Field Recording Basics

Welcome, rest here for a bit as we go over field sound recording. This is a budget-oriented video and will work through the basics of capturing beautiful atmospheres.
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One major thing I forgot to add in the video, despite my adamant advice of "keep it simple" is that you can start with your smartphone! "Voice Record Pro" on the iOS App Store provides more advanced control than the default "voice memos" app, and also offers stereo recording.
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Equipment featured and recommended in this video:
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Timestamps
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00:00 Intro
00:38 what is field recording?
01:08 gear
02:47 starting simple; two-track recorder
06:36 listen to the TASCAM DR-40x
07:15 eight-track recorder
08:11 START SIMPLE
09:20 external mics (shotgun mic)
10:54 external mics (omnidirectional mics)
12:08 listen to omnidirectional mics
13:09 external mics (cardioid mics)
15:10 listen to cardioid mics
17:12 wind protection
20:42 the beauty of field recording & closing thoughts
22:35 peace out
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[Wayofgrace]

I really like how you are just talking like a regular person. And not doing the thing many people do on youtube accentuanting to make a point, people start sounding the same.. Also, I appreciate the information!

[BigUncleBrother]

Thanks for making this video. As someone who is considering this as a hobby, I really appreciate you taking the time to show the differences in how different mics sound as well as demonstrating just how important wind protection is.

[stefko]

Thanks for your effort! My heart has always been beating for (good) sound. I've been doing a lot of filming and also photographing over the years but nowadays I think the magic of the image gets more and more lost. At least for me that's why I'm meanwhile getting more joy out of field recording. For me one of the most challenging things is to find good sounding soundscapes with my ears and not my eyes. I still catch myself "looking" for good places to record. The ugliest or most boring looking places can be the best sounding ones. You really have to totally change your focus on how you realize the world around you. I'm looking forward more videos from you. Greetings!

[SilentFieldSK]

Love the point. After years of recording and designing, i'm going back to "simple" stage where everything started. Not just because of practicality point of view.. but also that feeling of "pride" when you catch some good sound with little gear. Over the years I bought a lot of gears for thousands of dollars.. and yes, they are great. But I don't know why, I don't feel any joy when I use them. Its more like.. yess they are great and yes I recorded some good sounds with them. But that's what you expect for that price. I miss that excitement when you record something with just recorder that you have in your pocket, then you run home to listen to it properly, and if it's good, you want to put it in a vault and keep it forever :)

[Dr.StevenShepard]

Alex, I’m a Vermont-based sound recordist; I write books about field recording and teach workshops, and I want to complement you on your program. Very well done, nice delivery, and let me also say that the last thing you said in this first video is important and compelling: that field recording is a great way to get out and experience the world around us. Nice work, sir. Keep them coming.

[numara]

This a very helpful good video as your first one.

[NickChenStudio]

Appreciate the thorough walkthrough and explanation. Very helpful for someone trying to get into field recording!

[melon_had]

Generous and thoughtful sharing of knowledge, without trying to sell a product. YouTube at its best. You rock Alex!

[jlaw]

Good to have found your channel. I installed 2 omni mics on my backpack with wind screens running to a Zoom F3 inside the backpack and control it from my phone via Bluetooth. Any time I hear something interesting I can just hit record, no setup, just remember to charge the batteryBank! Oh and empty the micro SD once in a while, and synch all your buckles and cables.

[atmospherism]

Timestamps

00:00 Intro
00:38 what is field recording?
01:08 gear
02:47 starting simple; two-track recorder
06:36 listen to the TASCAM DR-40x
07:15 eight-track recorder
08:11 START SIMPLE
09:20 external mics (shotgun mic)
10:54 external mics (omnidirectional mics)
12:08 listen to omnidirectional mics
13:09 external mics (cardioid mics)
15:10 listen to cardioid mics
17:12 wind protection
20:42 the beauty of field recording & closing thoughts
22:35 peace out

[rosco-reigns]

Awesome video man. I’m just getting started

[JasonNaas]

Hey, I really enjoyed your video. I'm just getting into field recording (got my Tascam DR-7X ready to go) and have been browsing around for inspiration. Mostly I have been bombarded with one particular field recording channel (you probably know the one) but I'm glad I found yours. I hope you keep it up! I would love to hear about what you like to record, how you process/organize it after, and what you do with it. I think you're on the right track, so I look forward to more. Thank you!

[johnrountree]

I really enjoyed your first video. Your honest, practical advice is spot on.

[alikonrat]

so grateful for this kind of videos, where you explain it in simple terms and show real life examples.

gear always will be something that we are all enthusiasts are passionate about 🙏🏼 keep doing such quality content and explore your limits. that truly inspires 🙌🏼

[olekoester]

Just got started and this really helped me and got me excited! So much better than overcomplicating things or just nerd talk. Thanks Alex!

[BenEsdor]

This video is a whole experience :D thanks, you have an awesome relaxing way of explaining.

[lonelysheriff]

Man you earned a new follower just by the first minutes of this video, your kindness is amazing, keep going dude!

[GregLarocque-qo]

Hi Alex, I just wanted to thank you for being the first video I watched as I've just found a new interest in learning the entire process of recording sound especially in the outdoors.Probably because Im in the process of retiring and have difficulty with hearing after years in a factory. You have the nicest approach to bringing us in to what you are listening to, so thank you. Im looking forward to watching more of your videos.And my first purchase. Lol

[MattJoyce]

Nice video. It's really clear you have a passion for this craft.

[omniphore]

Thank you. I hope to one day get as knowledgeable as you. My memory is like a sieve, I have to actively do something every day to not forget it