Secret Field Recording Tips You’ve Never Heard Before!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Enjoyed the video? Want more with Greg? His knowledge is vast and we're keen to share it! Let us know what you'd like to see next in the comments below. Your feedback guides our content. Thanks for joining our audio adventure!

[@BogdanWeiss]

More contents with Greg ? YES PLEASE!!!! Greg's insight into the entire recording chain is Truly Next level - his dedication to quality & fidelity is a breath of fresh air - especially against a backdrop of banal cookie cutter plugins, presents & now synthetic AI de-generated blandorama - More Human touch & Less Algorithmic Dystopia Please :-)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@BogdanWeiss You're at the right place :)

[@camhissey]

Yes! More! Please continue to summons the Simmons!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Coming tonight! :)

[@pleiadianfrequencies]

Awesome tips! Can you get a dedicated video on how to wind-proof the Lewitts? I assume he took the Rode Wombat fur and cut it in half and uses a rubber band to hold it on? Other than the measly foam shield, I cannot find any decent fur shields for these Lewitts. At least Rycote doesn't have one. What wind protection options are there (other than hacking and cutting a DIY solution)???

[@nhannguyen2190]

The overhand and underhand rolling of the cable had my mind blown!

[@Sondosur]

Another Hack: I use my 3D printers to design and print my own adapters and microphones mounts, Blimps, Hotshoes, Coldshoes, more stable tripods, parabolics, transport cases.... all personalized for my needs

[@Johnlim2429]

Oh my god. I was completely captivated as soon as I heard about the first hack. It's such an excellent tutorial.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much! We had a lot of fun making it!!

[@chipsovek419]

Thanks for the tip about 'removing the ball head' from the tripod! I'm a big fan of tripod use and never realized you could do that. Makes mic mounting SO much easier & better.

[@WOLMAKESMUSIC]

You're producing such high quality content Libby & Marcel - the production values on this vid are top! Brilliant insights from Greg too - thank you :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Much appreciated!! We hope we're able to make more videos with Greg! Thank you for watching!

[@jamesmoore9511]

@ 9:00 when you go down the stand twist it around the stand once or twice to keep it from slapping the upright (wind etc). For real tall mic placement I use a three or four legged speaker stand [Amazon $28.00 USD] ( much bigger and heaver) but using 2 meter long alum tubes (from the local hardware store ) Up to 6 or 7 meters.

[@the_black_douglas9041]

I love seeing these tips from pros who have learned from long experience. The under foot cabling technique…amazing! More please!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much!

[@IMDABROWN]

My mind in blown. The most simple or common sense things yet I never would have tough them.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching! :)

[@dag221]

I have a Nano pole that I never use because it'sway too flimsy and not adjustable for leveling. My absolute favorite setup is an Ifootage tripod. It's much sturdier and can be leveled very easily. The tripod is the way to go for me without a doubt. I have a ballhead with a arca swiss plate on my setup and it works amazing.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I check this one out! Which model are you using?

[@dag221]

@@FreeToUseSounds I have the Ifootage Gazelle TC6S but I got that for shooting video and have since upgraded to two other tripods so I just use the I-Footage for audio because I had it lying around. I wouldn't spend that much money just to use for audio recording. I am contemplating getting the new Smallrig AP-10 tripod for another audio setup as it's very affordable and looks like a great deal as it comes with a video head also. I don't need a tripod to go up to 6 feet.

[@Ed-davies]

This was a fantastic video! Greg’s technique for winding cables is the best I’ve seen of this method. 😊

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad you enjoyed it Ed! :) Tonight we have a new video coming up with Greg!

[@KenNewberry]

Thank you Libby and Marcel and to your guest Greg for showing us some hacks. I learned a lot from you and applied your ideas towards portable field antennas at airshows. I can add another "hack" or hint that I learned from you and that is the use of a quick release to mount (in my case) an antenna. Makes setting up breaking down gear much more quicker. Thanks again!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

It's wonderful to hear from you, Ken! I agree, the quick release is indeed an incredibly handy tool to get your gear up and running swiftly. Just a quick heads-up - there's now a more affordable version that Rycote released.

[@nycnaturewalks]

Great video and knowledge. Thank you so much for sharing this.

