How To Make Binaural Microphones | Musicworks magazine

After you complete the circuit and run the test you should hear distinct sounds on the left channel and the right channel.

1. If there is no sound at all on the recording:

a. Check that all your connections are correct by looking at the circuit figure, as well as the photographs. You may wish to enlist a friend’s help: sometimes a fresh pair of eyes can spot a mistake that you’ve been staring at for an hour!

b. Check that you are plugged into the mike input of your recorder, not the line input.

c. Check that your batteries are fresh, and installed properly.

d. Check that the black and red wires from the battery holder are connected properly.

e. Check for short circuits. Pay particular attention to the mike cables and output cables—an overheated shield can easily melt into the centre conductor.

f. Check that the microphone capsules are wired the correct way around—if you are in doubt, try reversing the connection to one of them.

2. If there is a loud hum on the recording:

a. Check that all the connections to the common ground are made correctly. This includes the shields of the mike cables, the shields of the output cables, the black wire of the battery holder, and the ground wire to the case.

3. If there is a quiet hum or buzz on the recording:

a. Check that the ground wire is securely soldered to the bottom of the tin.

b. Make sure you are using good quality cable, and that it’s no longer than six feet.

c. Ensure that your recorder is running on batteries, not the AC adaptor, and that you are a good distance from such things as fluorescent lights and computers.

d. Ensure that you are not touching the microphone capsules, or any other electrical connection.