarly priced XLR shotgun. Any advice would be appreciated!

    7 Comments
    2024/11/03
    13:20 UTC

    2

    Novice here! Would a pair of Sanken COS-11Ds be a good choice for stereo field recording?

    As the title says, I’m considering starting to do some stereo field recording for both personal use and for inclusion in videos/short films.

    I’m a long-time amateur wildlife photographer but a professional videographer looking to expand into wildlife film making using my existing setup and equipment.

    This is really born from a desire to record some great soundscapes for the many months when I’m unable to get out into the wild and need that high-quality immersion to get me through. I then thought it would be a great way to create believable environments for video projects.

    Just hoping that my omni-directional Sanken COS-Ds would work if put into a spaced stereo setup and linked up to a portable recorder. Could probably put aside a modest budget if anyone was any other suggestions.

    7 Comments
    2024/11/03
    03:56 UTC

    0

    What’s a great field recording unit that can be found under $200? I’m new to files recorder. Well in practice that is. I’ve been dreaming about it for years.

    I have a Marantz PMD 420 and a Nakamichi CM 100 mic. How is this set up for field recording? It’s a bit heavy and needs a lot of batteries(the mic does too). I’m thinking tech has come a long way since this recorder/mic combo was introduced. Should I switch to digital? They seem to be much smaller, lighter, need less batteries, and probably have even more improvements in not aware of.

    3 Comments
    2024/11/02
    20:28 UTC

    3

    Behringer EM8000 Stereo Matched Mics for Field Recording?

    Hi everyone,

    I'm considering using a pair of Behringer EM8000s for field recording. I know they’re commonly used for measurement purposes, but I’m wondering if anyone has experience using them for stereo recording outdoors. How well do they perform in capturing ambient sounds and natural spaces? Also, are there any noticeable limitations with these mics in a field recording context, or would they be a good budget-friendly option for stereo matching?

    Thanks for any insights!

    5 Comments
    2024/11/02
    18:06 UTC

    3

    Shadow SH711 contact microphone for fieldrecording

    Hi,

    A couple years ago, I bought a piezo microphone Shadow SH711.(https://www.thomann.de/fr/shadow\_sh711\_pickup.htm?shp=eyJjb3VudHJ5IjoiZnIiLCJjdXJyZW5jeSI6MiwibGFuZ3VhZ2UiOjR9&reload=1&gad\_source=1)

    I didn't use it a lot since then, it was mostly for field recording but I never got very satisfying results. Searching for answers on the internet, I saw it was mostly designed for guitar recording so I'm wondering if I should get an other one for greater results.

    I came across a few posts here talking about the JrF c-series I'm considering buying if my SH711 isn't made for the job, though i'd be keen to get some more advices first.

    I usually plug the microphone directly into my Zoom H4n through a simple TS cable. I saw in related posts that it might cause impedence issues. Could that be my problem?

    8 Comments
    2024/11/02
    09:51 UTC

    2

    Is the Deity TC-1 unnecessary compared to the PR-2?

    I'm not an audio guy but I need a timecode solution. PR-2 can generate and send timecode right? Does that make the TC-1 unnecessary? Can the PR-2 do everything the TC-1 can do but also record? Would that mean the only reason to go with a TC-1 is to save money or save on the size?

    6 Comments
    2024/11/02
    00:54 UTC

    3

    The /r/FieldRecording Share Mine Promo Post November, 2024 - This post is the only place in the sub to share your video, app, blog, podcast, site, article, product or anything else which you are affiliated with

    The subreddit front page for discussing and sharing field recording audio. It should not be used as a free advertisement space to hype, promote, discuss, or link to anything else of yours.

    This monthly feature post is the ONLY place in the subreddit to present, discuss, and/or link to things you are affiliated with related to field recording beyond sharing audio.

    Comments here

    • must conform to site and sub rules
    • must be directly related to field recording (beats are not on topic)
    • must NOT be made by accounts which are solely or primarily spam or promotional, which may result in a ban. The majority of your reddit account's history should show genuine engagement with others beyond marketing
    • MAY include YouTube. This post is the ONLY place in the sub where YouTube content can be linked or discussed

    Please follow those requirements and utilize this post as much as you wish to tell us about your field recording related blog, podcast, site, projects, videos, articles, applications, products, or anything else by you, for you, or about you.

