Microphone Database

Microphone Data is a website that collates technical information for over 1700 mics from 124 manufacturers. You have to register to be able to access the site, but it is free to register.
For each mic you can access pretty detailed specs relating to frequency response, polar patterns, etc...

A similar website, although not quite as extensive is recording hacks, this consists of a blog about recording related things and a mic database which has some technical data but also reviews of the mics listed.

Both of these resources should be useful when selecting mics for varying jobs.

stereo mic techniques

audiotuts has put together a concise round-up of some of the most commonly used stereo mic techniques.
There are nice little diagrams to help you set up your mics.

Minimising wind noise when using boom mics

I stumbled across this little article on ways of reducing wind noise when using boom mics on location.

It discusses basic mic placements and the use of a variety of wind shields.

Affordable microphones

Audiotuts has put together a list of 10 of the best "affordable" microphones. So, if you're looking for a reasonably priced mic then this list might be a good place to start.
The prices given for each mic are in dollars so you'd have to convert to real money to get an idea of cost (a useful website for this is xe.com).

Homemade parabolic microphone

Make has an excellent video tutorial on how to make your own parabolic microphone on the cheap using an umbrella.
It looks pretty simple, and seems to work fairly effectively.

This would be a useful addition to any field recording kit.



Umbrella Parabolic Microphone - video powered by Metacafe