Directional microphones are specifically designed to pick up sounds coming from a particular direction while minimizing noise coming from other directions. This makes them ideal for recording bird calls in the field, as they allow the recordist to isolate the vocalizations of a particular bird from ambient sounds like wind, moving water, and other birds calling in the background.
How do directional microphones work?
Directional microphones work by using multiple audio capsules to pick up sound from multiple directions. The capsules are positioned strategically so that sounds coming from the front or sides of the mic are emphasized, while sounds coming from behind are minimized.
There are several types of directional microphone patterns:
- Cardioid – Picks up sound from in front of the mic, less from the sides
- Hypercardioid – Picks up more sound from the front and less from the rear and sides compared to cardioid pattern
- Bidirectional – Picks up equal sound from the front and rear of the mic
- Shotgun – Very narrow pick-up pattern focused on the front of the mic
Of these, the hypercardioid and shotgun patterns are most useful for bird call recording, as they focus the pick-up pattern on the sound source and reject ambient noise.
What features make a directional microphone good for bird calls?
Here are some key features to look for in a directional microphone for bird call recording:
- Tight pick-up pattern – A narrow pick-up angle like hypercardioid or shotgun focuses in on the bird and minimizes ambient sounds.
- Low handling noise – Important for handheld use. Internal shock mounts reduce vibration.
- Flat, extended frequency response – Captures the full frequency range of bird vocalizations.
- High sensitivity – Picks up distant bird sounds clearly.
- Low self-noise – Reduces hiss and electronic noise that can mask quiet sounds.
- Durable construction – Rugged enough to withstand field use in all conditions.
- Power options – Battery or phantom power for flexibility.
What are the most popular directional mics for birding?
Some of the most popular directional microphone models used by birders include:
- Sennheiser ME66 – Classic shotgun mic, excellent for handheld bird call recording.
- Audio Technica AT835b – Affordable shotgun with very tight pick-up pattern.
- Rode NTG3 – Lightweight shotgun mic optimized for outdoors.
- Telinga Pro Universal – Small parabolic dish mic for distant bird sounds.
- Sennheiser MKH416 – Iconic short shotgun mic, versatile for interviews & outdoors.
Microphone | Type | Pattern | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Sennheiser ME66 | Shotgun | Super-cardioid | $349 |
Audio Technica AT835b | Shotgun | Line/gradient | $179 |
Rode NTG3 | Shotgun | Super-cardioid | $349 |
Telinga Pro Universal | Parabolic | Super-cardioid | $2000 |
Sennheiser MKH416 | Shotgun | Super-cardioid | $999 |
How to properly use a directional mic for birding
To get the best results from a directional mic when recording birds:
- Point the mic directly at the sound source.
- Get as close as possible, often within just a few feet of the bird.
- Use a windscreen to reduce plosive pops if there’s wind.
- Mount the mic on a boom pole or parabolic dish for better maneuverability.
- If handholding, hold the mic close to your body to reduce handling noise.
- If the bird moves, move just the mic while keeping the handle still.
- Record some room tone to help with editing later.
- Consider using an external recorder for higher quality recordings.
What accessories are useful?
Some optional accessories that can improve directional mic performance for birding include:
- Deadcat windscreen – Covers the mic to reduce wind noise.
- Shock mount – Suspends the mic to reduce handling vibration.
- Boom pole – Gets the mic closer to the sound source.
- Parabolic reflector – Focuses sound waves into the mic.
- External recorder – Higher sound quality than a camera mic input.
- Headphones – For monitoring the audio during recording.
What are the limitations?
Directional mics have some limitations to be aware of:
- Pick-up pattern can exclude desired sounds that are off-axis.
- Need to be pointed accurately towards sound source.
- Proper mic technique is required to get good results.
- Less sensitive than omni mics – need to get very close to sound source.
- Prone to proximity effect (unnatural bass boost) when close.
- Ambient noise rejection limits use in echoey/reverberant spaces.
How much do directional mics cost?
Directional mics range greatly in price from around $100 to $1000 or more:
- Basic cardioid mics – $100 to $200
- Entry-level shotguns – $200 to $400
- Mid-range shotguns – $400 to $700
- High-end shotguns/parabolics – $700 to $2000+
The most affordable options from Audio-Technica, MXL, and Azden can provide decent results on a budget. For pro-quality recordings, plan to spend at least $400 to $500 on popular models from Sennheiser, Rode or Sony.
Conclusion
Directional microphones allow birders and field recordists to get detailed, isolated recordings of bird vocalizations by reducing unwanted ambient noise. Choose a microphone with a tight polar pattern like hypercardioid or shotgun, get as close as possible, use accessories like windscreens, boom poles and parabolic dishes to optimize placement, and use proper mic technique. With practice, a quality directional mic can capture remarkably clear and intimate recordings of even shy and elusive bird species in their natural habitats.