Sound Recording Hardware

Kodiak · 12-31-2008, 05:32 PM

So here I am, sitting down and trying to figure out how to actually record sounds to make in game sound effects/foley. I've been doing some basic stuff with my computer and a small mic, but the results are far from sounding great.

Is there any portable recording equipment that anyone could recommend that is relatively affordable which will produce decent sound recordings? I'm looking for something portable which will let me get good sound in the field as well.

For example, I was on a range recently trying to record gunshots, and the cheap MP3 recorder (with no mic attachment) as well as the mic on the digital camera I was using only recorded sounds that were very 'tinny'. I understand that recording sounds in a wide open, windy field is difficult at the best of times, but my equipment makes it downright impossible.

Would something as simple as finding a better MP3 voice recorder with an external mic attachment do the job?

Thanks!

SBallard · 01-02-2009, 05:44 PM

Head over here and do a comparison of your own.

Portable Recorder comparison

Kodiak · 01-04-2009, 04:06 PM

Thanks!

Now, if only I had a few spare bucks lying around for that Korg rig...

Protector one · 01-04-2009, 11:35 PM

I was recently wondering how to deal with stereo. All the recorders on that page, seem to have a single mic (and can thus only produce mono recordings?). Is it even usual to record sound effects in stereo?
The cheapest solution would probably be to buy two USB mics, and record both at the same time with a laptop. Anyone have experience with that? Is it worth the effort?

jillduffy · 01-05-2009, 06:05 AM

Hey,
I've got two audio guys putting together an article, hopefully to be posted in late January or early February, about game audio basics. It will include details about which tools can be used to complete projects cheaply, at mid-price range, and top-of-the-line.

Kodiak · 01-05-2009, 12:36 PM

Thanks!

Sound design is so easy to forget about, yet it is one of the most effective methods of drawing a player into the game environment.

It would also be interesting to discuss the development of a musical score for a game. Perhaps a separate article?

Zooch · 01-05-2009, 08:58 PM

Yes I'd have to agree that audio is one of the most important, and most overlooked, aspects of any polished game. It's also very fun to mess with (imo).

Protector one · 01-06-2009, 01:06 AM

Ok! Will be looking forward to that article. I think the last time I read anything about game audio was back when Black was released. Then again, I haven't sought it out either.

jams002 · 01-08-2009, 09:19 PM

oh!! that is cool an hardware for sound recording!!

___________________
Great thing to know about seo test.

SBallard · 01-08-2009, 11:47 PM

It will indeed be nice to see what the audio guys have to say in the article.

Protector one - most of the field recorders will record in stereo or mono at CD quality. I won't get into this and I'll let them do the article.