The Ultimate DIY Microphone (super low self-noise!)

In this video I'll be showing, in overview, the design of my super-low-noise self-contained ORTF microphone rig. It features superb stereo, a built in recorder, triple shock mounting, and of course a noise floor that is so low that you can record the beat of ones own heartbeat in a quiet enough environment. Impressive to say the least!!!
AudioBlocks link: audioblocks.com...
And the Rode NT1-a (for those interested): amzn.to/2BsJkwI
In this video I'll be showing you how I made a portable studio microphone that has an extremely low self noise and a wonderful stereo soundscape. The quality of this thing is insane!
Here's the preamp schematic:
sound-au.com/p...
Video sponsored by Audioblocks. ablocks.co/x/ab...

[@DIYPerks]

Wow, it's been up for 60 seconds and we've already got 60 views. Thanks for the support guys!

[@cfpgomes]

+DIY Perks Hey! Nice video! I have a suggestion though: You cold at the final of the video do a comparison of the money spent on a DIY object and the money spent on its counterpart in the market, just to see how much we could or not save if we built ourselves! Cheers and continue the awesome work! :D

[@IamNotonDrugs]

+DIY Perks You should make an video on how to make an actual ribbon mic. I just have an interest but to to many good videos on showing the process.

[@rikzel]

+Cláudio Gomes I think it's not even so much about saving money as it is that you can customize and that it is for some applications better than the market equivalent

[@cfpgomes]

rikzel Yeah, sure, but there is a part of the viewers who are deciding between a homemade object or its counterpart in the market, and knowing the money spent would help a lot.

[@rikzel]

+Cláudio Gomes true, but I meant to say that that probabely isn't the main goal for him :) besides to teaching of course ;p

[@mcrut111]

sorry you had to sacrifice your cat for this video. RIP fluffy.

[@cmb6062]

+Michael Crutcher R.I.P

[@ArchonLicht]

+Michael Crutcher Fluffy never asked for this.

[@kaptainbastard]

+Michael Crutcher why not just stick the microphone up the cats ass? thats what i did, my cats a spy.

[@kaptainbastard]

+Harry Johnston LOL yup its blue tooth up the cats ass.

[@landedhoaxer]

if you listen very carefully you can still hear him meowing :(

[@Alpha_Mods]

Awesome built! MUCH better than many professional mics!

[@thegreenguy8837]

Thoose are professional mics that have been modded :O

[@Neris-of-the-other]

Oh wow, did not expect to see you here!

[@TSGEnt]

omg! as an audio engineer myself, this was a great build.

[@tinkomertens7936]

especially that it picks up his dang heartbeat...

[@dhwanitashar1684]

TSG I wanna ask u, how tf does he know about audio, electronics, circuits, mechanics n even physics..?

[@atlinsonxiao]

@@dhwanitashar1684I assume study degrees, hobby, and interests. It is possible to know all these things when it makes you interested in exploring more. Plus, the internet is a free source.

[@Iliketomakestuff]

Awesome! Really well done project and video! (as usual)

[@YashBudhiraja]

Wow both Channels i like are here

[@DIYPerks]

Thanks Bob!

[@shivajoshi9068]

Pls do collab

[@MrGollum1996]

I only can say: wow. This sounds reaaally good. I didnt know that it is possible to record in such a beautifull quality, even for musicists.

[@mibdev]

MrGollum1996 There are better microphones. But yes, this is very high quality.

[@jamalissouquaein8016]

This honestly was one of the most impressive builds I have ever seen! The quality of that mic was astounding!! Can't wait to see the next vid with the pcb printing!

[@electronicsNmore]

Great video. When I first saw the video thumbnail I thought the recording device was mounted on top of a dog's neck. LOL

[@RandomakerYT]

Same

[@soundpreacher]

Same

[@Tom_Nguyen.]

same

[@phenomanII]

WOOOOW!!! Those sound recordings were SO real! I would honestly listen to 1 hour long recordings of the sea, thunder or those trees in the wind. I really felt like I was there.

[@JohnnyGiddingsCubed]

His eyes are brighter than my future

[@daveseville7394]

no

[@Azuon79]

WOW, your probably the best DIY- channel on KZbin ;)

[@Xenro66]

That clarity, is amazing......