    0 Comments
    2024/11/01
    11:00 UTC

    1

    Recording Location Suggestions

    Flagstaff/Phoenix/Prescott or within a days travel

    ISO Abandoned buildings, saw mill, easily accessible caves, abandonded factories. Or similar structures that would capture the feel of these types of locations. Like a very large run down barn away from noise pollution.

    Looking to get clean impulse responses and atmosphere bed material for a video game. Planning on both stereo and binaural recording.

    0 Comments
    2024/11/01
    06:03 UTC

    2

    Suggestion for a natural ambient mic, that can also work ok for voice

    Hi! With my small we live and work in nature, and we are very active and creative in visuals.

    Our strength is photography, digital and print, but recently our followers appreciate very much long videos, ASMR-like, of the changing of nature and forest, as sort of animated postcards.

    I would like to improve it and make it better, so I am looking for a mic to be used with my DJI Pocket 2 or one of my Fuji camera (but I prefer the DJI for this task!).

    It doesn't need to be perfect; the main characteristics are: portability, fairly good audio, not too sensitive to wind (but wind is part of the experience, and in this areas is seldom present).

    A huge plus would be a mic that can also be used for voice recordings and webinar.

    It should be a good mic for beginners, that opens the door to this world.

    We are budget sensitive.

    Many thanks to whoever can contribute!

    7 Comments
    2024/11/01
    05:34 UTC

    1

    Suggestions for Lav Mic (Shure SM-11) Extreme Wind Protection Where High Frequencies Are Not That Important

    Hi all,

    I understand that foam covers and deadcats are limited in their windshielding ability because their design tries to preserve the sensitivity and frequency response of microphones, particularly the higher frequencies.

    I am recording loud exhaust sounds on moving sports cars/supercars, frequently 100db plus. I dont mind losing some of the top end (it might actually be beneficial to take away some of the rasp of these exhausts), and I certainly won't have issues with volume.

    Yes I will place the mic in a place as shielded from the wind as possible. Nonetheless, I need to add some very good wind protection on the mic.

    What would your suggestions be? It might have to be DIY. Dead cats just don't do the job.

    Thanks all!

    3 Comments
    2024/10/31
    23:15 UTC

    1

    Recorder for use with a smartphone

    I am looking at reasonably priced digital stereo recorders like the TASCAM DR-05(x), for use with a smartphone. The issue is that a lot of them, including that one, seem to pick up electrical noise from phones.

    My requirements are:

    - Under £100/$100, used is fine

    - 1/4 thread mount for attachment to the bottom of my Hohem iSteady XE gimbal

    - Suitable for POV walking videos, i.e. stereo, ideally cardioid, wide dynamic range, not too bulky/heavy

    Can anyone recommend something that fits that, and which won't pick up electrical noise from the phone?

    17 Comments
    2024/10/31
    14:57 UTC

    3

    Sony UX570 vs PX470, which should i buy?

    Hello. I usually record my college lessons and other conferences for personal use or reference. So far I've been recording with my phone and since all these events take place into small to mid-sized rooms (or big rooms with speakers) I haven't had a single problem recording this way. But I'd like to have a dedicated gadget for this purpose.

    I'm on a limited budget and I've narrowed the search between two Sony voice recorders UX570 and PX470:

    https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1538965-REG/sony_icdux570blk_ux570_digital_voice_recorder.html

    https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1317633-REG/sony_icd_px470_4gb_px_series_mp3.html

    I know the main difference between them is the screen and the battery type (Alkaline vs Li-Ion). I don't consider the screen on a recording device too important, am i wrong? Regarding the battery type, I already own a couple of rechargeable batteries, so I wouldn't incurr in additional costs.

    Having said all that... which is the best recording device of the two?

    Thanks!!

    11 Comments
    2024/10/31
    11:27 UTC

    3

    BP4025 advantages vs SDC Pair

    Clippies aside, as I plan to have a set of those as well, what would be the main advantages of one vs the other here? I know people love the 4025 but for that price would it be better to have a matched pair for more flexibility? Would the only differences be stereo width? Thanks for any input or which pair of mics would compare to the 4025 sound for the price range. Thanks much

    10 Comments
    2024/10/30
    02:53 UTC

    2

    Mic for a lavalier Senngeiser G3

    hi, everybody i search an option for a mic in G3, do you know something mic for this different of ME or MKE(gold)

