It starts from Hardware :p

[soundgeek2496]

For those that like to use natural/organic sounds in their designs or sfx (like myself), the hardware is the key to get that sound . Good location sound equipment ie: mics, recorders, mixers, micing tricks, and techniques; there's plenty to be discussed

[george]

Agreed .

I'm currently using a Zoom H4 and also have a Rode NT-4 with full Rycote setup for field recording. The funny thing is that I rarely use the NT-4 and Rycote... always just use the H4 for impromptu recordings. I think that small recorders like the Zooms, Edirols, and M-audios have completely changed the way we capture sound, and have provided the ease and flexibility to capture anything. People always stare when I'm carrying around a 16" windscreen with a pistol grip... wonder why

[soundgeek2496]

Ya I get that too, or.... "what animal did you skin to get that fur!" I'm currently in the process of purchasing a sound devices 702T, for my everything purposes of recording.. film/location sfx etc.. etc.. I do already own a Microtrak though, which has done well for simple projects.

[Xan]

Tascam HD-P2 for me. It was the only decent (non-marantz) solid state recorder around at the time. But, as is usually the case, a bunch of really good competing products came out over the following 6 months. I was kinda kicking myself. Still, I've had good mileage out of it and the pre-amps are still good.

I use it in conjunction with a MKH416. The two together give me a really focused, clean sound.

I'm tempted to get an all-in-one job like the Zoom though. Lat holiday I took, I kept hearing stuff, ambient stuff maintly, that I wished I could record.