[@wafflesplays]

We love your videos! I hope you go very far in KZbin 😊

[@DIYPerks]

+wafflesplays Cheers :) I couldn't have hoped for a better audience either - even the critics are being quite polite lately :D you guys are great!

[@MyGeorg13]

great video you could make a crossover with an other youtuber which makes asmr with this mic, it would be delicious :D

[@Thriving_in_Exile]

I don't suppose you'd be interested in putting out any tutorials or otherwise educational videos about the skills involved in your projects? A lot of the stuff you're talking about, like circuitry, electronics, etc, is waaaay over my head and I'm only catching about half of it. I dunno if you have some kind of background in engineering or if you just do your research on the fly, but yours would be an absolutely *mental* toolset for any DIY'er. Always eager to learn new things, but it's kinda hard finding a good place to start, you know? Anyway, keep up the good work, boss. Always tickled to see the stuff you come up with.

[@DIYPerks]

+Gunnie I'll look into it! :)

[@Kestle]

+Gunnie Kinda mean against @DIY Perks to promote another channel on his youtube site, but you should totally check out GreatScott! on youtube. He has some basic guides about resistors, capasitors etc :)

[@DIYPerks]

That's a good suggestion! GreatScott! does have some fantastic tutorials on things like that.

[@drozcan]

He was cinematography student afaik

[@PV-dl3nl]

I don't understand why people "dislike" your videos... You have some of the best content for DIY projects! Keep it up!!

[@FilmmakerIQ]

What an amazing build!!!

[@kevsperanza]

Your videos always emanate a professional Discover Channel feel...

[@Crlarl]

Record your silent computer with it.

[@pleiadesds2012]

OMG! This this is just awesome! I really need it for my ASMR projects.

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

dude..... I swear each one of your projects gets more and more elaborate and amazing. I remember way back when you made the pc control terminal. I swear if you don't go on to do amazing things and make a ton of money I will... well I don't know what I will do but you get what I am saying.

[@TDGalea]

This just goes to show that DIY can always be better than professional kit, especially when it's you making it.

[@sir_john_hammond]

As opposed to Do It Yourself where someone else does it.

[@joshuamckown3145]

That is BAD ASS! Rode should be taking notes; they could sell a mass produced version of your rig for $600 easily.

[@spacial2]

That is an outstanding project. I doubt anyone who has ever done any outside sound recording wouldn't appreciate it. In the late 70s, I bought a really expensive SONY stereo sound recorder. It worked brilliantly and I used it to record buskers in London Paris and Amsterdam. My wife wanted to listen to something and since the batteries were dead at the time, tried to plug an external PSU into it. Sadly, choosing the audio socket.

[@MangaManiac16]

I don't really have any situation that I would need half of your builds in, but I love watching your channel!

[@nitsan]

Awesome. You should do a kickstarter and sell these. :) BTW what fur did you use??

[@guiltyapollyon8085]

+Nitsan Simantov R.I.P Fluffly

[@buca117]

+Nitsan Simantov It's not fur, it's fabric. Fur is leather with the hair still attached, leather is skin, and skin is *barely* water permeable. You're not going to get much of any noise through fur.

[@TheKingArabia]

Gato fluff 3000

[@chrismarker6890]

fabric stores sell this stuff. Its faux fur with a fabric backing, its super cheap, and is what its used on most super-high end studio mics for movies and such.

[@daxarinn]

Kickstarter: yes - zoom recorder included: no!

[@jalexb915]

Mind-blowing sound! I was highly impressed at the end of the video when you played the samples.

[@MegaDragonbutt]

Im less than a super techy guy, but these videos are always so well produced, I can never not watch them.

[@Numian]

Wow! Those sounds of the sea and the wind was pretty immersive!

[@zippedfreak1]

Would you be so kind to share the details of it all like: Total cost for all the componenets Battery time etc. Great that you got a relevant sponsor! As long as the sponsor doesn't effect the content in the video it's great that you can get more revenue for your hard work! Looking forward to your next project!

