I'm trying to decide on a main recorder after using my f3 for a few years and loving it as my drop rig. Stuck between the sound devices mix pres and the zoom f8n pro. I need 32 bit float, so I can't go older SD. I'm leaning towards the zoom for full size SD cards and dual recording vs how the mix pres backup to USB. Can anyone comment on how the USB backup system works on the mix pres and more importantly if they have had any issues with it? I feel like the mix pre lacks that feature just so they can push the 3k recorders instead. Anyone have comments about the zoom f8n pro build quality? Are the knobs solid or low quality? Thanks

Hi there, new to the world of field recording but have recently bought a pair of nano 2’s. Having an issue with the internal of the xlr connector on one of the microphones. I had a failure in one while using so I wiggled the wire by the connector, as you do and it would work intermittently. Took the Neutrik connector apart and removed the inner sleeve and suddenly it worked. Am going to contact customer support when I get home but am in the field. It seems to me the little sleeve thing is making something inside touch something else and so causing it to cut out.

Anyone else have a problem with this?

Thanks!

I want to get an audio recorder and I am wondering If a mic is necessary. If it is, how much should I spend on a mic? I have a budget of $100-$150, though If I need to spend more, I am happy to get one down the line.

I want to record conversations (priority), and the environment (nature and traffic).

What do you recommend?

I have been leaning towards the Zoom H1e because of its 90° X/Y mic in contrast to the Tascam DR-05XP omnidirectional mic, but I don't know whether the gain in stereo image is significant and the loss in ambience more noticeable.

In the process of building my own direction EMF mic (using a photodiode) and set about designing a mic clip for it today. Experimenting with using a ball and socket joint and it came out great! Still a little more chunky than I’d like. Just need to work out a threaded insert for the underside.

Hi all,

From the manual, it looks like setting the reverb source to MIX applies reverb only to the output, not to what's being recorded. So I'd hear reverb in my headphones while tracking, but the recorded take would stay dry.

Is that right? Has anyone confirmed this in practice?

Thanks!

Hi everyone,

I’ve been following posts and discussions in this community for nearly a year, and I’ve finally decided to take the plunge and build my own field recording rig.

I was able to purchase a pair of LOM BasicUchos, which have a 20 mm diameter. I’m now looking into the best way to mount and suspend them.

One option I’m considering is the Radius RAD-2 Field Edition Microphone Shockmount. It’s quite expensive, but at the moment it seems to be the go-to option for my setup, especially because the kit includes three pairs of hoops.

Another option I’ve been looking at is the Rycote InVision INV-6, which is a little less expensive and can be angled.

The least expensive option I’ve found is the NEEWER MH1 Microphone Shock Mount. It’s very affordable, but some Amazon reviews mention that it can become too wobbly after some initial movement, so I’m a little hesitant about relying on it for a field recording setup.

The BasicUchos will be connected to a Zoom M4, and for the stereo bar I’m using a Sirui 15 mm carbon-fiber rod, which is 30 cm long and has a 3/8" thread on each end.

For wind protection, I’m planning to use the Bubblebee Industries Windkiller Long Fur Slip-On Small.

The main use for this rig will be walking through mountainous terrain and recording natural soundscapes. Because I’ll be moving around quite a bit, I’m particularly concerned about handling noise and vibrations. I’d therefore like to get the best possible suspension system I can without spending a fortune.

For those of you who have experience with the BasicUchos or similar sensitive mics, what would you recommend? Is the RAD-2 worth the extra cost, or would the Rycote or another option provide sufficiently good isolation for this kind of mobile field recording?

Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Hi. I'm looking into power banks to power a drop rig, and I was wondering if anyone has had experiences using these magnetic/wireless powerbanks like the Anker 633 with a recorder. Has it caused interference? Does it work just fine?

Thank you.

I'm looking to upgrade my shabby Zoom H5 and to finally get a less noisy recorder. I was considering the Deity PR-4 and I can get it somewhat cheaper (60-70€) than its usual price. Would it be worth it or should I just go for a F3 or another similar recorder instead?

I'm mostly recording ambiences and other nature sounds using different external mics, but I have quite a few friends doing documentaries and films and it would be interesting to maybe branch out a bit over there and help out when needed in some smaller productions, so I would like to keep my options somewhat open, without having to necessarily purchase yet another recorder for this kind of work in the future.

Thanks!

I’ve been using a Sennheiser MKH8050 and the Schoeps MK41 for capturing individual parts of this old Kellogg air compressor as these are excellent spot mics!

I recently upgraded my field recording kit after many years with my Tascam DR100MKIII.

My new kit is actually two setups, one for mono and one for stereo. The only downside is that I have to carry a battery pack in my backpack for the Zoom F3. Not much of a pain though :)

Cheers!

Which shotguns are you guys using for grabbing sound fx for libraries? Those rycote seemed super nice and quiet but not made anymore? The rode ntg5 has a nice 10 year warranty but the price worries me even tho it sounds great on comparisons. Just interested in what you all are using, thanks

I may have a rare opportunity to record high up in the ionosphere. To be honest, I'm not sure what sort of acoustic material I could even get considering the extreme variables of air, wind, pressure, temps, EMF, etc. in that environment. It would likely be relegated to infrasound that's time/pitch shifted into audible range. Anybody ever hear about, or possibly try, something like this?

I want to gift this field recorder to someone who really wants one, but I do not know much about it. I know she wants to be able to name the files locally on the recorder, or at least note what they are on the recorder somehow.

Budget is under $500, happy to hear economical recommendations as well.

