Microphone

Computer

Recording Device

Additional Accessories

Microphone Cables

Sound editing software (Audacity)

USB cable (to connect with computer)

Extra microphones & cables

Microphone stand
(floor & tabletop)

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)

There are three types of condenser microphones: Capsule, Shotgun, and Lavalier  

Capsule Microphones

The Audio Technica 2020 is a good quality capsule microphone for general use at an excellent price. A relatively quiet room should be used when recording with this microphone. Special attention must be paid not to drop condenser microphones, as the capsule inside is quite fragile. Various retailers, approximately $220.
 
Another reasonably-priced capsule is the Applied Research & Technology ART C-1 microphone. Various retailers, approximately $170.

If you are looking for a microphone to mount to a mobile device via lighting attachment (such as an iPhone or iPad), consider the Shure MV-88. Various retailers, approximately $300.

Shotgun Microphones

The 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 $370.
 

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 $50.

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.
Recommended purchase: Steinberg UR22-MkII (approximately $230) or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (approximately $250).

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.

For a versatile, portable, quality audio recording solution, FirstVoices now uses the H4n device by Zoom. The H4n records to an SD card and can be easily imported to a computer using either a USB cable (included) or a SD card reader. The H4n can be used with its own built in stereo speakers or with a condenser microphone and cable, a total of four inputs. Various retailers, approximately $320. 
 
If you want more inputs (e.g., for mic'ing up to 6 instruments or vocals) the Zoom H6 (below) is a good choice. It is ideal for videography as well. Various retailers, approximately $330.

Both Zoom models support interchangeable mics, including the SGH-6 shotgun microphone ($190)

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 one 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 good compromise between cost and durability and features top quality XLR connectors
Recommended purchase: Yorkville MC25N, 25 feet. Various retailers, approximately $35.

Accessory items

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.
Also, be sure to pack a notebook, pen and spare cables & batteries.

Recommended purchase: ZEBRACASE Z17. Various retailers, approximately $55, limited availability.
 

A - Microphone Cable

MC-25N

B - Microphone Stand

MS-206-B

C - Desktop Mic Stand

MS-108

D - Pop Filter

MWS-56DLX

E - Audio Technica Condenser Mic

AT 2020

E - ART C1 Cardoid Condenser Mic

ART C1

F - Rode Shotgun Microphone

NTG-2 

F - Zoom SGH-6 Shotgun Microphone

SSH-6

G - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Interface

SCARLETT2I2MK3

G - USB Interface (Roland)

GO MIXER PRO-X

H - Travel Case

APEXCASE1

I - Zoom H4n

Zoom H4n

I - Zoom H6

Zoom H6

J - Sound-isolating studio headphones

Apex HP100

K - Desktop Tripod 

Buy from camera store

Recommended Kit 1 (field recorder + one mic) : A, B, D, E, H, I, J, K

$865

Recommended Kit 2 : A, B, D, E, G, H, J, K (USB audio interface + one mic)

$1,164.99

Luxury Kit: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K

$1,634.99