[@HyphenLu]

This video is super helpful, and Greg is so insightful, thanks for creating it!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for stopping by Hyphen! :)

[@geezer2tech154]

Excellent advice overall! Thank you. I doubt that the silica gel is doing you much good, however. It becomes saturated pretty quickly unless you are drying it out before each field trip.

[@HairCutHarry]

Getting my morning education session in ... I am forever going to be coiling up cables differently from now on! Question: By default is the Red Marker on the cable connector indicating the Right Side? 😊🙏🏼

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! The red marker is left and green is right. In aviation, the aircraft navigation lights follow a standard color-coding system for easier identification of the aircraft's direction and Greg uses this method for the cable. But since right and red starts with an r, its easier to remember. :)

[@bayburtluzihni8103]

as useful as it can be! just like every video that you share and what a master deserves tons of respect! well detailed great tips

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much!

[@nhannguyen2190]

I like Greg so much! Thank you all for making this video!

[@arcoholic3]

Another great video, Marcel. Thank Greg for his superb cable coiling procedure too.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for watching! :) We hope to see you soon!

[@subhradas459]

Yes yes u have done this😊😊😊

[@hamradioop5777]

Bravo, drum roll, cymbals!!! An absolutely cracking video and just as I was about to say, next time can you please demonstrate cable gathering, that's exactly what you did. Genuinely useful and enjoyable too.👍

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you! It's great to know that Greg's advice on cable rolling was beneficial to you. I, Marcel, truly value his expertise, as there are nuances and techniques like this that I might not be able to demonstrate as effectively. Your feedback brings us immense joy, and it motivates us to keep going. Thank you so much for your kind words, and stay tuned for more helpful content!

[@KeithMcCarron-hi5qq]

I would love to hear about Greg's audio processing regime when processing the audio. What DAW does he use and what is his process? Love your videos by the way.

[@camhissey]

I hit the like and subscribe buttons for the first time ever watching a video for the sole reason that you DIDNT WASTE 2 MINUTES ASKING ME TO DO IT BEFORE GETTING TO THE POINT! Amazing video great job team!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching Cam!!

[@keinpodcast4053]

Thanks to Sponge-Greg for the hacks 🧽😂 Great video as always. Viele Grüße - Til.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Til!! :)

[@gregsimmons1709]

😂

[@arcoholic3]

I have a supplementary question - While loving the brilliance of using sponges to reduce transmission of sound vibrations up the tripod/stand, presumably you don't need this if your mics are mounted in rycote mic suspensions (other suspensions are available). Also the cable coiling is a real revelation - though it doesn't come naturally to me yet!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Yeah but the Rycote suspension doesn't clean my dishes! :)

[@lelandbobpalmer]

Insanely practical stuff!! Greg is super awesome and I've been following his work for years... Thanks for the video to all of you :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for watching Bob! I let Greg now about your nice comment!

[@studio_a.m.]

Marcel and Libby, as always, thanks for the video! Oh and I just watched Brandon's new video too. Didn't know Marcel can run that fast 😄 I'm very interested in what's coming!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for watching! We had a fun day with Brandon for sure. Glad you liked that video too!

[@NightWLKR1]

Planning my first short film. Nothing crazy but I want to do it all on my own. My own captured sounds etc everything self produced so that I can see what I’m capable of. Thanks for the video

[@FreeToUseSounds]

You can do it!

[@merlinbk]

Which cord is that? Single cord with 2 XLR? Which stereo bar is that? Love to see more Greg tips and field recordings.

[@zootook3422]

Great video, great practical advice, great content variation. Thank you Macel, Greg and Libby!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad you enjoyed it!:)

[@vphakli]

I am happy I found this channel and this video. Very informative videos! Thank you. I am interested to see more this kind of recording sessions and tricks and everything around recordins and practical tips etc. Please do more videos 😊

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Welcome aboard and we hope we are able to make more videos with Greg as well!

[@Pierre-Leloup]

This also applies to dogs like this one, who also wear sponges on his feet 🐾🐾🐾

[@issacnewton7846]

Hi, Thank you for all your wonderful videos.... Pl. mentioned the name of the stereo bar which is used along with the nanopole. Thank you.

[@CoenradJMorgan]

That was worth watching, thank you for sharing.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad you think so!

[@ddimento8790]

just watched after the other of your videos with Greg- also really useful. A series of different scenarios with Greg would be really great- the mindset of assessing a location-finding recording sweetspots, mic choices for different scenarios would all be really helpful. Thanks for this.

