> it has phantom power, which I think I
> understand but again do not know what the implications of phantom
> power are for nature recording.
Alan,
It means carrying a power box or mixer which can supply phantom power.
Some digital recorders supply phantom power, but that shortens their
battery time quite dramaticlly.
Self powered mics have a battery built in. Plug in power (PIP) is the
domestic equivalent with some electret mics which can be supplied from
some digital recorders. However, the Rode is probably the best bet if
you are going to take recording further. I haven't used it but other
listers may want to comment on mics.
> 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?
You need to use headphones anyway and a hand held gunmic will enable
you to locate each source of sound, especially high pitched sounds.
This is no different to recording in mono with two ears. For instance
you should be able to pinpoint a bird in a tree with it - if it keeps
singing. What is more important is detecting sources of noise like a
nearby road and keepog the mic away from those. However, gunmics are
not perfect and have some sensitive side lobes, but with headphones
you will be able to hear these as well.
Two tips - higher pitched noises can be baffled off with your body or
with a large object like a car. The other tip is to try the mic on or
near soft ground which can also reduce background noise and also wind
noise.
David
David Brinicombe
North Devon, UK
Cogito cogito ergo cogito sum - Ambrose Bierce
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