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Best microphones for nature recording?

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greenshank

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Got any recommendations for the best microphones for nature recording? Not just particular models but also what's important in the specs e.g. cardioid/omnidirectional, etc. I would prefer plug-in power ones (less to carry around). I don't want to spend the earth (this is an occasional hobby) but then again I want to get better results than I do with the ECM-DS70P that came bundled with my NH900.

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Nature recording is going to be difficult because the microphone preamp in the MD adds noise that will be more audible with quiet sounds. The best solution is to go mic-preamp-Line in with a good preamp, but you're looking at another $100 at least.

Cardioid microphones are directional. If you are trying to focus on a sound directly in front of the microphone--a distant birdcall, maybe--I suppose they are useful. However, to my ear they give a peculiar sound I'd describe as backless, as if there is no universe behind you. You will also have to pay a bundle for a cardioid that has full-range frequency response (20-20,000 Hz). Your DS70P is only 100-15,000 Hz.

So I prefer omnis, and what you want to find is a full frequency range and the highest available signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio for your budget.

Look at these birdcall fanciers for some ideas.

http://www.wildsounds.co.uk/

Also, take a look at this post.

http://forums.minidisc.org/index.php?s=&sh...indpost&p=89218

Edited by A440
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