How to make a Binaural Microphone to enhance the audio quality in videos

One of the best ways to enhance your audio in videos is to record the audio using a binaural microphone to really immerse your viewers into a 3d sound world. Binaural mics are used to record stereo audio but its also much more 3d and immersive than stereo mics. I'll show you how to make a binaural microphone so you can record great sound for your travel videos, ASMR videos or just to give your videos a different feeling that the rest. This is a simple low cost stereo ASMR binaural microphone setup that you can take with you anywhere and capture amazing audio quality for your videos.
Links to everything I used in this build:
Project box: geni.us/xyU0h
Mic-J lapel mic: geni.us/9lsR (order 2)
Silicone Ears: geni.us/W0S8
Fleece ear covers: geni.us/mfoX6O
1/4-20 Cold shoe mount: geni.us/gEQyO
headphone ext cable: geni.us/naMSbZC
Hosa Splitter Cable: geni.us/uYIJj4
Find my favorite phone filmmaking and drone accessories here:
www.amazon.com... (affiliate link)
Connect on:
Facebook: / jakesloanpage
Instagram: / jakesloan
Twitter: / jakesloaninak
Jake Sloan
PO BOX 212445
Anchorage, AK 99521
DISCLAIMER:
Jake Sloan is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.
This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission.

[@nicemanis]

Nice DIY solution. I've seen companies selling similar builds for 300$ and more. My sister recently got Soundman OKM II binaural mic that you can just put in your ears. She's blind and our goal is just to focus on the audio part and record interesting audial experiences. If you perceive the world only by your ears, this is pretty close to virtual reality.

[@JakeSloan]

exactly why I made this video. You can make a fantastic setup yourself for right around 100.00

[@KardosoMedia]

This is incredible Jake! Wearing headphones and sounds like I’m right there with you. So cool!

[@JakeSloan]

It’s pretty neat right? It doesn’t work for everything but when it does work for something it’s pretty freakin cool! Cheers man!

[@phil6355]

this is so cool! I shoot a lot of "ambient" videos in my local theme parks (cam on a tripod recording for 5-10min) and this mic setup would be so perfect for that. the point of the videos is to give people a little window into the park and feel like they're actually there- hearing people walking by, coasters running, etc. I'm sure the binaural setup would help accomplish that even better!

[@JakeSloan]

Sounds really interesting!!

[@ITSolutionsNetwork]

It sure will be. And you get the better effect if the listener is familiar with the environment it was recorded, then it feels like you are there. So if you record in a park and then listen, you'll be amazed at how real it sounds.

[@CardonaThe2nd]

Wow! What a creative build! A mic like this is great for recording ambient sounds exactly the way you did with the water. I do commercial video production so having a mic like that to bring the audience into the environment would be really cool. It would definitely take my sound design to the next level.

[@JakeSloan]

Sounds cool

[@MrRjgarza]

Wow great build! I would use it to record POV video with surrounding sound. The possibilities are infinite. Greetings from Mexico.

[@JakeSloan]

Greatings bro! I bet you could find some neat places to record!

[@bobrouse8634]

Just built my set. So far, so good for a basic start-up set.

[@JakeSloan]

awesome

[@IslandFilmMaker]

I don't see a need for one right now, but I'd sure like to have one for next spring when my adventures begin. I think it is a great tool to enhance the story as audio does so well! This is such a simple solution for us run & gun filmmakers/photographers without a heavy expensive and hassle of an off camera audio setup with such immersed sound. I'm impressed!

[@JakeSloan]

Absolutely and it's considerably cheaper and smaller than some of the multi thousand dollar versions on the market now which makes it useable in run and gun filming situations. Cheers!

[@MarkH163]

Great tutorial video Jake! again, really enjoyed "hearing" the binaural audio when you were in the ice caves and by the water! Presently, I'm using XLR audio connections with my Tascam DR40 digital audio recorder and Panasonic HVX200P. Also using a Canon SL1, but the microphone plugin is pretty iffy (which is why I use the Tascam for a lot of audio recordings). I am looking forward for new gear, like the Sony A7III (Possibly). Thanks for all you do, appreciate your teechnical input!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Mark I hope you get a new camera soon!

[@bigd652]

I would use this set up on my boat for epic summer boat trips on Lake Michigan.

