How to Make Your Own Parabolic Microphone Listening Device
- 1). Separate the umbrella from the cap by cutting the four plastic holders connecting them with your wire cutters.
- 2). Slice off the knob on the top of the umbrella and smooth the hole using your knife or reamer.
- 3). Place a small piece of gaffer tape on one section of the umbrella near the center. Use your knife to cut a small "X" through the tape and umbrella. This will make a reinforced hold for your microphone wire.
- 4). Remove the plastic ends and wire frame from your paint roller handle.
- 5). Push the shaft of the paint roller through the spot in the top of the umbrella where you removed the knob so that it sticks out the underside 6 inches, with at least 1/2 inch clearance between the top of the umbrella and the bend in the shaft of the paint roller handle.
- 6). Wrap the shaft with tape just above the knob and wrap it with a cable tie tightly.
- 7). Wrap more tape around the shaft on the underside to make a gripping area for the microphone.
- 8). Attach the microphone to the shaft either with the provided clip (if applicable) or with tape about 3 inches from the inside surface of the umbrella. Push the microphone wire through the hole you made earlier in the umbrella.
- 9). Plug the microphone into your recorder. Plug in your headphones.
- 10
Aim the microphone and begin recording. Try recording the same sounds without the parabolic frame to compare.