Comments on: building contact microphones

By: Building XLR Contact Mics « Nociception Theatrician

Building XLR Contact Mics « Nociception Theatrician — Tue, 28 Feb 2012 18:28:09 +0000

[...] to phase space’s tutorial on this, which lays this method out in more exact electrical terms, along with the trusty furious [...]

By: weekFive |

weekFive | — Thu, 16 Feb 2012 17:52:41 +0000

[...] One of a million websites on how to Build a Contact Microphone [ LINK ] • Buy Piezo discs in bulk [ LINK [...]

By: john grzinich

john grzinich — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 20:04:07 +0000

That’s a good question but I don’t have an answer. I do tend to use piezos with resonant frequencies in the 600-1500 hz range. I’m not an expert but as far as I know the lack of low frequency response in piezos also has to do with their high impedance vs the lower impedance of recorder inputs.

By: Tor Kingdon

Tor Kingdon — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 16:40:39 +0000

Thanks for the great post! How does the resonant frequency of the piezo affect the sound you get? I would think a lower resonant frequency gets more low end, but wanted to see if my intuition is off base.

By: The noise of Norway » A small collection of sound related links

The noise of Norway » A small collection of sound related links — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 08:15:53 +0000

[...] Tutorials How to build a hydrophone Monitor calibration part 1 and part 2 Principles of boom operation Building contact microphones [...]

By: Contact Microphones: important links | ears sketchbook

Contact Microphones: important links | ears sketchbook — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 08:31:42 +0000

[...] Comprehensive Guide To Contact Microphones/Piezos Building Contact Microphones Cold Gold Audio – great shop with audio stuff The freshest in culture. Featured on [...]

By: john grzinich

john grzinich — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:46:12 +0000

check the photo above for connecting a mini-jack. it will turn your dual piezo into a stereo mic, but then you might as well separate the two.

By: Latompkins

Latompkins — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 15:38:30 +0000

Hi John,
I have made a grounded contact microphone following your guidelines. It sounds with an XLR plug, however, i need to change the plug to a 1/8″ mini jack. Any tips on wiring and would this effect the noise levels? Will the micropphone still be grounded?

By: jgrzinich

jgrzinich — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:06:44 +0000

Your Mac will probably not accept most microphone signals. You will need a signal from a mixer or small amplifier to boost the level. Even a small simple microphone needs extra power (most commonly called "plug in power) to a signal. You can read about it here. I also recommend the small amplifiers they sell as I have been using one for several years.

By: Tonia

Tonia — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 22:12:49 +0000

Hi there,
Love the site by the way.
i was wondering if it is safe to plug the mic into my mac, then run it through the audacity program

By: Hubert Napiórski

Hubert Napiórski — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:14:55 +0000

GReat stuff John,
and thanks for some info how to preserve mics from cracking ;-)

By: jgrzinich

jgrzinich — Sun, 13 Sep 2009 17:19:04 +0000

I cover the white inner circle (ceramic crystal part) with the felt furniture pad. On the other (blank) side I glue a thin piece of wood with epoxy. Then I wrap the whole thing in electrical tape. These things actually do dampen the sound a bit but that’s the point, to “soften” the tinny metallic sound of the disc.

But before you do this I suggest to make sure the thing works after you’ve soldered it.