I am new to field recording and i need help deciding between these 2. They seem to listed for around the same price on most places i checked at $399. The Portacapture X8, looks more attractive for the price since it has 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs compared to the 2 on FR-AV2, and it already comes with the 2 included mics. My biggest concern with the Portacapture X8 is the hum noise above 20kHz when recording at 192kHz sample rate that users have been complaining about. Does anyone know if this issue has been fixed? Is this issue also present on the FR-AV2?

Hello!

I'm looking for a semi-professional recorder, relatively affordable, that will do the job.

Basically it would be to record ambient sounds. Cows grazing, birds, footsteps, snow crunching, ocean waves... I think you get the idea.

On a sonic level I'm interested in capturing nuances well and a good low noise ratio. Having 24/32 bits is something that, although ideally I'm interested in, is not my priority.

Later on, if I do more projects, I'll increase my budget and opt for something better, which I suppose will be a zoom f6 + external microphones. The problem with these devices is that they're not very "portable" but...

I'd like to start field recording of city sounds, traffic noise, crowds, ambient spoken word, nature sounds (wind, rain). I've tried recording with my Android phone (awful), an old iPod Touch, with and without an external mic (Saramonic Smartmic - better, but a little noisy and lacking stereo image). Now I'm looking at getting one of the sub $200 PCM recorders with the hope I'll get better results. My priorities are value for money, low noise, good stereo separation and pocketability.

I'm in Japan, so the Roland R07 and Sony PCM-A10 are readily available and both seem to have low noise according to the Avisoft table. I'm leaning toward the Sony since the mic angles can be adjusted, and it's slightly cheaper.

However both of these recorders seem dated given that they came out in 2018 and Zoom have released the new Essential series recently. Nonetheless they seem to be better than the low end Zooms in terms of noise.

Should I be concerned that these devices were released six years ago? Or are they still good choices in 2024/25?

Edit: Added 'pocketability' as a priority. Both the Roland and the Sony are light and compact.

Hi everyone! I’m currently figuring out a good gear for field recording. I’ve read a lot of comparisons on the Tascam X8, Zoom H2/H6/H8, Sony D100, and I’m also looking into setups without built-in mics, like a Rode Stereo NT4 paired with a Zoom F3 (I really like the combo). I also have an old pair of Rode NT5s (15 years old) but no clue if they still work.

I come from a composer background (soundtracks), but I’m transitioning into sound design and looking for a reliable setup to record in nature. Any advice or personal feedback on gear? Thanks!

So my father, brothers and I bought some land a while back to build on but it's right next to a outdoor gun range.

Now we don't mind that, they were here first. What we do mind however is the guy who runs it doesn't care about rules and regulations.

The problem is not only does he allow people to rapid fire but he also has let his backstops weather away to the point every other shot is a ricochet that we can hear whizzing over our land even though we are parallel to him.

Calling the cops and local gamewards haven't done anything because they say they need actual evidence and won't come out here to listen any given day.

So what I am needing help with is some way to set up recording equpitment outside to record throughout the day and some way to filter through the recordings to pinpoint gunfire so we can prove rapid firing and the zipping of ricochet.

I'm hoping this is the right subreddit for this, if not can anyone direct me to one that is?

Thank you

Anybody have ideas on how to do this. When you are in front of the mic, how can you watch your gain?

The only workarounds I know are to use the camera on my smartphone (awkward and space limiting, and to watch for blinking on the LED monitors and then dial it back down.

If the sound is going to be unpredictable, I employ a limiter.

Any other ideas?

Hello, I would like to ask for your advice. I am trying to record nature sounds ( weather, birds, water, waves etc..) I but I still I am not satisfied with my results. sound it not crispy clean as I would like. Not sure if I dont have right settings or there is some post production needed.

My setup:

• Clippy EM272 Stereo Microphone
• Sony PCM A-10
• bubblebee windbuble

For editing I have been using. ( Basicly I just want to merge sound from Sony PCM with Go-pro footage.)

• Corel VideoStudio 2021

I am just trying to learn by myself without any previous experience so even basic recommentadions are welcomed. If you can reccomend me right settigns or program for post production (preferably something simple or AI based). Is there any video course, tutorial available online? so I will learn how to do post production and sound adjustments?

Is there any camera where I will be able to put Clippy jack directly with same result as with sony PMC so I will avoid merging sound and video afterwards? it would be great to have it in one device and simple for portability

Thank you all in advance.

The reviews on zoom's essential line have been very mixed. I can see why. It seems as if they didn't actually change anything that mattered for most people with these rereleases. Is that also the case with the new h2essential? I have an old h2n, but it's starting to have issues. Still, it was portable, and easy to have ready at a moments notice. I would also benefit from the new voice guidance feature immensely. But are the microphones really the exact same? Is the self noise any lower? I would be mostly using the internal microphones but I have a set of plugin 3d mics as well. Is there anything that has voice guidance and microphones of a similar caliber that I could get for a lower price? Additionally, I already have a zoom f3, but it's far less convenient to use. It's nice and small but because of the rails has a weird shape and I have to bring microphones with it separately, so I don't really see it as pocket ready.

