Difference between revisions of "DolphinEar/PRO Hydrophone Gear Guide"

From Help Wiki
(CARE)
(17 intermediate revisions by 4 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
===INTRO===
+
{{Media Loan Covid Message}}
The DolphinEar/PRO is a fully submergible, omnidirectional, underwater microphone (hydrophone). It is waterproof up to 100 meters in liquid (~328 feet - however the waterproof cable provided is only 33ft) and is rugged enough to handle oceanic conditions and water pressures. With this hydrophone, you can record various sounds such as underwater animals and wildlife.
+
<div class="container-fluid">
 +
<div class="row">
 +
<div class="col-md-8">
 +
<div class="lead">
 +
<div class="lead">[[File:Media Loan Logo.png|left|frameless|90x90px]]A microphone that is designed for underwater recording. </div>
 +
<div class="pull-right"></div>
 +
</div>
  
 
[[file:hydrophone.jpg|400px|thumb|right|DolphinEar/PRO Hydrophone]]
 
[[file:hydrophone.jpg|400px|thumb|right|DolphinEar/PRO Hydrophone]]
 +
==Overview==
 +
The DolphinEar/PRO is a fully submergible, omnidirectional, underwater microphone. The Hydrophone is waterproof up to 100 meters (about 328 feet - however the waterproof cable provided is only 33ft) and is rugged enough to handle oceanic conditions and water pressures. With this hydrophone, you can record various sounds such as underwater animals and wildlife.
  
===ACCEPTABLE ENVIRONMENTS===  
+
==How to Use It==
The hydrophone can be used in the following environments:<br />
+
As soon as this hydrophone is submerged it will pick up sounds and is best used at least 7ft deepThe omnidirectional pattern of the hydrophone means that the orientation is versatile.  
Bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans, etc)<br />
+
===Design===
Underground (buried in soil)<br />
+
Ice (frozen into liquids)<br />
+
Swimming pools<br />
+
 
+
This hydrophone can be used in various liquids''Please get approval from Media Loan staff prior to use in potentially hazardous liquids.''
+
 
+
===CARE===
+
After usage, wash the DolphinEar/PRO in fresh water to remove any debris, or salt deposits, or chlorine if used in pool<br />
+
Remove battery when done and dry off before storing.
+
 
+
====DO NOT====
+
Tow behind a boat<br />
+
Attach the amplifier/sound recording device or hydrophone to your body. Hold with your hand.<br />
+
Use excessive force<br />
+
Store/use in extremely hot temperatures<br />
+
Leave equipment unattended<br />
+
Submerge into hazardous chemicals (chlorine is okay)<br />
+
Let the hydrophone strike sharp surfaces or collide with objects<br />
+
Attach it to your body prior to submerging
+
 
+
===DESIGN===
+
 
The DolphinEar/PRO hydrophone is an omnidirectional microphone.  It was designed with unique large aperture MPC piezo-electric element that responds to sound pressure variations over a wide dynamic range.  It is completely encased in a special epoxy casing, which makes it far more rugged than most other under-water microphone designs.
 
The DolphinEar/PRO hydrophone is an omnidirectional microphone.  It was designed with unique large aperture MPC piezo-electric element that responds to sound pressure variations over a wide dynamic range.  It is completely encased in a special epoxy casing, which makes it far more rugged than most other under-water microphone designs.
  
Line 34: Line 21:
 
This hydrophone is fitted with a standard 3-pin XLR connector.  The shield is connected to pin 1. DolphinEar/PRO does not need external power, but you can still use it on amplifier systems that provide up to 48 volts of phantom power. A set of DC blocking capacitors is fitted inside the XLR connector shell to block the phantom DC power.  If you are using the DolphinEar/PRO on unbalanced amplifiers, we recommend the use of a small matching transformer to maintain hum and noise canceling benefits of a balanced microphone.
 
This hydrophone is fitted with a standard 3-pin XLR connector.  The shield is connected to pin 1. DolphinEar/PRO does not need external power, but you can still use it on amplifier systems that provide up to 48 volts of phantom power. A set of DC blocking capacitors is fitted inside the XLR connector shell to block the phantom DC power.  If you are using the DolphinEar/PRO on unbalanced amplifiers, we recommend the use of a small matching transformer to maintain hum and noise canceling benefits of a balanced microphone.
  
====Specifications====
+
===Specifications===
'''Frequency response (overall):'''<br />
+
'''Frequency response (overall):'''<br />15 Hz – 20,000 Hz +/-3db
15 Hz – 20,000 Hz +/-3db
+
  
'''Hydrophone Transducer Type:'''<br />
+
'''Hydrophone Transducer Type:'''<br />MPC (Piezo) High Output
MPC (Piezo) High Output
+
  
'''Configuration:'''<br />
+
'''Configuration:'''<br />Omni-directional, balanced output, 600 ohms XLR
Omni-directional, balanced output, 600 ohms XLR
+
  
'''Hydrophone packaging:'''<br />
+
'''Hydrophone packaging:'''<br />Rugged epoxy encased, 60mm Dia x 8mm thick
Rugged epoxy encased, 60mm Dia x 8mm thick
+
  
