Capturing the World’s Purest Sounds: How Soundnest Brings Authenticity to Every Project

At Soundnest, field recording isn’t just part of what we do; it’s the heartbeat of our creative process. It drives our passion for capturing authentic, raw sounds from the world’s most unique corners. Every project we take on is infused with this dedication, ensuring that the sounds you hear have been carefully sourced, often from the most remote and inspiring places on earth. 

Our team — led by creative director Ted White and producer Isobelle Binns — journeys to locations like the rainforests of Costa Rica, the Amazon jungle, the bustling streets of Tokyo, and the serene, rugged landscapes of Iceland in search of soundscapes from all around the world.

At a time when pure natural soundscapes and environments are increasingly hard to find due to noise pollution, our commitment to finding and preserving these sounds feels more important than ever.

These sounds form an essential part of our growing library, shaping everything from trailers, commercials, immersive experiences, and custom client catalogs. We believe that when you listen to our work, you’re not just hearing a sound — you’re hearing the result of a journey. Our clients can trust that every sound we provide is the product of true passion, care, and creativity, gathered from the farthest reaches of the globe.

What Made Iceland So Special from a Sonic Perspective? 

Our recent trip to Iceland was a perfect example of this dedication. We ventured into its dramatic, untamed landscapes to capture the country’s unique soundscapes — from the roar of waterfalls to the quiet whisper of glacial winds. In the coming sections, we’ll take a deep dive into the gear we brought, the challenges we faced, and the unforgettable moments that made this journey so special.

No Sound Pollution 

What made Iceland so special from a sonic perspective was its rare stillness, pure air, and lack of noise pollution — a vital requirement for any field recordist to capture authentic sound. In this environment, silence becomes a canvas, allowing even the most delicate sounds — the whisper of wind, the gentle bubbling of a hot spring, or the distant crack of glacial ice — to take centre stage.

The Sounds of Iceland 

Iceland offered a rich variety of field recording locations and sounds, particularly its diverse oceanic soundscapes. From the gentle swash of pebbled shores to the deep, resonant crashes of waves against vast open expanses, each beach—whether covered in coarse sand, fine grains, or tucked within a secluded cove—had its own distinct sonic signature. Sonically, Iceland is a field recordist’s dream playground!

The Equipment 

The right equipment was crucial for capturing authentic, uncompromised sound in Iceland. With its extreme weather conditions, we needed a setup that was both durable and capable of recording pristine, high-quality audio without interference. This journey also sharpened our technical skills, pushing us to be precise and innovative with our gear choices and recording techniques, ensuring we captured every sound in its purest form.

Primary Recorders: 

We used the Sound Devices MixPre-3 and MixPre-6, which provided the reliability and flexibility needed to handle everything from 1 microphone up to 10 all at 96K.

DMS Microphone Configuration: 

Our go-to setup was a DMS (Double Mid-Side) configuration housed in a water-resistant Cinela blimp. This system allowed us to capture immersive, three-dimensional audio in the moment and gave me the flexibility to edit the recordings in post. With clever processing, I could create up to 5.0 surround sound and even rotate the sound’s localisation, adding a dynamic element to the mix.

Small Rig: 

For close-range and specialty recordings, I used a pair of LOM omni microphones paired with a hydrophone, perfect for capturing underwater textures or delicate, nuanced ambiances. These were perfect for putting under ice and capturing the crackling and creaking sounds. 

Binaural Head: 

To capture intimate, ASMR-like sounds, I brought along a binaural head. This setup allowed us to record hyper-realistic audio, ideal for creating a sense of proximity and immersion in our projects. 

Each piece of equipment had its moment to shine, whether it was the DMS rig for expansive landscapes or the LOM and hydrophone setup for capturing the bubbling essence of geothermal springs.

Challenges in the Field 

Field recording in Iceland wasn’t without its hurdles. Sudden rainstorms, snow and relentless winds tested our resolve — and our gear. The water-resistant Cinela blimp proved invaluable, protecting the microphones while maintaining crystal-clear recordings. The wind chill went to -20 degrees. The huge temperature drop didn’t help the batteries when leaving recorders out overnight in remote locations. 

From Field to Studio 

Back at Soundnest, the real transformation begins. Every recording is carefully cataloged and processed, ready to be woven into our creative projects. The thunderous waves of Reynisfjara have already brought power and intensity to a high-octane car commercial, while the gentle bubbling of a hot spring has added calm and atmosphere to a wellness campaign. 

Often, these natural sounds become the foundation for something entirely new. We run them through modular synthesizers, reshaping and layering them into otherworldly creations. The hiss of geothermal steam might transform into an eerie, sci-fi ambience, while the crack of glacial ice could evolve into a futuristic texture for a dramatic score. 

Capturing real, pure sounds is essential because they add emotional depth and authenticity that synthetic audio simply can’t replicate. These organic textures connect listeners to something genuine - the natural world and inspire more immersive, creative storytelling, whether in film, commercials, or wellness projects.

Why These Trips Matter 

For Soundnest, these annual expeditions are more than just a tradition. They challenge us to stay curious, to explore the world not just through our eyes but through our ears. 

They allow us to continue our passion for storytelling through sound. The recordings we captured are already finding their way into our work, becoming part of the stories we help our clients tell. 

Next time you hear a Soundnest production, listen closely. That waves crashing in the background might just be from an Icelandic beach, that soft trickle of water from the Scottish highlands, or the gust of wind from the Spanish hills. We channel our passion for travel, recording, and storytelling to find the perfect sounds for our clients' stories. Behind every sound is an adventure — and at Soundnest, every adventure becomes part of the story.