Topic: Upgrade question for field recording

[petr hamal]

Hi Tapers

I currently have a Sony PCM D50 and use it together with Soundman OKM II. I love recording ambience, environmental sounds and I'd like to know what options there are if I want a little bit better sound quality.

I like transparency, the feeling of being there, good stereo image, sensitivity and low self-noise.

What's a possible next step, what kind of mics should I look into. Let's say regardless of price (haha), of course price is an issue but I'm also interested in how expensive things can get from here. So my rational part can say no.

[rastasean]

Get yourself the Sound Pro Binaural microphones and you won't be let down:
SP-TFB-2

[Brian Skalinder]

What sonic characteristics do you find lacking with your current gear?

[petr hamal]

One thing is noise, I wonder if I could reduce that further when recording in environments that are quiet. I'd like to get a good feeling of the space with only subtle sounds. It's not for recording loud concerts.

The other thing is the handling of the Soundman mics. I really like the result but you have to plug them into your ears and have to be careful not to breathe too much.

I'd be interested in similar microphone settings like using DPA4060 or something different like using Rode NT4. What are your experiences? Are DPA4060 really that much better or should I go with a completely different mic setup?

I understand it's maybe difficult to answer for experienced tapers, but I'm happy about any pointers or general advice.

[petr hamal]

@Moke: Doesn't the D50 already have a preamp? Is it better to use an external/dedicated one?

[Belexes]

The D50 does have a quiet internal pre.  If you are taping soft ambient things, an external pre may be a good idea.  Loud rock?  May just need a battery box for the external mics and no pre.

I have been using my CA 9100 with the D50, but line-in and not mic-in. 

[sunjan]

I currently have a Sony PCM D50 and use it together with Soundman OKM II. I love recording ambience, environmental sounds and I'd like to know what options there are if I want a little bit better sound quality.

I guess you run those OKMs head-worn?
But besides the binaural effect, is there any particular reason you go for stealth size gear if you're just recording ambient anyway?

You could get better stereo separation and avoid body noise by getting larger mics, a stand, bar + jecklin disc or similar. Have you considered that?!

[guysonic]

Hi Tapers

I currently have a Sony PCM D50 and use it together with Soundman OKM II. I love recording ambience, environmental sounds and I'd like to know what options there are if I want a little bit better sound quality.

I like transparency, the feeling of being there, good stereo image, sensitivity and low self-noise.

What's a possible next step, what kind of mics should I look into. Let's say regardless of price (haha), of course price is an issue but I'm also interested in how expensive things can get from here. So my rational part can say no.

OK, NOT cheap, but highly specialized for low noise stereo-surround ambient is my DSM-1S/H + WHB/N windscreen, AND your D50 deck directly powers this set perfectly.  So you're good to record practically any type of ambient sound using just this mic+ deck rig.

DSM-1S/H mic specs on table at: www.sonicstudios.com/dsm.htm#chart 

MOST importantly, a multitude of raw ambient recordings made with 1S/H model on page: www.sonicstudios.com/mp3.htm

Mic + Windscreen assembly with case looks like this: