My Sound Recording Setup for Wildlife Photography

[@MortenHilmer]

The first 500 people to use my link, skl.sh/mortenhilmer10241, will get a 1-month free trial of Skillshare premium!

[@blob0000]

I love your videos, and you constantly motivate me to get out myself with my camera! Keep up the great work!

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much:)

[@xavierdupuywildlifephotography]

As a non professional photographer, you can't imagine how it's amazing for me to see your work ! Thank you.

[@GeorgeVlad]

Good to see you talk about audio, Morten. Not enough photographers and videographers give it enough thought. Tip: you can skim through days of drop rig recordings using Adobe Audition or Reaper by looking at the spectrogram instead of just the waveform. I spent a week trying to record red deer in Romania and ended up with more than 100 hours of material, but only one rig yielded usable material and I could see it clearly at the bottom of the spectrogram.

[@Ed-davies]

What a great tip! Love your work George!

[@GeorgeVlad]

@@Ed-davies Thanks Ed, glad to hear that.

[@lennutrajektoor]

Morten, you need timecode solution for long sound recordings like Tentacle-E. it will lower your work flow and allow you to sync up all the videos because both camera footage and the recorder sound can match up.

[@Marek.Synowiec.PhotoAdventures]

This will be something i really need right now... I'm gonna make some coffee and listen, how to record my audio like a pro! Hi, Morten! It's nice to watch your videos!

[@MortenHilmer]

I really hope you will find some inspiration in the video. I is a nice layer to add sound recordings to our photography.

[@SummitForWellness]

I'm lazy, I would've added falcam f22 quick releases to the soundbar for the tripod and probably to the zoom recorder as well so you don't have to screw them on and off all the time 😂 In DaVinci I have changed my E key to cut clip forward and Q to cut clip backwards so it's much faster to trim clips up. It cuts from where you have the playhead.

[@k-a8150]

Tack Morten för dina underbara videos. Kan inte låta bli att vänta på när nästa kaffepause kommer. Skulle du välja Clippy em272 och Zoom F3 om du bara skulle spela in ljud för stillbilder?

[@AdrianW.Photography]

Excellent presentation and advice. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@marcelevertsproducties]

Very interesting video, thanks!

[@LindaSmitWildlifeImpressions]

Thank you so much for a very interesting video and tips. I struggle a lot with audio, somehow I do not manage to get it right, a lot of noise. Not only with recording wildlife sounds. I find using wireless lavmics quite difficult, the right settings of the camera and tge setting of the mics, the sound never seems right. Your audio always sounds perfect, would love to learn how you do it.

[@SRTW67]

Thank you so much for your helpful advice. This video really is informative and easy to understand! Your room is so cozy! I can’t wait to receive your calendars! They will be stunning hanging in my house. See you out there!

[@alanm4120]

Great to see you've discovered audio, it's such an important but hugely overlooked part of videography.

[@christianschroll6124]

Its amazing what you get with such a little setup, I've always loved the audio that you've had with your videos.

[@andrewlunn]

Great Video as always. I've just ordered your calendars & look forward to seeing your photos in print.

[@guycl2381]

... hear you out there, you mean :-) Great video and great tips ... and waiting for the calendars ... all photographers should make calendars like your ! Kind regards, Guy

[@HikingWithLuis]

yes Morten I've been needing this not for wildlife photography but for my landscape photography videos! you're amazing much love from Oregon.

[@ryanackland9330]

Great video as always, full of great information. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us. I would love you to do a video on your video editing. From capturing video, right through to when you upload to you tube. I have been wanting to start doing more video with my Z9, but don’t know where to start or how to go about editing. Look forward to your next video. All the best!👍👍👍

[@Alex-S.]

Always feel inspired and learn from you ! Thanks for sharing with us ! 👍🤝

[@B0B_Thunder]

yoo Morten love your content im from norway and you got me in to wild life photografy not that good but still trying

[@morayeel6585]

Huge thanks for sharing this!! Dealing with sounds has been intimidating to me, but now I am interested in trying. I do enjoy listening sounds in nature and capturing them with images makes sense!

[@AlexFBuchholzPhoto]

Great video. Was always wondering what best sound recording setup to use. Thanks

[@GeoffCooper]

Great to see how you are using the stereo recorder :) I recently started using an on-camera stereo mic and I’m actually really pleased with the difference in the soundscapes!

[@MortenHilmer]

Yes it is really nice. I also tried the on camera stereo mic, and that one is amazing too. I should have included that in the video actually.

