Wildtronics Amplified Pro Mono Parabolic Microphone

The Wildtronics Amplified Professional Mono Parabolic Microphone includes 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. This innovative approach will simplify and improve the way sounds are recorded at a lower overall cost. Applications include nature recording, sports broadcasting, videography, recording sound effects, surveillance, field recording, or just to improve your hearing for enjoyment.

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, 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 or other video 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.

This Mono Parabolic Microphone is used to isolate and capture sounds from a single subject. For microphones with added stereo background features, see our Mono-Stereo models. Our parabolic microphones can extend the range of your subject about 10 times compared to a standard microphone. These are the most advanced and best performing professional parabolic microphones on the market, include the microphone, and still cost a fraction of competing units. The new, original design combines multiple techniques to increase audio gain, broaden the frequency response, reduce mic self-noise, improve isolation of the subject, and minimize handling noise. Use this parabolic microphone for sound reinforcement on football and baseball fields, recording birds and nature sounds, wildlife research, law enforcement, paranormal investigation, or anytime sounds need to be amplified and isolated beyond the capabilities of other microphones. If you want to use your own, high quality microphone, see our Pro Universal Parabolic model.

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.

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 to power the XLR output. 9-volt battery life is about 40 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. A 9-volt battery is required to power the 3.5mm amplified output. 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 a dozen 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 a Wildtronics Pro Mono brochure.

Click here for the Wildtronics Pro Mono Parabolic Microphone manual.

Click here for a Amplifed Parabolic Microphone User Guide.

Here are some audio samples from subjects from 50-600 feet away, illustrating the incredible range of the Wildtronics Amplified Pro Mono Parabolic Microphone. 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.

Frequency response: 20-20kHz

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

Preamp gain: 3-55dB @3.5mm outputs Preamp

EIN: -129dB @ max gain 3.5mm output signal S/N ratio: 115dB @ min gain

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

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)

Output impedance: 1K ohm XLR, 25 ohm 3.5mm Line output, 10 ohm on 3.5mm Mic output

Power: 9 Volt battery or 11-53 volt phantom power

Weight: 2 lbs 4oz (1lb 13oz 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.

Click here for a Wildtronics Pro Mono brochure.

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