Ludwig Koch (sound recordist)

Ludwig Koch (1881-1974) was a German-British sound recordist, ornithologist, and author, widely regarded as a pioneer in wildlife sound recording. He is best known for his recordings of bird songs and other animal sounds, which he began capturing in the late 19th century using early recording technologies.

Koch's early work involved using a modified Blatthnerphone dictaphone to record sounds. He developed innovative techniques to isolate and capture the often faint sounds of birds in their natural environments. His efforts resulted in the first commercially available wildlife sound recordings in Europe.

He fled Nazi Germany in the 1930s and settled in Britain, where he continued his recording work, broadcasting on the BBC and publishing numerous books and records. His recordings became invaluable resources for ornithologists, conservationists, and the general public, raising awareness about the diversity and beauty of natural sounds. Koch's contributions significantly advanced the field of bioacoustics and helped popularize the study and appreciation of wildlife sounds. His legacy continues to inspire sound recordists and naturalists to this day.