barbe_generative_diary SOUNDS – Field Recording

I began field recording as part of a project called “Sound Visualization,” which involved capturing sound materials for creating program art. Since then, I’ve become fascinated by various environmental sounds and have continued to learn about recording techniques and editing on my own.

Sample ｜Original Heidelberg Printing Machine Sounds

Introduction to Field Recording | Tips and Techniques for Beginners

To capture beautiful sounds in field recording, you need not only knowledge about equipment and sound but also strong recording skills. Through my own field recording experiences—learning through trial and error—I have developed my methods. Of course, everyone has their own approach to interacting with sound, so this is not definitive. Use this article as a reference to discover and enjoy your own unique approach to field recording.

Index

Plan

Sometimes, field recording can be a casual pursuit where you keep a handy recorder in your bag to capture sounds you encounter in daily life or on trips. However, if you’re aiming for a satisfying field recording experience, planning is essential. Here are three main things to consider when preparing for a field recording session, similar to planning a fun outing.

1. What Will You Record?

Having a mental image of your recording target is essential. It’s good to know the purpose or intended use of the sound, but if you’re new to recording, you may find it hard to decide what to capture.

One helpful resource is the Universal Category System (UCS) category list. In a previous article, How to Manage a Sound Effects Library｜The Universal Category System, I discussed a method for organizing recorded sounds. The category list includes a vast array of possible recording targets, allowing you to expand your ideas as you review it.

2. What’s the Weather and Time of Day?

Once you’ve decided what to record, check the weather and time of day for the recording. Pay particular attention to wind; unless you need windy sounds, choose a day with little wind for clearer recordings.

The soundscape of a place changes depending on the time. Early mornings are quiet with minimal human activity, and birds are more active. Midday might be filled with city noise, while at night, you’ll hear insects or nightlife. Plan the recording time to match your target soundscape.

3. What Equipment Will You Bring?

Once you’ve settled on the target, weather, and time, select your equipment. Field recording isn’t practical with all your gear, so choose only what you need based on your plan and pack accordingly.

Besides equipment, pack towels for wet areas, a rain cover if rain is expected, insect repellent for the mountains, and a flashlight for nighttime recordings. Prepare for a variety of possible situations.

Planning Tips

Using a tool like Google Sheets can help with planning. Track details like the recording purpose and location, travel time (with Google Maps links), date and weather, setup details, packing list, and even post-recording file management. If the environment is complex, consider a scouting trip to assess the recording conditions.

Listen

Upon arriving at the recording location, take a moment to observe the surroundings before setting up. Even if you’ve scouted beforehand, the field environment is always changing. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you, allowing yourself to relax and find the best spot to set up the microphone.

Once you’ve found a good recording spot, stand, sit, or move your head to determine the best microphone placement, as if you were the microphone itself.

Listening Tips

If you do this in crowded places, your behavior might look strange to others. Ignore this and stay focused on your task; getting used to this takes practice. Also, be considerate of your surroundings, especially in high-traffic areas, and avoid blocking others or disturbing anyone nearby.

Set

Once you’ve determined a spot by listening, setting up the microphone is easier. However, the human ear and microphone differ, so adjustments may be needed, as even a slight shift in microphone direction can affect the balance.

Microphone Setup

Choose mono or stereo recording and select a microphone type based on your target. In a previous article, Stereo Recording | A Guide to Precisely Capturing Natural Sounds(japanese), I discussed various microphone setups and stereo techniques.

Monitoring with Headphones

Choose mono or stereo recording and select a microphone type based on your target. In a previous article, Stereo Recording | A Guide to Precisely Capturing Natural Sounds, I discussed various microphone setups and stereo techniques.

Rec

Recording involves both monitoring through headphones and stepping away from the mic. Monitoring lets you stay alert to subtle sounds and blend into the environment. However, if you’re too close to the mic, you may generate hiss or unwanted noise.

Stepping away minimizes self-noise and captures pure field sounds. The joy of replaying and discovering unexpected details in the recording is also rewarding.

1. Starting the Recording

When you hit the record button, first document the location, environment, and date with a brief spoken description. Start the recording with a signal, like clapping or snapping fingers, as an audio cue that helps during editing by marking the start.

2. Recording Tips

During recording, resist the urge to move frequently or adjust the mic setup. Field recording often brings delightful surprises, so leave the recording running longer and enjoy the process.

If time allows, record multiple takes in the same location. The environment constantly changes, making each recording unique. Appreciating these subtle shifts is one of the great joys of field recording.

3. Embrace Ambient Noise

Unlike studio recording, field recording naturally involves noise. Clear, high-quality sound isn’t the only goal; the value of field recording is in capturing the nuances of the environment. Embrace ambient noises and the layered waves of sound you experience in the field.

Finish

After finishing, restore the environment to its original state. Return any moved items and take any trash with you. Field recording often reveals litter, so consider picking it up out of respect for the location. Leaving a place cleaner than you found it enhances your appreciation of the field recording experience.

Tips and Techniques for Improving Your Recording Skills

As many say, the best way to improve at field recording is to do it often. The more you record, the better your results will become. Practical experience—through both failures and successes—will refine your skills and help you develop your unique style. Most importantly, the best way to improve is simply to enjoy the process of field recording.

Recommended Equipment for Field Recording

Zoom H1essential Stereo Handy Recorder

For beginners looking to get into field recording with ease, “Zoom H1essential Stereo Handy Recorder” is a great option. It’s affordable, compact, and portable, and it supports 32-bit float recording, making it an excellent choice for starting out.

BGD_SOUNDS (barbe_generative_diary SOUNDS)

At BGD_SOUNDS, we have started sharing and selling a collection of field recordings stocked for use in sound visualization experiments. Nearly all recordings are captured in 192kHz-32bit float quality and are royalty-free, allowing for unrestricted use. New releases are added regularly, so if you’re looking for sound sources, consider following us to stay updated.