[@imark7777777]

I found out 1/4 20 various size thread adapters are plentiful and cheap in case you might have a tripod that doesn't have the proper size or you might want to use a ball mount to help with getting angles. Excellent tips laid out well and even worth adding to my how to rap cables playlist. I was at a place where the person running sound under a tent set up a speaker on a stand with the cable that looked much like that first cable demo and guess what happened he got very close to somebody tripping I hope it along and made it slightly safer but there was just not enough cable then somebody did actually trip on the thing it's almost like putting big giant heavy massive speakers on top of a small stand makes it I don't know top-heavy.

[@icrodriguez21]

Just amazing! Thanks 🫶🏻

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you!!! Next video is coming soon! :)

[@philsimpson474]

Great video, thank you! Is the Rode Windjammer, that Greg uses for his Lewitt mics, cut in half so there's one for each mic? Thanks again.

[@joetaylor3563]

I saw that Nagra and YUP! Hey Greg! Fantastic video Marcel!

[@iluvyunie]

I discovered this channel after grabbing a h8, I can't say I'm ever disappointed

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you!

[@anantamahaputra9788]

that pose on the back at 10:03 😂🤣

[@marcelocarneiro5958]

Nice to watch you both together; nice class Greg Simmons gave us. One question: which windjammer did you use for the Lewitt mic? Thanks

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Marcelo! Greg used a Rode Blimp windjammer, but with a twist. He actually cut it in half, and then skillfully sewed the ends together, creating a snug, round shape. :)

[@marcelocarneiro5958]

@@FreeToUseSounds amazing!! I have a lot to learn here. Thank you for the answer, for sharing the video and lessons.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@marcelocarneiro5958 Already filming a new video today :)

[@MetawolfTV]

Following your advice, recently just bought BP4025 Stereo mic. Cant wait to try them out!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

We hope you enjoy this one :)

[@CarlosPardo]

Priceless

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching Carlos!

[@bande6551]

Hi, could you advise me on which microphone to choose for creating wonder effects, such as: sounds of walking on grass, stones, eating, drinking water, opening a can, putting on clothes, knocking on the door, etc.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ah, I see what you mean. Perhaps 'wonder effects' isn't the perfect term. What you might consider is using a cardioid or super cardioid microphone. These types of mics are fantastic for capturing sounds up close and minimizing background noise. It's all about finding the right tool for the job!

[@Gael_AG]

Good advices thanks. I wonder if a workaround instead of sponge we could use small pads of d30 polymer

[@alanyu1017]

Thank you very much for the informative video. I really learned a lot from your videos. I do have one question: does anyone know which stereo bar is shown in the video? I couldn't find information about this. Thanks in advance!

[@worblyhead996]

Very practical tips. Love it.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gyur6]

Top notch quality in video and audio production too! The whole video looks -and ofc sounds- better than the most movies and series on streaming platforms. Very beautiful location and the tricks are next level. Thank you for keeping - and even elevating - the quality content on your channel Libby & Marcel! Love the silly jokes in the examples - best teaching method possible

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for your kind words! Greg's expertise is indeed exceptional and we're excited to learn and share as much as we can with him. We've got plenty of ideas and can't wait to bring them to life. Stay tuned! 😊

[@barajevic]

I would use some tape that doesn't leave residue after you unglue it. Electrical tape leaves a lot of gunk behind it :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

That's a good idea!

[@HpBeck_Fieldrecordings]

Great video with very good ideas to make life outside in nature easier! Thanks for sharing✌

[@bendixtrinity]

this couldve been a masterclass.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching Ben!

[@veegee1974]

Just get a solid stand from the jump. That will put you ahead in stability by miles.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I completely agree! However, since we travel full-time around the world, carrying a solid stand is challenging due to its weight and bulk. We try to keep our gear as lightweight and portable as possible. Do you have any recommendations?

[@veegee1974]

@@FreeToUseSounds I can understand the desire to keep it light. As you mentioned, the smaller more stable tripods have been a gem. I've multi-purposed three of them for lights, slider stands, mic and camera support. They folded up nice and compact and provide a versatile, stable platform.

[@Mafyoutube]

Thank you!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

You're welcome!

[@ClintHalliday]

That was great. So many easy and useful tips!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching Clint!