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I saw that there was a new batch mikroUši’s last Friday. I wonder how much of you were interested and got a pair?

Putting out feelers if anyone is selling or is familiar with good libraries for north eastern (in north America) wildlife, specifically ocean birds.

About to start a factual series about small island fishing off of PEI/ Newfoundland and we’re really trying to be accurate with ambiences and spot calls. Now excuse me as I crack open some Ornithology literature

I love recording sound effects, and too many times I've heard a very interesting sound or soundscape that I've wanted to record but had nothing of quality to record it with in stereo. I'd love some recommendations for a quality stereo field recorder that isn't crazy expensive, and that is quick to set up. I'm specifically looking for something that isn't necessarily a Zoom H4. Thank you to all who help me out!

Hello,

I am looking for a setup for my portable recording setup. I am figuring out how to attach the TASCAM Portacapture X8 and Sennheiser MKE 600 Shotgun together as a one-hand holding.

What accessories should I get and what is the best way to set it up?

Thank you!

I bought the above items (WJ2 is the windjammer) but even in a slight breeze I can pick up a lot of wind noise. Is there a better setup with third party foam/windjammer or should I swap it for something else?

Hey recordists.

Thinking about picking up an H2essential, but one thing I can't find a definitive answer to is if the "line in" can support stereo microphones like the Roland CS10EM.

The manual states you can use one of the built-in microphones as well as the plugged in microphone, so I am thinking it can't accept a stereo microphone on the 3.5mm input?

Anyone with a H2essential can confirm?

Has anybody successfully used the X8 as an audio interface with an android device? There are some vague references that suggest it is class compliant, but the manual only mentions ios. It's not something I need, but it would be a nice perk.

I've got a Pixel 7 Pro and havent had any success yet. It recognizes that an external mic is connected, but it gives "USB FS Mismatch" for any sampling rate except 96khz, and no apps I've found are able to get any audio.

I just received the Zoom H1XLR and did some tests to know what to expect on the field.

I wanted to simulate recording from a soundboard with high volume output (which would normally clip on my 24bit original zoom h1) so I took a 3.5mm cable, plugged it into the headphones jack of my computer speakers, plugged the other end into the 3.5mm input on the H1XLR and proceeded to blast the volume all the way up.

The recorder started flashing saying "input overload", but in post after normalizing, the audio sound good.

Tried the same thing with a 3.5mm to XLR cable, plugging the speakers into the XLR port set to LINE: no "input overload" warning, the waveform looks normal (not blown like with the 3.5mm), but in post, after normalizing, the sound is clipped and unrecoverable.

Does it have anything to do with the 3.5mm to XLR cable? It's the adapter that came with my lav mic, but I immagine it's just a basic adapter, not a "mic only" adapter that can't handle line level signal.

It's the only explanation I can see, since I would expect XLR to be able to handle higher volume than 3.5mm.

Phantom power was set to OFF for both XLR and 3.5mm.

*edit: I don't even need to import the files, I can clearly hear the audio clipping while monitoring the recording with headphones. It only clips when using the xlr inputs (tried both of them), and no clipping whatsoever on the 3.5mm jack (although I get the "input overload" warning with the red flashing light, which doesn't happen with the clipped xlr input)

I've just been trying out the Tascam X8, and while it is suitable for my needs, it is just too bulky, especially as it takes 4xAAs, charger etc. I do think they should have included built in charging with this.

I need a swiss army kind of recorder for a backpacking trip coming up. Now I have tried the X8, I see I need to prioritise size. It is a shame that there isn't an X2 or X4 in the series.

What I need it for.
Recording ambient noises, such as urban roadside, as well as jungle and beach environments.
Sample one hits, such as hitting a drum, bottle tapping etc.

As well as that I need to be able to record vocals straight onto a laptop. So also being an audio interface is a must.

I don't need a perfect recorder as the vocals can be re-recorded at a later date, and all the sounds will more than likely have some form of fx attached to them.

Currently I am looking at the Shure MV88+ to use with my phone and laptop, as well Zoom Essential series as they only take two AA's.

I record lots of nature audio and then use audacity to isolate individual birds and have built a pretty extensive catalog of clips this way.

However, I travel a lot and my laptop is far too cumbersome to carry around and I want a way to listen when traveling. I was thinking an mp3 player, as long as I can listen offline and see audio waves. Then, I can make notes of what to crop, later, online. But since identifying clips is the most time consuming, I'd like to have the ability to do so when in the plane and bus. Wondering if someone has a brand or model of an mp3 player that would be capable, in mind.

Any recommendations would be great appreciated

I'm looking to get a portable recorder for personal usage. Recording myself when I'm driving or hiking and have random thoughts. Would be nice if it could also pick up ambient sounds of birds and frogs and such when I'm camping.

I know basically nothing about recorders or audio equipment though and am unclear for example what the $289 DS-2600 vs $249 LS-P5 is. I imagine both would be more than adequate for my needs but at similar price point is one better than the other?

