soundsethorizon

[soundsethorizon]

Beginning in the Field – A Practical Approach to Field Recording

While the soul of field recording lies in its poetry—the rustle of leaves, the call of birds at dawn—it also demands a certain practicality. Before the magic begins, there’s gear to choose, locations to scout, and conditions to consider. If my first post was about the why, this one is about the how.

1. Start with Your Ears

Before reaching for a microphone, train your ears. Sit quietly. Listen deeply. Notice how the environment changes as the day moves. Pay attention to subtle shifts—what sounds emerge at sunrise versus dusk? The best field recordings begin long before you press “record.”

2. Choose the Right Gear (But Don’t Overthink It)

You don’t need the most expensive recorder to begin. Many modern handheld recorders like the Zoom H5, Tascam DR-40X, or even a smartphone with a good external mic can yield remarkable results. Start with what you have. Learn its strengths and limitations. It’s not about having the best gear—it’s about knowing how to use it well.

3. Wind is Your Enemy (and Sometimes Your Friend)

Outdoor recording means dealing with wind. A dead cat (wind muff) is essential, even for built-in mics. Without it, your recordings will be dominated by unusable rumble. On the flip side, a light breeze through grass or leaves can be beautifully evocative. Learn to work with the wind, not against it.

4. Scout Your Locations

Sometimes you stumble upon a magical soundscape, but often, planning helps. Visit locations ahead of time. Listen during different hours. Use Google Maps’ satellite view to spot forests, rivers, or remote trails. Always respect private property and protected areas.

5. Embrace Patience

Nature doesn’t perform on cue. You might wait an hour for a birdcall—or end up recording nothing at all. That’s okay. Field recording is as much about the experience as the outcome. If you come home empty-handed, you still listened. You still were there.

6. Take Notes

Keep a small notebook or voice memo log. Jot down the time, weather, location, and any notable sounds. These notes will become invaluable as your library grows. They also help you relive and contextualize each recording later.

7. Record More Than You Think You Need

Record a few minutes before and after the sound you’re aiming for. Atmospheres need context, and sometimes the in-between moments are more compelling than the main event.

Field recording is a blend of mindfulness and method. The magic lives in the details, and the most important tool you carry is your attention. In future posts, I’ll go deeper into microphones, editing workflows, and building a personal sound library—but for now, step outside, stay still, and listen. That’s where it all begins.