[@JakeSloan]

Ooohhh water sounds that would be cool

[@soliquid3420]

If I got my hands on one of these things I would definitely use it to make some sort of atmospheric horror experience. Maybe even do it in 360 or VR to add to the overall experience. Like hearing footsteps coming from around you or sticks breaking on the ground, that kind of stuff.

[@JakeSloan]

Interesting

[@namegoeshere197]

you must have been ahead of your time xD Binaural recording quite common in vr applications

[@christophervaca7116]

I would use this for my local blog, to record street noise with full immersion. Thanks for the upload, very informative.

[@JakeSloan]

Sounds cool!

[@KenHeron]

Very cool Jake! I love audio tech.

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Ken! Me too. My many years of recording studio work has taught me a lot about the value of audio for everything. I think this style of recording really adds a lot to the places I go and show people! Cheers!!

[@AirshowAddict]

Great job on showing how to create your own Binaural set up. I have been using a binaural set up for the past year and it definitely gives the viewer more immersion into the video. My set up is a bit different, I use the same silicone ears but placed in a foam head. I also use Soundman mics with a XLR adapter to connect to my camcorder. I might have to use your idea of the ear warmers as a wind blocker. Currently my mics have tiny deadcats on them but they become a pain to keep in the ear. Hope more people get inspired to record in binaural! Keep up the good work!

[@JakeSloan]

Thank you and me too! The only reason I didn’t do a foam head was size for me when traveling. Sounds like your setup is fantastic.

[@AirshowAddict]

@@JakeSloan Yes it is a little cumbersome but I mostly film airshows in a stationary position and on a tripod so it works for me. It also creates quite the funny looks.

[@RobKellett]

You absolute legend! Thank you so much for this incredible tutorial 🙌

[@JakeSloan]

No problem!

[@SePark]

Wow Jake, this topic is as freshly crisp as that environmental audio. Awesome video man!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks Brother!! It’s a lot of fun to record with and the crazy thing is with the right software you can create 5.1 surround sound out of this audio! Mind. Blown. Lol. Cheers bro

[@Tekmogo]

Hello fellow Alaskan! What's up Jake, I've been following you for sometime now but I missed this video. So glad I ran into it. I was getting ready to purchase one. I think I'll tackle this project instead. I do a lot of reviews on earbuds and headphones. Hoping this can record the sound from those products. Hope all is well!

[@JakeSloan]

Awesome I hope it turns out well and it should work well for what you want to use it for, probably just want to buy some higher quality lavaliere mics

[@nimeshmaan]

WORK DONE AND EXPLANATION ARE BOTH NICE AND CLEAN ....Thank YOU JAKE !

[@JakeSloan]

Cheers

[@JoeMustang99]

Great job, Jake. Thanks for using the cutting board in the video, lets us know exactly what size everything is, great idea. Joe

[@JakeSloan]

You're welcome! Cheers

[@pavelperina7629]

Looks interesting. I would perhaps use it with drone footage (not during flight), for something like sounds of country side ... birds, insect, water, once I heard cracking of ice above the water as it melted (and water level dropped so it stayed in the air held by banks, grass and tree branches.

[@JakeSloan]

Nice!

[@thetribaltirkey]

This is gooood, I guess the better the lav the better the audio. Thanks

[@JakeSloan]

Thank a lot and yes. better quality lavs will produce better sound. Cheers

[@che-tatanka]

I have also built one with a styrofoam head, it sounds a bit more realistic is only very impractical I need another for the road because the head is very vulnerable to touch and especially very large. this is a good alternative.

[@JakeSloan]

Glad to hear it and yes the ones built with actual heads do sound better and more accurate but this beats that out in portability for sure. Cheers!!

[@journeyman4328]

I would love it, also have a channel for relaxing which would up that 10 fold. The real thing is my main channel. I have the Zoom that 90% of the time I use for primary audio and the camera as a back-up (I mic. up both) The Binaural sounds for the B-roll of the streets, forests or driving mixed with the music just makes me smile.

[@JakeSloan]

cool Journeyman I'll check it out!

[@journeyman4328]

@@JakeSloan My other channel is "360 sleep relax study"

[@OzbeachAndy]

Amazing Microphone Jake. I could see lots of opportunities along the coastline in the area that I live in South Australia. I have a Canon D7 mark 11 which I have attempted to record sounds that I could add to my drone footage. Thanks for tutorial on the build. Cheers mate 👍🍷🍷

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks mate!