[@sanderpf7078]

battery was 24 hrs non stop

[@2007excalibur2007]

You seem to have a thing for making everything less noisy. :p

[@MrMrjwongy]

ponies

[@thedayzgod]

+rust crumpet lol

[@juhanasiren6824]

I was thinking the same, maybe you could come over and make our neighbors less noisy?

[@HobkinBoi]

+2007excalibur2007  I am actually surprised to see you here, lol

[@thedayzgod]

I'm surprised to see you all here.

[@MartyBeardFace]

Finding your channel was a real treat, i got out my headphones and mini amp... i'm grinning ear to ear. The sound quality is epic! Thanks for all the videos, i can't wait to catch up!

[@navidmehdi6]

that is not fair. you need way more subscribers. the quality of these videos are professional and useful

[@Sithhy]

Hey, could you this microphone to record your *WHOLE* next episode? *:D*

[@YashBudhiraja]

I would be cool but his surrounds would have to be absolutely silent

[@EpicLPer]

+Skitty™ | Garry's Mod Player I don't think this would be great since the bass you can hear in the last example where he talks is just far too much. You could filter this out but I dunno if this would turn out great.

[@AttilaThebung]

+EpicLPer Have you heard of the term "High pass filter" at all?

[@Inckman452]

+Skitty™ | Garry's Mod Player I think I accidentally your comment, sorry.

[@Sithhy]

+AdolphX you accidentally my comment what?

[@funk0rocker]

Freaking awesome! You REALLY should sell these! Make a crowdfund!!!! I'd jump on that! Maybe even offer a kit with all the parts and prefabricated boards and instructions for the buyer to assemble (for those with decent hand- eye cordination, but CNC-machine-less non enginers)? I would really like to buy it! Although, I would need it to mount to a mic-stand/boom, but that's a simple mod. Just glue a mic clip to the bottom of the bird feeder and cut a slit in the fur).

[@lucasc5622]

realistically nobody would buy this

[@NighteeeeeY]

For me as an audiphile youve done a really exeptional work! Absolutely brilliant! Even with KZbins compression I really enjoyed listening to the samples on my headphones with my 24 Bit DAC. Could listen to it for ever :) so relaxing.

[@tachmonite37]

Matt. You have the best DIY videos ever. and I mean that literally. I just wish you could upload more videos.

[@twatgpt]

+DIY Perks : Your a bit confused about difference between the microphones on a handy recorder and the microphones used in a studio application. Condensor microphones which is the type of microphone you are using here comes in 2 different types; LDC(large diaphragm condensor) and SDC(Small Diaphragm condensor). both of these microphones are used in recording studio applications (as they both have different frequency responses and characteristics based on the size of the diaphragm, and an engineer will use these to achieve different results). Handy recorders generally use Small diaphragm condesors in an X/Y stereo array, as this is the most common way to capture a stereo recording. When i go out to capture atmos and soundscapes i always employ the use of SDC's based on the fact that they replicate high frequencies better(which are extremely important with Atmos/soundscapes) and they generally aren't as sensitive meaning less self noise. I understand that it seems like you will get better sound but with mic technique it really has to do with which mic will work better in which situation. And for the example that you have given SDC's are defiantly a better option. (sorry engineers rant) Also i think the noise coming from the zoom actually has to do with the cheap preamps inside and not the actual microphone, a more accurate demonstration would be having both mics plugged into the same preamp with the same gain setting, then you will really get an idea of the microphones self noise.

[@Statist0815]

I also think that he is refering about things he don't know.

[@misterosc]

00:59 you don't have two cameras and I can tell xDDDD, really good video by the way

[@RokKrznarr]

+misterosc Well spotted! Matt has really got a passion for quality production.

[@MLunenborg]

+misterosc Had to rewatch at that time stamp. But yes indeed. LOL Pretty darn good transition though!

[@scheimong]

I had to rewatch several times to pick up the clue. The folds on his shirt gave it away. Pretty damn hard to spot though.

[@paigegamer7769]

Wow. You can actually tell wind is thru the trees, not blustering over the mic. Great build!

[@stevedoubleu99B]

Excellent!!! Stroke of genious using a bird feeder for the frame, and the lack of noise.......WOW!!

