Microphones
Audio-Technica BP4025 Stereo Microphone
The Audio-Technica BP4025 is an x/y stereo microphone with low self-noise and an uncanny ability to hear everything. It is my favorite microphone to use in environments with varying intensities of sound or for recording room tones. The perfect microphone for dawn and evening choruses. I intend to do a full review of this microphone soon, as it really deserves more than a quick blurb in my gear section.
A few accessories for the BP 4025 are available that will improve your success rate when recording outdoors. I use the Rycote Baby Ball Gag (21mm) for general protection and wind suppression paired with the Rycote Windjammer (one size fits all the ball gag models) for those really windy days. I also use the Rycote InVision INV-HG mkIII microphone suspension with lyre mount to keep the kit stable. Finally, I mount this kit on the Manfrotto Carbon Fiber Nanopole for the ultimate in a lightweight and high-quality recording setup.
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Rode NTG5 Shotgun Microphone
The Rode NTG5 shotgun microphone was the first professional microphone I purchased because I wanted to get “closer” to my subjects. It is perfect for subject isolation, which I like to do when recording birds. For narration and voiceover, it is my go-to microphone. What drew me to this microphone was its RF-bias technology and special coating on the electronics, protecting the microphone in harsh conditions. I also appreciate its featherweight status (76 grams), which is always important when taking gear into the field. For field recording, perhaps the biggest selling point for me is its low self-noise and smooth off-axis response.
Sonorous Objects SO.1 Microphones
The Sonorous Objects SO.1 uses the Primo EM272 omnidirectional capsules with to create a microphone with low self-noise and a wide dynamic range. I have built microphones using the EM272 capsules and the SO.1 build quality far exceeds my DIY versions. The microphones are perfect for creating a stereo pair to create soundscapes with amazing separation and superb audio. I intend to do a further review of the SO.1 as a blog post but a quick summary; high quality, amazing range and very fair price.
LOM Geofón Microphone
If you know, you know. Field recordists and Sound Designers alike lust after the LOM Geofón microphone for its ability to capture vibrations that result in interesting sounds. Its rarity also adds to its allure. Every time the microphone becomes available, it sells out in less than 3 minutes. I have a goal to record Pileated Woodpeckers as they probe and drill into trees in the search of food (mostly carpenter ants). This is going to be a long-term project, but I am hoping this microphone will help me record the sounds of the ants inside the tree and the vibrations from the woodpeckers thrumming.
Pro tip: Follow LOM on Instagram or sign up for their newsletter to be notified of future microphone sales.
DIY SASS Microphone
I built this SASS (Stereo Ambient Sampling System) Microphone based on plans I found at Acoustic Nature, an infinitely resourceful site about field recording. This design uses Primo EM272 microphones and a foam yoga block. A simple design with amazing results. If you know how to solder and have a bit of patience, then this is a low-cost alternative to commercial SASS microphones costing well over $1000USD. Paired with the Zoom H5, this is the perfect microphone for recording delicate sounds with noticeable separation. Besides the plans, you can also buy the needed microphones from Acoustic Nature.
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DIY “Tree Hugger” Stereo Microphone
My first foray into building a stereo microphone started with this “tree hugger”. Like the DIY SASS (above), this design uses the Primo EM272 capsule. I use the “tree huggers” with the Zoom H5. It’s portable, inexpensive and, best of all, delivers remarkable sound recordings. I easily attach the microphone using electrical tape or a bungee cord, which makes for quick deployment. Plans for building this microphone are available at Acoustic Nature. A huge thank you to Jared for sharing his plans.
Aquarian Audio H2a-XLR Hydrophone
Coming soon….
Aquabeat Hydrophone
Coming soon…
