SoundDevices MixPre-3 and Audio-Technica BP4025

Stereo Location Sound

I’ve been recording sound effects and soundscapes for 25 years, and over this time have used a variety of kit. Previous stereo kit has included a Sennheiser MKH 30/40(60) M-S array and HHB Portadat as well as my ‘trusty until it broke’ Sony D50 and I often use my back pocket kit which is a Tascam DR-05 with a pair of low noise Primo EM172s.

My current go to combo for going out into the field to record soundscapes comprises a Sound Devices MixPre-3, Audio-Technica BP4025 X/Y Stereo Microphone and the dependable Rode Blimp II. The Sound Devices MixPre-3 features in a separate blog post so I will concentrate on the BP4025 here.

The BP (Broadcast & Production) 4025 is a singe point large diaphragm stereo mic with an innovative coincident capsule configuration.
Despite the angle of the capsules there is surprisingly no apparent energy drop in the centre front of the mic, and it produces an accurate wide stereo image with a really smooth detailed sound full of depth. For nature soundscapes, the low self noise of the BP4025 combined with the super quiet Kashmir preamps on the Sound Devices MixPre-3 can yield some excellent results. The compact size of the lightweight BP4025 also means it fits very neatly in the effective yet affordable Rode Blimp II, as well as being suitable for camera mounting.

Listen to some example nature recordings using the BP4025 in the video below

Large-diaphragm capsules offer pristine sound quality and exceptionally low noise
Phantom power operation—for use with professional equipment
Switchable low-frequency roll-off and 10 dB pad