Freesound Forums

Hello. I have a question for anyone experienced in field recording for use in their dark ambient (in particular) or other music projects. I am interested in recording my own raw material instead of using readily available sample libraries. What I plan on doing, is picking up a Zoom H2n recording unit, but I am unsure about the type of mic to get to properly capture my stuff. The unit has built-in mics (and phantom power for external), but I want to do more creative mic placement for indoor tinkering, as well as urban capture. I'm kind of settled on two mics as possibilities based on some research: the Audio-Technica AT2035 or the Audio-Technica AT2050. My question is, should I go cardioid (2035) or omnidirectional (2050)? Which class of mic is better for field recording (indoor or outdoor)? The 2050 is switchable between direction modes (which seems practical), but costs somewhat more. Also, are dynamic mics any good for capturing samples or am I better off with these condenser type? Thanks in advance for any info!
Kev

Dynamic mics are generally best used for speech. Like a radio station would use them in the studio. For recording foley, objects and on filmsets, I always use condensers, cardioid. Omnidirectional I have really only used for clip-ons or binaural (same clip-ons, but clipped on my ears rather than on someone's shirt).
The two mics you mentioned, I wouldn't use them outside, they're really studio mics.

Thanks Nemo for your reply. I'll probably go with a pair of 2035s to record indoor object stuff. I'll check out the knowledge base and stickies for moderately priced outdoor mics. Thanks again!

No problem