Wildtronics Pro Mono Parabolic Microphone
Capture crisp, clean single subject sounds with the best performing parabolic microphone available.
The Wildtronics parabolic microphone is the most advanced, best performing, and affordable parabolic microphone on the market. Buy yours today, and it will normally ship the next day!
- A lightweight, 22-inch, clear polycarbonate, highly accurate parabolic dish. The dish is flexible, yet rigid enough to maintain critical shape, and thick enough for good rear sound isolation. Polycarbonate is a virtually unbreakable plastic that can withstand temperature extremes. Available in the Standard 0.060 inch thick or the Feather Light 0.030 inch thick rollable version.
- Very low noise mono parabolic mic array. The microphone array, by itself, has a noise floor of just 10dBA, which rivals standard microphones that cost >$1000. Low mic noise allows you to hear faint sounds that would normally be lost in the noise of lesser microphones.
- Patent pending integral Booster Discs increase the gain to that of a 30-inch dish. This technology also improves low frequency response by eliminating the well known "bass dip" phenomenon, achieving superior sound quality. All competing parabolic microphones have a distinctive bass response dip (500-1000Hz), with accompanying peaks and dips at higher frequencies, causing a tinny sound.
- Both balanced XLR and 3.5mm outputs are on the back panel, and you can even use the outputs simultaneously to connect multiple equipment.
- Built-in, metal 1/4-20 threads in the base of the handle allows solid, reliable, and easy mounting of the Parabolic Microphone to a tripod.
- Power the microphone using your equipment's phantom power or the internal, replaceable 9V battery.
- A foam suspension system reduces handling noise and dampens the dish. The suspension system is a carefully thought out design that isolates major components, and not only a cushioned hand grip. Nothing makes any creaking sounds when the unit is moved during use.
- Weighing just 2 lbs 4 oz (1 lb 12 oz w/ Feather Light Dish), the lightweight unit assembles and disassembles into three smaller pieces in under a minute for ease of transport and travel. The dish is flexible so that it may be "rolled" to fit into luggage and carrying cases.
- 80 PPI (pores per inch) pro grade windscreen included.
- Designed and tested to withstand severe temperature and humidity extremes.
- Shielded throughout to reduce the effects of EMI/RFI, even from cell phones.
- Optional Accessory Bars and the Secondary Windscreen can be used to extend the usability of this model.
Wildtronics Pro Mono Parabolic Microphone
Exceptional performing parabolic microphone
Back Panel of the Wildtronics Pro Mono Parabolic Microphone
XLR, 3.5mm outputs powered by phantom or replaceable 9 volt battery
Polar response of the Wildtronics Pro Parabolic Microphone
Highly directional pickup pattern
Metal 1/4-20 Thread in Base of Handle
For mounting to tripods and more
The Standard Polycarbonate Parabolic Dish is Bendable
100% polycarbonate is a very tough plastic
The Feather Light Parabolic Dish can Roll to 6-inch Diameter
100% polycarbonate is a very tough plastic
The Wildtronics Professional Mono Parabolic Microphone is the non-amplified model for those who already have low noise equipment. Read more about the Amplified Pro Mono Parabolic Microphone here. 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, field recording, recording sound effects, 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. The addition of the booster disc gives approximately a 6dB advantage over conventionally designed parabolic microphones-- that is like being at half the distance to the subject.
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 accessory 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. 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 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.
Here are some audio samples from subjects from 50-600 feet away, illustrating the incredible range of the Wildtronics 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
Power: 9 Volt battery or 11-53 volt phantom power
9 Volt (alkaline) life: 150 hours
Output impedance: 1K ohm XLR, 500 ohm 3.5mm
Weight: 2 lbs 4oz (1lb 12oz 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.
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.
