Field Recording Techniques

Field recording, or phonography, is the art of recording sounds as they are found "in situ", rather than those created in a studio or concert hall.

Common subjects for field recording include everything from environmental sounds (both urban and natural) to ethnographic material such as folk music. Field recordings are often used for documentaries (both video and audio), musique-concrete style compositions or as audio works in and of themselves.

This lesson provides a theoretical introduction to the various microphone techniques and recording strategies used for field recording, as well as hands-on practice with a variety of professional equipment. (Some basic equipment can be provided, and further microphones and other gear can be rented locally in Berlin at the student's expense.)

This lesson is an ideal partner for my Ardour lessons, which could introduce the skills necessary to edit, mix and master the field recordings made here.

Please indicate your general area of interest in field recordings when making contact.