[@IslandFilmMaker]

That was great! Luv to learn new things about audio that will improve production. This was sweet, simple, and inexpensive! Thx Jake :)

[@JakeSloan]

You’re welcome Richard. Thanks for watching. Do you plan to build one?

[@IslandFilmMaker]

@@JakeSloanYes, I could really use one of these! I don't see a need for one right now, but I'd sure like to have one for next spring when my adventures begin. I think it is a great tool to enhance the story, as audio does so well! This is such a simple solution for us run & gun filmmakers/photographers without a weight or heavy expensive of an off camera stereo setup. I was impressed with the sound!

[@JohnChu]

Sil poxy! Nice info. Thank you!

[@JakeSloan]

You're welcome

[@hireality]

Great video Jake, we record everything in binaural audio for Hi-Reality Sensorium

[@JakeSloan]

that's awesome! what system do you use to record your audio at the moment?

[@saufi89]

Best budget biaural mic i ever see...i would definitely make one,thanks!

[@JakeSloan]

Thanks!

[@findingjoe]

What an awesome idea. How good would that be out on my boat for my fishing show. Be able to catch so much better audio from different directions at once.

[@JakeSloan]

Oh interesting!!

[@andrewc7451]

Will totally make one, thanks a lot

[@JakeSloan]

Sweet

[@karengraham5697]

This would be great for my paranormal investigations!

[@JakeSloan]

Yes it would

[@TheCameraManReviews]

Oh my I would Love this! Trust me I would use this on my YT videos, check them out. I do nature walks and I was looking at Binaural Microphone set-ups to capture ambient 3d sound. Im from UK though so if you do choose me would you post to UK?

[@JakeSloan]

Congratulations! You won the microphone. I'm sending you an email to get details. Cheers mate and really cool channel by the way

[@TheCameraManReviews]

@@JakeSloan OMG that is awesome! Thank you so so much!

[@Salmon2121_]

Just checked out your most recent drone shot video. I love the music and the video.

[@asmproductionsllc]

would like to make one of these when I am recording a live band or concert.. would be interesting to see how'd it would perform.

[@JakeSloan]

Oh that would be interesting. I'd be curious to see if it could handle the volume. It would likely need an attenuator lol

[@i.a.m-poornasrikarm]

Best binaural DIY microphone i have ever seen ..... It is able to capture pretty large radii of localizing those early reflections without making it sound omnidirectional especially while recording such beautifully natural things at a distance which is what i like about this one. I this this microphone can do its best job with filming as well as for making music in binaural format. Very handy one. Actually i am doing a course in object based audio approach at AES and very much interested in binaural research. My mixes usually end up in stereo even though i produce them in surrounds ...alas no use. So i want to change this to happen to be a binaural surround rather than just being a stereo downmix. So is it possible to use your binaural microphone as an object based audio capturing device for a 5.1.4 channel based studio room ... and give that kind of immersion easily over headphones instead of using software based binaural plugins like Dear Vr / Ambeo orbit etc to remix my project from scratch ?

[@JakeSloan]

It would give a recording in the headphones that would sound exactly like where the mic is placed. So you if sat in the middle of the room the recording would feel like you were sitting in the middle of the room when listened to on headphones. I hope that is the question you are asking lol. Cheers

[@i.a.m-poornasrikarm]

@@JakeSloan Would like to record my mixes from a multichannel environment 3D loudspeaker array from now on in that manner to make benefit for the headphone users.

[@ITSolutionsNetwork]

Good video! I'm planning to try something like what you did. I've got the box and silicon ears, and I'm going to use the Sennheiser AMBEO Smart Headset (iOS). My plan is to place the headphones on the silicon ears and then mount the whole setup on my iPhone case. If the recording turns out well, it should sound almost like having the headphones directly on my head. I'm going to make a version from your video for my ZV-e10 as well, and probably will be using with Zoom h1n too.

[@JakeSloan]

Nice!

[@pedromendonca2963]

Interesting video. What would be the next step on this setup? Replace the Mic-J lapel mics with Rode Video Micros ?

[@JakeSloan]

better lapel mics would be a step up for sure

[@pedromendonca2963]

@@JakeSloan Thanks. Another question: Would the sound quality improve if the output of the audio was recorded with a Zoom H5 instead of the Sony A7xx ?