[@PrinceWesterburg]

This pisses on my Zoom H2N! Nice build and everything you want from a condenser - warm bottom end too and the fabric seems to have rounded the sometimes harsh top end condensers can have, very natural sounding - impressed! In fact, it sounds more like valve condensers to reel to reel - from memory, but its been 25 years+

[@SimpWojak]

Great build, keep the good work! Greetings from Lithuania! :)

[@Vospi]

A schematic is offline now... The video is super-inspiring and overall brilliant. I like, naturally, everything about it.

[@tomcruz3774]

I was just looking into field recording! Please do more audio/field recording diy's!

[@maxwell_edison]

DIY perks ASMR channel?

[@Xxassass1n021xX]

+Maxwell Edison hahahaha lol

[@_BangDroid_]

ASMR Perks

[@ComandanteJ]

Haha, i thought this would be the typical quick and dirty shit you see in most channels with "DIY" in the name. Boy was i wrong LOL. That was awesome, you even made a friggin' PCB froms scratch!. Subbed.

[@bclaus0]

You are my hero. Where did you learn so much about electronics? What did you study? Or is it all self-lthough? Are you planning a youtube career? So much respect.

[@bobbin69]

You know a mic is good when it can capture your heartbeat pretty far away with litterly no noice! Great job!!!

[@muh1h1]

Pretty great results! but to be completely honest, i think the cheap switching power supply actually introduced some noise into the system... I could only hear that on the thunderstorm, but there are three other possibilities: Either it was the rain that sounded quite a bit like noise, it was youtunes compression that added some noise, or it was my own audio gear, but i don't think the last one was the problem, most likely it was just rain... I am using ATH M50 woth an Onkyo TX-NR414 connected over SPDIF for those intrested.

[@DIYPerks]

+muh1h1 The background noise on that recording was just a breeze in the trees mixed with a slight bit of drizzle. That's why I mentioned that the regulator uses an LM2577 mosfet - its output is unusually clean, so adds literally no audible noise to the signal chain. It's what made the project possible to be honest!

[@muh1h1]

+DIY Perks good to hear :) i didnt actally look up the power supplies specs or anything, just assumed it was a very generic one, because it looks a bit like thrse cheap ebay ones. maybe i should :)

[@eucalyptux]

+muh1h1 it's one of those : www.ebay.com/itm/221185801524

[@ChanonWangtrirat]

Try to use better op-amp like dual NE5534 for tube warmth sound or OPA627bp for extremely lower noise and better detail in all frequency. TL072 is very very noisy one.

[@dk92996]

For what your channel lacks in content, it makes up for in quality. Keep up the good work!

[@petergdk]

Great video - as always. I was holding my thumbs, hoping that this would be an instructional video on how to build a low noise phantom powered preamp with something like the Maplin preamp kit. But alas - this project is WAY over my head :). Guess i will have to get used to the noise from my Fucusrite 2i2. Or will there perhaps be a followup video, going into more detail regarding how to build it step by step? Also - is the preamp in this build, the same preamp you have used for your other videos demonstrating the noise floor of the Røde?

[@arjunajn]

Awesome stuff. I don't have the skills to build this, but never the less amazing

[@lowpolyjedi]

I HONESTLY THOUGHT YOU PUT SOMETHING ON A DOG

[@graphicsbyomar]

Omg same

[@firespiter2917]

same

[@Santi_Gaming]

Same

[@satyarocksss]

Same here 😁😁

[@akshayjose6555]

Ha ha ha me too..

[@audiouploads5737]

The sound quality from that is simply amazing. I didn't expect to hear anything like that kind of audio quality from my desktop speakers, but it actually made them sound like a major audio company's demo setups, or the ambient noise from high-end nature documentaries in movie theaters. From common stereo speakers! So if you can do this, why can't microphone companies do the same thing? Because few microphones are as good as the one you made.

[@UUeldon]

Blown away by the DIY chops displayed here and the final results as well. Well done!

[@MagicPie474]

Just imagine how big his DIY power bank would be if he decided to make it.

[@OrLevy8]

Now he did...

[@JGDeRuvo]

WAY over my feeble skills! I'm still trying to build the LED Light panel!

