EQUIPMENT
Recording technology is rapidly evolving, with numerous resources online dedicated to reviewing the latest equipment, applications and offering advice. Always make several back-up copies of your recordings at the earliest possible opportunity as all storage formats are susceptible to damage or loss.
Take the time to think about your project and resources, and research further to decide the best equipment to suit your personal needs, and if you are aiming for archival quality recordings.
Whichever model of digital recorder you use, make sure it is capable of :
Recording in stereo using external microphones (preferably with professional XLR sockets)
Recording uncompressed WAV files at 48kHz 24 bit
Being powered by both rechargeable batteries and mains supply.
A USB connection to allow the recorded files to be uploaded easily to a computer for renaming, security copying and long-term storage.
DIGITAL EQUIPMENT FOR ORAL HISTORIANS
For quality recordings of lasting integrity, we advise you to buy the best equipment you can afford, particularly microphones. The following aspects should be considered when putting together your own kit of recording equipment:
There are many resources and demonstrations online (including youtube) providing more information on all aspects of digital recording and recorders and their reviews. Examples of useful search queries include: “ZOOM H4N Quick Start Guide”, “Audacity tutorial”, “Microphone placement for an interview”.
PORTABLE HIGH RESOLUTION STATE WAV DIGITAL RECORDERS
Prices and availability will vary from store to store. Regardless of the portable recorder used, it is essential that you read the manual and familiarise yourself with the device features and settings.
RECORDERS FEATURING 32 bit float technology
32 bit float is a recording technology with such a high dynamic range (the difference between the softest and loudest recording) that there is no need to adjust or monitor recording levels.
Zoom H4 Essential
Expected to be available from April 2024, tt can record using 32 bit float technology. It can record stereo using the built-in microphones or external microphones connected using XLR connectors. The XLR connectors have a locking feature to prevent the cables falling out accidentally. There is also a 3.5 mm jack for recording from devices such as Rode Wireless Go microphones or other microphones using a 3.5 mm stereo plug.
Records onto 4 to 32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification and 64GB to 1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification.
There is a much cheaper variant of this microphone, the Zoom H1 Essential, but it does not have any facility to record from external microphones.
10 hours of battery life on AA battery (2x) or power via USB-C
Zoom F3
A 2 channel (stereo) digital audio recorder using 32 bit float technology.
It has 2 XLR microphone sockets for connecting external microphones.
The Zoom F3 does NOT have built-in microphones, so it is most suitable if you already have external microphones (such as the Rode M3) or if you are planning to purchase external microphones.
It records directly to microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to one terrabyte.
Will run for approximately 8 hours on 2 AA alkaline batteries, or if can be powered via USB.
Zoom M4 MicTrak
It can record using 32 bit float technology. It can record stereo using the built-in microphones or external microphones connected using XLR connectors. It can also record 4 channels using the built-in microphones and external microphones simultaneously. There is also a 3.5 mm jack for recording from devices such as Rode Wireless Go microphones or other microphones using a 3.5 mm stereo plug.
Records onto 4 to 32GB cards compatible with the microSDHC specification and 64GB to 1TB cards compatible with the microSDXC specification.
In stereo mode, it will run up to 19 hours on four AA alkaline batteries, but up to 31 hours using four AA lithium batteries. Running in 4 track mode reduces running time to about 10 hours and 18 hours respectively. It can also be powered via USB.
There is a much cheaper variant of this microphone, the Zoom M2 MicTrack, but it does not have any facility to record from external microphones.
Recorders with ability to record 48 khz 24 bit
ZOOM H5 and H6 Handy Recorder
The Zoom H5 and H6 are more recent versions of the popular Zoom H4n.
New features include rotary dials for adjustment of recording levels, and interchangable microphone modules. All the other specifications that led us to recommend the Zoom H4n remain in the Zoom H5 and H6, such as as the robust pair of XLR sockets for external microphones, phantom powering of external condensor microphones, and sampling at and beyond the recommended sampling rate of 48 kilohertz, 24 bit.
For quick set up of your Zoom H5 digital recorder for Oral History recordings, see this guide:
Zoom H5 Basic Setup
ZOOM H4n Handy Recorder
Oral History NSW reviews of digital field recorders (Feb 2011, Feb 2013) ranked the Zoom H4n as an excellent choice for oral historians looking for appropriate sound quality levels, ease of use and value for money. One of its best features is the robust pair of XLR sockets for external microphones. These same sockets can also be used with 6.25 microphone plugs.
TASCAM DR-40
The Tascam DR-40 has all the features of the Zoom H4n with an additional feature of being able to simultaneously record the same sound file twice – once at the original recording volume, and the other at a lower volume. This can get you out of trouble if there is a sudden peak of recording level that might distort the sound recording.
ZOOM H2n Handy Recorder
If the budget doesn’t allow for external microphones, then the Zoom H2n is an alternative or as a backup recorder. The recording device can be placed between the interviewer and the interviewee and the built-in microphones can pick up sound equally from opposing sides of the recorder.