[@HR-mm6ts]

- That's very practical content! It's fundamental information, but I think it's hard to learn it easily anywhere else. Thank you for sharing good information. 🙏🏻 - Q. - Can you tell me the information about 'Stereo Bar' in the video?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much! Ah yes the stereo bar is from a German company I believe. Search for "mikrofonschiene" and you should be able to find it :)

[@__lancaster]

Awesome guys - simple but highly useful advice.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for watching! So glad you liked the video!

[@NickRedman]

So many great tips in this video :) Well done

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching Nick!

[@fernandafernandex]

Very much apreciated, thank you!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rarefindssound]

Brilliant tips! Cheers for sharing the knowledge

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you!!

[@christiannikodemus]

Super helpful! Thanks 😊

[@FreeToUseSounds]

So glad to hear that Christian!

[@lewisdetmer]

Hi, i've rejoined the community. Your videos are really interesting. And this format is super cool. Can't wait to see you in your next video 😉

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much Lewis! We have more videos to come!

[@Rob-ex4lp]

Sorry, complete bone question... Can you tell me what the stereo bar is on top of the nano pole please? Around 13:10 ?

[@gerainsan]

Thank you very much for these tips)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching!

[@geosound33]

I learned a lot. Thank you very much.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you so much for watching! Greetings to Japan!

[@GadesChannel]

Marcel, what kind of windscreen do you use to cover Lewitts? EDIT: Ah, I saw another your video about LCT540S and just know about splitting windscreen for blimp... So there's no proper windscreens on the market? Good to know :)

[@FreeToUseSounds]

I was just about to answer:). Yes that’s the solution Greg has with it.

[@screamingswifts]

Love the details :)

[@eternal_media]

Loved this! And the pup!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you :)

[@samcujoe]

Absolutely informative! Keep it up! 👍

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Samuel! Yesterday we filmed our second video together! Libby is doing all the edits today. So hopefully its up by today or tomorrow :)

[@samcujoe]

@@FreeToUseSounds great Marcel 👍🏽 👌🏽 👏🏽 😊 Looking forward already.

[@m2m]

Amazing. More of these! :D

[@FreeToUseSounds]

You called for it :) Lets hope we can deliver :)) Thank you for stopping by!

[@EverlastingAudio]

Thanks for the tips. 👍

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching!

[@lookingforsounds]

Hey Marcel, it's Simon (from the "CryptoTrader" account) commenting today from my sound channel account. Yes, I FINALLY started a sound channel few months ago but I got no idea what I'm doing with it yet ! Ha ha. I was logged into KZbin as this account and couldn't be bothered to change it back ! I'm lazy today ! Anyway, great video as usual. Some very handy tricks from greg for the future. I'm still using a super small setup but it's always fun to watch your videos and learn. Hope you and Libby are well. Did you sort out your DPA surround mic issue yet ? I really hope we can hear that soon.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi Simon!!! CONGRATS on the channel!!! Guess what? Just subscribed :)) If you can, please visit a bunker and record the room tone or the doors. That would be so cool!!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

By the way, Yes, we certainly can send it back to Denmark. However, I'm holding onto it for now as it's useful for recording nature sounds. Once we're ready to head to another country, I plan to ship it back. It did take some time to arrange this, but we've managed to work it out.

[@lookingforsounds]

@@FreeToUseSounds Ha, that's crazy that you subscribed. Thank you so much. No idea why, but I don't get informed of new subs or who they are, so I can't see it anywhere. Thank you so much anyway. Now all I need for my channel is my own Libby. No idea where you get one of them from though, but I need one to do some great filming ;o)) I'll keep a look out for a bunker. I'm not sure where there is one, but maybe I can search online.and see. But I did recently manage to record some of the air raid siren test in Zurich. That was quite cool and very different.

[@barbe_generative_diary]

Thank you for great hacks!!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching!!

[@08katta]

Nice Work guys ...

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you!

[@jclokwork]

Odd question, but is there any way to know which microphone clips are being used for the Lewitts? Most I've seen are too small to clasp onto the 540s.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hi! Oh these clips came with the Lewitt.

[@jclokwork]

@@FreeToUseSoundsthanks for the reply! All Lewitts come with a suspension Mount. I don’t believe they offer clips. I’d love to use this setup but it’s tough finding clips big and strong enough 😅

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@jclokwork Ahhh these clips. Let me ask Greg!

