Field recording

[stephenvit]

I can document it (tomorrow probably) if it would be helpful. I put the mic clips on and then just use gaffers tape and hang the DPAs over the clips. It gets a close approximation. The exact spacing is more correct with normal mics but I still hear a difference with the 4060s. This was just yesterday but with MKH 20s:

[benjamin]

Very cool! Is that the Josephson version? I’m currently looking at that one and the one on offer by Core Sound, which I think is made by MB.

I’m currently caught in a which is the “correct” Jecklin disk vortex, which model reproduces which version, etc. Although, I’m certain that my ears are not good enough tell, and that for me there would be a difference that won’t so much of a difference.

I really love running onmis in AB, but the stereo separation that I’ve heard with a baffled technique makes me want to explore other options.

[stephenvit]

it is the Josephson one. I remember doing some research but it’s been a couple years. I haven’t had great customer service interaction with Core and got the Josephson from Vintage King I think. I can try to do a recording with and without tomorrow and either post it or message it to you. I can’t remember if I said in a previous post but I particularly like the Jecklin with omnis for field recording in a space that has a really nice sound. For outdoor spaces, I generally use a M-S setup

[benjamin]

Your offer to provide samples is very generous and much appreciated.

For outdoor purposes: is it that you find the Jecklin disk unacceptable or that you have a preference for MS?

And another question, this one further out of field and odd ball: would it be possible to run the Jecklin handheld? I’m thinking of a lightweight rig for FX gathering and street scene type recordings. 90% of my recording is in “nature,” and so I would typically set it up and get away from it.

[stephenvit]

I definitely don’t find the Jecklin unacceptable outside. It can be great. It’s just to say, that’s become my preference with the gear I have and the spaces I’ve been recording in. And then, I’m not sure about handheld. I imagine it could work. It’s a bit top heavy but with the right pistol grip or other mount, you could find a way. Unless I’m facing strong winds, I usually use this Manfrotto lighting stand that folds up very nicely. I think it’s the
Manfrotto 5001B Nano Black Light Stand

[mode.analogue]

https://radiohummingbird.wordpress.com/2016/12/07/_on-framework-radio-577/

field recording and radio airplay. endless possibilities……….

[lijnenspel]

Anyone ever tried these mics for ios? http://www.mic-w.com/product.php?id=5

I want to practice field recording more, but don’t always have my recorder with me. This seems like a nice mic esp. the size, but havent seen them in the wild yet…

[mobbs]

I have the tascam im2 for the old 4s. if you have an older iphone lying about you can pick them up for super cheap. Mine was 1000yen/10 bucks on amazon new. Has same mic capsules as the bigger tascam recorders i think.

[AudioObscura]

https://soundcloud.com/audio-obscura-music/eastern-seaboard

Thought I would share this track I made, it uses a lot of field recording, some raw and some manipulated and some found sounds. Most of the field sounds were recorded on the WIldeye Sound recording weekend in the UK which is ran and hosted by Chris Watson - the UK’s leading field recorder and a one time member of Cabaret Voltaire. I learnt a lot that weekend and realized that technology and equipment is not as important as it seems - a basic kit used correctly will work with the right care and thought. Chris Watson was very inspirational. He told me personally that I got some great sounds with only £150 worth of equipment - in fact he said some of my recordings that weekend were better than some people who had £1000+ equipment! That was nice to hear. It was very interesting to hear the approach, philosophy, process and layering of field recording by Chris Watson - one year after this I am still inspired by the man.

[myecholalia]

Sounds great. What were you using?

[AudioObscura]

Thanks, my set up then and now is quite simple. I use a Tascam DR07mk2 - it was only about £75 about 5 years ago. I bought some Clippy omni-directional mics to plug in to this (I think these are the ones… -http://micbooster.com/clippy-em172-microphones/99-xlr-stereo-clippy-em172-microphone.html)
That is all. But I attach the mics onto a metal coat hanger (not suitable in thunder storms!) so the pair of mics are about 6 or 8 inches apart - I just tape them on. This is a trick that Chris Watson suggested we try, he himself finds it very effective - in part because its the perfect distance to have the mics apart from each other and also cause you can hang the coat hanger places (like tree branches).
It might seem basic - judging by some of the tech discussed in these pages - but to me its pretty effective.
If I am recording something close up I can unplug the mics and just use the built in mics on the Tascam - I was told to always record close up sounds in mono as well which was a new idea to me (as I always thought sound recording people would always use stereo) But it makes sense if you mix in a quieter wider stereo sound from the same location as an atmospheric base and have a stronger central mono sound you are trying to highlight. When I set out to record I like to take a few minutes just listening and putting the equipment in position and if I have the time to record 2 minutes in a few different places at a location before deciding which I feel is best and then set up for a longer recording, then if I don’t need to be with the equipment I’ll walk away and let it do the work.
It works for me and I am happy with the results.
Hope that helps?
Neil

[sellanraa]

Love using a coat hanger too. Very wide range of uses and, as you point out, cheap!

