David,
Thanks very much for the info. I was considering the Rode NTG-1 Condenser
Shotgun Microphone ($250), which seems to have gotten good ratings (but for
nature recording? I don't know); it has phantom power, which I think I
understand but again do not know what the implications of phantom power are
for nature recording. Then again, maybe I don't get it; is "self-powered"
the opposite of "phantom powered"? If so, then it sounds like this mike
isn't optimal for me. One thing that hadn't occurred to me was that this
kind of mike probably works best when you point it at the noise-maker, but
being deaf in one ear, I tend not to be the best at precisely orienting
towards sounds! Are headphones used to help orient the mike?
Thanks again!
Alan
On Thu, May 10, 2012 at 10:30 AM, Avocet <> wrote:
> Alan,
>
> I'm prone to jumping in on newbie questions and don't be put off if
> you hear differing views. :-)
>
> > I think we=92d want these sounds to have as much separation from
> > the background sounds as possible.
>
> Separtion is the biggest problem with field recording, possibly the
> only problem as long as you don't overload the recording. Keep the
> record level low as with digital you can always increase it later.
>
> > Because our main goal will be to capture recordings
> > (birds, orthopterans, and frogs) in the field that we can later try
> > to identify, I think we=92d want these sounds to have as much
> > separation from the background sounds as possible.
>
> You can do a lot to a recording later with filtering such as a bass
> cut and you can sometimes enhance the species frequenies you are
> interested in, but there is really no substitute for getting close
> with a good mic. The problem is that the wildlife is likely to depart.
>
> > 3) I think portability and =93on the go=94 would be valuable attributes
> > in a field biology class.
>
> Ideally the field kit should go into a small rainproof rucksac.
>
> Use any old headphones or earpiece while recording to make sure a plug
> hasn't come out. If the wildlife is moving a level indicator it is
> recording it but there may be other problems so listen in.
>
> > I suspect noise would be best minimized, but stereo image and
> > spatiality probably less important
>
> Stereo is nice, and useful in group recordings, but a clean mono is
> nicer. For good noise figures, go for a mono gunmic in a large
> windshield. Wind can be a major problem. Use a maximum bass cut on the
> recorder as well to avoid overloading and, as with low level, you can
> reverse this afterwards.
>
> > 4) Total budget almost too embarrassing to mention; probably less
> > than $300, at least initially.
> > ...
> > I doubt I currently own any relevant gear (does a Sony digital
> > voice recorder count?).
>
> If the recorder will record "music quality" and has a suitable mic
> input socket, it is a starting point.
>
> Think about spending out on a "basket" type windshield (second hand?)
> or you will be limited to low wind or calm conditions. It will also
> protect your mic from weather, mud, etc. You can make a "fluffy cover"
> yourself.
>
> The microphone is less important. (!?) The reason I say this is that
> when you get hooked on recording, you will never be satisfied with
> your mic or mics. My Sennheisers list at $600 upwards (old type used)
> each on eBay and they are not perfect, but just about as good as you
> can get. Go for mono to halve your initial costs. Look at used
> equipment lists for self powered gunmics - nothing else is suitable -
> and the longer the better.
>
> BTW last week I bought three old Semnheiser MKH-815 T mics - the long
> gunmic which is the ideal mono wildlife mic type, for around =A3160
> total on eBay. I already have a good mount and basket windgag, but
> that cost more. I'm making a stereo windgag mount/windgag out of
> gardening hanging baskets and plastic mesh.
>
> Recording "quality" and frequency response is less important and not
> worth initially paying big money for. Mic noise is irritating but may
> not interfere with species recognition. It can be reduced with sound
> editing software (I use free Audacity)
>
> > There apparently once was a shotgun
> > mike somewhere in the department
>
> This may be a good one but it also may need a separate power unit and
> plug adaptors.
>
> David
>
> David Brinicombe
> North Devon, UK
> Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum - Ambrose Bierce
>
>
>
> ------------------------------------
>
> "While a picture is worth a thousand words, a
> sound is worth a thousand pictures." R. Murray Schafer via Bernie Krause.
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
--
Alan Harvey
Associate Professor of Biology
Georgia Southern University
Statesboro, GA 30460-8042
(912) 478-5784
fax (912) 478-0845
http://www.bio.georgiasouthern.edu/bio-home/harvey/index.html
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