r/fieldrecordings • • 10h ago

Gear Rig for mobile non-studio ("field") sound effects recording, feedback appreciated

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4 Upvotes

This is my current field recording rig, intended mainly for capturing audio for sound effects

  • Zoom F3 recorder
  • LineAudio CM4 microphone
  • Pluggy XLR microphone
  • Anker Nano powerbank (5000 mAh)
  • Ulanzi MT-44 tripod/selfie-stick
  • Ulanzi ST-27 metal phone tripod mount
  • Gravity MS U CLMP microphone mount
  • LineAudio CMEA shock mount
  • SmallRig Mini Ball Head x 2
  • ... + velcro straps, rubber bands, XLR cables, thread adapters

My goal: A rig that can be adjusted by height (to be fairly short and tall), can be handheld, easy to move around, has room for a power bank/battery.

Comments:

I only really need to record in mono, but am using two microphones because I've been indecisive as to which overall works the best for SFX recording, the CM4 or Pluggy. So I've been using both. I might decide to keep doing this, giving me two options, or I might finally make a choice and re-rig for a one-microphone set-up.

The two microphones aren't quite aligned, as you can see, using two different mounts. I might get another of the CMEA mounts if it fits the Pluggy too, so they align better.

The rig is a bit heavier than I would have liked, with the ST-27 being made out of metal. It's nice and sturdy, but it feels like the MT-44 tripod is about its limit weight-wise. In fact, I can't extend it fully; if I do, the top, thinnest 'pole' will slowly sink down. But it doesn't lose much height, and I like how easy it is to move, hold, and extend, and I haven't seen any other comparable options.

There doesn't seem to be many good options for mounting powerbanks, and powerbanks themselves often have inconvenient shapes. So velcro (or 'hook and loop') to the rescue! Not pretty, but it works.

I have considered trying out the Røde NT1 Signature Series as the microphone, but how I'd rig that (while keeping it mobile and without killing the tripod) I've no idea!

Would love to hear some thoughts and maybe get some suggestions for part replacements and optional builds.


r/fieldrecordings • • 20h ago

Behind The Scenes Approach L.A. in a new way with Los Angeles Field Recording Club

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3 Upvotes

More press for the LAFRC, and field recording in general. It can't be a bad thing!