[myecholalia]

It works for me and I am happy with the results. Hope that helps? Neil

Thanks a lot. Yes, very helpful.

[nuun]

just found this site recommended by an friend, very cool:
http://aporee.org/maps/

[nuun]

also this one: http://www.frameworkradio.net/

[Zedkah]

I was thinking of getting an H6 has anyone got any comments on these. seem quite adaptable for a variety of tasks - not just field recording…but if the pre amps are noisey . Also what are those 2 mikes you get with them like? I have hated the sound of the inbuilt mikes on the cheaper zooms that i have used.

[stephenvit]

From the historic Pumphouse, Byrd Park, Richmond, VA. Water is flowing and dripping throughout. This was recorded with a Neumann binaural head and will sound much better with headphones.

https://soundcloud.com/stephenvitiello/pumphouse-binaural-for-headphone-listening

[AudioObscura]

I get a bit bored reading purely of technical and spec related issues about Field Recording so want to get a bit philosophical about the practice of Field Recording and start a discussion.

I have been thinking a lot about Field Recording as a sort of variation of a Mindfulness exercise. When you read something on Mindfulness practice they always start by saying things like ‘focus and concentrate on the breath’ but I have found a clear parallel with a focus and concentrating on sound/ listening when it comes to field recording. For me the process of field recording and the time spent intensely listening to sound has a benefit that others probably get from mindful breathing techniques.

The background to this thought came as I started the year in a bit of a rut - I felt a bit run down and had muddled thoughts in my head. I would often sit in my car in the car park near where I work for 10 minutes each morning before going into work and then often 10 or 15 minutes sitting in the car after work before driving home. I just sat there getting some time to myself and not even thinking. I noticed how many good sounds there were in this concrete multi-story car park. So since late January I have been sitting like this each morning and evening making 10 or 15 minute field recordings from different parts of the car park. I just sit in the car with the windows down and some omni-mics pointing out each side window. I have been getting some good sounds. After a few days I felt a lot better and I realize that Field Recording was my own version of ‘mindfulness’.

I expected someone had made this connection before and between field recording or just sound and mindfulness and the idea of focusing on listening - instead of on the breath. I wanted to follow up this idea with some reading on this idea but I have found nothing on the web at all. Can anyone point to anything that has been written that conveys similar ideas?
Does someone out there want to think and write about this?

I am still trying to figure out what to do with these ‘Car Park recordings’ - its like a little sound diary at the moment but I am still making them two or three days a week and have quite a few hours now.

[hamildad]

maybe anything written about deep listening might be relevant to your interest.

I’d just keep the recordings as a sound diary. either public or personal. its the process that seems to be what you are looking for, not the result.

if you want to make them useful as recordings, put them somewhere (online/offline) with a few details of the conditions and the sounds, and maybe a few things that were going on in your head at the time. or add them to freesound.org

Sounds like you might have been heading towards a bout of depression (speaking from experience) and that thankfully you have managed to find a ‘reason’ to sit quietly in the third space.

it might be worth branching this discussion off into therapeutic listening thread… how we use sounds/music for therapeutic purposes.

** edit** new topic made! Therapeutic Listening

[beo]

Does someone out there want to think and write about this?

you, maybe ?

it sounds like you’ve found yourself a great artistic project : i’m sure that with time and practice of these deep listenings and recordings processes, something very interesting will emerge.

this process (i mean your project and field recordings in general) makes me think a lot about photography processes : a picture is taken/recorded, and then it takes a long time before a form emerge from all the pictures taken : developments, editing, arranging, chosing, ordering, etc.
i think all this process is another way of (deep) listening to oneself. another kind of meditation, long run, with or across other rythms.

another way i’m looking at it : it’s a lot like alchemy. working on matter (here : sounds) transforms you (ie your spirit/soul/inner self/whatever you name it).