Good Enough Sounds

Welcome to my diary where I share my adventures in field recording, my battles with perfectionism, and the raw, beautiful moments I capture along the way.

Field Recording at Landje van Bremmer: Practical Challenges & Clear Insights

Today I headed to Landje van Bremmer for a field recording session. Reaching the spot required hopping a fence—yes, I even had to dodge a potential run-in with an upset farmer. The field was a bit muddy, and a few curious sheep were around, making the experience both practical and unexpectedly interesting.

The weather was favorable with a gentle sun and a mild breeze, although I kept an eye on my rig to avoid unwanted wind noise. I set up my usual gear: a Zoom F3 recorder paired with Line Audio CM4 mics in an ORTF configuration, all mounted on my Manfrotto 5001B Nano Stand, and for this session, I used the WS8 Rode windscreens.

The soundscape featured clear honks from geese, a steady rustle of reeds, and ambient natural sounds that provided a balanced background. I made a few light edits to trim minor issues, but I purposefully embraced every unexpected, imperfect moment—a reminder that striving for perfection only obscures the beauty of real sound.

"Every unexpected sound is a reminder of the raw, unpredictable nature of field recording."

Download Landje van Bremmer Sample

Overall, this session served as a practical exercise in managing unpredictable outdoor conditions while battling my own urge for perfection. It reinforced that field recording is about capturing real moments—even if they aren’t flawless.

Field Recording at Strand Wassenaarseslag: Capturing Waves and Foam

Today’s session at Strand Wassenaarseslag was all about the sea. I spent the late morning by the shore, focusing on the rhythmic crashing of the waves and the mesmerizing dance of the foam. The coastal scene was serene, with the gentle interplay of light on the water and the steady pulse of the ocean providing a natural, soothing backdrop.

The atmosphere was quiet and reflective. I arranged my usual rig—a Zoom F3 paired with Line Audio CM4 mics in an ORTF setup on my Manfrotto 5001B Nano Stand—and upgraded to the new Movo WST50 Ballistic Nylon Windscreens, which performed significantly better than my old WS8 Rode windscreens.

The sound of the waves was constant and compelling—the deep, rolling rhythm of the ocean paired with the delicate hiss of foam breaking on the sand. Even as a light rain began, the sea maintained its steady song. I adjusted my setup slightly to keep the focus on these natural elements and to remind myself that genuine beauty is found in simplicity.

"In the steady rush of waves and the gentle caress of foam, nature speaks in its most authentic voice."

Download Strand Wassenaarseslag Sample

After about 45 minutes of recording, I sat on the damp sand, absorbing the pure sound of the sea. This session reminded me that letting go of perfection is essential; sometimes the simplest elements—the rolling waves and shifting foam—offer the most genuine, unedited moments. It was a peaceful day that reinforced my goal of capturing real sound, raw and unpolished.