Adam Savage's One Day Builds - Portable Audio Recorder Rig!
# A Day in the Life: Adam Savage’s One-Day Build for Bird-Watching Enthusiasts
Adam Savage, known for his work on *MythBusters* and his YouTube channel, * Tested*, is not only a master tinkerer but also an avid bird-watcher. In this video, he shares a fun and detailed project that combines his passions for audio engineering and wildlife observation. The result? A custom-built device to record bird songs in the field.
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## **A Bird-Watching Obsession**
Adam and his wife have developed a growing interest in birds over the past few years. During a trip to Spain in October 2019, they spent an entire day birdwatching at a wildlife sanctuary on the west coast near Seville. The experience was nothing short of magical, with stunning landscapes and a chance to observe diverse avian species. Back home, Adam’s wife became fascinated by the herons in Golden Gate Park, while Adam tried to make friends with the local mission ravens. Their shared love for birds led to an idea: recording bird songs.
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## **The Inspiration: Recording Bird Songs**
One day, Adam’s wife mentioned how nice it would be to record bird songs. Adam, being the audio enthusiast he is, responded that they could absolutely do that. He had a high-quality shotgun microphone from his camera setup and a Zoom H6 recorder/mixer—essentially everything needed to capture bird songs in the wild.
The duo set up the equipment at home, pointing the shotgun mic at each other from 20 feet away. The results were impressive: they could hear every word clearly. However, Adam realized there was room for improvement. The setup lacked a proper handle and shock mount, which are essential for outdoor use. This became the starting point of today’s one-day build.
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## **The Build Begins: Designing the Handle and Mount**
Adam wanted to create a one-stop-shop device that combined the shotgun mic, Zoom recorder, and a comfortable handle. He had specific requirements:
1. The handle needed to be centered for balanced weight distribution.
2. It should allow for a more relaxed hand position, similar to holding a kendo sword (not a rigid “pistol grip”).
3. The device must include a shock mount to protect the equipment during travel or use in windy conditions.
He initially considered using a cylindrical tube as a shock mount and attaching the recorder to the top. However, he decided to elevate the design by using black walnut wood for the handle—a beautiful and durable material that would make the device both functional and visually appealing.
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## **Building the Handle: From Concept to Reality**
Adam began by roughing out the black walnut handle on a bandsaw. He then smoothed it down with progressively finer grits of sandpaper, finishing with 220 grit for a smooth surface. To ensure durability, he added a brass insert to the base of the handle, which would later accommodate a quarter-twenty nut for tripod mounting.
The handle’s design was inspired by kendo sword grips, with a slanted angle that allows for a more comfortable and relaxed hand position. This ergonomic approach would make it easier to hold the device for extended periods while birdwatching.
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## **Constructing the Shock Mount**
Next, Adam focused on creating a custom shock mount using an aluminum tube. He drilled holes at the cardinal compass points (top, bottom, left, right) and stretched rubber bands between them to securely support the shotgun mic. The rubber bands provided both flexibility and protection against vibrations.
He also added a quarter-twenty thread to the top of the shock mount, allowing it to connect seamlessly with the black walnut handle. This integration ensured that the device was not only functional but also visually cohesive.
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## **Final Assembly: Bringing It All Together**
With the handle and shock mount complete, Adam attached the Zoom recorder to the top of the device. He adjusted its orientation to ensure a balanced center of gravity, which would make it easier to hold for long periods. The final assembly included:
1. A black walnut handle with a slanted ergonomic design.
2. A custom aluminum shock mount with rubber bands for vibration absorption.
3. A quarter-twenty nut at the base for tripod mounting.
4. A shotgun mic and Zoom recorder ready for action.
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## **Testing the Device**
Adam was thrilled with the results. The device looked sleek, felt lightweight, and performed exceptionally well during testing. He turned on the microphone, listened to the sound quality, and declared it “freakin’ beautiful.” His enthusiasm was palpable as he showcased the finished product, which he described as a perfect combination of form and function.
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## **Final Thoughts**
Adam concluded the video by thanking his audience for watching and encouraging viewers to show their support through merch. He mentioned a T-shirt featuring a drawing of a Victorian rickshaw dragged by a robot dog—a quirky nod to his creative side.
The one-day build was a resounding success, proving that even in a fast-paced world, there’s still time to craft something truly special. Whether you’re an audio geek, a bird-watching enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates well-designed tools, Adam’s project is sure to inspire.
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## **Conclusion**
Adam Savage’s one-day build demonstrates the joy of combining creativity with functionality. From his love for birds to his expertise in audio engineering, he transformed a simple idea into a device that captures the beauty of nature—literally. If you’re ever birdwatching near Seville or Golden Gate Park, keep an ear out—you might just hear him recording some bird songs!