Wildtronics Amplified Pro Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone

The Wildtronics Professional Amplified Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone includes 3 built-in preamps for the 3.5mm outputs that can connect to almost any recording device. The Line Output jack can also be used as a direct headphone output. Plus, included is an internal mixer to mix the stereo microphones and the parabolic microphone outputs into a two channel, stereo output. This innovative approach will simplify and improve the way sounds are recorded at a lower overall cost.

This Amplified Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone includes all the features of the Professional Amplified Mono Parabolic Microphone, plus adds two additional forward facing microphones configured to capture wide-angle stereo background at the same time as the center, dish focused sound. This is a fantastic way to zoom in on a distant subject, without missing the ambient stereo sounds. You can record all three XLR output channels at once using a multi channel recorder, or use a mixer to control the left, right, center blend for a stereo recorder. If you only have a two channel recorder, this model includes a built-in pre-amp and a mixer that allows you to blend the ambient stereo with the single subject from the mono microphone anyway you want. Since the stereo microphone outputs are separate, they may also be used by themselves, with or without the dish installed, for a quality, low noise stereo recording. This is our premier product and is the choice of professional sound engineers, or those who want to be prepared for any future application. The combination of three low noise microphones in one convenient package gives incredible creative recording capabilities never available before.

The internal, low noise, professional microphone preamplifier will add no audible noise to the already exceptionally low noise Wildtronics Parabolic Microphones. Up to 55dB of step-less gain is available (parabolic output), and 65dB (stereo output), providing full line level output from even low level sounds with our high level output microphones. Using the 3.5mm line level output with low cost, hand-held recorders will dramatically improve the recorder's signal to noise ratio, often resulting in performance comparable to that of recorders costing over $1000. The main weakness of low cost recorders is high microphone input noise. Using our low noise amplifier and selecting line input, on your recorder, eliminates this weakness. Therefore, you can reduce your total equipment budget, and make your equipment much more portable as well. All balanced XLR microphone outputs are maintained, and are not affected by the amplifier, for those who have high quality XLR compatible equipment. Read more about using low cost recorders in our our article here.

Directly plug in your 3.5mm headphones, without any other equipment, to improve hearing for enjoying wildlife, surveillance, or for research and other tactical needs. The headphone output will provide up to 35 milliwatts and has half the noise of many professional headphone amplifiers. While you are using headphones, you can also output an amplified mic level signal (3.5mm) to a DSLR or video camera to obtain quality audio for your wildlife, video, or surveillance projects. You can also use the line level or XLR outputs for your recorder, while the mic level output drives your camera to further extend your audio quality and synchronization. For sports broadcasting, you can use the headphone output while still providing a mic level signal to the wireless transmitter. Plus, we can customize, for sports broadcasting, to meet your specific needs of inputs and outputs, such as including a monitor input to the headphones.

The large, 22-inch, parabolic dish is optimally sized to balance portability and low frequency response. The dish is clear so you may accurately sight your target, even with the Secondary Windscreen installed. The Wildtronics' parabolic shape was optimized for a focal point to match the microphone's polar response, shield undesired sound pickup, and offer a compact package. The paraboloid was accurately CNC machined to create a master mold. This accuracy is necessary for precision focus at higher frequencies. The microphone assembly is easily removed and reinstalled without altering it's precisely located, factory set focal point. The Standard molded plastic dish is 0.060-inch thick polycarbonate for best all around durability, critical shape retention, and allows some bending to fit into larger airline luggage. Also available is the Feather Light 0.030 inch thick polycarbonate dish that can roll into a 6 inch diameter for easy transporting, and will drop the weight of the microphone by 8 ounces. For more information on the parabolic dish types available, see our parabolic dishes for sale page.

Integral booster discs are designed into the microphone assembly to increase the audio gain, boost low frequency response to that of a 30-inch parabolic dish, and help isolate the sound pickup to only the focused target and avoid other stray sounds. This amazing booster disc technology further sets the Wildtronics Parabolic Microphone apart from all others.

