You may have noticed that the range and options available on Earsight microphones is constantly evolving. It’s partly thanks to you, your comments and your desires that I’m able to develop new solutions.
Choosing the microphone best suited to your needs and practice is a question you always ask yourself, at least that’s what I’ve noticed from your frequent e-mails about that.
The table below shows the full line-up of Earsight microphones in a compact format, in the hope that it will help you, I’ll detail below all the options, recommended mounts and detailed explanations for each pickup.
To be clear, no Earsight microphones use primo capsules, including the EM272s that everyone talks about. The main reason is the difficulty of obtaining them in large quantities, and I prefer to source capsules directly from a manufacturer to avoid stock shortages.
After many trials with a very wide range of capsules, I settled on one that sounded better than the primo capsule, with even more interesting characteristics. That’s why Earsight microphones are not copies of existing microphones, but the result of research based on listening and testing.
EARSIGHT MICROPHONES:
- NANO: They come in the form of a lavalier microphone, less bulky than the standard version, but equipped with a clamp that allows the microphones to be mounted on a multitude of supports, and also to be used as lavalier microphones with outstanding quality.
- STANDARD: The Standard version is the first Immersive soundscapes microphone, and also the most successful. It’s compact, versatile with its built-in cable, very solid and able to withstand use in the field, and all this with exceptional sound quality, so you’ll feel like you’re right in the middle of the action. It’s compatible with the indispensable Comica bonnets (available as an option).
- BINAURAL:The binaural version with an uncompromising capsule, used binaurally, they allow you to capture with striking realism for immersive headphone listening. You can also use them as a pair of Earsight Standard microphones, making them versatile. They’re fitted with a thinner Mogami cable for top-level performance,
- THUMB:The Thumb version has been designed to allow you to connect microphones directly to your recorder in the twinkling of an eye, so you can capture sound instantly when you don’t have time to set up your microphones. Their compactness and sound characteristics mean you can carry them with you at all times. Thumbs are available in straight or angled versions, depending on your recorder. of course, you can use your own microphone cables if you want to keep some distance from the mics.
- THUMB BBG:he thumb version, but with a body adapted to Rycote Baby Ball Gag (BBG) windshields, so you can use it in high winds, with the mic plugged directly into the recorder or your XLR cables.
- PROFESSIONAL:The quality of the Earsight Standard, but developed for professional use, with the possibility of using the pickups on high-end suspensions with windshields for use in strong winds. The microphone body is made of steel.
- CUSTOM SHOP: You can ask me to customize the microphones, or I can help you integrate the microphones for a particular use. I have a 3D printer for rapid prototyping, and I’m also a mechanical engineer, which means I can offer you customized solutions.
VERSIONS (XLR OR PIP):
- XLR versions works with 48V phantom power only for optimal performance for compatible recorders. Generally, recorders gives better results with xlr inputs because the digital recorders manufacturers uses better components.
- XLR Low profile option: The low profile consists in reducing the size of the XLR connector by allowing the cable to exit at 90°, which is not the case with standard connectors. The XLR version allows you to store your recorder in a more compact bag, while limiting the risk of damaging your cables by rubbing and creating false contacts.
- PIP (Plug in Power): 2 to 10V (10V being close to optimal capsule performance for best signal to noise ratio), for recorders equipped with 3.5mm mini jack in providing Plug In Power, this can be digital sound recorders, video cameras.
WINDSHIELDS:
There are several ways to reduce the impact of wind on microphones, the 2 most common being to :
- using a fur over the microphone, the simplest method more portable.
- using a zeppelin which offers the best protection but makes your rig considerably bulkier.
Earsight microphones are available in several variations, allowing you to use both types of protection, you will find compatible windshields on the table above.
SUSPENSIONS:
There is a wide range of choices, from paid options sold complete to DIY. The small size of the mics and their versatility allow for an infinite number of solutions.
I recommend Rycote InVision Stereo Pair Kit for the best quality.
STEREO SPACING:
These are omnidirectional capsules, ORTF type mounting is not necessary, the best results are in A/B pickup, the 2 capsules parallel, 20cm apart. The optimal spacing depends on the subject being recorded, a larger spacing can be interesting for a quiet soundscape, but one should always avoid a caricatural stereo image.
RFI NOISE REJECTION:
Earsight microphones are not very sensitive to electromagnetic interference, which means they deliver the cleanest possible signal.
Please note that when your recorder is plugged in (usb connected), there may be increased background noise due to the internal circuitry of the recorder, which creates internal interference.
DURABILITY / WATER RESISTANCE:
The choice of components has been made with a view to maximizing the performance of the microphones:
- Neutrik brand connectors
- matched capsules
- resistance to RFI interference
- audiophile grade capacitors
- high-grade resistors
- High quality German audio cable
- lead-free solder
- capsule glued to cable
- cable discharge at connector and microphone (when you accidentally pull the cable, the solder joints are not stressed)
- capsules are not very sensitive to humidity; overnight drying allows them to regain their optimal sound characteristics (water accumulated on the microphone membrane needs to be dried)
MY PRODUCTION METHOD :
All microphones are hand-assembled and tested 1 by 1 by myself in France, near Nantes. I have a stock of components that enables me to offer you microphones 365 days a year. I assemble each pickup on demand, but offer express delivery (a few days or even the next day).