Topic: Nature/ambient/street noise - which device?

[m1key]

Thanks for your reply, that's a very clear answer.

Just to make sure, I just realised this song by Godsmack, or rather it's intro, has something like what I want: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PtQfFtFUD8
This is the sound of London Underground; this is more or less a good example of what I would like to record. Are we on the right track then?

[rastasean]

The intro to that song could have been done with any type of microphone and mic pattern, but that is an example of ambient urban recordings.

The advantage to a HRTF, what I should have originally called it, is that you'll be recording in stereo, which is what the intro is definitely recorded in. The other option is an omnidirectional microphone but that would be mono and likely constrain you to hold the microphone. You can buy a stereo mic but you may need a preamp and headphones to monitor it.

I think purchasing a recorder with omnidirectional mics would be a wise move that way you can start to understand polar patterns, mic positioning, and hear the results in real time...something we can't do for you.

Good luck!

[m1key]

OK so my first step would be the Sony PCM-M10 + a windscreen, no other mics, and I would use my regular earphones to monitor what is being recorded?

[F.O.Bean]

Yes. I believe there is an exact windscreen made specifically for the Sony M10!

[F.O.Bean]

Plus, there is a handy remote that comes with the Sony M10 Just gotta watch because even when the M10 has HOLD locked[all buttons except gain knob are locked] the remote can STOP the recording even tho HOLD is engaged

[rastasean]

OK so my first step would be the Sony PCM-M10 + a windscreen, no other mics, and I would use my regular earphones to monitor what is being recorded?

That's a great plan!

[m1key]

Okay chaps, thanks a lot for now and you'll hear from me again once I buy it and it doesn't work as expected. 
I really appreciate your help.

[F.O.Bean]

Best of luck!