The amazing all-in-one microphone! Have both a professional parabolic microphone and a stereo pair microphone in one unit.

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-Stereo Parabolic Microphone includes a built-in mixer to allow the three microphone channels to be mixed to a two channel stereo signal.

The Low Noise Amplified Models add the following features to our standard professional parabolic microphone models:

• Very Low Noise Electronic Microphone Preamplifier
• Step-less Analog Gain Control
• Provides Quick Easy Plug-in Headphone Use
• Line Level Output for Low Cost Recorders
• Amplified Mic Level Output for DSLR, Camcorder, or Wireless transmitter
• Balanced XLR Microphone Outputs are Maintained and unamplified
• Built in Audio Mixer for the Mono-Stereo Model

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-Stereo Parabolic also have the below features:

• 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.
• Two additional, forward facing, low noise, matched stereo microphones on separate channels allow wide angle (180 degree) ambient recording. No other "stereo" parabolic microphone offers this capability. The stereo pair is shielded from the parabolic dish focal point.
• 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 green LED lights when the power is on, including when using phantom power.
• 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 8 oz (2 lbs 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.
• 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.

The Wildtronics Professional Amplified Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone include all the features of the Professional Mono Parabolic Microphone, plus add 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 channels at once using a multi channel recorder, or use a mixer to control the left, right, center blend for a stereo recorder. With M/S encoding techniques, the stereo/mono blend can be changed during post editing. If you only have a two channel recorder, our Professional Amplified Mono-Stereo Parabolic Microphone 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.

Testimonial:
"I really love the well-built, amplified mono-stereo parabolic microphone, especially its ability to combine a stereo ambient recording (from the front-facing stereo mic pair) with a sharp and clean reflected parabolic signal (from the inward facing microphone element). What's amazing is that the two sound sources can be mixed together by ear for a pleasing result. The two sources can also be recorded separately. For instance, the frontal stereo microphone produces a very spacious ambient recording … perfect for someone who desires a recording of the full soundscape. In contrast, the inward-facing microphone produces a clean, un-distorted recording of the on-axis parabolic-reflected signal … perfect for someone who wants a super-clear monaural recording of a specific sound source. This is incredible. I believe this is the first parabolic microphone to allow for this degree of creative control!"

Lang Elliott,
Nature audio/photo/video author and extraordinaire
Visit Lang's incredible websites:
musicofnature.com, miracleofnature.org

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 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 our other play list on the page describing the Amplified Mono Parabolic Microphone.

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 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.

Not just one, but an array of low noise microphone elements are used at the focal point of the parabola, for the mono parabolic mic. 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 30 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. This stereo model includes a built-in a mixer that allows you to blend the ambient stereo with the single subject from the mono microphone anyway you want, by switching on the stereo and turning up the stereo gain control. This low cost, super portable system gives you complete audio control, opening many new opportunities.

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.

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.

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

Wildtronics Mono-Stereo 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.

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.