[@qwiklok]

My thinking is to get a manikin head and put the ears on that. Put on hair and other things, such as a rubber texture on the skin that would make it closer to the original head that allows the head to form the sounds around it - thus getting a more realistic sound. but going in the right direction for sure

[@JakeSloan]

that would definitely do it

[@sr3d-microphones]

I have a DIY kit that has everything you need but for some simple tools for making a hole for the wires - simply search SR3D binaural DIY kit in google, I'm testing them out to see if there's any interest, there's a dummy head and a tube type and they use Primo EM272's if you were wondering :O)

[@europeanambience]

1:03 This is how binaural audio looks like 😅 Nice setup tho. Greetings from Germany

[@JakeSloan]

lol thanks

[@bruce4kfilms]

Jake, ran across this how too video and now making one from your parts list--except the mikes as I have spares I can use. The only thing I don't know is around 6:20 your drilling holes in box for mike and you say 2 scratches lets drill the holes. My question is are there 2 holes on each side or is there just one hole on each side for the mike and it lines up with the hole in the ear? Thought this would be a good sound on a wedding dance floor and doing videos in the woods and such. Thanks.

[@JakeSloan]

Hey Bruce, Just one hole on each side to put the microphone through. Have fun and sounds like a great way to use this mic to record those places and events! Cheers

[@bruce4kfilms]

@@JakeSloan Thanks, ears should be here today.

[@JonnyZhu]

Cool! I would be able to build one and record how the earbuds and headphones sound like :)

[@JakeSloan]

Nice!!

[@JonnyZhu]

@@JakeSloan I just finished building it.... Does it has to be connected to a DSLR? I tried connecting it to an iPhone, an Android phone and even y MacBook but to no avail...

[@robertopreatoni7911]

I'd use it over a full day of luna park rides

[@JakeSloan]

Nice

[@PaulFeinberg]

Audio Nerds unite!!!! First comment!! Woot!

[@JakeSloan]

Paul Feinberg rofl. Yeah it’s pretty awesome recording this way!!

[@katy7878]

Hi! Thank you for your video, it's very helpful ☺️ I was wondering if it could work with a tascam? (DR-05X) Will the binaural still working?

[@JakeSloan]

It should if the input of the Tascam has 1/8" input jack with two channels available to it.

[@vijaysaladi5295]

NOKIA OZO equipped smartphone 🔥

[@JakeSloan]

lol thanks!

[@vijaysaladi5295]

@@JakeSloan i mean nokia OZO equipped mobile can record 3d audio 😍 with hollywood quality experience

[@clavierpixelkey650]

I don't have a camera with a proper mic input. I've got all of the binaural microphone parts (including an extra TRS to TRRS adapter) but no matter what I do, I can't make it work on my smartphone and tablet, and even my laptop. Can this work on mobile devices?

[@JakeSloan]

the problem you are having is most phones do not have a stereo microphone input and that is why it won't work with your mobile devices. You may be able to get an adaptor like the one Rode makes to make it work on a mobile device. Something like this: www.rode.com/accessories/sc6-l

[@clavierpixelkey650]

@@JakeSloan But that is only compatible with older iOS devices. I'm going to check if there's a USB-C version... I did some research on the 3Dio and it seems you also need some sort of preamp or interface to connect it to a smartphone or laptop. They never mentioned a Rode adapter though.

[@clavierpixelkey650]

I'm curious to see if there are any smartphones or tablets that have a stereo mic input. Does the 5-pole TRRRS jack on the Sony Xperia Z2, Xperia Z2 Tablet (and possibly the new Xperia 1 II) count as a stereo mic input? I remember Sony used to advertise their stereo mic accesory (STM10) and the noise-cancelling earphones with the Xperia Z2.

[@clavierpixelkey650]

What about the Røde SC6 instead of the Røde SC6-L ?

[@clavierpixelkey650]

According to the official datasheet it says: 【 Features The SC6 is an input/output breakout box for smartphones and tablets. With two TRRS inputs and one stereo headphone output, the unit connects to any TRRS device and allows the use of one or two smartLav microphones as well as headphones for monitoring and playback. (Note that the two microphone inputs will be recorded to the same channel) 】

[@JonnyWalk-4KVirtualTravelTours]

How about idea to just buy a DJI Wireless Dual Mics and adjust them to my cap on the sides near my ears. Will it work? Will I get good enough Binaural audio ?

[@JakeSloan]

Not without the outer ear shape around the microphones. It’s crucial to add the timing and phase delays to create the binaural audio

[@TheCGtech]

Looking to build one of these for my fiancé for ASMR. Do you think this would compare to the 3DIO for asmr? Also if I wanted to get better lavs any suggestions?

