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Gear / Technical Help => Microphones & Setup => Topic started by: Petrus on March 06, 2008, 01:44:59 AM

Title: Recording combat action
Post by: Petrus on March 06, 2008, 01:44:59 AM
The deal is I am heading for Iraq for a 2 week stint in combat outpost Xxxxx. I was thinking about recording all my patrols with a Zoom4 and a pair of DPA 4060. Too bad I just got the most sensetive models for nature recording, this gig is diametrically opposite... I have some test shots recorded with these mics, they seem to mechanically clip easily, but no damage so far. And with a gunshot you really do not care about the smoothness if the waveform.

I tested the system by taping the mics with sponge windprotectors to the kevlar helmet's edge near ears. Works nice, but picks up breathing noise, of which there will be a lot. I can not really think of any other place in the body where they would be as well protected from contact, though, with less breathing picked up.

How does the ZOOM4 stack up using MP3? I was first thinking about taking my SD722, but too heavy and expencive for me to jump on and knock around. What MP3 datarate gives usable quality and recording times? Using 24bit wav eats up the SD card a bit too fast.
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: ambo on March 06, 2008, 10:49:07 AM
There was a guy in Beirut who recorded duets of himself on saxophone with incoming missiles from his open window during the Israeli bombardment a few years ago. Not sure what gear he used. Good luck and take care. (Personally if it were me, I'd want mics that didn't overemphasize the sound of me peeing my pants.)
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: boojum on March 06, 2008, 12:54:30 PM
Wear that flak jacket, keep your helmet on and be wary of anyone not in a US uniform.  I am sure I can speak for the board when I say we would rather have you tell us about it and be alive than get your ass shot off making a recording.  Be more than careful.   
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: Dede2002 on March 06, 2008, 01:10:20 PM
Wear that flak jacket, keep your helmet on and be wary of anyone not in a US uniform.  I am sure I can speak for the board when I say we would rather have you tell us about it and be alive than get your ass shot off making a recording.  Be more than careful.   


Perfect ;)
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: ethan on March 06, 2008, 01:49:56 PM
wow...

don't check your levels while someone is shooting at you
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: boojum on March 06, 2008, 04:23:10 PM
^^^ I like that one.   8)
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: Tim on March 06, 2008, 09:50:13 PM
Wear that flak jacket, keep your helmet on and be wary of anyone not in a US uniform.  I am sure I can speak for the board when I say we would rather have you tell us about it and be alive than get your ass shot off making a recording.  Be more than careful.   
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: Jonathan Starr on March 09, 2008, 05:07:32 PM
I would look for a more expendable, less sensitive alternative to the DPA's. Maybe some Church Audio type stuff, if you can get it to work with the zoom. Maybe just find a way to attach the Zoom to your webgear and use the built in mics.

You don't want to be worrying about delicate expensive gear when you want to move fast.

Have fun & stay safe.

Aloha,

Jonathan

Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: moooose on March 10, 2008, 05:48:21 AM
Wear that flak jacket, keep your helmet on and be wary of anyone not in a US uniform.  Be more than careful.   

imho, be wary of people in a US uniform as well. At least sometimes.

Good luck
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: nameloc01 on March 10, 2008, 12:02:50 PM
Well...no one can ever argue that youre not a "real taper"                                  any kind of recording would be the last thing on my mind. Stay safe dude...
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: nameloc01 on March 10, 2008, 12:08:49 PM
Ps.  Dont forget to pack the "sand screens"
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: Petrus on May 18, 2008, 02:54:05 AM
Here is a 2-minute flash slide show with some audio captured with DPA 4060/Zoom H4 combo:

http://www.suomenkuvalehti.fi/flash/mosul/index.html

Camera: Canon 5D with 24-105 f4

Audio is quite heavily hi-pass filtered, there is too much low/infra frequences (Humvee diesels, helicopters) in the original for average net listeners. Recording format was best MP3, with fresh Energizer AA lithiums H4 gives about 7-8 hours of continuous recording time feeding phantom.
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: dean on May 18, 2008, 10:44:57 AM
very interesting - thanks!

Indeed.  Thanks for posting this, Petrus.
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: stirinthesauce on May 18, 2008, 11:01:39 AM
plustee!  I really enjoyed that slideshow.  Glad you made it back safe and sound.
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: Gutbucket on June 02, 2008, 11:35:28 AM
Just came across this and wanted to say: great job, excellent photos and a really nice presentation.
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: twatts (pants are so over-rated...) on June 02, 2008, 01:30:17 PM
Here is a 2-minute flash slide show with some audio captured with DPA 4060/Zoom H4 combo:

http://www.suomenkuvalehti.fi/flash/mosul/index.html

Camera: Canon 5D with 24-105 f4

Audio is quite heavily hi-pass filtered, there is too much low/infra frequences (Humvee diesels, helicopters) in the original for average net listeners. Recording format was best MP3, with fresh Energizer AA lithiums H4 gives about 7-8 hours of continuous recording time feeding phantom.


Wow!  Very cool!

Terry
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: OOK on June 02, 2008, 03:19:05 PM
May god protect you....and be safe.........come home safe........

May the world be at peace one day......soon!

Peace OOK
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: Josephine on June 02, 2008, 03:27:43 PM
May god protect you....and be safe.........come home safe........

May the world be at peace one day......soon!


AND THANK YOU.
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: boojum on June 02, 2008, 05:33:59 PM
Glad you are back, safe and sound. Time for some Lutefisk!  LOL   I sent you a PM.

Cheers
Title: Re: Recording combat action
Post by: Dede2002 on June 02, 2008, 05:43:45 PM
The whole thing is terribly sad. But I'm trully happy that you made it back home safe and sound.
Peace and happiness :)