Note: This recorder will not produce archival standard sound recordings.
SD CARDS
On most digital recorders, audio is stored on SD cards or Micro-SD cards, similar to that found in most digital cameras and some mobile phones. SD cards are not all created equal. Some poor quality cards may work in cameras but a quality card is required for audio and video recording.
The amount of data that can be stored per second varies from card to card and is defined by a Class number, written on the card with an almost complete circle. Class 1 is the slowest with Class 10 being the fastest. Class 4 is considered the minimum required for sustained audio recording. If no class is indicated on the card, then it is probably unsuitable for audio recording.
Use only quality brands such as Sandisk and Verbatim.
Zoom H4n and Zoom H5 recorders work with SD cards of maximum storage capacity of 32 gigabytes.
Zoom H6, F3 and M4 recorders work with higher capacity cards, up to one terabyte.
microphones
Recording quality begins with the microphone. The recording cannot produce a better sound quality than the microphone is capable of delivering. We recommend RODE and Sennheiser as reputable brands.
Note: Stands and microphone cables must be purchased separately.
RODE M3
A versatile entry level microphone for those on a budget that opens up possibilities for anyone who records audio – from oral historians, journalists and students, to business people adding files to websites and multimedia presentations.
RODE NTG-1
A high grade shotgun microphone used in professional applications within the film, video, television and production industries. It is designed and made in Australia, and covered by RØDE Microphones' industry leading 10 year warranty.
RODE WIRELESS
If you need to record in a situation where it isn’t suitable to set up external microphones on stands, these wireless solutions will record high quality audio. There are various models available, all made in Australia.
Wireless GO II
The set includes two transmitters (one for interviewer and one for interviewee) and one receiver, the output of which can be plugged into a portable digital recorder such as a Zoom F3, Zoom M4 or Zoom H5.
A lapel microphone can be plugged into each transmitter, or you can use the transmitter’s own built-in microphone.
Each transmitter can also be set to record audio internally, which can act as a backup in case there is a problem with the main recording on your digital recorder.
Wireless Pro
Wireless Pro has all the features of Wireless GO II but includes two plug-in lapel microphones, giving you the choice to use lapel microphones or the microphones built in to the transmitters.
An important improvement over the Wireless GO II is that the Wireless PRO records internally using 32 bit float, meaning that no recording will ever be too loud or too soft.
Wireless ME
Wireless ME has only one transmitter, but it also has a microphone built in to the receiver, so a microphone will still be available to both the interviewer and the interviewee.
Unlike the Wireless GO II and Wireless PRO, the Wireless ME does NOT have the ability to record internally in either the transmitter or receiver. You can record only by plugging the receiver into a recording device, such as a Zoom recorder or smart phone.
headphones
A pair of good quality headphones that cover your ears is strongly recommended. It will enable you to easily hear what the sensitive microphones are picking up and recording, far beyond your normal hearing. Important to judge if the recording is distorted or clear, check sound levels, and listen out for unwanted background noises that might be captured on the recording.
Headphones don’t have to be worn during the entire interview, but they should be used when setting up the recording, and perhaps at intervals to check sound levels and for any background noise.
There is a huge variation in the prices of headphones and rarely is anything below $100 of sufficient quality. Recommended brands include Sennheiser, Sony, Bose, Audio Technica and Beyer.
It is preferable to find a shop that will allow you to preview the headphones before purchasing because although quality is important, comfort is also a consideration.
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS FOR SOUND EDITING
Audacity - this is a well known and very useful free downloadable software for audio editing. This is the editing program cited in the Oral History NSW Introduction to Oral History workshops.
Available for Mac OS, Windows and Linux.
Reaper - Intuitive, easy to use and very stable.
Non-destructive editing and access to a large number of processing tools - equalization, dynamics compression, etc.
Available for Mac OS, Windows and Linux.
Commercial licence: US $225
Discounted licence: US $60
You may use the discounted license if:
You are an individual, and REAPER is only for your personal use, or
You are an individual or business using REAPER commercially, and yearly gross revenue does not exceed USD $20,000, or
You are an educational or non-profit organization.
SOFTWARE TO ASSIST TRANSCRIPTION AND LOGGING OF AUDIO RECORDINGS
Express Scribe Digital Transcription Audio Playback Software
Audio playback control software for PC, MAC or Linux designed to assist the transcription of audio recordings. Installed on the typist's computer it is controlled using the keyboard (using Hot Keys) or foot pedal, sold separately.
The software is free for personal use, and costed for professional use.
Express Scribe can be used to play and transcribe ordinary WAV or MP3 recordings and includes its own Dock feature to transfer recordings directly from portable recorders. Type using any Windows word processor. Offers valuable features for typists including variable speed playback, multi-channel control, playing video, file management, and more.
Foot controls for digital audio transcription on PC and Mac available. More details