Not just one, but an array of low noise microphone elements are used at the focal point of the parabola. Array technology not only increases the audio gain, but reduces self noise to that of the lowest noise microphones on the market. Combined with the parabolic dish and booster discs, the signal to noise ratio is higher than any other parabolic microphone system available. A military grade foam windscreen is built-in for winds up to 10-12MPH. For wind speeds up to 20MPH, a Secondary Windscreen is available and we highly recommend it for outdoor applications.

The stereo microphones use two-dimensional audio booster discs that increase the audio level and help separate the left and right channels. The sound quality and noise level of the stereo microphones is on par with some of the most expensive available, making this option an incredible value. The separator plate, between the two microphones, can be removed with thumb screws. Without the separator plate, the two microphones can be summed as an array with a mixer, or used individually to create a low noise, wide-angle, mono background microphone, in addition to the parabolic mono microphone. This is a useful feature if you only have a two channel recorder and need to capture your subject even if you do not point the dish accurately, as a backup. If you want even better stereo pickup, look at our specialized Stereo Ambient Array Microphone SAAM.

There are no special or custom cables needed to connect the Wildtronics Parabolic Microphone to your amplifiers or recorders. Both standard, balanced XLR and 3.5mm connectors are conveniently located on the back panel. You can use 11-53 volt phantom power or the internal 9-volt battery. 9-volt battery life is about 150 hours, so you can save battery life in your other equipment by turning off it's phantom power. The microphones are heated using excess phantom power to decrease condensation problems in humid environments. On the 3.5mm connector, the mono signal is on both contacts of the stereo 3.5mm connector. With the signal available on both contacts, you can record one channel at a lower gain to be sure you don't clip an important recording.

The entire microphone assembly is engineered to reduce the effects of handling noise and inadvertent bumps. A special foam suspension system helps isolate the microphone assembly from handling noise. In addition, the comfortable, foam handle grip was carefully selected with a texture that minimizes noise from hand movements.

The lightweight aluminum alloy parts are powder coated for durability. A black, low reflectivity finish is used throughout to increase stealth. Optional Accessory Bar-1 Kit and Mini Accessory Bar Kit are available that allow versatile mounting of additional equipment. With the Accessory Bar-1 Kit, you can mount cameras, tripods, recorders, preamps, wireless transmitters, and install the included dual handles that give improved comfort and superb balance. The Mini Bar Kit allows mounting a hand-held recorder directly to the handle, and uses just one short cable.

The Wildtronics family of microphones were developed by Bruce Rutkoski, who has professionally recorded nature sounds for over 20 years and originated new recording techniques, in addition to an electronic and mechanical engineering background. Bruce's recordings are available through Natureguy Studio in CD and MP3 formats.

Click here for the Wildtronics Pro Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone manual.

Click here for an Amplified Parabolic User Guide.

Here are some audio samples from subjects from 50-600 feet away, illustrating the incredible range of the Mono Parabolic Microphone of the Pro Mono-Stereo. Maximum range is achieved with a combination of low noise microphones, increased gain of a true parabolic reflector, and subject isolation improved by using our exclusive booster plates.

Below are some audio samples recorded using the Mono-Stereo Microphone. Most use just the stereo microphones by themselves, while others have added highlights from the parabolic microphone in the center. For audio samples of only the mono parabolic microphone, see the play list above on this page.

Frequency response: 20-20kHz

Mono Parabolic Microphone:

Dish gain: 0dB @ 200hz then +6dB/octave to 30dB @13kHz

Equivalent self noise @1kHz: -4dBA, @10kHz: -24dBA

S/N Ratio: 98dB @ 1kHz, 118dB @10kHz

Sensitivity @ 1kHz: XLR -8dB (400mV)/Pascal

Sensitivity @ 1kHz: 3.5mm -14dB (200mV)/Pascal

Max input sound level: 108dB @ 1kHz

Output impedance: 1K ohm XLR, 25 ohm 3.5mm line, 10 ohm 3.5mm mic

Stereo Microphone Pair:

Sensitivity XLR: -12dB (250mV)/Pascal @1kHz

Sensitivity Stereo 3.5mm: -18dB (125mV)/Pascal @1kHz

Max input sound level Stereo: +108dB @1kHz

Equivalent Self-noise Stereo: 12dBA

S/N Ratio: Stereo: 83dB @ 1kHz

Impedance XLR: 2k Ohm

Impedance 3.5mm: 1.4k Ohm XLR, 25 ohm 3.5mm line, 10 ohm 3.5mm mic

Preamp Specific:

Preamp gain: 3-55dB Mono, 10-65dB Stereo @3.5mm outputs

Preamp EIN: -129dB @ max gain

3.5mm output signal S/N ratio: 115dB @ min gain

3.5mm Mic Out: -30dB referenced to 3.5mm Line Out

Headphone Output Power: 35mW with 32 ohm headphones

3.5mm Output Connectors: Line/Headphone output: 3.5mm stereo; Microphone output: 3.5mm stereo

3.5mm rugged outputs are safe from accidental phantom power application. Line level reference is 0.775Vrms

Power: 9 Volt battery ( and or 11-53 volt phantom power for XLR only output)

9 Volt battery life: 40 hrs/ 20 hrs with headphones

Weight: 2 lbs 8oz (2lb 0oz w/ feather light dish)

Dimensions: 22.5x22.5x8 inches

Maximum storage temperature: 200/93 degrees F/C

Made in the USA, RoHS lead free, with CE conformity.

Connector Wiring:

XLR: pin 1= ground, pin 2 = signal (+), pin 3 = signal (-)

3.5mm mono: barrel = ground, tip = signal, ring = signal

3.5mm stereo: barrel = ground, tip = left channel, ring = right channel

Click here for a Wildtronics Pro Mono-Stereo brochure.

The most popular Accessories are listed here. Please visit our Web Store for ordering. Select the main product type and then select the Accessory tab in that section to find all the accessories for that product group.

Secondary Windscreen

This highly recommended and popular sock-like cover slips over the all of our Pro and All Purpose Parabolic Microphones and extends use in winds up to 20 MPH. Best of all, it does not block the view through the clear dish, allowing you to aim and track subjects. Without this additional windscreen, wind protection is good for winds up to 10-12 MPH using the primary windscreens included with each microphone. The material may be sprayed with silicone waterproofing spray, when off of the microphone, to increase the weather resistance of the parabolic microphone.

Mini-Accessory Bar

This popular accessory, allows you to mount a small recorder directly to your Wildtronics Pro model parabolic microphone handle. It includes a 1 foot cable with 3.5mm connectors. Used with our amplified models, this accessory bar makes a very portable, cable free system capable of producing professional recordings with even low cost recorders. The portability and ease of using a system without tangling cables makes run and gun recording much easier.

Shoulder Strap

If you intend to carry your parabolic microphone for hours, you will be thankful that you have this adjustable shoulder strap to give your arms a rest. It connects to the 1/4-20 tripod threads in the base of every Wildtronics parabolic model we make.

Bar-1 Kit

Popular for sports broadcasting, this bar allows you to use dual handles and gives you the ability to mount additional equipment to your Pro model parabolic microphone. The dual handles makes it easier to hold for hours at a time. This versatile kit may also be used for pairing to a video camera or building a cable-free, fast deploying audio system. The bar is made from solid, 5/8 inch thick, 6061 aluminum and is powered coated.

Smart phone adapter

This Smart Phone Adapter will allow you to connect an external, powered microphone to your smart phone, iPad, or tablet. With this adapter, you can use your smart phone, iPad, or tablet as a recorder using a recording app, saving you from buying a dedicated audio recorder. Your device must have a 4 connector, 3.5mm headphone/mic jack using the CITA standard, which most late model devices have. You will also need a commonly available, 3.5mm male-male cable to connect your microphone to this adapter.