Having trouble creating high-end ASMR content?
Being a key factor in ASMR, the right equipment for binaural recording is indispensable.
Binaural sound, huh?
Have you ever experienced two different tones, one in each ear? The sound heard at different frequencies at a time is a binaural sound. For instance, you are listening to a 132 Hz sound in the left ear and 120 in the other.
Read: What is ASMR?
How does a dedicated binaural mic affect ASMR recordings?
Binaural microphones are used to capture spatial recordings. Spatial audio creates 360 degrees of sound around the listener, coming from all directions, at various frequencies, unlike object-based sound.
Amongst other ways of recording ASMR or binaural sound, the use of binaural microphones is the most convenient and effective, when it comes to sound quality and functionality.
Binaural mic setup and working:
Binaural recording requires two microphones that are placed on a separating element at an average human ears distance between each other. The most commonly used separating element is a dummy head. Whereas, some people use Jecklin Disk, a sound-absorbing disk that creates acoustic shadow from one microphone to other to get the same results as a dummy head.
Another, most practical way for binaural recording is wearing either in-ear headphones or mounted headphones on eyeglass arms. It offers a real-time listening experience of how the sound moves ear to ear.
The good news is that you do not have to have binaural microphones for ASMR recording. Here’s a little guide to DIY your own ASMR microphone.
How to DIY your own ASMR binaural microphone!
Omnidirectional microphones are the way to go.
If you may ask; what is an omnidirectional microphone?
As the name specifies, omnidirectional microphones pick up sound from all directions. Despite going for DIY from a scratch, go for the smarter and more convenient way.
Fun fact: Human ears are omnidirectional. They pick up sound coming from all directions.
Getting essential supplies from a local store to create your own microphone not only will save you time but will also enhance the accuracy of the sound recorded.
Things you may need!
- 2 Omnidirectional microphones
- A separating element; styrofoam or silicone dummy head
- Silicone ears
- Condenser microphone capsules
- Cutter
- Hot glue gun
- Plastic cup
- Silicone compound
Steps
Preparing the head!We are going for the cheapest available option for this DIY, which a styrofoam dummy head is perfect for. No need to worry, you can find a more friendly looking dummy head as per your choice.
- Take your separating element and drill holes on both sides as per the requirement for inserting microphones.
- Create a hole at the end of the head, spacious enough to take some wiring.
If you are using a silicone head, it comes with ready to use ears. Whereas, if you are using a styrofoam dummy head, you may need to drill holes on the sides perfectly holding the earphone capsules.
Tip: The key to binaural setup is the distance between the microphones that must be around 17 cm or so, the width of an average human head.
Mount the microphones
- Insert a microphone at each side of your dummy head.
- The left ear microphone must pass through inside of the right ear of the dummy head, and vice versa.
All the wiring must be inside of the head when you pass the microphone from the lower end of the head reaching to the ears.
- Secure the mics with a hot glue gun stick, sealing all the space left in between the mic and the ears.
Your installation must look something like this, secure and properly inserted into the ears.
Here are some of the microphones you can go for;
- Shure Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone
- Movo Omnidirectional Microphone
- MAONO Omnidirectional Microphone
- Audio-Technica Condenser Microphone
If you are not sure which mic best suit your needs, have a look at the best microphones for ASMR along with a buying guide.
Secure the dowel
Now is the time for a secure stand to hold your head in a straight and steady position. The best material for the dowel is wood as it eliminates vibrations coming from other materials like metal or plastic.
- Insert the dowel inside the head with about ½” gap to the top of the head. It helps in leaving adequate space for the microphone wiring.
- Secure all the wiring to the dowel with the help of electrical tape, which keeps the wire in place.
- Secure all the spaces between the dowel and the head base with hot glue
On the other hand:
If the space is too much to be filled with a hot glue, use silicone compound to fill all the gaps and spaces.
The End Product:
Your DIY binaural microphone is ready to use once it is all dried and it would look like this.
Conclusion
There you have it!
Creating your own binaural microphone all by yourself is not an issue following the necessary steps. For beginners, it is the best way to experiment with their ASMR content without breaking the bank. Do not let expensive equipment get into creating the best of your content.
Read: https://cuzgeek.com/asmr-guide-meaning-definition-sounds-benefits/
