parabolic microphone Archives

Earlier today I did a very basic test with the Sound Shark Parabolic Collector that uses a basic LAV mic to record distant sounds. Placing a small speaker 20ft away I compared the difference between the PParabolic Mic setup vs a pretty standard on-camera Azden SMX-30 microphone.

I also recently had the opportunity to test the Sound Shark Parabolic Microphone in a typical classroom setting. I found that it really helped to get that louder volume from the distant speaker when compared to other microphones that I would have traditionally used.

Now while a Parabolic microphone will definitely pick up distant sounds better than any other type of microphone, it should not be considered a replacement for other microphone types. It really should be considered a different type of microphone and possibly one you may want to add to your audio kit. If you're interested in listening to other examples, you can find videos on their website at https://KloverProducts.com/SoundShark.

Product Description
The unique shape of the parabolic collector is used to collect incoming sound (pressure) waves and focus them onto a single point where the microphone converts the collected sound energy into an electrical signal. Because the sound energy from a large area is focused onto a single point, the sound is in effect, amplified. This is the same technology that is used to capture the sounds of the game during professional football games every weekend.

Sound Shark Parabolic Collector

Related Articles You May Like:

Strolling through WPPI 2015 in Las Vegas this week, I happened upon a fellow named Paul who was demonstrating an unusual little product called the Sound Shark. The Sound Shark is a mini Parabolic Dish that works with a small Lavalier microphone and designed to improve audio capture from a distance as well as reject unwanted sounds from the rear and sides.

ParabolicWPPI
Paul with Sound Shark Audio WPP1 2015

According to their website, the Sound Shark is based on the same technology that television networks have used to pick up the on-field sounds of professional sports for many years. Klover Products (parent company), made the parabolic microphones used at the 2014 Super Bowl and the 2014 World Series. So I guess they have some credit to back up claims of what this new product is supposed to be able to do.

image courtesy of SoundSharkAudio.com

You'll probably notice Parabolic microphones used heavily in sports. There's typically that guy on the side of a Boxing Ring or on the Side Lines of a Football Game. One claim they have is that the Sound Shark can reject sounds and pick up distant sounds better than a shotgun microphone.

While the examples seen through the photos show it mounted to a camera, it can also be paired up directly with an audio recorder or even mounted on a Boom Pole. It certainly seems like an interesting product that could aid capturing better audio for run-gun shooters covering events or sports, or to ensure you're getting the best possible scratch audio to sync multicams up in post. Hopefully there will be a point to where I can test it myself.

SndShSELECTS-9690363-web Sound-Shark-On-Video-Camera-Web
Sound Shark Audio Mini Parabolic Microphone