This section describes all the equipment needed for field recording. What recorders I use for sound capture, their qualities and what are the strong and weak points.
NAGRA LB
Nagra is a brand that is at the origin of field recording, which started with the brand’s first tape recorders. They are machines recognized worldwide for their uncompromising sound quality, their durability and their price of course.
I immediately found my marks because like all professional devices, you do not need to go to the menu to find what you want, the functions are accessible by button arranged in a natural way, nothing is left to chance.
Its level … we can say that we are in a different range than the prosumer equipment, the rendering is realistic, it seems to be on the spot while listening to the takes. Quality preamps and converters come into their own. I admit I haven’t used the F6 zoom since I got the Nagra.
ZOOM F6
Zoom F6 with it’s 32bits float recording capability is the real plus. The sound quality improvement are not noticeable in front of Tascam DR100 MkIII but 6 inputs can help for certain conditions . Everything has been described about this device and it works perfectly as an all-purpose machine for field recording. The big negative point is the headphone output which is not as good as the Tascam on this point
Powering solutions of this tiny recorder are also very interesting.
TASCAM DR100 MKIII
The Tascam DR100 mk3 is the last version of Tascam’s portable recorders, a brand that has been established for a long time in the world of studio and portable recording. Since the first portastudio that made multitrack accessible to the largest number of people.
Recording quality of the DR100 is incredible. The sound is clear, fine and full of detail, with low background noise, all in a portable format.
It gives the best of itself thanks to its XLR inputs (48V Phantom) which open the possibility to use high-end professional microphones. DR100 is also equipped with a large capacity internal battery, it can also be used with 2 AA batteries. It can also work in usb connected to a phone charger or via a powerbank.
A device made to last which, with metal shell, will follow you formany years. This is one of the recorders I use for sound capture.
OLYMPUS LS-14
I use the Olympus LS14 mainly for binaural recordings with the Roland WPM10 microphones. The advantage is its size, it fits in my pocket and I always carry it with me just in case.
The integrated microphones are not at the standard of Tascam and the functionalities are basic but it allows uncompressed 24 bit/96 kHz PCM recordings with absolute discretion.
Its endurance which allows you to record for several hours with only 2 AA batteries
SQN mixer – SQN 3M & SQN 4S IVe
3 channel mixer with mono output created for the Nagra tape recorder. The SQN mixer has been used by countless journalists around the world and movie sound engineers… you’ve probably heard the SQN sound without even suspecting it!
Designed to withstand the worst treatment. Incredible quality preamps are an ideal complement to the DR100 when you’re looking for a special flavor. They also have the ability to handle heavy peaks without overloading, and the built-in analog limiter is often considered one of the best on portable equipment.
SQN 4s IVe is a Recent addition to my gear. This mixer work in stereo with all the qualities of SQN can bring to the sound. Now that’s open the door to Audio technica BP4025 and LOM Usi with top notch quality.
A few of the links that I propose on this page are links affiliated with Thomann.de. The principle is that if you buy the equipment by clicking on the link. I get a very small commission that allows me to keep the website on the go, so you don’t pay more. You are free not to buy via this link or to buy where you want, I encourage you to check the prices on several websites to be sure to get the best price.