HANDHLED RECORDERS FOR FIELD RECORDING
The Sony PCM D100 on a trip in Japan
Where to start ?
Field recording requires a variety of equipment to capture sounds in the open air. The range of equipment available is extremely varied and caters for all budgets. It’s easy to get lost among all the reviews. Whether it’s recorders, microphones or suspension systems, it’s best to be well informed before any purchase, as there may be additional costs you haven’t thought of, such as the purchase of cables to connect specific systems, windscreens, etc.
If you’re interested in field recording, it’s because you’ve already listened closely to the sounds around you more than once, and that’s where the practice begins, by listening !
To get started, you need to find a portable recorder that is easy to use and pack, one that feels like an extension of your ears.
Here, we will focus simply on portable recorders to be the most efficient in the field. Because when it comes to field recording, it’s not necessarily about the equipment, but the sound. Having a small recorder with you, easy to set up, will allow you to capture an unexpected situation, record a passing idea, or simply the sounds of everyday life.
What is the best recorder for starting field recording ?
It all depends on your expectations and your budget. Here is a list of portable recorders according to price.
1. Entry-Level Portable Recorder
These recorders do not have additional XLR inputs. They are transportable in all situations due to their small size. They combine microphones and recorders in one compact device.
- Zoom H1n : up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, 89 euros
- Zoom H1Essential : up to 32 bits / 96 kHz, 109 euros
- Tascam DR-05X : up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, 105 euros
- Tascam DR-07X : up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, 129 euros
- Sony PCM A10 : up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, no longer in production, prices vary according to offers
2. Mid-Range Portable Recorder
These recorders have additional inputs. They are larger than previous recorders, but still compact. They combine microphones, additional inputs and recorders in one compact device.
- Zoom H4n : up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, 2 XLR inputs, 159 euros
- Zoom H5 : up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, 2 XLR inputs, modular microphones, 169 euros
- Tascam DR-40X : up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, 2 XLR inputs, 189 euros
- Sony PCM D100 : up to 24 bits / 192 kHz, 1 Stereo Mic input in jack 3,5, no longer in production, prices vary according to offers
3. Higher-End Portable Recorder
These recorders have additional inputs. They are a little larger than previous recorders, but still compact compare to professionnal sound recorders (Sound Devices for example). They combine microphones, additional inputs, recorders and additional technical features in one compact device.
- Zoom H6Essential : up to 32 bits / 96 kHz, 4 MIC XLR Inputs, 329 euros
- Zoom H8 : up to 24 bits / 96 kHz, 4 MIC (24/48 V) XLR Inputs, 2 XLR / jack TRS, modular microphones, 329 euros
- Tascam Portacapture X6 : up to 32 bits / 96 kHz, 2 XLR Inputs, 339 euros
- Tascam Portacapture X8 : up to 32 bits / 192 kHz, 4 XLR Inputs, 479 euros
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Sony PCM-D10 : up to 32 bits / 192 kHz, 2 Mic XLR inputs, 1 Stereo Mic input in jack 3,5, no longer in production, prices vary according to offers
Essential Accessories
You should not overlook the various accessories that will complement the recorder to make your sound recordings.
- Headphones : to check levels and simply listen your recordings
- Windshield : to reduce wind noise, which is essential for outdoor recordings. Although windshields are often provided with the recorder at purchase, they can sometimes be insufficient against moderate to strong winds
- Suspension : to reduce handling noise, useful for on-the-go recordings.
- Tripod : to place the recorder in specific locations
- Memory Cards : to ensure necessary storage for recordings, SD or microSD, depends on the recorder.
The Ideal Kit
As we can see, the list of recorders is long, and not all of them are highlighted in this article. Before you embark on purchasing a recorder, you need to consider your future use. If your future goal is to make recordings with external microphones, you will definitely need to get a recorder with XLR inputs to avoid having to buy another recorder later on. It’s all about compromise. Considering the size of the machine, its specifications, the price, and your budget. Accessories should not be overlooked either.
It seems to me that all the accessories presented here, along with a recorder, would form an ideal kit !
Practical Tips For Beginners
- Choose varied locations : Explore different environments to enrich your sound library
- Be patient and attentive : Capturing sounds often requires patience and careful listening
- Practice regularly : The more you record, the more you will develop your ear and technical skills
By investing in good basic equipment and practicing regularly, you can quickly progress in the art of field recording. Whether you want to record birdsong, the sound of waves, or the ambiance of a busy street, each captured sound will enrich your experience and your sound library. Happy recording !