[@GalleryWildUK]

Nice to see you back here, like in olden times. Missed the little fellow in your lap 😢

[@MortenHilmer]

So nice to hear:) The little fellow was in my lab to begin with, but he kept doing all sorts of stupid things to get my attention, so at the end I had to let him into the living room to be able to film;)

[@CB-kn1ox]

😂​@@MortenHilmer

[@piseyheng9831]

Great work I just got what I need to know! Thanks Morten!!

[@michaelbierbaum-z5x]

Thanks for the great Video Morten, very helpful. Love your vids.

[@Kangaroo_Caught]

Thanks Morten for an interesting video. Just by way of some English for terms you didn't know, which is quite reasonable. The hexagonal parts with threads are called "nuts" in English. Don't feed them to squirrels. The round, flat metal pieces are called "washers". I can't explain why they are named like this. English is weird and must seem especially weird to those who use more pure languages.

[@J5388T]

A very informative and well presented video thanks!

[@syamrln]

i love all your videos and i always wait for new videos. I also want to be a professional landscape photographer, I just bought my first used Nikon DSLR camera, I hope to start this well, your video has also been a motive for me, Thank you.

[@mattycostar]

Thanks for sharing this Morten

[@woodlandium]

Inspirational every time 😊

[@paularuotsalainen979]

Thank you very much for this interesting and educating video, Morten. It is always such a pleasure to see your dedication and enthusiasm. Also thank you for the opportunity to preorder your 2025 calender. Tusen tack, det blir skönt att få njuta av din nya och fina kalender 😍

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot:) Jeg håber, du kommer til at nyde min 2025 kalender:)

[@andrewnoden9117]

Thanks Morten for sharing this information Very helpful Thanks Andrew in Ottawa Canada 🇨🇦

[@RaulAlguacilFotografia]

Muchas gracias por las explicaciones, aclaraciones y por los subtítulos, un gran saludo desde el sur de España.

[@johnclark9499]

Thank you Morten for a fascinating video. A bit different to normal but really interesting. Your sound work really does add something to your videos and I'm sure we all appreciate it. Really makes me think I should be getting a decent separate mic for my R5 and seeing what difference I can make. Thanks again. PS. Looking forward to receiving my 2025 wall calendar in the next few weeks, it will be in a prime position next to my desk :)

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot for your compliment:) Yes I would definitely recommend adding a mic for your R5 and I think the VideoMic NTG would be a good one for that. Being able to capture some sounds out there is really nice. And thanks a lot for buying my calendar. I hope you will like it:)

[@TimsWildlife]

Very important info, Morten! Too bad over here in the Netherlands all you hear are cars and planes.

[@AllProCombat]

Very curious, would this set up work well for ghost hunting? I've been trying to up my EVP game recently. Cheers!

[@bootsandbalance]

A very interesting video! I have one question though regarding setting the gain in the field. I have a Z6II with a Rode NTG but keep struggling to decide which is the correct gain to set when pointing to your subject. Is there some guideline (indication on the z6) you can follow without using headphones? Thx

[@32bitSounds]

The Tascam X6 is another good choice as it has inbuilt mics you can use in either XY or AB and coupled with a pair of Clippy EM272 lavs you have a great little lightweight, portable audio rig.

[@Magni_MacroOG]

Thank you for this wonderful video 🙏 I'm trying yo learn more about audio recording, because I'd love to try record the macro world some time 😁

[@MortenHilmer]

Thanks a lot:) Yes it is truly fascinating and a nice layer to add to out photography and film making

[@Sander_Hollo]

I have been waiting this from you. Because i find it great side hoby and have not yet bought recorder nor mic. Been thinking H5 or F3. Now i know. Thank you. Comparing 32bit with RAW was just perfect.

[@WaechterDerNacht]

Do you use DaVinci only for the audio or also for the video? Or are you even trying out different software for post production of the photos aswell?

[@Rob.1340]

Thank you. All the best. 👍📷😎

[@Xipto]

Morten eres el mejor!!! Todo un referente, me encanta tu visión y forma de hacer los videos. La fotografía es de otro planeta. Enhorabuena y saludos desde Tenerife!

[@radcoimbatore]

Happy Diwali wishes from India 🇮🇳

[@bobcat6653]

One thing to keep in mid when it comes to 'self noise' is that a microphone generates FAR MORE self noise than a Zoom F3 does, The mics you use are very nice and functional but they will make their own noise, to some degree. Thanks for all the videos that you share with us!

