Recording and reporting techniques.

1. Tools of the trade

A Recorders
There are five types of recorders, and they can be categorised by the material onto which they record: (tape, cassette tape, digital cassette, integrated solid-state memory, and minis-disc).

Examples:
- Analogue tape recorders. (Nagra, E type)

- Analogue cassette recorders. (Sony TCD5 PRO or Marrantz CP 4030).

- Digital cassette recorders. (Aiwa HDF 1000)

- Integrated solid-state memory.  (Nagra ARES-C and ARES-P, DENON DN-F20R, MARANTZ PMD 670).

- Mini-discs (Sony, Marantz, Denon).

B Microphones
There are two broad types of microphones:
- Static microphones. (These need their own power source).
- Dynamic microphones. (The most commonly used).
Within these, there are several types of microphone, categorised by the angle at which they record sound.
- Omnidirectional. (record sound all around the microphones, for ambient sound).
- Unidirectional. (used for interviews).
- Gun. (recording sound from a distance).

2° Reporting
Good reporting always starts with a sound-check of your equipment (state of the batteries, wires, etc).

C Headphones
Essential equipment for a good reporter. It allows you to be sure that your recording is of good quality.

Form time to time it will be necessary to have other accessories: a microphone wind-shield, a pole, a stand, and so on.

A Recording
Three essential aspects:
- How you hold the microphone.
- The recording level.
- Awareness of the immediate sound environment.

B Sending the report
A report for use on the air can be sent to the newsroom by telephone or other networks. - Traditional telephone network.
- Mobile phone network.
- Traditional "radio" circuits.
- Digital networks (ISDN, or RNIS in French-speaking countries).
- The Internet.
- By satellite "package".