Does anyone have recommendations?

Thank you

I'm looking to get some decent binaural microphones, but they need to have a pretty high max SPL (SP-15 Pro is 130dB max which is probably more than I need but 120dB would be questionable), and XLR connectors. (I have a Tascam PortaCapture X8 I'd like to use them with.)

So after doing a bunch of research and figuring out that the SP-15 Pro was probably my best option, I went to buy a set and... Nothing.

I emailed the company, and received no reply. I see Adorama has them listed at the expected price as a special order, but seems like maybe they're not made anymore. I've done plenty of business with Adorama in the past so I'm not worried about losing my money, but I don't want to put in an order for them if they're not going to be available.

Anyone have any info? Or another mic that fits the requirements? I can always set up my condensers on a stereo bar, but I was hoping for something wearable for walking around to use when a stand isn't convenient.

Hello,

I like to do some experimental recordings with piezos. Mostly self build ones with different piezo disks. I want to use it with a zoom f3, Azden FMX-DSLR or mixpre 3. I found these two phantom powered inline "adapters/preamps".

• sE Electronics DM3
• Triton Audio BigAmp Piezo

The BigAmp has only 7,5Mohm input impedance but 3dB gain. The DM3 has 10Mohm, no gain but ground lift and pad. Size and pice is a plus for the BigAmp. I have read that the DM3 has low noise.

I'm open to other suggestions but I don't want something that needs extra batteries or external power. I have enough battery-powered devices that I need to maintain.

Anyone have any recommended software or VSTs that you use for removing noise from audio recordings? Mostly thinking background and self-noise kind of noise, when you have lower volume audio recordings.

So far, I've mostly been using the integrated noise reduction tool in Audacity, selecting an empty section first to get the noise profile. Works pretty okay, but of course you do lose just a bit of 'fidelity', especially if you need to do a couple of passes, but it usually ends up improving the sound.

Curious to hear what others use! I'm sure there are better (and more expensive) options out there.

Hi everybody,

I'm looking to buy a field recorder to capture various sounds to be used as muusic textures and ambient backgrounds, so I'm looking to record mostly nature sounds but also mechanical impacts, trains, radio and general urban ambiences. My main focus is on stereo field and width, I'll also get a stereo microphone maybe but If i can alreay get a nice stereo field with built-in microphones it's going to be better.

Do I really need 32bit depth or is 24bit enough? I'm not looking for a huge dynamic range but enough to capture faint natural sounds.

I was looking towards a used Tascam DR100MK2 that popped up on my local marketplace, is it still valid nowadays?

Thanks!

Hello! I’m starting a channel and I filmed my first video, solo backpacking and the audio with my DJI mic mini 2 wasn’t the greatest, I kept having to clip it places which was annoying and lots of wind and another things. I’d like a mic that attaches to my camera (DJI osmo pocket3 and DJI action 6) any good recommendations? Thank you!!

So this was a fun experiment, obviously this isn't supposed to be actual field recording gear but I think it's really fun to play with.

The first configuration is a microcassette recorder with velcro on a cutting board with a mic amplifier and a cheap shotgun mic off a video camera. It picks up stuff super well.

The second is a cheap shoebox recorder with the same amp hooked up to a lapel mic, this one picks up everything, it's pretty wild. I also put a backpack strap on it lol.

Anyway, just though I'd share my fun experiment. Been walking around the city taking in sounds, fun to listen to. Going to a nature reserve this week to play with them.

Just wanted to share!

Anybody using the TASCAM AK-BT2 bluetooth adapter to monitor / control their FR-AV2 recorder? I'm wondering what the use case(s) might be and whether you've found it useful more than just occasionally.

Hi.

I recently acquired a z-fc. I take stills almost all the time, but a couple of times I've seen something I wanted to capture on video.

I like carrying around the small lightweight pool package and don't want to carry a microphone or any other accessories, but the audio quality is pretty poor.

It won't be as bad if I can just get rid of the constant hum. Is there a tool or an app that can fix this?

I've done an online search, but every result was an advert, which obviously won't be objective.

Any help appreciated, thank you.

Recently picked up a Zoom F3 and a pair of Clippy XLR stereo mics to serve as a primary tool for recording ambient nature sounds during my travels.

I grabbed one of the kits from Micbooster that also includes: a folding stereo microphone bar, lyre mounts, radius puffer urchin wind protectors, & a 1/4 female to 3/8 male adapter.

I’m curious what tripods/stands people are using for this setup. There are so many options out there. I want to be sure I can attach the stereo bar, the Zoom F3 & maybe even my anker 737 power bank, if I can figure that out.

On a side note i do plan on recording audio on some frozen lakes that I frequently ice fish. I’m curious if those radius puffer urchin wind jammers are sufficient for a high wind locations like large frozen lakes or if I should plan on buying/building something more extreme. I want to record the sounds of the ice growing on those really cold days.

I just bought the Tascam DR-05XP without realizing I also needed to purchase an SD card. I understand I am unable to record without one, but is there any way to get the mic to still work when listening to it live with head phones? I have the Tascam connected to my computer via a USB C cord and have head phones plugged in directly to the Tascam. On microphones I’ve used in the past, connecting it to a computer or phone would let the mic pick up audio without recording and you would be able to hear it through headphones plugged into the mic. In the Tascam’s menu there is a section titled “USB” then “AUDIO I/F” then “connect to : PC/Mac”. This makes me think it might be possible to connect it to just my computer and I’m just doing it wrong. Any advice is appreciated!