Freesound Forums

It will be for recording migration sounds from birds who fly over and for general recording sounds from birds who are singing … what I found out is that the best ones are discontinued ?
ringtone download free at: https://downloadringtonesfree.mobi/

You may want to check out Sony's line of Dictaphone recorders. They are pretty versatile and under a hundred dollars. They have many different mic sensitivity settings for recording and you do not even need a computer to edit the audio. You can edit out audio however you wish and there is even a built EQ settings too.

I have recorded birds singing with my Sony UX570 and you can hear the results in the link below.
https://freesound.org/s/542048/

Hope this helps.

I'd suggest a Zoom H5 / H6 with a SGH-6 shotgun capsule. Whether that is the best tool is up to debate, but every question that asks for the "best" is, but I can't think of a better off the top of my head.

The gear is so sensitive that I'd also suggest a tripod mike stand, since merely handling/touching it will be clearly audible.

What is your budget ?
for less than 100 euros for example, Zoom H1n or Tascam DR-05x may be good starting points. And if you plan to often record outdoor, I'll suggest to save some additional bucks for a decent windscreen.

Most field recording pros recommend the Sony D-100 which isn't manufactured anymore, but you can still buy existing stock. You could probably find one on ebay too. Some places like Thomann still sell it brand new. It's in the pro price range for handheld field recorders.

The thing about the D-100 is that it's simply the best out there for integrated mic recording but doesn't have XLR or TRS inputs. But the absolute recording quality and device feature set truly makes up for this...

Here is a fantastic breakdown review of everything about the D-100:
https://www.creativefieldrecording.com/2017/01/18/sony-pcm-d100-review-one-year-later/

I totally agree about the sony D100 ! Nice preamps, and probably the best mics for a handheld recorder.
But may be a bit expensive for a nonprofessional user.
In fact, everything depends on your budget and your goals.

kevp888 wrote:
I totally agree about the sony D100 ! Nice preamps, and probably the best mics for a handheld recorder.
But may be a bit expensive for a nonprofessional user.
In fact, everything depends on your budget and your goals.

You're right. I would have also recommended the Roland R-26 (I own one) because its a bit lower in price, but sadly it's discontinued and you can't find it anywhere. It's a shame because it's a really awesome handheld recorder.

Headphaze wrote:

kevp888 wrote:
I totally agree about the sony D100 ! Nice preamps, and probably the best mics for a handheld recorder.
But may be a bit expensive for a nonprofessional user.
In fact, everything depends on your budget and your goals.

You're right. I would have also recommended the Roland R-26 (I own one) because its a bit lower in price, but sadly it's discontinued and you can't find it anywhere. It's a shame because it's a really awesome handheld recorder.

I am not a professional just a hobby field-recorder plus we make human sounds.

This is a recording we did last night outside a local shopping centre using a Zoom H4n Pro, no external mic just the ones with the unit. I believe it is very crisp and nice.

Listen here https://freesound.org/s/575672

I do not know what your budget is but I would highly recommend this unit.