[@JakeSloan]

better lavs I would recommend looking at the diety w-lav pros I think you might get slightly better results with the 3dIO system

[@henningbartels4445]

Which camera did you use on that shot? Great Audio experience with Headsets 🌊

[@JakeSloan]

This was the Sony A7sIII but this mic setup will work with any camera that has a 3.5mm input

[@David_Austin]

would this work using a TRRS cable into my Samsung Galaxy S9+ phone to record both left and right audio?

[@JakeSloan]

You’d have to check and see how your phone is capable of recording stereo sound.

[@UZEETM]

I've a similar setup but the mics output is low on pc

[@JakeSloan]

How are you recording? You will need to turn the mic pre up to where you are getting some volume but be careful. It may not look like much on the wave form but you will be getting sound

[@UZEETM]

@@JakeSloan I'm plugging the jack directly to my PC.

[@UZEETM]

The jack on the motherboard is stereo but the output is low have to get really close to the mic as well. Turning up the gain introduces noise.

[@JakeSloan]

ahh thats the problem you'll need a bit better preamp the preamps in computers are generally really bad.

[@jaygtestdrives]

Do you record with the mic max volume? Thanks

[@JakeSloan]

I actually record at fairly low volumes and maybe turn it up a little bit in post production but surprisingly it doesn’t take much with this setup.

[@jaygtestdrives]

@@JakeSloan Thanks for the advice I highly appreciate it!

[@SarcasticTaurus]

Have you or anyone tried this with an iPhone? Everyone I’ve seen is connected to a DSLR camera, so a trs to trss cable is needed for a mobile phone.

[@JakeSloan]

I'm not sure how the phone would record the stereo audio tracks.

[@JakeSloan]

Actually you could in theory make it work with something like the RODE SC6 dual mic input!

[@SarcasticTaurus]

Jake Sloan I’ll give it a try as a project.. definitely a good build though. The 3DIO is way over priced in my opinion.

[@adrianruiz4144]

I would use it to record rocket launches in even better quality.

[@JakeSloan]

That would be cool

[@kazansergei]

That ears look very funny!

[@JakeSloan]

they do but they also do some cool things!

[@a.evansrn107]

You probably already gave them away but I would use them to do my ASMR meditation videos! I am not very tech savvy so will prob end up just buying a dummy head and microphones

[@JakeSloan]

Thats a good idea as well. have fun creating!

[@huwpenson2678]

1:02 this is what binaural audio looks like ,,,,,, lol

[@JakeSloan]

ROFL

[@lawrencerasmus]

Trouble is it's a fact most people just listen to music or watch video on their phone with no earphones and without earphones it doesn't sound good at all

[@JakeSloan]

somewhat true but it still gives a stereo sound field without earphones just not as detailed

[@jrodriguez1844]

can you balance this on a gimbal?

[@JakeSloan]

I have on some of the more powerful modern gimbals

[@UZEETM]

Will this work with pc

[@JakeSloan]

It will only work with devices that have a stereo mic input. almost all computers and phones only have a mono input

[@Seeufosseumpassaro]

I think, I managed to make something wrong. My project does not work.

[@JakeSloan]

Oh no

[@ChasedWheels]

@@JakeSloan I havent found the Mic-J lapel mic. So I bought the Lavalier Microphone for Mobile Phone and PC, 2M Mini Omnidirectional Condenser Lapel Mic

[@CreativeRamy]

Wow very interesting that I've stumbled across this video, may I contact you via email for some questions?

[@JakeSloan]

sure

[@CreativeRamy]

@@JakeSloan maybe Instagram since I can't see your email on your about page on the channel

[@colorspace5541]

@@CreativeRamy just do it

[@usmankamal2341]

is the giveaway still on lol?

[@JakeSloan]

No unfortunately it ended a while ago.

[@usmankamal2341]

@@JakeSloan Haha. No worries. Just ended up ordering all of the stuff. Will start building it, once everything gets delivered. Thanks a lot for this vid!

[@Gorilla_cookie]

Did I win? Oh no its 2021 already and im 2 years late.

[@JakeSloan]

unfortunately

[@Kirinukistworks]

Ah, too bad, i missed the chance..

[@JakeSloan]

Sprry

[@MaximusPanin]

In my opinion, the microphones are poorly chosen.

[@JakeSloan]

I have much more expensive microphones I could use but I chose to make a build that anyone could afford to build.