5 Field recording mistakes (and how to fix them)

[@myNoiseDotNet]

Not pressing record, is haunting me! How many times it happened to me, even when I was pretty sure to check! And now, I developed a severe anxiety about it. Taking a picture is a great trick and practise!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Glad to hear that Stephane. I have missed many recording opportunities because of it so I can definitely relate.

[@myNoiseDotNet]

George Vlad Your videos are very enjoyable to watch. I see two main reasons. You represent the intrepid sound explorer, we all dream to be - but you keep simple and humble. Not many people would have started such a video, admitting to forget the record button. Pro-wannabes wouldn’t for sure! But you tell it straight, in all honesty. I like that contrast. The hero and anti-hero at same time! Plus all other advises were well worth a listen too!

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@myNoiseDotNet thank you, appreciate the kind words.

[@pboechler]

Great video George, hope you're doing well. In the interest of discussion I would also add: - Not properly slating recordings that are difficult to distinguish on audio alone. - Not double checking limiters or filters (either not turning on or turning off) Really nice to hear from someone like yourself that proper levels really is just a trial and error skill developed with experience.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks for weighing in, Paul. Yes, improper slating was an issue for me too but I've learned my lesson. Limiters, filters, phantom power, I've been there too!

[@NicolaLarosa]

No mention of limiters in the section about levels, why? Are there really none out there that are transparent enough to be useful?

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@NicolaLarosa I prefer not to use limiters when recording nature and wildlife. They can help to some extent but I like to have the full dynamic range and compress or limit in post only if needed. Recorders like the Sound Devices 6 series have excellent limiters though. Handhelds and Mixpres/F-series are not great in this regard.

[@quedecree]

Great advice thanks George. And, not putting your phone on aeroplane mode to avoid digital interference....and untimely calls!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Yep, very good point. Didn't consider it because my phone is already on airplane mode to conserve battery.

[@antoineholliday7631]

YES, 100% true! I learned this the hard way. I now have no problem telling people to put their phones on airplane mode when recording.

[@haujetzhao225]

I personally obsessed with the Real Spacial Recording. I bought a few 6027 mic capsules (spent less than 2$), soldered them to a 3.5mm earphone wire (by replacing the speaker), put the two capsules in my ear channel entrances, and recorded with a sony icd-ux540 recorder, and I just recorded a really fascinating result: I can hear the sound in front of me! All the sound direction is just perfectly reoccurred! I know the spacial result doesn't suit everyone because of the individual HRTF difference. But I wish you could record some sound with using a human head model and place the mics in its ear channels. In this way, at least audience could have some more realistic spacial feeling.

[@GeorgeVlad]

I’m not a big fan of binaural recording because it requires headphones. I do like the spatial element though.

[@tutorialz]

This video is 100% spot on. Have done all mistakes before...

[@GeorgeVlad]

It happens to all of us, hehe.

[@CRMayerCo]

Good info, George. With equipment readily available and reasonably priced, wildlife species still plentiful (for now), and the environment steadily getting noisier, you are probably working during the “golden age” of field recording. Do all you can.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks Chris, that sounds about right...

[@snipolar]

Thanks a lot for reminding all the stupidious stuff we tend to do in field.. In Bagamoyo, Tanzania a whole morning with Zoom H5 getting back to lodge to find one of the XLR-plugs barely stuck in creating only scratchy sounds on that channel. Up in the Norwegian mountains far of cell-phone coverage doing Dotterels finding out when I came home that the one and only spot had coverage and my iPhone disturbed the recording every half minute with interference. Used a 12V motorcycle-battery with a 12>5V cigarett-plug on my H6 and it created a 16Khz noise/sound for all the 48h recording! Guess list is endless of things could go wrong, but you do get some good stuff home!! Stein, Norway in one meter of snow this week...

[@GeorgeVlad]

Yep, eventually you manage to get some good recordings if you learn from your mistakes :)

[@011001er]

Spot on, very very few people are using their existing equipment to maximum performance.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Yep, it's very tempting to keep buying gear.

[@AlisaMarie]

You're so right about knowing your equipment. I still haven't read my zoom h4n manual and I ended up recording a load of nice forest sounds with the wrong settings 🤦🏻‍♀ I'm going to spend a day watching tutorials and reading the manual!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Yep, it might sound old fashioned but reading the manual and learning your kit can only help.

