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		Hydrophones

Cassette

These popular devices were widely used for recording birds and natural sounds. Among the cassette recorders we tested that are appropriate for natural sound recording are two machines manufactured by the Sony Corporation and one machine manufactured by the Marantz Corporation.

Sony currently offers one monaural machine, the TCM-5000EV ($479.00) and, in limited quantities, a stereo machine, the TC-D5ProII ($1175.00).

The TCM-5000EV mono machine features a third head that serves as a playback/monitor head. This feature allows the recording to be monitored as it is being created which can assist the user in determining the quality of the recording. The recorder has a somewhat limited high-frequency response that falls off rapidly above 10.0 kHz. The electronic design of the recorder dictates the use of Type I tapes only. It also offers a good built-in playback speaker. Input/output connectors utilized are 3.5mm mini-jacks that are not very durable for field use. The response time of the VU meter is quite slow which makes it highly inaccurate for most natural sound recording work.

The TC-D5ProII stereo machine is a solid performer that offers considerably better high frequency response that is usable up to roughly 15.5 kHz. The recorder has the ability to record on cassette Type I, II, & IV tapes. This unit also has adequate VU meters, an additional peak level indicator light, and a small internal monitor speaker. Input connections are made via professional 3-pin XLR style connectors and output connections are RCA phono jacks. This machine is a two-head version that does not permit off-tape monitoring while recording.

Marantz offers a monaural machine, the PMD-222 ($400).

The PMD-222 mono recorder features a third head that serves as a playback/monitor head. This allows the recording to be monitored as it is being created which can assist the user in determining the quality of the recording. Type I, II, & IV cassette tapes can be used with this machine. The recorder also includes a reasonably good VU meter and a peak level indicator light. A professional 3-pin XLR style connector is used on the microphone input and the output connections are made via RCA phono jacks. High frequency response is usable up to about 14.5 kHz. This unit also includes an internal playback speaker.

The choice between the mono recorders is fairly straightforward. The Marantz PMD-222 performs (records) much better than the Sony TCM-5000EV. However, if the recorder is to be used for serious playback work the user will probably find that the Marantz speaker is not adequate for the task. One must consider adding an external powered speaker such as the Radio Shack model 277-1008 to equal what the Sony TCM-5000EV's speaker can provide.

When evaluating various models there are certain capabilities to consider. One of the most important features to look for is a manual record level control. The automatic level control (ALC) that is found on many portable cassette recorders is very handy for dictation but is totally ineffective for recording natural sounds. Machines that support Type II or Type IV tapes will also do a better job than machines that can only support Type I tape. Type II and IV tapes offer better high-frequency response, lower distortion, and better signal-to-noise ratios. Noise reduction systems, such as Dolby or DBX, although a benefit for music and voice recordings, will not work well for recording natural sounds. While these systems certainly will reduce tape hiss, they can also add distortion, breathing, and pumping and limit the amplitude of the higher frequencies of many bird vocalizations. If you require the ability to play back sounds in the field, you will want to consider a machine that offers a built-in speaker. The decision between stereo and mono is governed by the uses you have for your recordings. For most bird recording work, stereo might be an unnecessary complication. However, if you are interested in recording ambient environmental sounds, or want the ability to discern individuals that might be calling simultaneously, then a stereo machine is preferred.

Open-reel

The open-reel recorder was one of the top choices of the seasoned field recordist. Although now replaced by newer, lightweight, high-resolution, digital systems, a few of these machines are still in use. The advantages are sheer durability, fidelity, long battery life, immunity to humidity-related problems, and accuracy. The disadvantages are generally weight, higher cost, and frequent tape changes. Three companies, Nagra, Uher and Stellavox manufactured portable audio open-reel recorders suitable for natural sound recording work.

To the best of our knowledge only the Nagra and Stellavox are still currently available. Nagra offers a stereo machine (Nagra IV-S) that costs about $14,000.00. Stellavox offers the SP-9 for about $5,000-$7,000 depending on head block configuration. Good used machines can often be found at substantial savings. Our experience has shown that the Nagra is the most durable tape recorder that one can purchase. They simply do not fail. The Lab of Ornithology has 25-year old Nagras that are still in regular service. One other important factor to consider is the availability of open-reel tape stock. Current market trends are favoring digital recording devices; however there is still one analog tape manufacturer Quantegy, Inc. offering stocks for these portable machines.

Check Your Speed

Cassette machines are especially prone to speed variation problems. These variations can occur from tape to tape or even within any given tape. The age of the recorder, calibration, temperature, and the quality of the shell that houses the tape all factor into the speed accuracy issue.

If your recordings are to be used for any kind of scientific analysis work, then knowing the exact speed is a must, as tape speed directly affects how accurately the signals recorded can be replayed on other equipment.

An essential tool to help solve this issue is the pitch pipe or tuning fork. If a known pitch, e.g. A-440, is recorded every so often along the tape, it will be possible at a later time to adjust the playback speed of the recorder to match the original recording. Pitch pipes or tuning forks are available from most music stores and are not very expensive.