'''Cable Type:'''<br />
+
'''Cable Type:'''<br />High quality, low noise, neoprene/PVC jacket
High quality, low noise, neoprene/PVC jacket
+
  
'''Output Connector:'''<br />
+
'''Output Connector:'''<br />Standard 3 pin XLR
Standard 3 pin XLR
+
  
'''Power:'''<br />
+
'''Power:'''<br />None (does not require phantom power)
None (does not require phantom power)
+
===Set-up:===
 +
Simply plug the XLR that is attached to the hydrophone into an amplifier or sound recording device. Media Loan sound recorders, such as the [http://wikis.evergreen.edu/computing/index.php/Olympus_LS-100_Multi-Track_PCM_Recorder_Operating_Guide Olympus LS-100] and [http://wikis.evergreen.edu/computing/index.php/Zoom_H4n_Audio_Recorder_Operating_Guide Zoom H4N], require separate proficiencies from the hydrophone prior to checkout. <br>'''SAFETY TIP''' - '''Do not attach the amplifier/sound recorder or the hydrophone itself to your body.'''Hold it in your hand, or set on a stable surface. You can use various devices to extend the hydrophone outwards from the recorder before submerging.
  
===OPERATION===
+
'''Usage on a boat:'''<br />'''DO NOT TOW THIS HYDROPHONE.''' DolphinEar/PRO does not have the proper design to be towed behind a boat. When towed, this hydrophone will pick up extraneous noises, which detracts from the performance. '''There is also a risk that the cable could get caught in a propeller.'''
As soon as this hydrophone is submerged it will pick up sounds and is best used at least 7ft deepThe omnidirectional pattern of the hydrophone means that the orientation is versatile.
+
====Set-up:====
+
Simply plug the XLR that is attached to the hydrophone into an amplifier or sound recording device. Media Loan sound recorders, such as the [http://wikis.evergreen.edu/computing/index.php/Olympus_LS-100_Multi-Track_PCM_Recorder_Operating_Guide Olympus LS-100] and [http://wikis.evergreen.edu/computing/index.php/Zoom_H4n_Audio_Recorder_Operating_Guide Zoom H4N], require separate proficiencies from the hydrophone prior to checkout. '''Do not attach the amplifier/sound recorder or the hydrophone itself to your body.''' Hold it in your hand, or set on a stable surface. You can use various devices to extend the hydrophone outwards from the recorder before submerging.
+
  
'''Usage on a boat:'''<br />
+
For best results, turn off the engine and drift – otherwise engine noise will be picked upYou can lift the hydrophone and set it so that your boat hull blocks sounds from other boats that may be nearbyTo minimize sounds from your own boat, such as waves, you can use various devices to extend the hydrophone outwards (a fishpole, float, etc). 
'''DO NOT TOW THIS HYDROPHONE.''' DolphinEar/PRO does not have the proper design to be towed behind a boat.  When towed, this hydrophone will pick up extraneous noises, which detracts from the performance.  '''There is also a risk that the cable could get caught in a propeller.'''
+
===Acceptable Environments===
 +
The hydrophone can be used in the following environments:
 +
* Bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans, etc)
 +
* Underground (buried in soil)
 +
* Ice (frozen into liquids)
 +
* Swimming pools<br />
 +
This hydrophone can be used in various liquids.  ''Please get approval from Media Loan staff prior to use in potentially hazardous liquids.''
  
For best results, turn off the engine and drift – otherwise engine noise will be picked up. You can lift the hydrophone and set it so that your boat hull blocks sounds from other boats that may be nearby. To minimize sounds from your own boat, such as waves, you can use various devices to extend the hydrophone outwards (a fishpole, float, etc).
+
==Troubleshooting==
 +
See [[Troubleshooting Media Equipment]] Guide for general information.
 +
 
 +
==Media Loan Gear it Connects with Well==
 +
{{Collapsed|
 +
See the [[Media Loan Catalog]] for more info about the below items.
 +
* Either the [https://helpwiki.evergreen.edu/wiki/index.php/Zoom_H4n_Audio_Recorder_Gear_Guide Zoom H4n] or [https://helpwiki.evergreen.edu/wiki/index.php/Olympus_LS-100_Audio_Recorder_Gear_Guide Olympus LS-100 ] Audio Recorders
 +
* [https://helpwiki.evergreen.edu/wiki/index.php/GoPro_Hero_4_Gear_Guide Go Pro] that can record underwater video
 +
}}
  
 +
</div>
 +
<div class="col-md-1"></div>
 +
<div class="col-md-3 sidebar">
 +
{{GA Proficiency Information
 +
|Testlink= (No test currently available, Contact Media Loan for proficiency request)
 +
}}
 +
<!--GA Proficiency Information is the template for the top of the side bar. There is also one for APS called APS Proficiency Information. To edit the proficiency test link, "edit source" for this page for  for the keyword "Testlink"-->
 +
{{Precautions, Help, and Other Wikis for all Media Loan Gear
 +
|Exceptions=
 +
*'''For This Gear Specifically'''
 +
** You can and should put this mic in water.
 +
** Wash the Hydrophone immediately in fresh water after use to remove any debris, or salt deposits, or chlorine if used in pool. Dry off before storing.
 +
** DO NOT Tow behind a boat
 +
** DO NOT Attach the amplifier/sound recording device or hydrophone to your body. Hold with your hand instead.
 +
** DO NOT Leave equipment unattended
 +
** DO NOT Submerge into hazardous chemicals (chlorine is okay)
 +
** DO NOT Let the hydrophone strike sharp surfaces or collide with objects
  