[@katharineparsons2171]

I loved your first reminder about remembering to press the RECORD button. I only feel slightly less stupid now. And your advice to just go out into the field and experiment was excellent. Thanks again.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Happy to help!

[@grassrunner7983]

Thanks for your generosity!

[@GeorgeVlad]

My pleasure!

[@johnbivins]

Just found your channel! Thank so much yep did the not pressing record after checking my levels and placement . Never thought about the picture tip. I also stopped audio and forgot to restart it later.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Glad I could help!

[@naturesoundsaustralia]

Thank you so much. Have learnt so much from your videos. Im always trying to improve my recordings for my own soundscape channel. Looking at building my own blimp.

[@HpBeck_Fieldrecordings]

Thanks for the upload George!Obsessing over gear!!It comes at just the right time for me. At the moment I'm exactly as you describe it!! But your words are the inspiration I need right now! The last recordings didn't go so well for me. Nevertheless, you learn from such mistakes. Go out record and have fun!!True words.Thanks for everything George.Wish you all the best✌

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thank you, good to hear the video helped.

[@theothermarkwilliams]

First off, I'm a big fan of your work, George. Your Borneo recordings in particular are just stunning. So thank you for sharing with the world. Life is richer with your audio captures in it. For field work, I have a MixPre-6 II and a Zoom F6, and while both have their maddening limitations, they each have two things I really appreciate that (IMO) directly address two of the points in the video: not hitting the record button properly and not getting one's record levels right. (I know these are features you're aware of, George - I'm really just noting them here for other viewers...) First, re: making sure the units are actually recording, I have found the iPhone Bluetooth apps for each are great for double (or triple) checking once dropping the bag and walking a few paces away. I can even take a screenshot if it lowers my anxiety later. :-) Secondly, re: record levels, I am finding myself surprised at how much I like recording 32-bit float files. I thought at first the feature might be a bit gimmicky, but I'm discovering it's a wonderful way to have (virtually unlimited) headroom and not have to fret too much about clipping the converters. Obviously not an excuse to practice poor gain staging, but it's remarkable what each of those recorders can pull off. Like yourself, I eschew using limiters whenever possible. Thanks for your content, George!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thank you for the kind words, Mark. Both good points worth keeping in mind!

[@SoundArtMagic]

great video george! thank you for all these suggestions. i’m so guilty of not reading the manual too.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Happy to help! We all are :D

[@kenfelton8918]

Thank You Mr. Vlad! Nicely done.

[@DavidKatz]

I've used the "hold" button like you mentioned, good tip!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks Dave, good to hear that.

[@rikmow]

Your videos and field recordings are very nice George. Thank you for sharing

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thank you for the kind words, Rik.

[@Sonoquilibrium]

Not pressing record happens often, so I've learnt before I leave my eyes and body away from recorder, I check if the time is running, because sometimes it is easier to see the running time like the circle simbol of recording.

[@stevedoolan1540]

I have a Zoom R8, which is a very nice 8 channel recorder, great for recording small bands. The first time I used it (while I was playing as part of the band) I managed to not record the entire session, because I only pressed Play and not Play + Record. Whoever designed the Z8 needs a slap though, as it will happily play an empty file with the time running and a nice big flashing red light on the front. The red light is the metronome, not indicating that it's actually recording....

[@zenithholistichealing5139]

Great video. Thanks heaps. I’m getting into field recording and love all the advice, especially the last point. Just get out and have fun. Thanks heaps. :)

[@GeorgeVlad]

Go for it!

[@puravidaambience4695]

Thank you for all your good advices, I'm starting and this information is very helpful 👌

[@GeorgeVlad]

You're very welcome!

[@AmbienceGuru]

Thanks for the upload. Great advice

[@GeorgeVlad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@SoundLibrarian]

Great thoughts George, thanks for sharing. I especially like the idea of taking a photo of the device recording, just to reassure yourself. Subscribed to see what you have to share in the future Good luck out there!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thank you!

[@justinwynn7299]

Really helpful tips thank you George

[@GeorgeVlad]

My pleasure Justin.

[@TheFlyingDutchMan8K]

Thank you ! i'm new in this not owning a recorder ;) . . . if you have to buy one recorder wish one do you recommend Zoom F6 or the Mixpre 3 II ?

