Producers Mark Burman and Alan Dein are making a short series of programmes examining the "profound impact of microphone technology".  This is their request for help:

The idea behind our forthcoming 3 part R4 series 'Is it On?' is to examine the impact that the microphone has had on the way we hear the world. Each programme will explore the microphone in action, whether in the recording studio, at a sports event, or on the streets.

We are particularly trying to track down former sound recordists, technicians or presenters who have memories of the early days of recording in the field when the portable tape recorder (and microphone) freed up the presenter to roam around the streets or into people's homes. Also, what was it like before, when the microphone was still attached to a mobile recording unit? How did the presenter and the public respond to the travelling mic, whether it was a 'Down Your Way' session or the teething days of  'vox-pops' .

Also, it would be helpful if anyone has memories of the perils of microphone technique in the studio or at a sports commentary.

Please email Mark directly: mark.burman@bbc.co.uk