To demonstrate the differences in microphone types, I have done a comparison between a typical voice mic (a Sony ECM-959A), a "Long Shotgun" (Sennheiser K6/Me-67) and a Telinga "Dual Science" parabolic microphone. This test was performed by playing the same sample of a Rock Wren on a CD player placed 50 feet (15 meters) from the microphones and recording them onto a Sony MZ-R30 MiniDisc recorder. The player's volume was left at the same level for each test, and the mics were all oriented directly at the source.
In this first example the results are unedited, that is, "raw". The first song is the ECM-959A, the second is the Sennheiser and the last is the Telinga. This demonstrates the differences in gain (volume) between the three mics.
Raw Data(Click to hear this comparison)
In the second example I have normalized the test results to 80% of maximum so that the volume is the same for each mic. This demonstrates differences in resolution (sharpness) and frequency response between the three mics. Notice how much "sharper" (higher resolution) the Sennheiser is than the Sony and the Telinga is than the Sennheiser.
Normalized Data (Click to hear this comparison)
These show the differences in what's captured by each microphone. Note the difference in signal strength vs noise in the Telinga on the normalized spectrogram (especially in the range below the call), as well as the increased resolution with the Telinga.
1. The "Twin Science" Mic, which has a super-cardioid (highly directional) mic facing the dish and an omni-directional mic facing outward. This configuration allows you to record a directional signal and an omni signal at the same time, the directional going to the left channel and the omni going to the right. This mic is powered by a 9V accumulater in the handle, which is charged by a standard 9V battery. It can also be powered by the 9V battery while it is charging the mic.
2. The Stereo Microphone, which is a wonderful stereo parabolic mic. Power is the same as the Dual Science, above.
3. The "Plug-in-Power" version of the dual mic, which has the same two microphones and derives it's power from your MiniDisc or DAT. This means lighter weight and a reliable power source, but you cannot use stereo mics with this system at this time.
The "dish" for all systems is the same, a 21" (53 cm) clear polycarbonate foldable dish, as in the photo at the top of the page. We use a 21" dish to capture the lowest possible frequencies (dish sizes below 18" will not amplify a full bullfrog's call, for instance). The dish can be folded (rolled up, really) for easy shipment, and comes with its own nylon zippered case.
All Telinga packages include the microphone of your choice (Stereo-DAT or Twin Science), dish, carrying bag, the handle of your choice (Pro-5 or Pro-6) and all necessary cables & literature. Please write to me at the address below for current availability.
Pro-6 Handle, Stereo-DAT Mic: $1950.00 USD
Pro-6 Handle, Twin Science Mic: $2050.00 USD
Pro-5w Handle, Stereo-DAT Mic: $1850.00 USD
Pro-5w Handle, Twin Science Mic: $1950.00 USD
Buying the package saves you around $100 USD on each set
1. Extra 1mm Parabolic Dish: $150 (Non-US customers must e-mail me to get pricing, as the button below assumes a US shipping address)
2. Pro-5w Handle for non-Phantom Power Recorders, such as most consumer MiniDiscs: $910
3. Pro-6 Handle for 48v Phantom Power: $1020
4. 9V Powering box to use Pro-6 with "Walkman"-style recorders that lack 48v Phantom Power: $210
5. Twin Science Mics: $920
6. Stereo Dat Mic: $810
7. Windscreen for Parabolic Dish: $125
8. Carrying Bag: $90
9. Plug-in-Power Handle: $725
10. Plug-in-Power Mic: $775
11. Tripod Adapter: $185
12. NEW! Telinga EM-23 Omni-directional P-I-P Mic: $415.00 (Photo)
13. NEW! Telinga Pro-Vb48 to Mini-jack adapter: $245. This will adapt your Pro-Vb48 handle for use with recorders requiring a 1/8" mini-jack connector. It uses standard 9v battery to power your microphone.