[@GeorgeVlad]

They're both great pieces of kit. Read my reviews to find out more: mindful-audio.com/blog/sound-devices-mixpre-ii-review mindful-audio.com/blog/zoom-f6-recorder-review

[@andrewrossounds6626]

Good info! I'm trying to get my foot into this field and videos like yours keep me going. Stay well my friend!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Great to hear that, Andrew.

[@walkwithyan]

thank you for this most wonderful and useful reminders.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@rishikeshyavalkar]

Hi George, could you tell us how to DIY stereo recording rigs with two lav mics. Also, how to DIY windscreens?

[@GeorgeVlad]

Experimentation is key when DIYing stuff like this. I like to have my omni mics (lavs or not) about 40cm apart with no baffle or 15 to 20 when there's something like a tree trunk between them. Your mileage may vary so it's always a good idea to experiment with this. I've never DIYed windscreens though. There's a lot of research that goes into good wind protection so I'd rather leave it to the pros and focus on other aspects of my work.

[@JonathanNeumann]

Thank you!

[@TheIndianAmbience]

hi..thanks for this informations. is there anyway you can make an tutorial on the various recording modes in Zoom recorders.

[@GeorgeVlad]

I don't have plans to do that in the near future as I try to focus away from simple technical issues.

[@laughing-knees]

Hello George, Great advice for a beginner sound recordist. I’ve been taking out my Zoom H5 and Lom Uši Pros to try my hand at nature soundscape recording. I’m slowly getting the hang of it, but there is still so much to learn. I still haven’t gotten using the levels quite right, and am having quite a lot of trouble with background noise, especially since the sound of the city below the mountains were I hike and record, gets into every recording. My question today has to do with the wind shielding. I use the Bubblebee Wind Bubbles on my Lom Uši Pros, and they work well. However I am often in quite strong winds, and would like to know if you use a second windscreen with your Uši Pros, and if so, which models. Do you ever use blimps with you Uši Pros? Thanks for your time and help.

[@GeorgeVlad]

I don't personally use blimps with my Lom mics but that's just because I don't record much when it's windy. I encourage you to experiment with wind protection, mic placement and using physical features like mounds and vegetation to your advantage. There's no right and wrong here, just what works for you. As for learning about correct levels, no way but to keep doing it until you get a feel for it.

[@laughing-knees]

Thank you, George. Helpful advice. I guess there’s nothing for it but to get out there and learn as I go.

[@OMGitsSLASHben]

​@@laughing-knees Hi, wind makes noise on objects it's hitting not just directly into the mic. Maybe consider that when you are recording. Also, wind is less powerful lower to the ground so maybe lowering your mic could help. Also, using your body can help with blocking wind. Wind also affects sound and can direct it in strange ways as well so considering which way the wind blows is useful. I'd say EQing the low end of your recordings can clear it up very nicely. I am also an amateur recordist so struggle with wind but I hope any of this can help your future recordings! :)

[@laughing-knees]

Hi Ben, Great advice, and quite useful. All summer I’ve been recording, and through trial and error I’m beginning to become aware of the circumstances that create sounds, and how wind sound works. I’m beginning to learn how to hide in a windbreak while pointing the microphones at the object the wind is hitting, rather than at the wind itself. And I am getting better at identifying possible objects that bring out the sound of wind. It’s actually really cool to be out there becoming aware of where sounds come from, or even what different sounds there are!

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@laughing-knees Exactly, no better way to learn than by doing.

[@ddfishgaming]

Amazing sound of nature

[@andreitudorgrigore]

Great advice! Thank you for the video

[@GeorgeVlad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@vanik0r0]

Great advice George

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks Tom!

[@TomKaszuba]

Really excellent information. Thank you.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hughmnyks]

Thank-you George.

[@84713]

I use a Zoom H6 and DT 990 Pro headphone to monitor. My microphone is a NTG5 with a Rode Blimp and the dead cat wind filter. It does a great job but I can not seem to get away from all the noise. I drive for miles and miles yet there seems to always be a plane or a semi truck there just to screw up my audio.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Welcome to the club. I've had to go to the Congo basin rainforest or the Empty Quarter to be able to record for hours or days without getting any man-made sound. Recording clean natural soundscapes in the Western world is not impossible but it's incredibly challenging. Keep at it though, it's a great way to learn new techniques and to get to know your kit well.

