Learn about Audio Recording Equipment
Introduction
Creating High-Quality Recordings
Equipment Types
There are three categories of equipment to consider, plus accessories:
Microphone | Computer | Recording Device | Additional Accessories |
Microphone cables | Sound editing software (Audacity) | USB cable (to connect with computer) | Extra microphones & cables |
Microphone stand | SD or other storage media | Software drivers (depends on device) | Packing & storage case |
Pop filter | Archive media for backup storage | SD cable or reader | Pen & notebook |
Microphones | We recommend using condenser microphones, the standard microphone used for professional recording. They produce a clear and accurate sound. Condenser mics require low-voltage power, either through "phantom power" (supplied from an amplifier, multi-source mixer or digital interface) or with batteries (in the case of wireless mics). |
 | Capsule MicrophonesThe Audio Technica 2020 is a good quality capsule microphone for general use. The capsules inside these microphones are fragile, so it is important not to drop them. Various retailers, approximately $190-$230. If you are looking for a microphone to mount to a mobile device via lightning attachment (such as an iPhone or iPad), consider the Shure MV-88. Various retailers, approximately $230-$280. |
| Shotgun MicrophonesThe Rode NTG2 shotgun microphone is a useful microphone for recording language samples in an Indigenous language context. The NTG2 features a 'shotgun' pickup pattern, meaning that this microphone is effective at rejecting noise that may enter from the rear or sides of the microphone. Combined with a windscreen, this microphone is also designed to block out moderate amounts of wind noise, making it a good choice for recording outside. We recommend using this mic in situations where you will be recording either outdoors, or in rooms with a fair amount of background noise. Various retailers, approximately $390. |
| Lavalier MicrophonesLavalier microphones, also called lapel mics, are good options for situations where several people are speaking. These small microphones clip onto a speaker’s clothing and then connect to an interface or recorder to save the audio. Recording multiple speakers with lapel mics will mean generating separate recording tracks for each speaker, which can be an asset when editing the audio. The Rode Lavalier microphone is an option that is compatible with a variety of recording devices. It retails for around $360. |
Microphone Stands | Mic stands come as floor or desktop/lectern style. We recommend a floor microphone stand with an adjustable boom. This type of stand allows you to place the microphone in a comfortable location and is easy to move around. If you need to be portable with the microphone, purchase a stand with tripod feet that will fit in a travel case. |
| A floor stand is suitable for speakers who are in a seated position. The vertical riser can be adjusted for height, and an optional boom extends horizontally to provide a close-mic experience. Recommended Basic Microphone Stand: Yorkville MS-608. Various retailers, approximately $60. |
| When working in a confined recording space, a desktop microphone stand can provide a convenient alternative to a boom microphone stand. It may be necessary to weight the base of a desktop microphone stand when using a heavy microphone. Recommended Desktop Mic Stand: Yorkville MS 108. Various retailers, approximately $53. |
Recording Device / Interface | |
| A recording interface converts an analogue microphone signal into a digital signal for the computer. The interface connects to the computer by a USB cable. A USB interface works with most PC or Mac operating systems and is well suited for language documentation because of its small size, durability, and ease of use. |
| Digital recorders, such as the Zoom H4n Pro or H6 Pro, come with built-in mics and are called Field Recorders. They can accept XLR-type external connections and record direct to disk in a portable, battery-operated form factor.
Both Zoom models support interchangeable mics. |
| YETI microphones are tabletop mics that plug directly into a computer without having to go through a separate audio interface. These microphones can record in surround sound or in a cardioid pattern, which is helpful for picking up audio from multiple speakers or from a speaker and an interviewer. It is easy to use, making it a good choice for anyone who is new to audio recording. The Yeti Blue USB microphone retails for approximately $160-$180. |
Pop Filter | These devices attach to the microphone stand and are used to prevent plosives from spoiling recordings. Plosives are 'P' and 'T' sounds at the beginning of a word such as 'potato.' Words that start with P and T produce a burst of air from the mouth that translates into an undesirable noise on the recording. Pop filters eliminate much of this problem. |
| Recommended purchase: Apex MWS 56DLX. Various retailers, approximately $30. |
Microphone Cable | You need one cable per microphone, plus one spare should a cable become misplaced or damaged. Cheap cables should be avoided as they break easily, create noise in the signal, and generally do not last long. |
| The cable we selected represents a compromise between cost and durability. It features top quality XLR connectors |
Accessory Items | There are a few more pieces of equipment that can subtantially improve your recording experience. Consider purchasing the following items before getting started on your project. Also, be sure to bring a notebook, pen, and spare cables & batteries to every session. |
| High-quality headphones can help you verify the quality of the sound you’ve recorded. These headphones are helpful during the editing process and during recording itself. Recommended purchase: Apex HP100 Closed Folding Studio Headphone. These headphones retail for approximately $130. |
| To make sure that all of your equipment is protected from dust, moisture and bumps, we recommend purchasing a good-quality case. This is especially important if you plan on moving recording locations or if there is a possibility of travelling with your equipment. Recommended purchase: APEXCASE1. This case is designed for transporting microphones and other technology. It contains foam that can be customized to fit different objects. This case retails for approximately $100. |
Ordering
To place an order, the FirstVoices team recommends contacting the Long and McQuade Music store in Victoria, B.C. Sales Associate Mike Arensen is familiar with this buyer's guide and will be able to handle your order quickly and efficiently.
Mike Arensen
Long & McQuade Victoria
marensen@long-mcquade.com
1-250-384-3622
Product Numbers and Approximate Pricing
The following table lists the product, model number and price of the gear listed above. (Prices are accurate to early 2026 and do not include taxes.)
Item | Model # | Price/unit | Quantity | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A - Microphone Cable | MC-25N | $ 40.00 | 2 | $ 80.00 |
B - Microphone Stand | MS-608 | $ 60.00 | 1 | $ 60.00 |
C - Desktop Mic Stand | MS-108 | $ 53.00 | 1 | $ 53.00 |
D - Pop Filter | MWS-56DLX | $ 30.0 | 1 | $ 30.00 |
E - Audio Technica Condenser Mic | AT 2020 | $230.00 | 1 | $230.00 |
E - ART C1 Cardioid Condenser Mic | ART C1 | $ 120.00 | 1 | $ 120.00 |
F - Rode Shotgun Microphone | NTG-2 | $390.00 | 1 | $390.00 |
G - Rode Lavalier Microphone | Rode Lavalier | $360.00 | 3 | $1,080.00 |
H - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Interface | SCARLETT2I2MK3 | $310.00 | 1 | $ 310.00 |
I - Travel Case | APEXCASE1 | $ 100.00 | 1 | $ 100.00 |
J - Zoom H4n | Zoom H4n | $320.00 | 1 | $ 320.00 |
J - Zoom H6 | Zoom H6 | $450.00 | 1 | $ 450.00 |
K - Yeti Blue Microphone | Yeti Blue USB | $180.00 | 1 | $ 180.00 |
L - Sound-isolating studio headphones | Apex HP100 | $130.00 | 1 | $ 130.00 |
Recommendations
Recommended Kit | Total Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
Recommended Kit 1 (field recorder + one mic): A, B, D, E, H, I, L | $830 |
Recommended Kit 2 (USB audio interface + one mic): A, B, D, E, H, I, J, L | $1,150 |
Luxury Kit: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L | $2,853 |