[@powelly52]

Me too James me too

[@Jobey_99]

+James DeRuvo I built a very simple one. All I did was my some thermal glue, A heatsink, A small fan, and a 12v 13Amp hour battery everything was about the same size. I'm currently using the thermal glue to stick the LED chips to the heatsink and some cable tie's to attach the battery and fan. I can send you some photos and links if you haven't finished yet. I used 8X 10W LED's. It's amazingly bright and last's about 2-3 hours depending. 12V and about a 6Amp draw. 6 x 2 = 12 and the battery is about 13Amp hours.

[@Jobey_99]

+James DeRuvo It's about a 800W equivalent to halogen. You could get 1000W with 2 more LED's, The total cost for me was about £25

[@RonaldMoD]

This is one of the coolest DIY videos I have seen yet!

[@chinacharltan]

You sir Matthew Perks are indeed a genius! . . You've posted some of the best content I've seen on KZbin. Thank you for your passion and dedication, I am inspired!

[@Snowballs-xk5qg]

+DIYPerks You should try this mic on your ULTIMATE silent DIY PC, to see how really loud it is :P just an idea

[@satibel]

+Snowballs25687 good idea, a 10-30 sec video would be enough ^^

[@markcomputertech7997]

You should manufacture these and sell them. I am sure the broadcast media world would buy them.

[@markowalski1]

Shit's crazy yo. As an engineer I appreciate the knowledge that went into this.

[@jmm1000]

WHAT a thoughtful, nicely worded sponsor-thanks! Class act, you.

[@bluephreakr]

You have to at least sell those preamps to us, because not everybody has a CNC machine to make a board with!

[@00Skyfox]

+bluephreakr On the page he linked with the preamp schematic, they have a link at the top of that page of where to buy a pre-made PCB for the project. It'll add to the cost of the project but you'll have a more professional looking final product (depending on how skilled you are at soldering).

[@reaganharder1480]

@@00Skyfox Custom printing PCBs isn't that expensive, especially when you're already using two $250 mics.

[@jeronimomurruni]

With the thumbnail I thought you attached a device to a cat to make a microphone

[@Micahwlsn]

@DIY Perks Im always blown away by the quality of your videos and projects. Love it

[@clookoo2]

You've got one of the best channels on youtube. Great work man, thanks for sharing your creativity.

[@LazerLord10]

I think I might want to make one of these... _looks at price of one microphone_ . Ok, maybe not...

[@silentriders]

Welcome to the world of audio engineers

[@KingfisherTalkingPictures]

Rode nt1-a’s are considered entry level. I’ve gotten a few off Craigslist. They are relatively common.

[@etchieSketchie]

If you were to sell these... How much would you charge?

[@Djwhynotlove]

Wow Picking up your heartbeat in the mic was impressive

[@NeneBog]

You are genius my friend! And the sound quality of your videos is amazing. Many times using my earphones I have headaches. I watched 5 of your videos one after another and I didn't even noticed i have my earphones on. Amazing. Keep up the good work, I hope one day I'll make some of your projects!

[@KatieDunn590]

Who would want to take that on a hike? XD

[@DIYPerks]

A sound recordist, presumably :)

[@mibdev]

Katie Dunn People who appreciate the nature and want to share it.

[@bellefeu4933]

I can honestly say you're not a computer nut until you cnc your own chips.

[@cenkaytekin]

I would seriously buy this or a DIY kit you could offer. Do you have any plans to sell?

[@gillesmatheronpro]

That is just as brilliant as the first time I wtached it. After some 15 years on film sets (and an audio avid geek myself), I an assure you've done an amazing task of tuning, positioning, designing something that looks the thing... but most important : does the job perfectly. Bravo ! PS : some sound techs I know should come and check this creation of yours !

[@Horrorgraphy]

WOW! ... JUST WOW! You can be a Foley artist with this.

[@arasharfa]

TAKE MY MOONEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYY

[@slaveNo-4028]

I don't know whether it's my cheap motherboard-included audio or my cheap, plebian headphones, but I don't hear much difference ;_;

[@Bubileaf]

The quality is amazing! I thought it was just awesome how easily the mic was able to pick up your heartbeat. 👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼

[@lhl2500]

Try and find some isolated places in the woods, on the beach or other nature related things like rain storms and thunder. Then make 30-60 min recordings of ambient sounds. These will be perfect for playing in the background (or on earphones) when you go to bed.