[@kennyobrien]

"There is no easy answer to de-noising soundscapes." This is exactly what I needed to hear.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Glad to hear that. I wrote a bit more about my editing and mastering process on my blog: mindful-audio.com/blog/how-to-edit-master-field-recordings

[@kennyobrien]

@@GeorgeVlad Thank you for that. I'll check it out.

[@fernandafernandex]

The lock key, why I did not think of that???? Thank you!

[@GeorgeVlad]

My pleasure, good to hear the video helped.

[@astralaudio101]

I have to ask what selection of Microphones do you use? Cheers

[@GeorgeVlad]

I have more than 50 mics but my favourites are the Sennheiser MKH8020 and the Lom mikroUsi.

[@pangrawit1]

Everybody adding mistakes, as if what you said was not enough. But it's fun, so I'll add forgetting that it gets freezing when you freeze after starting to record. My recording-related flu count is about four I guess, which makes roughly 1.6 flus per 1000 files in the library. :D

[@hackersoundmusic5802]

the first mistake made me LOL, as it totally has happened to me.

[@source1newsuntoldstories535]

I laughed so loud with that first one.

[@Luluindia2003]

Me too..m🙏🏼

[@lightbeforesound2271]

How do you avoid the ....press record, and then the instant dog/car/aeroplane/shout/drilling happening? :)

[@GeorgeVlad]

Good question. I try to record for long periods of time so even if there is the occasional road or air traffic, I still get good chunks of no man-made sound. More importantly though, I choose my locations carefully and I listen extensively before I press record.

[@lightbeforesound2271]

@@GeorgeVlad thanks ! My question was a bit tongue in cheek following on from the great advice in your video. I seem to have murphy's law moments of finding a perfect sound/soundscape, pressing record and then a random dog barks from nowhere :) I find it quite funny. Like you say, longitudinal soundscape recording is the way around this. Thanks again!

[@GeorgeVlad]

I've been there, but perseverance pays if you combine it with listening and knowing your area. In my experience it happens even in the remotest parts of the world unfortunately.

[@lightbeforesound2271]

@@GeorgeVlad Thanks! Keep up the great work!

[@wildpatagoniafilms16]

Awesome advice! I am a filmmaker.. not sound person at all.. .I know the very simple basics... I am going to be doing some wildlife filmmaking soon. don't know if i will have a sound person... hope I do, but I will be ready just in case I don't. Just bought the H6 Zoom... I k ow if not the best of the best out there fro docus.. but is what I have now... I went through some technical aspects and the like... but I haven't found any video out there that explain how to use the menus... the levels of thr low cut filter..or the autolimiter... also for ambient capture, i've been told to use the MS capsule not the XY... I might pair it with the NTG5 Rode... any suggestions where to find this info.. any tips?! thank you!!!!!

[@GeorgeVlad]

You should look for a course in sound recording so you can learn about signal chain, filters, limiters, setting levels etc. This should be a good place to stat: moonblink.info/FieldRecording/content/course

[@emanuelaaranyos6341]

That stuff ..about forgetting to press the Record button, it s even worse when you record people. :) You can go back in nature, and the forest won t mind...but in our work (as a radio reporter) it s horrible embarrassing to find, after the enthusiastic interview, after the person opened himself, that you didn t press the button. Or that the slight wind blew up your perfect conversation...It happened a few times to everyone, but surely, after that, you become addicted to check all the time if the recording is on.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Yep, always worth double and triple checking. We all make mistakes though :)

[@MASTERLINKX1]

1:35 I don't know if this was an intentional joke but it made me chuckle :)

[@JosimaraMusicaNatureza]

you realy do a great work sound

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks Josimara.

[@DavidLukas]

Really appreciate this video George!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks David!

[@twiglet2214]

Hi George i can see how easy it is to miss pressing record when one is multi tasking setting up a recording session and the phone idea sounds great - even more reassuring possibly could be to video it with the phone - watching the levels respond to your voice before exiting the location maybe ? Having a ritualistic approach by say having a mantra - have i pressed record,have i pressed record ? and finally a label on the equipment bag such as Dymo Tape on leads or the bag itself might help.PRESS RECORD ! I have some words that can't be ignored So never forget You must press RECORD .... and PS - If only the best birds sang - the woods would be very silent ! Cheers from the UK

[@GeorgeVlad]

I think that complicates things too much. There's already a lot to do when setting up a rig in a wild place so the simpler the solution, the better.

