Audio Equipment

Overview

Topic Quick Finder:

	Recorders		Microphones/Transducers	Playback	Misc.
	Analog		Overview	Headphones	Preamps
		Cassette	Shotgun	Speakers	External power
		Open-reel	Parabolic reflector	Amplifiers	Shock-mounts
	Digital		Omni-directional		Cables
		R-DAT	Uni-directional		Speed accuracy
		MiniDisc (MD)	Infrasonic		Protective case
		MiniDisc (Hi-MD)	Hydrophones		Reading list
		Hard-drive	Bat detectors		Vendors
		Solid-state			Additional info

Recording birds, frogs, mammals, insects, and other natural sounds can be very challenging and rewarding. The proper selection of field recording equipment will help you make the most out of every recording opportunity and will probably save you time and money in the long run.

Equipment choices are very limited due to the specialized requirements of natural sound recording work. Issues surrounding the choices have to do with quality, specific application, durability, ease of operation, and last, but certainly not least, the cost. Suitable formats for use in natural sound recording include cassette, open-reel, and digital systems. Microphone systems include the shotgun and the parabolic reflector.

The following sections provide details on the options available to the field recordist based on our in-house testing and extensive field experience. Links to manufacturers and vendors are provided if you desire additional information.

Download the pdf version of our Field Recording report for easy printing.