Introduction
Thank you for purchasing your "ear hook" Binaural microphones. These microphones represent the state of the art in miniature condenser microphones. With reasonable care, these microphones will produce years of accurate recordings and listening enjoyment. These microphones can be used with any device that supplies a bias voltage of 1.5 to 12 volts at its mic input (commonly known as "plug-in-power"). This is commonly found on many digital recorders, and some USB soundcards.

DO NOT plug these microphones into a device that supplies phantom power at the microphone input unless you have ordered the microphone with the phantom power XLR connectors or our XLR phantom adapter shown here: https://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-XLRM-MINI-2-PHANTOM

Plugging your microphones DIRECTLY into phantom power without the necessary adapter will damage your microphones and this is NOT covered under warranty

Preparing to make a recording
Before making your first important recording, it is suggested that you experiment with your new microphones so that you can get the best possible performance from them.

Using the microphones directly into a recording device or USB soundcard:
If you are using the microphones directly into a device that supplies the correct "plug in power", plug the microphones into the microphone input jack. If necessary, turn on "plug-in-power" (see the manufacturer’s instructions for more details on this). Once the microphones are receiving power from your device, you are ready to proceed

Using the microphones with the optional microphone power supply:
If you are using the microphones with any of our microphone power supplies, plug the microphones into the input jack of the power supply. The microphones are now receiving power from the power supply. Since the microphones will receive power anytime they are plugged into the power supply, be sure to disconnect them when not in use.

Again, if you are going to be using the microphones with a device that supplies phantom power, you MUST use the mics with special XLR connectors or a Y adapter that drops the 48vdc down to 12vdc or less.

In most cases, when using a microphone power supply, and you are going to be recording relatively loud sounds (rock concerts, full orchestras, close mic'd instruments, etc.), it is suggested that you use the “line in” jack of your recorder or mixer (if available). This will produce excellent results with these types of sources.

If you are going to record very quiet sounds, (nature sounds, human speech, chamber music, meetings, etc.), it is suggested that you use the microphone jack of your recorder using the -20dB setting (low sensitivity). This should produce excellent results with these types of sources. You may find it necessary to change to a different sensitivity setting if you have to turn the recording level controls up near their maximum settings at the -20dB setting. If you do not have a –20dB setting on your recorder, it may be necessary to use an attenuator cable between the microphones and the mic input jack. This cable is available from us here: https://www.soundprofessionals.com/cgi-bin/gold/item/SP-ATEN-1

Once you have plugged the output cable from the battery module into your device, you are ready to proceed.

The next step is to determine microphone placement. Since these microphones actually mount right outside the ear structure, they will produce exceptionally true and accurate Binaural recordings. It is very important that the left/right placement is maintained throughout the recording and playback process; otherwise, the recording will sound like the performers were seated behind you instead of in front of you. Place the microphone with the silver dot on the right ear and the one without the dot on the left ear. Do the same with the mic labeled "L" into the left ear.

You may now begin recording. After a few minutes of recording, stop the recording and listen to the recording you have just made. Adjust the recording levels as needed. Repeat this procedure until you are satisfied with the results. You are now ready to make that once-in-a-lifetime recording!

Care and Maintenance
Your Binaural microphones have been designed and manufactured to provide a lifetime of trouble-free service. The miniature microphone element should not be moistened. If the covering over the front of the capsule becomes soiled, carefully brush off the contaminant with a Q-tip, being careful not to lift the felt covering.

Questions and help
If you have any questions regarding the use of your microphone or require help with these instructions, please feel free to call us at 1-800-213-3021 or email techsupport@soundprofessionals.com