#323

about looking odd and people’s reaction to a recordist in public spaces, one thing i have noticed over the years : when there is a camera, most people forget there is also a microphone. They somehow know how to stay out of the picture frame (or so they think) and feel safe standing there. When there is just a microphone, they more than often act like their privacy is at risk and picture an attitude of defiance (mistrust?) and make unfunny jokes about dead animals hanging up there or anything that will feel to render the recording useless (no scissors ever existed, you know). Sometimes you end up recording a nice conversation between you and a genuinely curious stranger just before running out of power ^^.

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#324

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Hi guys, just thought I’d share a little custom design I’ve thrown together for my recordings: I like to attach my DPAs to my shoulders so that I can have my hands free to do things and to be a little more subtle, but I got tired of the cables dangling everywhere which drew a lot of attention. I’ve modified an old baggy hoodie so that the mic cables can run underneath and then pop through some eyelets I’ve added, making everything a lot more discrete and tidy. I’m no haberdasher but it was actually really easy to learn how to do it and only cost a couple quid.

I’ve included a before and after shot to compare, as well as an explanatory photo crudely edited in MS paint in case anyone’s interested in trying it themselves.

I’ve been lurking for a while so I also just want to say hi and thanks for sharing all the great recordings!

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#325

Does anyone have any hot windjammer advice for handheld recorders? Specifically a Sony D100, which I love but is notoriously sensitive. Can’t find anything good searching that’s not basically pooh-poohing everything commonly available. The included windjammer doesn’t cut it.

I like recording the ocean, wind blowing through the trees, etc., and, well… :thinking:

#327

Can’t say for certain, but Zoom’s wsu-1 might fit. Its used with a little zip tie thingy but I can’t find any info online about it’s maximum dimensions, but I figure if it can fit over Zoom’s handy recorders then it should be fine over Sony’s - there isn’t too much of a size disparity is there?

#328

Does anyone have advice on DIY windjammer? The foam one included with the h4n also doesn’t cut it!

#329

The Sony has a nice fluffy windscreen, not a foam one, but the mics are so sensitive it’s still a problem in low / modest wind.

This guy likes the Rode Dead Kitten (!?) best, but the same author says elsewhere on the internet that they’re redesigned and less effective now or something. He’s being pretty particular though.

#330

My mother in law sewed one for me using some fake fur and it works great. Make allowances for seams when cutting, mine ended up a very snug fit. I think a bit larger with an elastic bottom or draw string would be better.

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#331

Do you hear significant losses in high frequencies? The materials people use seem pretty thick and they don’t say anything about frequency response.

#332

Not that I noticed. The fur was from the collar of an old jacket and didn’t have a thick backing. I was just happy I didn’t get the boomy wind sounds ruining outdoor recordings.

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#333

I use a Rode dead kitten on my Sony M10. Before that, I used a cheaper alternative. The Rode is much better. The fur has very long strands which seem to stop all wind from hitting the mic. Consequently you can set the recording level much higher.

There is a loss of higher freqencies but it’s a trade-off. You would probably need a much more expensive mic to avoid that, I would imagine.

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#335

I would think that a high-end DPA mic with a top quality dead cat/kitten would result in more high-frequencies being recorded than a budget mic and cover. Obviously some top end will be lost.

#337

Yeah totally, we are arguing the same point. My Rode windshield has a better quality and longer strands of fluff than the Chinese copy or the Sony windshield bundled with the recorder. It definitely makes a difference in the recording.

So the best approach is to go for the best mic you can afford but don’t scrimp on the kitten!

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#339

I use dpa mics with windbubbles and get very good results. The bubble feel expensive for what they are initially but well worth it in my opinion

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#340

Curious, does anyone here do field recording for a living? (Not sure if anyone has already mentioned this; so many comments!) If yeah, let’s hear how you got into the profession! Maybe share some examples of your professional projects too?

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#342

I enjoy checking this thread - seems like there is an uptick in internet interest in all things field recording these days. emphasized text

Looking forward to checking out the new Kate Carr: https://soundcloud.com/flaming-pines/i-ended-out-moving-to-brixton-kate-carr-excerpt

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#344

That’s awesome!! What kind of radio shows/programming do you produce? Do you work for a local radio station, or do freelance? I’ve dabbled in podcast production, and at one point was going to help produce a podcast for a soap recipe YouTuber. Unfortunately the project went up in suds…

#346

Ah! Just found your post! Giving it a listen now.

EDIT: This sound design is great, @sixnon! The layers of sound, voices, and narration are wonderful. Did you compose the music too? It was cool to get such an intimate glimpse of aboriginal Australia.

#347

Wow very interesting! I studied anthropology and read a bit about this subject.

#349

i think it’s a good place to share this.
field rec. and sine waves. edit : i like it very much.

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#351

how are you doing with your listening practice and your field recordings ?

1 Like