The Amplified Parabolic models are the most popular. The versatile, low noise preamp can achieve professional quality results with almost any recording device, plus provides a direct headphone output.
The Amplified Pro Mono Parabolic Microphone adds the following features to our standard professional parabolic microphone models:
For the first time, a high performance, low noise microphone preamplifier has been integrated directly into a professional parabolic microphone. The Amplified Pro Mono and Amplified Pro Mono-Stereo Models both include this amplifier. This innovative approach will simplify and improve the way sounds are recorded at a lower overall cost. Applications include nature recording, sports broadcasting, videography, surveillance, or just to enjoy hearing like you never could before.
As a low noise, professional microphone preamplifier, this electronic amplifier will add no audible noise to the already exceptionally low noise Wildtronics Parabolic Microphones. Up to 64dB 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.
Directly plug in your 3.5mm headphones, without any other equipment, to improve hearing for enjoying wildlife, surveillance, or research. The headphone output will provide up to 35milliwatts 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.
The Wildtronics electronic amplifiers inside the amplified models are low cost, elegantly integrated into the parabolic microphone assembly, and add almost no weight. The amplifiers also have excellent RF immunity, and use the latest low noise components. They are powered from the internal 9-Volt battery, and use commonly available cables for connection to your equipment.
The Professional Amplified Mono Parabolic also has the below features:
Testimonial:
"I can honestly say I am stunned. I turned the gain up to 65: no noise or hiss. The volume of the birdsong was actually painful on the ears but no distortion. Superb range.
I used the microphone on a singing Chaffinch at 50 feet, a Common Starling 100 feet away, a Song Thrush I couldn't see but I guessed to be at least 300 feet off and a nearby Wood Pigeon. So a broad range of structure, pitch, note fullness and shape and volume and all recorded with fullness and accuracy. "
Martin,
from the United Kingdom
The Wildtronics Professional Amplified Mono Parabolic Microphone are 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.
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 molded plastic Standard 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.
Below are some audio samples recorded with the Wildtronics Parabolic Microphone at given distances, without any noise reduction processing. Fantastic, accurate sounds can be easily obtained from distances that only a professional parabolic microphone can achieve. Yes, the stated distances are real.
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. 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. When phantom power is used, the microphones are heated using excess phantom power to decrease condensation problems in humid environments. Note: phantom power will not power the pre-amps, only the XLR outputs. You must use the 9-volt battery to power the pre-amps to have outputs on the 3.5mm connectors. 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 Wildtronics Amplified Parabolic Microphone is also available with an additional stereo microphone, the Wildtronics Amplified Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone model. The Amplified Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone model contains two amplifiers, providing all the above features, plus adding audio mixing capability. Mixing allows you to combine the mono and stereo signals in any proportion into one stereo output. A switch is included to quickly disable the stereo signal for mono only use, without disturbing the gain. This integrated mixing capability saves you the expense and bulk of external mixers or multi-channel recorders in many applications. Only the Wildtronics Amplified Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone offers separate mono and stereo channels with mixing capabilities. You can highlight the focused mono subject with little background stereo, have full wide-field stereo with no focused mono, or anything in between. This low cost, super portable system gives you complete audio control, opening many new opportunities.
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.
For technical information about parabolic microphones, recording, and audio noise; see our Articles section in the pull-down menus at the top of the page.
Be sure to review our demo videos of the parabolic microphone on the Wildtronics You Tube Channel.
Wildtronics Parabolic Microphone Specifications PDF download.
Wildtronics Amplified Parabolic Microphones Datasheet PDF download.
Wildtronics 2014 Model Parabolic Microphone Instruction Manual PDF download.
Wildtronics Amplified Parabolic Microphone User Guide PDF download.
Made in the USA, RoHS lead free, with CE conformity.
Important information concerning returns:
You have 30 days to return the product to us. You will need to have an RMA number given to you by contacting us before returning the product. The product must be shipped in the original, undamaged packaging. There will be a 15% restocking fee. All returned or exchanged items must be in new condition, in their original box, and must include all packing material, blank warranty cards, manuals, and all accessories. Any damage due to use or improper packaging will be deducted from the return amount. Wildtronics, LLC is not responsible for personal data or items left in returned merchandise. You are responsible for shipping costs incurred to return the product and you will not be refunded the original shipping costs to ship the product to you.
Refunds on returned items will be issued in the same payment form as tendered at the time of purchase. Once we receive and inspect the product we will credit your account. Please allow 5-7 days for a credit to appear on your account. If payment was made by check, the refund check will not be issued before 10 business days after the date of purchase.