InstaMics feature
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I am extremely pleased to hear about Zoom Corp buying InstaMics company. Been a fan for a few years now.
These self-recording recorders have mono as well as stereo versions. To record in 96 kHz, the device through the App will have to be set to 24 Bit. To record in 32 Bit, you’re limited to 48 kHz as max setting. This isn’t a problem because InstaMics sound great at all settings.
I sometimes will wear these mics on me while I walk our dogs. The bird and car sounds I capture sound fantastic. When I’m near a bird, I pretty much capture that bird’s chirping sounds versus all of the unwanted noise behind, like unwanted distant traffic and similar noise. The omni directional mics don’t reach very far. This is exactly what I want. We live in a noisy world so I very often only want the sounds that are close to me. Raw samples I’ve captured has been shared with multiple sound designer peers and they love it.
Pros: Rain and Splash proof, Rugged, So far dust proof,
omni directional mics don’t reach very far (a good thing)
Cons: Syncing multiple units can still be a chore. I still will clap by the recorders just in case the syncing didn’t work out right.
Tentacle Sync via Bluetooth seems to be the best way to control accurate Time Code.
I’m writing this blog while in Europe where I have rigged two InstaMics on a Wandrd brand Rouge 6L bag. Strong magnets are taped inside on both ends where I can quickly place the recorders on both external sides. The idea of this is to capture A/B stereo sounds in 24 Bit, 96 kHz.
The bag can be placed on the ground by the street or under dining table to covertly capture ambience sounds. When the mics are out and alone by themselves, they look weird to most people. With the way I look, I don’t need to attract more unwanted attention, lol. I do photography so this is a great way to stay at a same spot for 5-10 minutes. Sometimes I will spread the InstaMics much wider apart. The wide A/B sounds fantastic.
Special thanks to InstaMics (Zoom Corp) for letting me be part of the marketing and to share vast ideas. And, to Rollin Low Rider Club for access to record and to take photos with their cool low rider hopping car (modified 1985 Buick Regal).
Be sure to stay tuned. Will post raw examples.
