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Post by Vincent R. on Jan 11, 2024 7:39:35 GMT -6
So I admit it, during the pandemic I discovered ASMR videos. While much of it is not up my alley, I found that some could help me chill out and relax. I've got a pretty bad case of ADHD. While many of these stereo videos were simply done with a Zoom with built in XY mics, I've seen quite a few people using dual condensers, and lately a bunch of these creators started using Binaural Microphones, particularly the 3DIO mic. These are a take on the Neumann KU 100 Dummy Microphone.
The 3DIO mic has (3) versions. The first is battery powered with a 3.5mm out. The second is their FS XLR version which has dual XLR outs and is powered by phantom power. The 3DIO FS XLR is only $649.
The 3Dio FS XLR microphones contain integrated Primo EM172 microphone capsules. These actually spec out ok.
They also have a pro version which uses the DPA 4060 CORE hi-sensitivity capsules. You pay a premium for these better capsules. This sells for $1,999.
Now to my questions.
What applications would you use these kinds of mics for? Would you use them in a room in conjunction with other mics? I'm just curious about the application for these binaural mics and would love thoughts from those you have or do use them, especially as we all start to journey into spatial audio.
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Post by drumsound on Jan 11, 2024 11:21:10 GMT -6
If I had access, I'd try them on drum overheads, rooms of all sorts, and acoustic instruments, close and/or room.
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Post by trakworxmastering on Jan 11, 2024 12:09:13 GMT -6
For years I've been using a binaural technique for drum overheads. I place 2 Earthworks omnidirectional mics near the ears of a Sennheiser dummy head that came with some earbud type of microphones that my dad had bought. I put a stocking cap over the dummy head to reduce reflections. I really like the natural stereo image and phase I get this way.
Then for drum room mics I use a styrofoam dummy head with a stocking cap, and a pair of 414B ULS on omni about 12 feet out in front of the kick drum and about 4 feet off the floor. It's surprisingly punchy, and combined with the binaural overheads, is a real treat.
It's really easy to mix these binaural pairs with the close mics for a big lively sound that's very punchy because of how well the phase works out.
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Post by enlav on Jan 11, 2024 13:47:50 GMT -6
Echoing Justin - don't let the purpose-built product keep you from doing this. Head-sized objects or cylinders can be a good approximation of the technique, and then you get to use whatever mics you want instead. I've heard the Neumann/Sennheiser head once before and while I'm sure it was flat/accurate, it wasn't really what I learned to like doing with the homemade version.
Piano was the thing I'd use it most on sort of as a crutch or backup in case the close mic's and traditional spaced mic's didn't really fit the arrangement or song. I miss recording acoustic piano.
Though my all time favorite use of binaural miking was somewhat convoluted. It was a demonstration of the technique, there were landlines in both the control room and studio (positioned in the studio as to not draw attention, but some place specific...). Everyone in the control room has headphones on, of course. Proceed to call the line in the studio and watch how many people across the glass turn to the control room phone (which isn't ringing).
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Post by Vincent R. on Jan 12, 2024 9:38:03 GMT -6
I’m also a fellow ASMR “user” I guess. I’ve been following it a long time since it was the only thing that helped me relax for years and I’m still so surprised that it’s gotten as big as it has. I had the 3Dio mic for a year or so. The issue with many capsules, 3DIO included, is that they’re too bright on most high SPL sources. So I’d occasionally use it for auxiliary stuff like shakers or ambience on amps, piano, etc. but not nearly as many places as I’d have liked. And that’s why the Neumann KU-100 is still king. Just a more vivid, detailed effect and useful everywhere. I don’t own it but I’ve used it a lot at a friend’s place. Despite the price, I hope I can get one eventually. It’s a lot of fun. Totally helps me shut my mind off when I'm having issues getting to sleep. lol. I totally get it. I also love sound bowls recorded this way.
Good to know about the 3Dio. Did you have the FS XLR or the Pro? |
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Post by Hudsonic on Jan 12, 2024 10:02:34 GMT -6
Neumann KU100 dummy head user here.
Binaural mics offer natural sound by using omni mic capsules. To have a proper and real binaural sound the pinnae of the plastic formed "ear" has to be correct and the microphone may NOT reside on the outside of the plastic "ear."
Neumann measured 1200 human ears and fashioned the rubber compound "ear" on the KU-100 to be an average of these 1200 measurements. In the Neumann head, the mics are INSIDE the rubber ear in a engineered canal that mimics the hearing mechanism inside the human head.
These 3DIO mics really only work with the DPA 4060 capsules which are full range. the regularly supplied 3DIO mic capsules don't have response over 10kHz. so they do not record the required overtones of the source sound.
Move to the Neumann KU100 or to the Aachen Head to experience genuine binaural sound.
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Post by drumsound on Jan 12, 2024 11:51:37 GMT -6
I've always wondered if you could put foam ear plugs into any of the binaural heads and get a similar sound to what it sounds like playing with them.
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Post by Vincent R. on Jan 12, 2024 17:16:41 GMT -6
Neumann KU100 dummy head user here. Binaural mics offer natural sound by using omni mic capsules. To have a proper and real binaural sound the pinnae of the plastic formed "ear" has to be correct and the microphone may NOT reside on the outside of the plastic "ear." Neumann measured 1200 human ears and fashioned the rubber compound "ear" on the KU-100 to be an average of these 1200 measurements. In the Neumann head, the mics are INSIDE the rubber ear in a engineered canal that mimics the hearing mechanism inside the human head. These 3DIO mics really only work with the DPA 4060 capsules which are full range. the regularly supplied 3DIO mic capsules don't have response over 10kHz. so they do not record the required overtones of the source sound. Move to the Neumann KU100 or to the Aachen Head to experience genuine binaural sound. Thanks! |
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