[@twiglet2214]

@@GeorgeVlad Sound response Gerge - you're spot on.

[@matteogazzolo1]

Thank you!!!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Karibu!

[@matteogazzolo1]

@@GeorgeVlad :-)

[@tintlost2160]

hey Vlad, great advice, but i am a uneducated in the world of sound, were would a good place to start to learn how to record High quality, Assets, (like what you would typically see if in video games) would you be willing to make a video on this, as if the viewer is complete noobie to sound engineering, id defo watch

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thank you for the suggestion. That is a pretty complex topic that I wouldn't be able to cover in one video though. I plan to put together a field recording course but I haven't worked out the details just yet and I barely have any time these days. Hopefully I can get it done by the end of the year.

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

Hi. I am a newbie to photography and videography. I enjoy taking videos of streams, rivers and other nature scenes. I want to increase the quality of audio to my videos but dont really know where to start. I would like to keep the budget at less than $2000. I have read suggestions that I need to add two microphones to create stereo sound and input them into my Sony A7iii camera via something like a Sony XLR-KM3 or an H6 . Do you have any suggestion on how I can start this project ? I have noticed there is a lack of resources on this topic for newbies. Thank you.

[@GeorgeVlad]

I would suggest getting a dedicated recorder (Zoom F6 or Sound Devices Mixpre 3 2nd generation) and a few mics to use with it. A pair of Lom mikroUsi Pro will serve you well with the appropriate wind protection (I use Bubbleee Windbubbles). Line Audio CM4 are decent cardioids too. You will have to record audio separately and sync it in post. More importantly however, I suggest you learn about sound recording before you make any purchase. No amount of money spent on equipment will help if you don't know how to use it.

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

@@GeorgeVlad Thank you for responding. What is your opinion of the Rode Stereo VideoMic X which can be attached directly to my Sony Camera ? I think using the Rode Stereo VideoMic X will allow me to record the audio directly to the Camera memory cards. That would be a nice feature if I could spend less time or no time in post. Also, is it possible to record directly to the camera's memory card when you are using a Zoom F6 ? If so then could I skip working in post ?

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@newlifeeveryday1821 That's not going to improve your audio much. Recording separately on quality equipment and then syncing in post is still the best way to go about it.

[@INDEPTHSoundDesign]

Great video- Thanks for the info!

[@GeorgeVlad]

Glad it was helpful!

[@twiglet2214]

Some sound advice ? How about a small tag " Recording " which could be clipped to the bag - any ritual or habit that defines or highlights a key stage in the process - it presents an independent visual element that signifies an event or action......or a mnemonic that ends with an R for record - H.I.P.R. - Have I Pressed Record.Whoops,i'd better press the Stop Button !

[@GeorgeVlad]

Sure, that could work too.

[@geminidream4347]

What power source did you use for your Zoom? I just bought an H2 and want to use a power bank like you.

[@GeorgeVlad]

I use an Anker powerbank but I don’t think you can power the H2 via USB.

[@geminidream4347]

@@GeorgeVlad Thank you for getting back to me and letting me know this. Guess I'll be making large donations to one of the battery companies keeping it suppled. LOL

[@atommachine]

I only have a Zoom H1n but i do have a Rode NT1 from the 90s but xlr, i want to record tree leafs in Aitum in the wind but am not sure if the kit is up to it, i heard someome say a shotgun mike is good for that but i only have one input on the H1n , am i asking to much from this little device i wonder ? Thanks.

[@GeorgeVlad]

The H1n does not provide phantom power and has no XLR input. You will need a pair of mics and good wind protection to record wind in leaves.

[@atommachine]

@@GeorgeVlad great thankyou , I will see if I can get a XLR to mini jack adapter then and source a phantom power for 2 mics .

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@atommachine I'd suggest getting something like the Zoom F3, much better for nature recording than the H1n.

[@atommachine]

@@GeorgeVlad ok thankyou I will check it out.

[@snells-window]

Excellent tips. Subscribed

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks for the sub!

[@africanbeatmaker254]

New term learned Soundscapes

[@GeorgeVlad]

This is a good term to know and use, even in music production. It's very much like a landscape for your ears.