[@jclokwork]

@@FreeToUseSounds thank you so much! I truly appreciate it.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@jclokwork Greg just told me: Those were made from the Sennheiser MKH800 clips. Any generic non-tapered clip of similar diameter will do as long as it’s a rubbery/plasticky/stretchy thing! I hope this helps? :)

[@ShibaScissorhands]

great tips！thanks a lot

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching!

[@samthetinkerer4947]

you may be able to use the cheap generic foam Windscreen microphone covers. they may fit over the feet and be more of a portable solution.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hello Sam! That's an interesting suggestion. However, those might be a bit too soft and may not provide the necessary bounce-back effect we're looking for in this context. But as always, experimenting with different methods is part of the fun in field recording. Thanks for your input and keep the ideas coming!

[@gregsimmons1709]

You could use those, but it depends on how heavy the rig is. With the weight of the rig on it, the foam needs to be compressed between about 30% and 60%. That puts it into its ‘elastic phase’, where it can expand and contract with ease and thereby provide shock absorption. If the foam is fully compressed or not compressed at all (with the weight of the rig on it) then it might as well be a solid and it’s not going to provide much absorption. This reminds me of those beautiful custom laser-carved foam inserts that some companies make for Pelican cases and so on. They look great and provide a neat way to make sure you’ve packed everything, but if that foam is not being sufficiently compressed by the pieces of that gear it’s supposed to be protecting then it is not in its elastic phase and it might as well be a solid.

[@ErtywekPL]

So basic but so important.

[@soundhole5498]

ninja course ;) . thanks for nice hacks

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you for watching!!

[@flaviopresutti]

Nice tips!!!

[@andrewverran3498]

Hi m8, I recently bought a Zoom H6 , I am a Floor Sander/installer and my air gun nail puch makes a pretty nice sound as it puches the nails into the timber floor boards, what would be your microphone choice to capture this apart from the H6s stereo mics.? Much appreciated. Peace from Oz.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Hello there! In your case, with the nail punch sound, I would suggest considering a cardioid or super-cardioid microphone. These types of microphones are excellent for focusing on a specific sound source and rejecting unwanted noise from the sides and rear, making them perfect for capturing the "sharp" and distinct sound of your nail gun. Mono recording should work wonderfully for such sounds. To better assist you with your choice of microphone, it would be helpful if you could share your budget range. Then, I'd be more than happy to recommend several suitable options within your budget. Enjoy your recording adventures!

[@andrewverran3498]

@FreeToUseSounds thanks for the reply, I don't want to spend too much , but would one of those sennheiser shotgun mics be OK as I could use it for podcasting as well. Cheers

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@andrewverran3498 Well, which one :)

[@andrewverran3498]

@FreeToUseSounds sorry I meant the Zoom SGH6? Cheers

[@FreeToUseSounds]

@@andrewverran3498 Sure. You can use this. Saving money on XLR cable.

[@numara585]

The art of field recording accompanied by the art of physics... common sense useful tips.

[@ElDudew]

i roll my cables the same way !!

[@FreeToUseSounds]

That's awesome! :)

[@fuglbird]

You can easily get a 2 m high tripod - even without centerpod.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Which one do you recommend?

[@naisugaes7686]

nice .. 👏

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thanks ✌️

[@clausschleiff3131]

Great ❗❗❗

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Thank you Claus!!

[@clausschleiff3131]

@@FreeToUseSounds My Recording Setup : Tascam Portacapture X8, Rode Wireless Go 2 and the Roland CS - 10EM. A great setup for stealth Recording.

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Nice!!

[@telegraph_hill]

gaffers tape is better than electrical tape -- less residue

[@NeathVideos]

Have you ever recorded actual sounds of a field?

[@gregsimmons1709]

😂 What do you need?

[@thethirdrailchannel]

Audio Ninjas?

[@FreeToUseSounds]

Ha Ha Ha Ha!!!

[@gregsimmons1709]

😂 One of my friends at the co-working space suggested we wear tactical boots for the next one to complete the SWAT team look, LOL! But I prefer to think that we’re ninjaneers doing ninjaneering…

[@Ribanski]

Never ever drop your XLR connectors on the floor

[@nhannguyen2190]

The overhand and underhand rolling of the cable had my mind blown!

[@nhannguyen2190]

I like Greg so much! Thank you all for making this video!

[@nhannguyen2190]

I like Greg so much! Thank you all for making this video!