Topic: Recording combat action

[Petrus]

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.

[ambo]

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.)

[boojum]

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.   

[Dede2002]

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

[ethan]

wow...

don't check your levels while someone is shooting at you

[boojum]

^^^ I like that one.   

[Tim]

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.   

[Jonathan Starr]

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

[moooose]

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

[nameloc01]

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...

[nameloc01]

Ps.  Dont forget to pack the "sand screens"

[Petrus]

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.

[dean]

very interesting - thanks!

Indeed.  Thanks for posting this, Petrus.

[stirinthesauce]

plustee!  I really enjoyed that slideshow.  Glad you made it back safe and sound.

[Gutbucket]

Just came across this and wanted to say: great job, excellent photos and a really nice presentation.