[@TeleNature]

Worst "mistake" I've had was long time ago when using rechargeable AA batteries inside a recorder and they were not from a known brand (the brand was Vapex). What happened was that one overheated and melted and got stuck in the recorder causing the battery cover to melt too. Luckily I was fast enough to figure out the reason why the machine didn't boot up and there was enough air inside the machine, so the internals survived, but the battery holder didn't. Not pressing record is nowadays solved by recorders with Bluetooth. It is really handy. Another mistake is to use the latest firmware on the recorder. If the previous one worked fine, then it wouldn't be always wise to update the machine. On MixPre with one certain firmware, it created silent files on multiple occasions.

[@naturesoundsaustralia]

What can recommend as a recorder for field records as you do.. i currently use the ZOOM H2N.

[@GeorgeVlad]

A Sony PCM D100 is still the best handheld you can get: mindful-audio.com/blog/handheld-recorder-review

[@zigzager]

Would it be possible to give the exact names/models of two windshields that you use with your Sony PCM-100? And what do you think about using Sony PCM-100 in a blimp? Will it be a good solution for wind protection?

[@GeorgeVlad]

The D100 is quite heavy so I wouldn't put it in a blimp. I think others have tried with varying degrees of success. The two windshields I used are both Rycote, one is made for the D100 while the other is made for the Rycote BBG.

[@zigzager]

@@GeorgeVlad Thx a lot for a quick reply. By the way, do you know if Sony plans to replace/update D100 in the nearest future? I am considering buying D100 but don't know if after so many years on the market it is not better to wait for its successor.

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@zigzager I have no idea, Sony is pretty quite opaque when it comes to its audio line.

[@maurourrai2550]

Thank you George, great advices! Also, i'm willing to buy a field recorder and i was looking at some insights. In an A/B comparison between the Zoom F6 and the MixPre II series I've heard a difference in the low end between the two preamps (same sound source, gain level, mic and mic placement). I don't know how it was "meant" to sound "naturally" and this raised the question whether the one or the other was more natural, whether a "more natural" preamp would be preferred in the majority of the cases and whether a pre with boosted highs would cope for the use of a blimp/windscreen better (or maybe other situations like distant traffic and whatnot). Since I do not have prior experiences in the field recording world, neither with those nor with other machines, I'm finding hard to wrap my head around the topic and I would love if you could share your experience with me. Either way, great content and thank you very much.

[@snorristurluson9679]

great advice for everyone....btw. do you know any solution to power an Sony D-100 with an Powerbank ? It's a pitty that it can't be powered over the usb port, right?

[@GeorgeVlad]

I don't know of any easy solution for that. I get about 20 hours on 4 Eneloop Pro batteries which most of the time is enough.

[@AndrewPhilippov]

You could try make some custom setup for powering via powerbank. You will need to use voltage converter to get required 6v from 5v of powerbank. But actually, I suggest, it could probably work with 5v power source without conversion to 6v, because it uses 4 AA batteries, and if it is NiMh batteries, they provide around 4.8 volts (Alkaline will provide 6 volts). I would try to solder power plug, that goes into sony DC IN to usb plug that goes into powerbank. Though it might be risky if you are not familiar with basic electronics and soldering)

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@AndrewPhilippov good point, but that might not work in extreme environments. Even if it does, it adds a lot of moving parts and I'm trying to keep my rigs as simple as possible. It could be useful for less extreme locations though.

[@snorristurluson9679]

@@AndrewPhilippov I think also this could work, i have serveral Powerbanks to try around and an Usb to sony DC plug is easy made...;)

[@wOhtest]

Hi, I'm planning to create a youtube channel - Cooking in the forest and I would like to know what kind of MIC Setup do you recommend me? I Already have the zoom h5.

[@GeorgeVlad]

That's not an easy decision to make. Please email me and give me more details about what you plan to do, how you are going to shoot etc: mindful-audio.com/contact

[@c3ribrium]

Hi George, Thank you for your usefull advices. I'm a beginner in "Field recordings". I have two NT1 (rhode) and a tascam DR-100 mkIII, do you think I can have a nice stereo effect with this setup ? I thought that with these two mics, as they have a flat frequency response and good sensitivity, they could do the trick even if large capsule are firstly designed for vocal records but I see a lot of field do not use this kind of mic. Could you tell me what kind of issues do you think i'm going to deal with ?

[@GeorgeVlad]

I'm not a big fan of the NT1s in the field. They're very low self-noise, but their form factor makes it difficult to protect them from wind and/or humidity. Their pickup pattern is also a bit tight for my taste when it comes to recording natural ambience. I would normally go for omni or wider cardioid mics that you can easily protect from wind with the help of a blimp or fuzzy windshield. Having said that, there's no rule against using the NT1s and you should be able to make good recordings as long as you're aware of their limitations.

[@c3ribrium]

​@@GeorgeVlad Thanks for your reply. I'll try to train myself with this setup. could you share the name/model of a wider cardioid mic) with low self noise you have in mind ?

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@c3ribrium The Line Audio CM4 is one of the best ones in its price range. Lom Usi Pro is a good omni worth getting for AB setups as well.

[@davejones4740]

What's the quietest preamp recorder? No noise floor.

[@GeorgeVlad]

There's no such thing as a preamp with no noise floor. The quietest preamps are probably found in the Sonosax SX-R4+ recorders, although Sound Devices also makes good ones.

[@dinoatcharterdotnet]

What's the best way to set up the H4N outdoors? I am having a small speaking event (one person at a time) and was thinking of propping this up on a tripod with a windscreen to record their speeches. Would that work?

[@GeorgeVlad]

That should work, but make sure you get a decent windjammer like the one made by Rycote for the H4n. The foamy one that comes with it is useless. Also make sure the recorder isn't too far away from the speaker and the mics are pointed at their mouth.

[@SimpleRelaxStation]

Thabk you !

[@Rob.P]

Some good tips from experience 👍

[@zigzager]

What's your opinion on using S/N 100dB? Do you keep it on by default? I just read an interesting article by Paul Virostek and started wondering whether it is really such a good feature when it comes to recording quite ambiences or nature sounds. What's your opinion about it? And another question - have you ever tested how far can you move from your recorder using the remote control?

[@GeorgeVlad]

I don't use that feature. Paul was right, it's a bit unclear what it does and I don't think it helps. I don't use the remote either. I think it can only drain the battery faster so I set up the rig, press record and leave it.

[@davejones4740]

What Mics are good for the h6 for wild nature such as waves, crows, rooks?

[@GeorgeVlad]

The H6 is not great for nature sounds because of its noisy preamps. Good mics include Lom mikroUsi or Usi Pro, DPA 4060 and Sennheiser MKH8020.

[@antoineholliday7631]

8:50 The Zoom F6 does not stop recording when the the power supply changes.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Mine did, and it was confirmed by Zoom tech rep. I think they fixed it in a subsequent firmware update.

[@BrJackMcPuff]

Hi, Nice video! Weird question: As I’ve heard many use the quote “the best microphone is the one you have on you at the time”, do you think I should cancel my order of the Sony PCM A10 as my pocket recorder when otherwise being accustomed to a Sound Devices MixPre 6 II + plus a number of high-end mics for use when capturing audio for sound design? Mention worthy note is that I spontaneously hit purchase on the Sony recorder because of the mics which record up to 40000hz (which comes in handy for when modulating pitch in that context - which otherwise is unheard of in that price region/form factor )

[@GeorgeVlad]

I don’t think you should cancel your order. I love my two A10s and use then quite often. As long as you’re aware of its limitations it will serve you well.

[@BrJackMcPuff]

George Vlad Thanks! Then I’ll eagerly await its arrival as intended

[@hexacore3005]

What windscreen do you use on your Sony A10 at 0:52 ?

[@GeorgeVlad]

I can't remember for sure but I think it's a Rycote H1 windjammer.

[@hexacore3005]

@@GeorgeVlad I thought so too. Thanks for the quick response!

[@subhradas459]

Another issue sometimes record time change after changing lense 20 min to 6 min😞😞

[@PeterPan54321]

Bro, great video. But be more happy in your videos. Doesnt need to be over the top but show some enthusiasm and joy. I just discovered you and already love your style but cant stop thinking you are insecure when there is noo reason for that. I learned so much in one video its amazing.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks for the feedback, Peter Pan! I've been working on my delivery since I put this video together and I made decent progress. I plan to redo this video at some point in the future but I don't want to take it down because a lot of people find it useful, as you very kindly mentioned.

[@PeterPan54321]

@@GeorgeVlad nah definetely dont take it down. But making this video again would be awesome because you probably have even more things to teach by now. I literally just ordered a sound recorder because of your video. Any recommendations on what are things to train on? i want to record the forest, the birds in my garden, industrial sounds, tractor noises when spring starts, construction sites, rain and other weather sounds ... any other recommendations i didnt think about yet?