[[Category:Media Loan]]
+
}}
 +
<!--Precautions, Help, and Other Wikis for all Media Loan Gear is the template for the bottom of the sidebar. To edit the precautions for this gear specifically, "edit source" for this page for the keyword "Exceptions". be sure to write in the title for the exceptions similar to the title for what they all have.-->
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: end col-md-3-->
 +
</div>
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: end row-->
 +
</div>
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: end container-->
 +
</div>
 +
<!-- Technical note for source editors: Generator=Template:TwoColumn -->
 +
[[category:Audio Gear Guides]]
 +
__NOEDITSECTION__

Revision as of 14:58, 7 March 2021

Media Loan Logo.png
A microphone that is designed for underwater recording.
DolphinEar/PRO Hydrophone

Overview

The DolphinEar/PRO is a fully submergible, omnidirectional, underwater microphone. The Hydrophone is waterproof up to 100 meters (about 328 feet - however the waterproof cable provided is only 33ft) and is rugged enough to handle oceanic conditions and water pressures. With this hydrophone, you can record various sounds such as underwater animals and wildlife.

How to Use It

As soon as this hydrophone is submerged it will pick up sounds and is best used at least 7ft deep. The omnidirectional pattern of the hydrophone means that the orientation is versatile.

Design

The DolphinEar/PRO hydrophone is an omnidirectional microphone. It was designed with unique large aperture MPC piezo-electric element that responds to sound pressure variations over a wide dynamic range. It is completely encased in a special epoxy casing, which makes it far more rugged than most other under-water microphone designs.

DolphinEar/PRO provides high quality, balanced audio output over a wide frequency range (15 Hz - 20,000 Hz +/-3db). It is supplied with 10 meters (33 feet) of high quality Neoprene/PVC cable terminated in a standard 3 pin XLR connector. Unlike standard ball-type hydrophones, DolphinEar/PRO’s unique disc design minimized flow noise while recording from a boat in medium to heavy sea conditions. DolphinEar/PRO may be buried in earth or sand for use as a geophone-type microphone as well.

This hydrophone is fitted with a standard 3-pin XLR connector. The shield is connected to pin 1. DolphinEar/PRO does not need external power, but you can still use it on amplifier systems that provide up to 48 volts of phantom power. A set of DC blocking capacitors is fitted inside the XLR connector shell to block the phantom DC power. If you are using the DolphinEar/PRO on unbalanced amplifiers, we recommend the use of a small matching transformer to maintain hum and noise canceling benefits of a balanced microphone.

Specifications

Frequency response (overall):
15 Hz – 20,000 Hz +/-3db

Hydrophone Transducer Type:
MPC (Piezo) High Output

Configuration:
Omni-directional, balanced output, 600 ohms XLR

Hydrophone packaging:
Rugged epoxy encased, 60mm Dia x 8mm thick

Cable Type:
High quality, low noise, neoprene/PVC jacket

Output Connector:
Standard 3 pin XLR

Power:
None (does not require phantom power)

Set-up:

Simply plug the XLR that is attached to the hydrophone into an amplifier or sound recording device. Media Loan sound recorders, such as the Olympus LS-100 and Zoom H4N, require separate proficiencies from the hydrophone prior to checkout.
SAFETY TIP - Do not attach the amplifier/sound recorder or the hydrophone itself to your body.Hold it in your hand, or set on a stable surface. You can use various devices to extend the hydrophone outwards from the recorder before submerging.

Usage on a boat:
DO NOT TOW THIS HYDROPHONE. DolphinEar/PRO does not have the proper design to be towed behind a boat. When towed, this hydrophone will pick up extraneous noises, which detracts from the performance. There is also a risk that the cable could get caught in a propeller.

For best results, turn off the engine and drift – otherwise engine noise will be picked up. You can lift the hydrophone and set it so that your boat hull blocks sounds from other boats that may be nearby. To minimize sounds from your own boat, such as waves, you can use various devices to extend the hydrophone outwards (a fishpole, float, etc).

Acceptable Environments

The hydrophone can be used in the following environments:

  • Bodies of water (lakes, rivers, oceans, etc)
  • Underground (buried in soil)
  • Ice (frozen into liquids)
  • Swimming pools

This hydrophone can be used in various liquids. Please get approval from Media Loan staff prior to use in potentially hazardous liquids.

Troubleshooting

See Troubleshooting Media Equipment Guide for general information.

Media Loan Gear it Connects with Well

Collapse-small-silver.png
show less
Expand-small-silver.png
show more

See the Media Loan Catalog for more info about the below items.