Wildlife Sound Recording: Dealing With The Distance And On-Axis Issues

Abstract: In natural history filmmaking recording fauna vocalisation often produces difficult challenges especially when recording sound from a distance. The camera in many cases is able to solve these problems due to lens changes, but the microphone cannot do this, which creates major problems when combining sound and picture. This thesis using a multi disciplinary approach, looks at these problems in particular the 'Distance' and 'On-Axis' issues and attempts to solve them using both a theoretical and practical approach. The thesis consists of two parts, part one the theoretical section discusses the idiosyncrasies of natural history sound recording giving examples where the problems of actual situations have been resolved. Part two is an applied method or practical experimentation using technology designed to test certain theories in effectively dealing with the 'Distance' and 'On-Axis' issues. The practical experimentation takes place at various locations using avian subjects to demonstrate the problems and solutions when recording wildlife vocalisation. As a result of the tests, a remote-controlled microphone operating system was developed and tested in the field to ascertain its capabilities. Although still a prototype it has the potential through further development, to be a useful technological instrument for recording wildlife sound.