[@GeorgeVlad]

Instead of asking what to record, I suggest finding that by doing. Literally everything you hear can be recorded, and lots more on top of that. It took me years to realise I enjoyed recording wildlife and nature, and in the mean time I also recorded vehicles, aircraft, explosions, props, mechanisms etc.

[@PeterPan54321]

@@GeorgeVlad Thanks for the tip. I appreciate that you answered. Have a wonderful day.

[@jhonnycastro383]

How do you protect the audio recorder from Rain without change the sound quality? I need a cheap solution

[@GeorgeVlad]

There isn't a cheap solution, I'm afraid.

[@subhradas459]

Ya 1 st mistake happening often with me when my friend ask me to act but he didn't press record ☹️☹️☹️

[@4kRealSound]

thank your advice, I brought a zoom h5,and will go outside to record one day for my channel.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Go for it!

[@4kRealSound]

@@GeorgeVlad Thank you

[@o0posh0o58]

6. Forgetting your equipment at home only to realize after arriving in middle of nowhere.....

[@GeorgeVlad]

Been there, hehe.

[@vutrieuanh8176]

thanks

[@GeorgeVlad]

You're welcome!

[@D0nnyM4cD]

Just watched this video today. Swear to god I put the recorder in the dry bag tonight, attached it to the tree and then had to take it back out and press the bloody record button 😒

[@GeorgeVlad]

Haha, it happens to all of us!

[@isupplyaudio]

Nice 👍

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks ✌

[@GeorgeVlad]

Things don't always go well in the field. Sometimes your equipment is attacked by fire ants! kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3XFc4aZndh8lck

[@ErtywekPL]

Thanks youtube for this recomendation

[@GeorgeVlad]

Hope you enjoyed it!

[@ErtywekPL]

@@GeorgeVlad Somehow I find peace in guides and some chilly vlogs from field recording.

[@jhonnycastro383]

When i read "dont press Record" i laugh so much 🤣

[@alantuttphotography]

Another mistake is trying to do it yourself when there are much better recordists who have already created libraries with the perfect sounds.

[@GeorgeVlad]

That sounds a bit self-defeating. Libraries of course have their uses and sometimes a location or subject is not accessible easily. Having said that, learning field recording often implies recording sounds that others may have captured in the past and there's nothing wrong with that.

[@alantuttphotography]

@@GeorgeVlad It really depends on the reasons behind the work. For me, I'm interested in getting good environmental sounds for a series of guided meditations, but I'm quickly finding that it's a lot easier, and less expensive, to purchase a library that someone has already recorded.

[@GeorgeVlad]

In that case I agree, it's easier to source audio from recordists than to go record it yourself. Having said that, make sure the license agreement covers our use case. Some guided meditations are a few words and the rest is playing back the recording "as is", which goes against most EULAs. If this is the case you should get in touch with the recordist and ask for a bespoke agreement.

[@alantuttphotography]

@@GeorgeVlad Good point. Personally, I wouldn't call such things "guided" meditations, and that's not what I'm doing.

[@thricegreat]

@@alantuttphotography check out the collaborative music brought by Field Works. The whole world is a source. The ability for any of us to be able to do what we do as artists/engineers/recordists, is astonishing. I think it's wonderful how many people have the opportunity to record their own environments. Any way for us to connect back to the wild and its nature, is a positive direction. Just because other people have done their own recordings already, doesn't mean the use of more original recordings goes away. Between tv and movies. Video games too.

[@ParlanceOpus]

1) Not pressing Record. 2) Not formatting Cards. 3) Not setting correct levels. 4) Not using wind protection. 5) Not knowing your equipment.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Correct.

[@aerofart]

I feel cheated. The title of this video is "5 Field Recording Mistakes (and how to fix them)," but then you say there is NO FIX for number 4. Maybe the title of the video should be fixed. ;)

[@dwaynecarter9219]

You talk slow and have absolutely no emotion. I wanna do field recordings but you make it seem boring as hell. Wake up man. It's ok to smile and be entertaining.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Thanks for the feedback, I'm still working on my delivery and English language skills. Having said that, your snarky comments don't help. Fortunately I'm not bothered by online trolls but please stop doing this, others might be more affected by it.