    4 Comments
    2024/10/28
    23:28 UTC

    0

    Zoom should do a 4 track but each track is stereo

    I had (have but don't use) the H6 and have noted the P4 and R4, but I don't understand why the didn't make the 4 tracks stereo each one. Then, you could plug in up to 4 tracks of stereo instruments (synths, stereo effected guitars). With these currently, you can only do 2 stereo instruments, which makes it not really worth buying one if you use stereo equipment. The Zoon H1N one track (but you can dub over it to create a new track) has a stereo in, and I still use this, partially because it has a good size, but of course you can't track in a different points of a song, and can't record 2 sources separately at once. If the Zoom H1n had 2 stereo tracks, it would also be greatly improved. A small 2 stereo track handheld, like a H2s or something.

    17 Comments
    2024/10/28
    23:21 UTC

    3

    Recorder for large group setting and field work

    I really need some recommendations for good recording devices that can be used for a large group (about 35 people), indoors and outdoors, and pick up everyone’s voice. I know I will likely need to buy windscreens for wind when outdoors.

    I have been looking at the Zoom H4n, H1, and H2n, but after reading I don’t know if any of these will work at all. I’m also willing to go with something completely different. Please help

    10 Comments
    2024/10/28
    22:48 UTC

    10

    How to power a Mixpre3 over-night via USB-C

    I have a Mixpre3 ii and I have a field recording opportunity come up last minute which is something I have never done before. The opportunity is to leave a recorder out on a ranch in rural Texas overnight. I'm flying down Thursday for other things but was excited to try this. I have no experience in powering for long durations. I have an Anker PowerCore slim 10000 battery (36Wh) and tried using that as a test. I plugged it in to the USB-C port and it worked, per the documentation, I was getting a green bar the entire time. The result is that I got a file that is 4 GB (4 hours) then the next file would be corrupted at around 2.8 GB when the battery died.

    I over-nighted via Amazon Prime a larger Anker 26800 that is 98Wh hours. While that was coming, I tried to run my Anker 10000 again, this time in low power mode. I got similar results. When I got the new battery, I charged it up overnight, then re-ran the test today and got the same results. I've tried various internet searches on this topic but haven't come up with anything concrete other than using the hirose-sled and smart batteries which I don't have time to order and since this is a one-time deal, I don't want to spend that kind of money. Is it possible to power the device via USB-C for that long or does the recorder shut down itself? It seems strange that a more powerful battery would get almost exactly the same results. I have an Anton Bauer battery for my camera that I could use if I had a d-tap to USB-c cable but it's only 68Wh. The other option would be to return the Anker, and get a Small Rig 99Wh battery.

    TL;DR I need to power a Mixpre3 via USB-C battery for 12 hours. Thanks.

    EDIT - SOLVED: The update is that charging and draining the battery three times brought it up to speed and I was able to get 17 hours of recording with rechargeables in the Mixpre3. Thanks for suggesting that, it kept me from returning as defective and getting a more expensive battery. A couple more times and maybe I'll get a few more hours. But this is around what I was hoping for.

    16 Comments
    2024/10/28
    04:35 UTC

    2

    Does the Zoom f3 split the recorded files into intervals?

    My tascam dr40 saves every 10 mins or so just incase it were to die and I didn't know or something, I'd have a lot of audio saved. Does the F3 do this too?

    7 Comments
    2024/10/28
    00:03 UTC

    4

    Wind protection for Tascam x6

    Hello,

    Can people share their best solution for the Tascam x6?

    There seems to be a few solutions for the x8 but reading up on it they don’t seem to fit the x6 necessarily well (eg Bumblebee)

    I’m interested in both foam caps and dead cat for both configurations

    3 Comments
    2024/10/27
    13:27 UTC

    6

    Multiple day field recording in garden in all weathers - what microphone?

    I'm looking to do a field recording in my garden. I live near the sea on top of a hill so we get a a lot of drizzle (aka low loud) and damp conditions. I saw this archived comment which was super helpful.

    https://www.reddit.com/r/fieldrecording/comments/17gilg1/looking_to_do_my_first_overnight_unattended/

    I saw this picture which Halbert4287 suggested for matholio and I will try to copy it.

    https://imgur.com/a/l2ChKsP

    What type of microphone plugged into the recorder? Or even what make an model is it? What is the windshield? I wondered if someone could recommend something (hopefully cheap!).

    Thanks (and apologies I am new to this).

    5 Comments
    2024/10/27
    08:24 UTC

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