How to Make a Binaural Microphone

There will be times when you need to record high-quality audio. Whether it be an important lecture, a field recording, or a home band concert, you will want higher quality audio than most mp3 and digital recorders offer.

Mono recording is the standard in a lot of devices, and is likely all the average consumer will have access to. Even if your device is solely mono recording, it is possible to record in a faux stereo manner with the right device.

A binaural microphone is key for higher quality 'mono' recordings. A binaural microphone offers two microphones in one device, and is intended to record what the average human will hear. These microphones can be purchased from a number of different places; they are, however, quite expensive and out of the price range of most consumers. This is a downside that most people can't get around.

It is, however, possible to make your own binaural recording microphone simply and within a few minutes. Depending on the materials you already have, the price for this construction will be between $5 and $10USD. The overall construction time will be approx. 10 minutes, more if you have never soldered before.

Tools needed:

1 pair of cheap headphones (not earbuds) $2

Small amount of solder $0.50

Solder gun $4

Knife

Two microphone receivers (Radio Shack) $1.25

Step 1: Plug in your soldering iron and allow it to begin heating.

Step 2: Take your headphones and remove the cushions and plastic coverings over the ear pieces. Do not damage them, or the end result won't be as visually appealing.

Step 3: Using pliers, carefully wiggle the speakers free of the any glue that may be holding them in place. Slide them out of the headphone casing enough to easily manipulate them. Using a knife, razor, wire cutters, or scissors, cut the speaker free from the wire. Do this to both sides. You should now have two wires.