We all want sounds to be as clear and crisp as possible. Just for that, I got myself a Zoom F3, compact, 32bit float recording, the works. It could do with combo inputs, but I can live with XLR-only as well.
Then comes the placement of the rig. Since it doesn’t come with mics, it’s necessary to get some. Then a small tripod/stand of some sort, the cables and you’re off to the races.
This is a recording from last year in April, when the Spring Peepers are out in force for their mating rituals. The ritual includes a loud noise. They don’t care about being close to traffic; they know that a car won’t stop to eat them.
However, when a big guy puts something scary on 3 legs close to them, the alarm calls go out. Basically, none of them make a peep; only one is screaming the alarm. And then they wait.
I have tried to record these guys before with a Zoom H6, but to my surprise, the mic overloaded at the minimum setting. So I needed the F3 to do the job instead. Armed with 2 Rode M5 mics in ORTF configuration, I placed the rig close to the ditch where the Spring Peepers have their annual reunion.
When I arrived, they completely shut up, then one started quietly sounding the alarm until I was gone. I parked some 30m away from the ditch, so I could keep an eye on the rig. My presence had scared them into silence, but none of them would ever flee the area for fear of missing out on a suitable partner.
So here is what I recorded:
You can hear the hesitant call from a single peeper at the start, followed by the joyful calls of the others for a mate.
Sit back with a pair of headphones and enjoy the moment.