[@TheFaarao]

Dat 1080p 60fps tho

[@Blacktronics]

+JuriePie *1080p 144fps

[@Holzider]

+Blacktronics why would you prefer 144fps tn in favor of 60fps ah-ips?

[@victornpb]

+holzi 144p@24fps LOL

[@Holzider]

***** did you even read and understand what i wrote?

[@victornpb]

holzi of course i did, I was just being sarcastic. The more the better, I want 8K@240fps

[@glebspercuks7606]

I thought it was a dog in the thumbnail.

[@tysayahi1]

Same

[@giin97]

I want the full recording of the wind in the trees. Was just about to fall asleep when got started talking again, so peaceful :P

[@temmihoo]

Truly exceptional sound quality! I came to this video because I enjoyed your very good diy absorption panel video just minutes before. Subscribed, cool beans.

[@hamza119944]

you need to think about selling your products

[@MrRafaeldm02]

khalil bakri YES PLZ

[@__-cd9ug]

Looks like Donald Trump

[@bjrnovevad620]

+Spi Rale hahahaha!

[@antonlarsson3511]

+Spi Rale Just what i was thinking.

[@shayamaddex996]

Spi Rale but with real fuzz and without impotence

[@stijnlauwen6227]

You are really onto something with this build! When listening to the samples it was almost like I was standing near the sea or those trees!

[@NikoxD93]

Your audio samples sound REALLY awesome! With headphones

[@rodssantos]

Wow What a great piece you built! Congratulations... The part when I hear your fingers and your heart gave me goosebumps.. Great Work!

[@rationalpickle]

You take diy to a whole new level

[@mohammedfaisal6946]

man your the best DIY builder hats off the good work

[@38911bytefree]

The sounds are pretty clean and real. The best thing, as a recorder, Ive ever heard was a UHER REPORT, portable R2R with its original UHER MIC, speech quality was incredibly real (even just listening to the built in speaker). If you like recording, I would give this old vintage recorder a try. If it was serviced recently, even more. By its time it was the only portable to get up to 20Khz and it was in production for over 30 years.

[@brand017]

With headphones it is really fantastic! Thank you for the sounds.

[@ZoomcorpUK]

Great use of the H1! Amazing project -Sam, Zoom UK

[@DIYPerks]

Cheers! I've been using your products ever since I bought a H2 way back in 2008 - they're always top performers for the price. I wish you guys would make a recorder with an ORTF mic configuration (one on each end of the recorder, perhaps). It's a bit niche maybe, but I'd buy one instantly.

[@ZoomcorpUK]

+DIY Perks That would be great, nothing in the pipeline though. Have you seen the F8?

[@DIYPerks]

Bit out of my price range unfortunately so I hadn't actually taken a look before - looks like an impressive piece of kit! The app support looks particularly cool.

[@malktrem]

Those nature sounds where so relaxing...

[@funkmastertraf]

The sea and the wind sound amazing

[@inuysha360]

WOW you can hear your heartbeat! Love the quality of your videos! Both in-depth and easy to understand!

[@dimianastassakis]

Wow, you are amazing. Sorry for my bad english. i wanna say: it is 1. thing to have an Idea, another thing to construct that. But you give all the necessary things including the exact instructions. This is very time consuming and I appreciate your contributions here. Thanks for your time and your effort to do you run here. Even for me, who speaks bad English, your clear pronunciation is understandable. One Thing, to built this Microphone is not so easy for everyone as the other Things like the Shlider f.e. I Recently I began film-making to expand my photo Journalistic work. But to make documentaries takes more time and more work and more money for equipment. by your posts here, maybe it is not hopeless to invest in good quality to produce without a fortune.

[@furulevi]

You are a gold mine... let's start with what type of camera were you using to making this video? GREAT video!!!

[@epodcam]

Genius, don't think I've got the guts to take any of my mics apart though. With all the asmr stuff kicking about at the moment you could probably turn this into a successful product!