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Re: Cleaning and preventing fly sounds in recordings

Subject: Re: Cleaning and preventing fly sounds in recordings
From: "Eric Fassbender" eric.fassbender
Date: Wed Mar 6, 2013 6:39 pm ((PST))
Hi,

I just felt that I owed all of you a response to your suggestions in regard=
s to preventing flies in recordings. So here it is, even if belated :)

My current solution:

On Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=3D504319572951789&set=3Dpb.14709294=
Message: 8674455.
Subject: -2207520000.1362622723&type=3D3&theater

On website

http://www.australian-nature-sounds.com/pictures/P1010182.JPG

But as you may see this is only a solution when I'm travelling to the locat=
ion by car. For remote locations I have another solution ...
As you can see in the picture, I also carry a small umbrella with me (on th=
e ground). This is mostly to protect my gear and myself from unexpected rai=
n or provide shade, however, the Rode NT5's are very sensitive to wind, eve=
n with a blimp and windjammer fur. So the umbrella occasionally doubles as =
an extra windshield in very strong wind conditions. Yes, the sound quality =
is reduced, however, in high wind situations this minimal reduction in qual=
ity does not bother me that much. The sound of the wind in the trees is def=
initely loud enough to make up for some other effects.

However, apart from using the small umbrella for rain and wind protection, =
I also use it for fly protection now. I have purchased the cheapest and lig=
htest mozzie net on eBay (so it adds absolutely minimal weight and bulk to =
my pack and if it rips I won't be stressed) and I hang this over the umbrel=
la which I then hold over the microphones. That keeps the flies away far en=
ough so their sound is reduced so it is almost inaudible :) In a high wind =
situation I just weigh the net down with rocks or branches. Good training f=
or the hand and shoulder muscles, too ;)

Thanks again for your input :)

Eric


On 29/01/2013, at 12:48 AM,  wrote:

> E-Mail group of individuals interested i Group
> 5 New MessagesDigest #5689
> 1aRe: Using Phantom Power with Sennheiser K6 Module by "Gianni Pavan" gpa=
van1960
> 2aminidiscs? by "Debbi B." dgbrusco
> 2bRe: minidiscs? by "jtudor2005" jtudor2005
> 3aRe: Blimp wind cover for ME66 by "vickipowys" vpowys
> 4aRe: Cleaning and preventing fly sounds in recordings by "vickipowys" vp=
owys
>
> Messages
> 1aRe: Using Phantom Power with Sennheiser K6 Module
> Sun Jan 27, 2013 8:33 am (PST) . Posted by:"Gianni Pavan" gpavan1960in my=
 experience the K6/ME66 combination is noisier when operated on
> batteries, moreover, they produce narrow peak above 25 kHz (variable in
> different units). see the plots at the end of web page
> http://www.unipv.it/cibra/res_techtest_uk.html
> My K6 units have been serviced by sennheiser but the peaks did not
> disappear.
>
> Gianni
>
> 2013/1/27 Jerry Berrier >
>
> > **
> >
> >
> > Does it matter whether I use the built-in battery on the K6 or 48-volt
> > power
> > from my recorder?
> >
> > Jerry Berrier
> >
> > 508-735-4420
> >
> >
> >
> >
>
> --
> Centro Interdisciplinare di Bioacustica e Ricerche Ambientali
> Universit=E0 degli Studi di Pavia
> Via Taramelli 24, 27100 Pavia
> http://www.unipv.it/cibra
> http://mammiferimarini.unipv.it
>
>
> Reply to sender . Reply to group . Reply via Web Post . All Messages (5) =
. Top ^
> 2aminidiscs?
> Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:03 pm (PST) . Posted by:"Debbi B." dgbruscoI have a co=
uple of recorders and mic that I haven't used in a long time.
> Does anyone still use minidiscs(i.e. would it be worth trying to sell
> them?)?
>
> Sony MZ-R50
> Sony MZ-NH1
> Sony ECM-MS957
>
> And if anyone is interested in these, please let me know.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Debbi
>
>
> Reply to sender . Reply to group . Reply via Web Post . All Messages (2) =
. Top ^
> 2bRe: minidiscs?
> Sun Jan 27, 2013 1:25 pm (PST) . Posted by:"jtudor2005" jtudor2005They ar=
e probably more useful for that time when you have a need to transfer somet=
hing from mini-disc to another format.
>
> I often get requests for transfer from tape to CD and my old tape (but we=
ll maintained) recorders come into use.
>
> --- In  "Debbi B." wrote:
> >
> > I have a couple of recorders and mic that I haven't used in a long time=
.
> > Does anyone still use minidiscs(i.e. would it be worth trying to sell
> > them?)?
> >
> > Sony MZ-R50
> > Sony MZ-NH1
> > Sony ECM-MS957
> >
> > And if anyone is interested in these, please let me know.
> >
> > Thanks.
> >
> > Debbi
> >
> >
> >
>
> Reply to sender . Reply to group . Reply via Web Post . All Messages (2) =
. Top ^
> 3aRe: Blimp wind cover for ME66
> Sun Jan 27, 2013 10:35 pm (PST) . Posted by:"vickipowys" vpowysPeter,
>
> My response may be too late but I'll send it anyway.
>
> I have an ME66 which I use in the field with a slip-on Rode Softie
> and handle, very useful but it will catch some wind rumble. I make
> sure the area of the on-off switch is also covered with furry fabric
> as it is sensitive to wind, for some reason. You can use an ordinary
> comb to brush the softie hair, you don't need a special brush. It is
> important that the fur not be matted and that it should bend in the
> wind and 'confuse' the wind rather than stop it dead.
>
> If I am looking to get a really good lyrebird recording with no hint
> of wind rumble then I use a full Rode blimp with the ME66 plus handle
> on a monopod. The fact that the blimp completely covers the back of
> the mic and the cable attachment, and is rounded at the front, are
> all positives. I have the furry cover but never need to use it,
> instead I have found that the mesh cover, plus a green furry mohair
> cover (good cammo) are all that I need.
>
> Mostly I use the softie simply because it is quicker, lighter and
> easier but the full blimp is fantastic for certain situations.
>
> Vicki
>
> On 22/01/2013, at 8:25 AM, Peter Shute wrote:
>
> > My experience with the foam and fur on the ME66 hasn't been good in
> > stronger winds. After hearing so many comments to the contrary, I'm
> > wondering if my problems are due to an inadequate furry cover. I'm
> > not even sure what type it is, it came with the second hand ME66 I
> > bought. I've always thought the fur seemed too short, so perhaps
> > just replacing the cover would have done the job.
> >
> > However, unfortunately the blim is now ordered, so I'll get to see
> > what it can do. I had been thinking of the possibility of an NT4 in
> > the future, so it won't go to waste.
> >
> > Or, thinking of having tolug it around, maybe I should exchange it.
> > What's the best model of furry cover that will go over the foam?
> >
> > Peter Shute
> >
>
>
> Reply to sender . Reply to group . Reply via Web Post . All Messages (22)=
 . Top ^
> 4aRe: Cleaning and preventing fly sounds in recordings
> Sun Jan 27, 2013 10:47 pm (PST) . Posted by:"vickipowys" vpowysHi Eric,
>
> Flies that land on your mics are pretty much impossible to remove
> with audio editing altho you can modify them a little with something
> like RX.
>
> I agree with Dan, the best bet are those folding clothes hampers made
> with fine mesh which would stop the flies actually landing on the
> mics. That way you will hear the flies as part of the environment
> but without the intrusion of 'landing in your ears'. Another thing I
> used to try was a piece of lightweight cotton cloth, give that a
> light spray with aerogard, then drape it over the mic rig, there
> would be just enough scent to stop the flies landing on the rig but
> not enough to damage any equipment.
>
> It's all very well for Andrew to say 'don't record in areas where
> there are flies' but one of the most beautiful locations I came
> across in Kakadu for recording Little Shrike-thrush was laden with
> large stripey purple flies, obviously the birds liked to eat them. I
> rested the mic rig on a log and gently waved a leafy branch back and
> forth to stop the flies landing, whilst dreaming up a foolproof fly
> net for my next visit!
>
> Just a few ideas,
>
> Vicki
>
> On 21/01/2013, at 10:54 AM, Eric Fassbender wrote:
>
> > Hi all and thanks for welcoming me to the community.
> >
> > I currently live in Darwin, Australia so most of my recordings
> > feature sounds from the tropical north. If you are interested, feel
> > free to have a listen on my website or on Soundcloud (details below).
> >
> > One problem that I often face are flies that mess up my recordings
> > (being in Australia's outback, flies are a very common occurrence).
> > Does anyone have suggestions on a) how to remove the nasty buzzing
> > sounds from existing recordings or (and this would be even more
> > helpful) b) how to prevent flies in recordings in the first place?
> >
> > In regards to a) my current approach is to just chop the bits where
> > the flies are too dominant but in some recordings that means that I
> > not only lose 70% of the recording but it is also a whole heap of
> > work where the 3 minute outcome does not justify the 6 hours of
> > editing. The problem is that the buzzing sound goes right across
> > the frequency spectrum from about 300 Hz to about 3KHz. It would be
> > great if someone had a suggestion on how I can remove or mask this
> > annoyance.
> >
> > In regards to b) I've been thinking about all sorts of
> > constructions, like mozzie nets that can be installed around the
> > microphones or some sort of repellent to keep the flies away,
> > however, the problem with mozzie nets is that the additional weight
> > and stuff that I have to carry and the time it takes to set
> > everything up does again not seem to justify the result. And
> > apparently there is no fly repellent that really works, so that
> > just seems to be pouring money down the drain for something that is
> > very likely to not work. Plus, I wouldn't want to spray any
> > chemical on the windjammers anyway.
> >
> > My recording gear includes a Marantz PMD661 with a pair of matched
> > Rode NT5's. The NT5's are very sensitive and not normally the best
> > choice for even slightly windy situations, however, when combined
> > with a blimp and windjammer they create a brilliant and authentic
> > stereo image of the locations. I am very happy with this setup as
> > it is very compact and the quality of the recordings is very good
> > too. It's just the bloody flies that I need to get rid off. So if
> > anyone has some recommendations or tricks on how to remove flies
> > from existing recordings without compromising too much of the
> > actual desired sounds or on how to prevent flies from entering the
> > recording space in the first place, that would be much appreciated.
> >
> > I look forward to hearing from you,
> >
> > Eric
> >
> >
> > Website: www.australian-nature-sounds.com
> > Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/australiannaturesounds
> >
>
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