[@tkNAT]

Hey Morten, thanks for sharing this video! I already add self-recordings to my videos. At the moment, I use the Zoom H1N... the recorder itself is great for what it is, but as you mentioned, the problem with self-noise is quite noticeable when it comes to quiet nature recordings, and I always have to work on the audio files to fix the noise as best as I can. I've had the F3 in my shopping cart for quite a while now, and maybe it will be a Christmas gift to myself 😉. I'm really looking forward to your next videos and recordings. Have a nice day 🙂

The tridimensional sound is amazing! I’m eager to hear some more!

[@salomekruger4176]

Thanks for a very informative talk about sound recording. I never realized how much work goes into something like this.

[@charlenenagel7962]

Thank you Morton, for your detailed demonstration of this. I love the sound in your videos but thought it was too complicated to try myself. You make it seem very approachable!

[@jugal12]

Love from Assam💚💚💚

[@Ticolme819]

Thank you for the video. Nice tips on the audio gear and how to use. As always wishing you the best,

[@outdoorsinontario3037]

So beautiful how good it sounds! Thanks for this! I’ve had ideas to do similar things and now I think I will

[@Pixeld.]

Thank you for sharing your know-how! You do some very inspiring videos.

[@Salvajejosh]

FANTASTIC !! i need buy some micros for my chanel !! great video also Morten

[@einargudmann]

I have a similar setup with the same mics and the F3. Great gear and minimalistic for photographers that are part time videographers ;-) A great addition is to use the Mini Pluggy EM258 on the side of the camera when mobility is a must. I also added two stereo mics from Micboosters (the Non-XLR version), made a stereo bar from a ruler under the bird lenses and plugged them with a short custom cable straight into the camera. A dream setup for mobility and wildlife recording. I really enjoyed the video - like always. - Greetings from Iceland.

[@garfieldirwin]

Thank you Morton! This is excellent, very specialized information that is hard to find....just what I was looking for. I just ordered the set.

[@IngolfurDavid]

Thanks for sharing and continue to push me to improve 🙏

[@davidepaolostrangio5957]

great video us usually Morten! I also falling in love with zoom device, and I think to do a similar set up with my zoom h9 who provide also 32 bit registration, the main difference that you get a field recorder and mine is a handly register but I think that I can have quite good result. You are really a master class of way to do work in studio, is brillant your way to manege it. If you want to come a day into alps to do wild life I hope I can see you! great job Morten and see you out there!

[@esjovold6572]

Thank you, I have a zoom H4N that I do some nature sound recordings. I definitely will watch this again, it has lots of good tips. I’ve struggled with how to deal with hours of recording I can produce. This gives me some really good ideas.

[@NathanGPhotos]

Look forward to watching this.👍

[@MortenHilmer]

I really hope you will like it even though it is a bit long;)

[@NathanGPhotos]

@@MortenHilmer I did not mind the length at all. As someone not that familiar with the audio side of things, it was great, in depth and easy to understand. Thanks so much for sharing Morten!

[@SarunasTarvydas]

What about attaching an Arca Swiss plate to the folding mic bar so it's easier to put it on and take it off the tripod? No need to screw it on.

[@OzarkBill]

Thank you, Morton. This has been incredibly useful. I have been wanting to improve my audio game for quite some time now, but have been hindered due to the expense and bulk of most high-end audio equipment. I had no idea something like this Zoom product existed.

[@01splitpea]

Great work! I've shared your video with my wildlife photographer husband! 🎥

[@MortenHilmer]

So nice to hear:) I hope he will like it.

[@AjayKumar-Photography]

Lots of love from India 🇮🇳

[@katharinemovertonphotographer]

Thank you for sharing this video Found it very useful

[@22ophiotrix11]

That was so interesting and helpful. Just stumbled over the message a new video was on when I settled down at my desk with a cup of tea. Some weeks ago, I was practising recording for NocMig (nocturnal migration of birds) with a Song meter mini from Wildlife. As I got a lot of disturbing sounds, partly due to the place of recording between houses, partly due of the cliffs and long valleys echoing sounds of trains and metal working, I changed to a second microphone with a parabol dish aimed at the sky. I'm still not quite content with fixing everything together, but it is much better. Duck tape can be so useful. :-) Sounds are analyzed with Kaleidoscope software and yes, I get hours of soundtracks, but I also use the "look" of interesting parts and clip out what isn't needed. I found a more open place with less sound reflecting walls, so I hope to get valid data in spring. For other nature sounds I use a Tascam recorder. but sometimes I have to cheat and record sounds at similar places to those where I took my pictures and clips, because I need to avoid places in flight corridors.

[@beatfarmerfan]

Very nice equipment Morten! Every time you do an inside video, I Love the look of your house. Maybe some time you can give us a quick walkthrough ? 👍

[@LauraF4848]

Hi, Morten! I never knew much about recording equipment, and was a bit intimidated by it so I've never tried it. Thanks for explaining your set up and taking some of the mystery away. I always enjoy learning with you. Cheers from the States 😊

[@evgenygorshkov9893]

Hi Morten ! Interesting video !!!

