Skip to main content

Notice

Please note that most of the software linked on this forum is likely to be safe to use. If you are unsure, feel free to ask in the relevant topics, or send a private message to an administrator or moderator. To help curb the problems of false positives, or in the event that you do find actual malware, you can contribute through the article linked here.
Topic: best device to record audio in lectures, interviews, etc (Read 3402 times) previous topic - next topic
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

best device to record audio in lectures, interviews, etc

hello

which is the best device to record audio in a lecture or interview or similar situations?

it must record the voices as clear as possible, in difficult situations in terms of sound pollution, like a full amphitheatre, a cafeteria, on the street, etc

that would mean it should have specific features (eg. save to a lossless format) or you may have a specific recommendation to make

thanks!

best device to record audio in lectures, interviews, etc

Reply #1
The most important aspect here is the microphone. The recording format should be the least of your worries, although certainly lossless is preferable (and you should avoid some hard to work/nonstandard formats as well).

I don't know what kind of device you're looking for, exactly, but for directional recording the best are usually "shotgun" microphones, which are generally used in video production.

If you mean just some small pocket size device, it's a different story. The Zoom H4n is something I used once, but it picks up sounds from all directions with the built in mics (it's actually adjustable, to a degree), so I mostly used it with an external shotgun for more directional recording.


best device to record audio in lectures, interviews, etc

Reply #3
I haven't used many of those, but I think the H4n is a popular one. It has some drawbacks, tho. Like, adjusting gain is clearly audible on the recording.
If you don't need XLR inputs you can get the cheaper Zoom H1.
I know there are some similar recorders from Tascam, like the DR-100..
Olympus has some, as well (watch out for obscure recording formats).
But I'll let others give you more specific recommendations. I think you should define a price range.

These recorders all sound good, IMO. But as I've said, for isolating vocals in noisy environments you'll get better results with an external mic.

best device to record audio in lectures, interviews, etc

Reply #4
I haven't used many of those, but I think the H4n is a popular one. It has some drawbacks, tho. Like, adjusting gain is clearly audible on the recording.
If you don't need XLR inputs you can get the cheaper Zoom H1.
I know there are some similar recorders from Tascam, like the DR-100..
Olympus has some, as well (watch out for obscure recording formats).
But I'll let others give you more specific recommendations. I think you should define a price range.

These recorders all sound good, IMO. But as I've said, for isolating vocals in noisy environments you'll get better results with an external mic.


price range is not an issue

can you suggest me an external mic kit?

thanks

best device to record audio in lectures, interviews, etc

Reply #5
Think about getting a wireless external microphone.  That will allow more flexibility in mic placement while you retain control of the recorder.  What country are you in?  Some of the Pro-audio shops/chains do have knowledgeable sales consultants.
Kevin Graf :: aka Speedskater

best device to record audio in lectures, interviews, etc

Reply #6
Think about getting a wireless external microphone.  That will allow more flexibility in mic placement while you retain control of the recorder.  What country are you in?  Some of the Pro-audio shops/chains do have knowledgeable sales consultants.


I am in Greece and I don't know any store like that :S

 

best device to record audio in lectures, interviews, etc

Reply #7
Well, if you're considering big (in size) equipment, then you could try with a kit like this (replace the boompole with a mic stand for stationary recording). Couple that with a DR-100 or a H4n for recording.
Here's an example of the difference a decent shotgun mic can make for voice/directional isolation:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D_qjAVRUmM

But if you just want something small/portable the Zoom H1 is often recommended for sound quality. It won't pick up a voice from a distance if it's drown in noise, but if the speaker is clearly audible it will be audible on the recording as well.

It really depends on your specific needs.