Now you can easily record beautiful, vibrant, low noise soundscapes, that have accurate stereo presence.

Please note that the SAAM is currently out of stock. Due to the high demand for our parabolic microphones, we haven't been able to manufacture more SAAMs at the moment. This microphone may not be available, in-stock, until late 2025. You can be added to a waiting list and be notified when more are available to purchase, in the order you were added to the waitlist. Please email us and request to be added to the SAAM waiting list.

The Wildtronics Stereo Ambient Array Microphone (SAAM) is a specially designed system for capturing superb stereo soundscapes and backgrounds. The human head-derived shape provides superior stereo separation and life-like reproduction. The exceptionally low noise microphones and contoured enclosure allow you to capture the faintest sounds. Built-in, low noise preamps allow the SAAM to produce excellent results with almost any type of recorder. Use the SAAM for nature soundscapes, sporting events, concerts, or any time you want to capture what someone would actually hear at the location. You can also use the direct headphone output for improved hearing and listening enjoyment. The Wildtronics SAAM allows you to obtain quality stereo field recordings comparable to or better than the best equipment available, at a fraction of the cost.

• Superior stereo reproduction. The SAAM combines PZM, Binaural, and ORTF principles to provide acoustical gain and optimal stereo perception.
• Exceptionally low noise microphones. Multiple microphone elements are used in an array for each of the two, built-in stereo microphones for lower noise. The specially contoured and sized SAAM enclosure also boosts the sound. The result is a spectacularly low, single digit noise floor.
• Includes an internal electronic system. This system provides: Frequency equalized outputs for a flat frequency response, -129dBA EIN low noise preamps with a gain control, both XLR and 3.5mm line and mic level outputs, headphone output with volume control, low cut filters, and even a line level mix input. The electronic system allows you to produce excellent results with any type of equipment, even low cost recorders and video cameras.
• Optimally sized. The carefully contoured shape is as large as possible to obtain sufficient low frequency response, ideal stereo separation, and still fits in standard airline luggage. Basic rectangular dimensions: 19 x 11.25 x 8.25 inches.
• Rugged, black ABS plastic enclosure. Enclosure is internally dampened and shielded from EMI/RFI, for trouble free use near cell phones, high tension electrical lines, and WiFi.
• Fast deployment and easy to use. Use the carrying handle, built-in feet, or tripod mounting provisions. Then, just aim, set the gain, and you are ready to record.
• Optional Mini Recorder Docking Plate. This plate allows you to directly mount a small recorder into a special, recessed compartment, for a convenient, self-contained recording system.
• Powered by: XLR phantom power, or a replaceable 9 volt battery, or external 7-18 volt power.
• Microphone heaters. Heaters can be switched on for extremely adverse, humid environments to prevent condensation from affecting the microphone elements.
• Quality components. We selected reliable components, such as connectors from Switchcraft and Neutrik, and controls from Bourns. The fiberglass PC boards are conformal coated.

The SAAM is very easy to use. Most other stereo recording setups using two microphones, like ORTF, XY, or Jecklin disk, need specific angles to be set with the use of mounting bars. The SAAM is ready to go instantly. Just mount the SAAM to a tripod, lay it on a flat surface, or even handhold it, and you are ready to record. Plus, the SAAM has improved stereo separation over the other methods of stereo recording, very similar to what you actually hear with your ears in person. The Wildtronics SAAM is both easy to use and the most capable system available for stereo field recording.

The SAAM is extremely low noise, providing excellent range in even the quietest environments. There are very few individual microphones that have lower noise, but those mics won't perform as well as the SAAM system when used in a stereo configuration. The SAAM has superior, and natural stereo separation similar to a human head model with much larger ears. If you cup your hands behind your ears, notice that you hear better. The SAAM enclosure has a similar effect, it increases the acoustical gain, which further lowers the apparent noise. The built-in, low noise preamps can further increase the signal level so even low cost recorders are able to produce exceptional results. If you already have a good, professional recorder, the SAAM has XLR outputs as well. We always recommend using plenty of the SAAM preamp gain for best results.

The SAAM has similarities to other types of stereo boundary array or pressure zone (PZM) microphones, such as DIY PZM plates made from wood or modified Crown SASS microphones. A boundary surface captures and increases the sound wave intensity at the microphone element. The size of the boundary plate directly determines the low frequency response – bigger the better. The number of boundary plates that intersect at the microphone determines the gain of the system. The SAAM enclosure is larger for better low frequency gain and specially shaped to obtain additional gain. This means that you will get more gain over a wider frequency range, providing a lower noise floor and optimal stereo separation. The SAAM includes built-in preamps, and most importantly, includes built-in equalization circuits to obtain a flat frequency response. Whenever a boundary surface is near a microphone, the frequency response is heavily altered. Some boundary's are so small that they have only a minor effect, just boosting higher frequencies. Using a substantial boundary near a microphone will require a test to determine the frequency response. A post edit EQ curve must then be applied to every recording made with that boundary. The Wildtronics SAAM has the EQ curve built-in, so you won't need any EQ post editing, and recordings will sound natural.

The SAAM is designed for field recording. The connectors and switches are brands professionals can rely on. Electronic components were selected to meet outdoor temperature requirements. The PC board is conformal coated to reduce moisture issues. The outer shell is made of tough ABS plastic that is internally dampened to suppress resonance. The circuits are metallically shielded to eliminate potential problems with EMI/RFI. For long recording sessions, an external power connector can be used. If you are ever in extremely humid conditions, we have included microphone heaters, that may be turned on to help displace condensation from affecting the microphones. You may never need them, but they are there if you do. Microphone heaters are used in specialized microphones that are designed for outdoor use. The pro quality windscreens work very well up to around 12-15MPH, and we have a Secondary Windscreen accessory that can further improve that. The XLR outputs are transformerless, buffered, low impedance, and suitable for driving long cable runs.

There are two main methods of using the Stereo Ambient Array Microphone. Using the SAAM with the "nose" pointed in the general direction of the subjects, is for general purpose stereo recording. This is the most often used method, and is useful when you need to reject sounds from the rear, in favor of the intended subjects in front of the SAAM. You can also point the "nose" straight up, resulting in a 360 degree stereo recording. The 360 degree method works especially well if you have lively sounds from a tree canopy, are picking up conversations in a room or meeting, or want maximum coverage for surveilance use.

With the optional Mini Recorder Docking Plate, you can directly mount a small recorder to a recessed area on the back of the SAAM. The internal, very low noise preamps boost the signal so you can use low cost recorders, such as a Tascam DR-05 or Zoom H1 and obtain low noise, professional quality recordings. Turn the gain down on your recorder and use the preamps in the SAAM to set the gain for best results. The Docking Plate comes with a 12-inch 3.5mm cable to connect the SAAM's 3.5mm line output to your recorder. The plate is designed for use with the 1/4-20 tripod mount on the back of many recorders. This makes an incredibly portable recording rig with no dangling cables, that is very easy to transport.

Here are some sample recordings using the SAAM. The samples have been processed with level normalization (gain increase). No noise reduction was done. Note: the frog recording sample was made from 15-1200 feet away from the frogs, and note the stereo separation and clarity even at low frequencies.

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

Wildtronics SAAM Instruction Manual PDF download.

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 on the Wildtronics You Tube Channel.

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.