Main features I've seen some products have are Calendar and Bookmarks so I can easily relocate things. Metadata features would be probably pretty handy too for cataloging. Other than that I guess sound quality for when I do want to record conversations or nature would be the next thing to consider. Not really sure what else I may find useful since this is all new to me.

I am involved in listening, field recording and filming. I am very much concerned with the juxtaposition of image and sound, so in filming sound and specific acoustics are very important to me - if not more important than image. I'm considering a kit that will allow me to collect deep sound while remaining mobile and not needing another person to do it. So far I've been using some cheap shotguns on the camera, and using a h6 zoom for small field recordings. I'm wondering about something else that will be used for the camera, but also as separate microphones that I can travel with and collect sounds - already without the camera. Perhaps someone could recommend something?

I was thinking of a set like this for my camera: ZoomF3 recorder,

Sennheiser mkh8020 stereo pair

2x Rycote INV-6 mic shock mounts

2x Bubblebee Windkiller Long Fur Windmuff

However, I'm not sure if these 8020s would work well in a live documentary situation. My budget is rather wide and I care about quality. I would be very grateful for any answers :)

Complete novice to this, I don’t think I even know how stereo recordings are made. I want to be able to record similar to a xy setup or something similar that allows me to then experiment with the spatial awareness of sound. Again, I have a bunch more research to do and this is just a budding interest of mine I want to learn more about. I struggle understanding complex concepts and reading academic works though and am a freshman in college. that’s the reason I sort of just want to fiddle with things hands on and fail a bunch to learn from mistakes

I’m using Energizer 2000mha batteries and they don’t seem to last more than about 3 hours. Does that seem right?

Hello, thanks for reading.

I'll be brief and clear. I'm looking for a recorder to record ambient sounds like the sea, birds, cars, planes. Ambient sound that I want to use in my semi-professional projects.

I would like (although it's not necessary) for the recorder to have built-in microphones so I can use them.

I prefer a certain versatility and ease of use since sometimes the conditions can be difficult rather than getting the "highest quality".

I don't want to spend more than 500 euros (The less the better, obviously, but that's my limit).

Thanks!

Hi people,

I am wondering onto unknown fields - audio. Its’s a self learning adventure, just wanna know more about it. I will be exploring ambient and asmr sounds. I have a very basic knowledge in audio all I have been doing so far is voiceovers. I own a rode podmic with an SSL2+ interface and now I am about to buy the tascam portacapture x6.

Would I need a shock mount to reduce handling noise? Does it help?

Any advice is appreciated.

Thank you

What are some SDC microphones that definitely fit directly into the Zoom F3, without any additional cables or adapters?

Looking to have a very portable, lightweight, on-the-go "rig" for recording some sound effects, and want to avoid gambling on a SDC only to find it doesn't quite fit. Which I discovered with the Line Audio CM4, which definitely doesn't fit. (Otherwise I really like it.)

Thanks!

I work outdoors in a variety of environments. I find having a camera strap on my H6 is really useful for if I'm moving around. For example, I recently did a job where I jumped on a snowmobile to move between locations. I wasn't recording during transport, so I hung the H6 around my neck, zipped inside my jacket for protection and warmth.

I'd like to find a quick release strap. It would help with jumping between tasks. I usually work in situations where setup time is 10 minutes or less, so speed is important. I don't like to keep the strap on the recorder if I'm switching to a mic stand, it affects the balance and can catch a breeze.

I'm looking for a system that is sturdy and can be relied upon even in tough conditions. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Hi 

Has anyone been using the Rycote nano shields ? 

after quiet some time and lots of forceful pushing and trying to get the basket to sit snugly together - this is the closest i can get the underside of the basket to sit - i push the plastic surrounds together but they just open up

also one of the magnets on the basket dropped out - there is loose thread on the inside of the basket and the stitching on the fabric of the loop that goes round on the handle is loose 

i posted the pics and comments on a fb field recording forum and there are a few comments on the general decline in quality of rycote products and that the difficulty pushing the basket together and gap between the two basket halves is a well known issue - 

also this was one of the comments from the fb forum

“Everyone I know that's bought a nano has traded it up because it's just too noisy to be practical. I actually bought new old stock of the previous generation because the nano was so bad” 

i am going to return this instance of the nano and interested to hear other people’s experience with the nano’s - im wondering if it is worth waiting for Radius to release their windshields 

thanks

https://preview.redd.it/vkxqo394jv2e1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=2e82104f29867425ce9a371810415a4a71dd224c

https://preview.redd.it/37rvs494jv2e1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f1002774b8ac3bce7086f3cb47ab0a752978e406

https://preview.redd.it/c24vrd94jv2e1.jpg?width=4284&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=ab4435f3b34de0f1f555ec9d850f27a0a3bfb1d6

https://preview.redd.it/vq9h5694jv2e1.jpg?width=3393&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f467bdefe1aa601557166645079b6f24c76bccf7

thanks 

I am buying a recorder, mostly for the ecoutic mic and to record ambient sounds, although I would like to be able to record interviews with it too. I was thinking of a zoom h5 but after doing so much research, I really don't know what to get still. Budget is under $400 and I would like the whole set to be light. Please help me choose.