field mic...

[Aidan Wilson]

Okay, I composed and sent a message on this thread, but my terminal window 
closed before it could send it, and it didn't keep a copy. So here's the 
short version:

I used a pair of matched C-2s during my first few fieldtrips, incidentally 
I used them with the PMD660, and someone from AIATSIS claimed that they 
were among the best and clearest recordings he's heard.

They're cheap: $100 for a pair including a stereo mic-stand mounting bar, 
though they come without cables. They're also very small and light.
http://www.behringer.com/EN/Products/C-2.aspx
Oh, and they run entirely off phantom power.

If you want to go a little higher end, it's pretty hard to do better than 
the Rode NT4. It records excellent sound in the field. It's just about my 
favourite microphone. However it's considerably more expensive than the 
Behringers, it retails here for somewhere around $650. For another 50 
bucks though, you can get a shock mount. This takes out all unwanted 
vibrations, so that someone tapping the table (on which the microphone 
stand sits (stands)) sounds like someone tapping a table as opposed to 
someone laying right into a punching bag in front of the mic.
Mic: http://www.rodemic.com/microphone.php?product=NT4
Shock mount: http://www.rodemic.com/accessory.php?product=SM4
It comes with cables (both 1/4" TRS and dual-mono XLR), a windsock and a 
mic clip (it's larger size means it won't fit in most). And it runs off a 
9-volt battery.

-Aidan
Paradisec

-- 
Aidan Wilson

The University of Sydney
+612 9036 9558
+61428 458 969
aidan.wilson at usyd.edu.au

On Sat, 18 Apr 2009, Claire Bowern wrote:

> I've had success with Audiotechnica lapel mics. They're quite durable, 
> high-fidelity and very good value for money. You can get them with SLR jacks 
> or 1/8" ones.
> Claire
>
> phil cash cash wrote:
>> Greetings everybody,
>> 
>> This is a follow up to the "voice recorder" thread.  I am still committed 
>> to my
>> Marantz PMD660 for now but am unhappy with my microphone, a Shure SM63L
>> (omnidirectional).  It is good for "live" recording certainly but for
>> interviews/voice it seems a bit too strong.
>> 
>> Please feel free to provide any recommendations for a mic with voice 
>> recording
>> in mind.  Much thnx in advance!
>> 
>> Phil
>>