Tips to get a clear recording while out on the field

Do you conduct field recordings often and frustrated with audio that sounds like a truck hurtling downhill? It is a given that when you are field recording, very little is in your hands and despite everything that seemingly goes right, a lot can end up going wrong. Don’t throw up your hands in frustration as there for every problem you might face, there is a fix.

Certain precautions, careful selection of equipments and a few ground rules to follow can make a field recording sound like a studio recorded one. Or come close to it at the very least.

10 ways to ensure a clean field recording  

• A good quality headphone is the most important gear in your toolbox. It helps you concentrate and block out unnecessary noise.

• This point could sound redundant. But a microphone that is of high quality and most suited to your needs can assure you of a clear field recording.

• Call it tough luck, but the day you venture out to record happens to be the windiest day of the week. A windscreen can save the day for you. Shop for a windscreen that is specific to your microphone type for a better sounding recording.

• Be gentle while handling your recording equipments. Small bumps and shakes can get magnified to giant size proportions and render some portions almost inaudible.

 

 

• Invest in a professional portable digital field recorder. Some recorders offer 360 degree sound capture.

• Schedule your day in advance and ensure you have enough time on your hands to fix equipments and wait for that truck to pass. Unlike studio recording field recording can make you lose sense of time and can be lots of fun. So have an eye on the clock.

• Conduct audio studies in different environments prior to your field trip. It can give you a better idea of atmospheric noise and the gear to carry with you.

• Listen intently sometimes you can come across atmospheric sounds that can add value and interest to your recording.

•  Carry lots of batteries, and a few spare equipments that you may not ideally use but can come in handy during a crisis, nevertheless.

• Take a backup the minute you reach home! And if possible transcribe your recording to be on the safer side. If you are going to opt for audio transcription services do a little shopping to get the best bargain.