"d4vix",
I wrote recently on this and my advice is to keep everything simple.
We have fun on this list with all sorts of experimental rigs and
complex devices, but the starting point is a good stereo mic and an
effective windshield.
My golden rule is that it's not the mic that counts it's where you put
it.
> I've an upcoming travel period of one month, to India, for
> backpacking and village hopping purposes up north in Himachel
> Pradesh.
I'm green with envy as I'm too old and unfit to go back there. I've
done several trip in that area recording sound in the past and it's
marvellous. I've recorded a pilgrimage to the several sources of the
Ganges.
Leather is not welcome in temples and barefoot is the rule in temples
and shrines and in most villager's houses, so it may be worth while
toughening up your feet a bit first if necesary if you are going to
the more interesting locations.
> For this occasion I have bought an Olympus LS-5 and am browsing now
> for a 32gb SDHC to try and have as much storage for this purpose.
Record using 44.1sps 16 bit as WAV may soon eat up your 32gb as
there is lots to record. I'd take two 16gb cards in case one goes
down. If you are running short, don't be afraid to use MP3 at 320kb/s
as you probably won't hear the difference.
> When do you, if ever, use the low-cut filter, and on what
> sensitivity you set the microphone and recording level (which mode
> is most recommended for more detailed recordings?)
I always use a bass cut to avoid problems with wind and handling noise
"blocking off" a recording. With digital recording, you can put the
bass back in afterwards.
I also record at a low level so that unexpected loud sounds don't
overload the recording. Like bass wind noise, overlaoding can't be
repaired but you can restore the level afterwards. Ceremonial music
can have sudden loud bits. Avoid using an automatic recording level as
this will "pump" the sounds up and down. Keep the level indicator
towards the lower part of its range.
David
David Brinicombe
North Devon, UK
Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum - Ambrose Bierce
|