The Gear I Use
For many years, I recorded nature sounds with my iPhone. I collected sounds wherever I went. I was happy… until I wasn’t and then I went down a field recording rabbit hole. No longer content with using my iPhone, I purchased my first dedicated recorder in 2018 and have been testing and adding to my gear bag ever since. I’m pleased with the gear I list below, but I’m not an expert, so please don’t read this as a definitive list. Your needs are probably not the same as mine and that’s okay! I’d love to know your favorite gear choices and hear the sounds you’ve recorded.
Field Recorders
Choosing a recording device is always a personal choice. I specialize in recording natural soundscapes, so my needs will differ from someone that records music in a studio setting. My requirements include low self-noise, long battery life and the ability to record in at least 24-bit/96k format. I always recommend that each person do their own research to find what will work best for their specific needs. Please click below to read more.
Microphones
I have amassed quite a collection of microphones over the years. It took me a long time to figure out what microphones worked best for recording nature sounds and ambience. Through trial and error (and trust me, I made a lot of errors); the microphones below are what I consider essential for my work. Please click below to read more.
Headphones
Monitoring the sounds you are recording seems like an obvious thing to do, right? I use studio reference headphones most of the time, but will also use earbuds while out in the field. Click below to see what headphones I use.
Audio Accessories
Behind every great microphone is a supporting cast of accessories that ensure a recording can live up to its fullest potential. Usually purchased as an afterthought, we should give audio accessories equal weight when choosing gear. Click below to read more about the audio accessories I rely on to get the highest quality recordings.