The most difficult part is finding a place without traffic noise, hunters and chainsaws

[@tomdearie5165]

Thanks, Morten I just came back from 4 days in my kayak in Northern Ontario 🥶 with a fuzzy-mic on my camera. I’m a biologist and photographer, but fairly new to video and sound. This was helpful 👍😎

[@marchinderickx8193]

Great presentation! I am using a similar configuration. Rather the zoom, it's a Tascam DR-40 who is including 2 microphones.

[@tomdearie5165]

btw - Where did you get your camo netting that you throw over yourself and your gear? All I’ve found is the crappy plaastic stuff that makes a lot of noise. I need to create a camo cover for my kayak. Cheers.

[@undeaddave]

Another great video. Could you tell me if the XTPower XT-20000QC3-AO-PA Powerbank that you use will power my Z9 camera.

[@cinavik]

Hi Morten! That "glue" is called threadlocker in English. Great video!

[@MartynasRphotography]

Hi, what is a better product to buy Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 or Tamron 150-600mm g2? I know you used these lenses and I really need your opinion!!! REALLYYYY!!!!

[@300ShadesofGreen]

I shouldn’t know this, but there is “at least” a desk calendar coming my way for Christmas. :-) Very excited. :-)

[@MartynasRphotography]

Hi, what is a better product Nikon 200-500mm f/5.6 or Tamron 150-600mm g2? I know you used these lenses and I really need your opinion!!!

[@karl-heinzweege2395]

Hello and thank you for the very helpful video. Oh yeah, audio is 50% of the video! And I probably have to put the idea of ​​the audio archive on my to-do list. And yes, I'm looking forward to the calendar I ordered. Best regards Karl-Heinz

[@georgereed1568]

If you're into sound recording and birding, I highly highly recommend a book called "The Sound Approach" It adds so much value into the world of using sound recording to help identify bird calls, it also teaches you a lot about sonograms.

[@siddharthx]

Thank you. Your solution with the Stereo bar was my big takeaway.

[@fbimagesphoto]

9:20 it's more than raw photo, it's pretty much infinite dynamic range! If you google 32-Bit Float Files Explained and open the first link from Sound Devices, you can find a great explanation: The dynamic range that can be represented by a 32-bit (floating point) file is 1528 dB. Since the greatest difference in sound pressure on Earth can be about 210 dB, from anechoic chamber to massive shockwave, 1528 dB is far beyond what will ever be required to represent acoustical sound amplitude in a computer file.

[@MakersTeleMark]

While that is true for the recording itself, it is quite easy to clip your mics' tolerances way before your recording ability. That is why paying attention to gain staging is still so important.

[@fbimagesphoto]

@ absolutely! Don’t think there is a single mic that wouldn’t clip if hit by a massive shockwave…!

[@defcon3694]

you did not list the night vision scope?

[@cmichaelhaugh8517]

I’m not videotaping…..yet 😊. But this gives me more ideas for how to do it end encouragement to get going.

[@krimke881]

You put a lot of work down on something that are 90% consumed on mobile phones. So do you use this quality recordings for anything else than just u2be ?

[@kunalchaugule6951]

❤

[@andrew.izvarin]

I wonder why they are recommending 50cm stereo bar, that looks a lot. For ORTF or NOS techniques it's 20-30 cm at most. But maybe I don't know something...

[@cristianberto9262]

Thank you Morten,for sharing everything you do,especially I think you have so much work when you do your tours,I dread to think the work you do afterwards,and I repeat you are the best wildephotographer and youtuber in the world🥇,without taking anything away from anyone,hello Morten and thanks again👋

[@Karkawry1970]

Great video Morten, something a little different. I believe this is also known as 'binaural' recording!

[@xseb1]

Binarual is actually a little more complex than just a conventional stereo recording. It creates a '3D image' of a recording and is usually achieved with a dummy head, where the two microphones are placed inside the ears of the dummy. The effect also only works with headphones.

[@Julia-o8k6p]

Thank you for your dedication and passion for content creation. Your videos are always inspiring!🐟🌿🎬

[@MortenHilmer]

Thank you so much Julia

[@xseb1]

This is a bot 😅

[@krimke881]

Morten. You must have a 550kg backpack on your back, when you go on onto a location. Is there something you DON'T have? =)

[@Gretta-c6g]

Your videos are more than just entertainment, they are a true source of inspiration and knowledge.⌨️🏜🦞