Description

Contact microphones allow you to pick up vibrations and convert them into sounds! Capture a whole world of AMSR sounds that would otherwise go unheard!

The hydrophone is a water proofed Piezo contact microphone. The hydrophone works best when used with a piezo pre-amplifier or a high impedance (also labelled high Z) input on a mixer or recording device!

For example the PM-1 Piezo amplifier is an affordable portable solution.

Available here;
https://beepboopelectronics.co.uk/product/pm-1-piezo-pre-amplifer/

The PM-1 (J-FET input buffer ) pre-amplifer can be used with a 5M cable but it is at the very limit of what the PM-1 can effectively amplify without noise and signal loss.

For the best possible results with a 5M cable (and longer) a charge amplifier is recommended. I am currently working on a solution.

If you want to get sounds directly into your Eurorack system for recording or processing I also make a 2hp Kontact Mic amplifier module designed to amplify the signal up to Eurorack level! (link below)

https://beepboopelectronics.co.uk/product/2hp-kontact/

The product is the result of numerous experiments with different piezo elements and cables to produce the best possible results.

The hydrophone is made of a large piezo contact microphone (45mm!!) but these have been specially prepared for use in water using a waterproof coating.

The hydrophone can also be used just like a regular surface contact mic by holding it against or fixing it to a surface using double sided tape.

The piezo has been wired to a shielded 3.5mm Mono Jack cable that connects to your pre-amplifier, high impedance input or to the 2hp Kontact module input for use with Eurorack systems.

Features

• 50cm cable length
• Shieled cable for much improved noise rejection
• Extra Large 45mm high quality piezo
• High quality metal jack

Piezo specs specifications

• Resonant Frequency : 2.8 ±0.3kHz
• Resonant Impedance (Max.) : 600Ω
• Capacitance at 120Hz : 37,000 pF ±30%

https://youtu.be/Om4Y16TRAWM

Field recordings by Micheal Green include examples of the Hydrophone being tested in Antarctica.

Listen to Antarctica field recordings by Michael Green, a playlist by BeepLoops Tape Label on SoundCloud.

https://soundcloud.com/beeploops/sets/antarctica-field-recordings-by?si=512b4e9cf3e144f185fefa04e6151dfa&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing

Things to try!

Try placing it under running water or in glass and blowing bubbles with a straw.

One very interesting application is to pair one of these contact mics with a transducer. With the two, some amps and mixers it’s possible to make you very DIY plate reverb!

Transducer – https://beepboopelectronics.co.uk/product/eurostack-sound-system-v2/

All the hydrophones I sell are completely hand made here at Beepboop to the highest possible standard to ensure they last!

Each comes with a 1 year warranty but claims for damaged cable or broken waterproofing caused by mishandling, incorrect use or poor storage may be rejected.