Recording: My Microphone Collection

In the fast-paced world of video game development, sound libraries are the go-to for most sound designers, but I love to record my own sounds as I feel I 'know' them better. I am steadily increasing my personal library through recording with my ever-growing microphone collection, so I thought I would write a 'showcase' of the equipment I have so far in my career as of 2025.

Basic Ucho (Omni Electret - Pair)

These are my ambient recorder extraordinaires, super affordable and versatile. I bought a RODE stereo bar which comes with helpful markings so it can be easily made into XY, AB and ORTF.

Sennheiser MKE 600 (Shotgun - Single)

A lower-end range shotgun, but one I have come to know well. I purchased a RODE pistol grip and blimp to house it.

The stereo shotgun beast

Combining the two above with a special male to male mic screw I have created an all in one stereo/shotgun three microphone set up.

SOMA Ether (Wide-Band Receiver - Single)

Previous blog post covered this EMF microphone, used it heavily in my work for thickness and fizz to spell creation. I could listen to its results all day.

AKG C214 (Large-Diaphragm Condenser - Pair)

Always great to have a pair of condensers about for a great stereo field in a studio setting.

LOM Geofon ("Sensitive omnidirectional geophone adjusted for field recording purposes" - Single)

Super good rumble generator, record anything at 192kHz and you get some fascinating results, It comes with a magnet, stake and suction cup attachment.

SM57/SM58 (Cardioid Dynamic - Pair)

The workhorses of the audio world, does much more need to be said?

That conclused the brief summary of my current microphone collection, for field recorders I use the TASCAM DR-40 which was my first recorder, they don't make them anymore and I love it. When I'm doing more serioius, pre-meditated recording however, I use the Mix-Pre 3/6 from work for its higher quality pre-amps and 192kHz/32-bit float capabilities.

Hope you enjoyed reading, happy recording!

Oliver.