16.
WILDLIFE SOUND RECORDING by Ron Allen
Often on Club meetings I am asked about
tape recording and sometimes what one should
purchase.
Sound recorders, like cameras, start with
those you simply point and switch on, to those
with as many buttons and dials as you care to
choose. Like all field equipment, the sound
recorder must be robust, reliable and preferably
cheap since like most other things it is bound
to get dropped in a puddle or over a cliff at
some time in its life. Lightness is particu-
larly important if, like me, you tend to carry
camera and binoculars as well.
Recorders come in two types: "reel to reel"
with two circular spools of tape and "cassette"
recorders that take the "compact cassette".
Both are satisfactory and come in all sizes
from that of a transistor radio to table top
models, mono and stereo.
Reel to reel recorders small enough to be
really portable are few in number. The small
reel size of these limits the recording time
but the sound quality is good.
Cassette recorders are gaining in popu-
larity all the time and it is this type that I
have. Before you buy one it might be wise to
consider the following points if you want it
primarily for outside recording.
Many cassette recorders are mains or
battery. While these are convenient indoors,
the extra weight of the transformer is
considerable. I have a separate transformer
that stays strictly at home.