External Microphones:
Microphones are a huge issue when it comes to this application as it based on sound waves. For one or a few hives, a smartphone's internal microphone should suffice. Be sure to put the microphone end of the smartphone or tablet into the hive entrance and slide it as far in as possible and still be able to push the start recording button when the bees settle down. For larger numbers of hives, you may wish to consider having one or more high quality, flat frequency response, microphones that can reach the approximate center underneath the cluster of bees in a hive.
Anyone with more than a few hives will want to use an external microphone, rather than having to slide the phone itself into the entrance of each hive.
In general, the microphone should be small, with good sensitivity, and a flat frequency response curve. The primary bee colony sounds are at low frequencies, although resonance frequencies may be important.
Two microphones that we recommend are:
Rode Smart Lav+ is a small, professional, lavalier condenser microphone, for iPhone and other smartphones.
Cost: $60-80 from box and internet stores.
Pros: Small, reasonably durable, 3.5 mm microphone jack, generally good quality sound
Cons: Cannot adjust recording gain; has a general, rather than microphone -specific, frequency response chart.
Tips:
1. Check that phone has a 3.5 microphone/headphone jack. Some phones and tablets may require a Rode SC4 3.5 mm TRS to TRRS microphone adapter and some of the newest phones require a 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter, ~ $10-$15.
2. Remove lapel clip, windscreen (bees chew on it), and attach the microphone to a thin wire (brass does not rust) to facilitate insertion into middle of hive via the entrance opening.
Dayton Audio EMM-6 Electret Measurement Microphone has a very flat frequency response. Each microphone has been calibrated. A measured response curve available, indexed by microphone serial number. Uses gold-plated XLR output connector.
Cost: $50-$80 from Parts Express Plus
Pros: Individual microphone testing and calibration offers better accuracy. Unit is metal, sturdy. This is a research-grade instrument, solidly built, XLR cables tend to be rugged.
Cons: Chunky, 3.5” x 0.47” (12mm) nose may not fit through shallow hive entrances. Requires a microphone interface like the IK Multi-media, iRig Pre XLR microphone interface for iOS and Android, ~ $40. However, with a 9-volt battery and adjustable gain, the iRig offers control over recording volume.
Tips:
1. XLR pre-amplifier must be switched on to 48 v Phantom power supply to the microphone.
2. Carry spare 9-volt battery.
3. Be sure to have an XLR cable, preferably long enough to lay the phone on cover of the hive when the microphone is in the hive entrance.
Sanitary Covers for Microphones
For those who elect to use an external, probe style microphone - don't use black foam covers - the bees will go nuts trying to sting the invader. For cleanup, I suggest when you see some gunk, use an alcohol wipe to gently clean - but be sure it tries fully before inserting into the hive - bees apparently don't like the smell. Obviously, it's desirable to have some form of disposable cover, especially if you move to other bee yards or your neighbor's bees or after sampling an AHB colony.
The best solution I can think of is to use an acoustically transparent fabric sock A common test involves attempting to blow through the fabric. If the fabric allows air to easily pass through, it will also allow sound to pass through, making it acceptable for use as an acoustic fabric. Soon as weather permits, I'm going to try paper KimWipes, maybe with a rubber band or bit of tape to hold a small piece over the end of the microphone.
Microphones are a huge issue when it comes to this application as it based on sound waves. For one or a few hives, a smartphone's internal microphone should suffice. Be sure to put the microphone end of the smartphone or tablet into the hive entrance and slide it as far in as possible and still be able to push the start recording button when the bees settle down. For larger numbers of hives, you may wish to consider having one or more high quality, flat frequency response, microphones that can reach the approximate center underneath the cluster of bees in a hive.
Anyone with more than a few hives will want to use an external microphone, rather than having to slide the phone itself into the entrance of each hive.
In general, the microphone should be small, with good sensitivity, and a flat frequency response curve. The primary bee colony sounds are at low frequencies, although resonance frequencies may be important.
Two microphones that we recommend are:
Rode Smart Lav+ is a small, professional, lavalier condenser microphone, for iPhone and other smartphones.
Cost: $60-80 from box and internet stores.
Pros: Small, reasonably durable, 3.5 mm microphone jack, generally good quality sound
Cons: Cannot adjust recording gain; has a general, rather than microphone -specific, frequency response chart.
Tips:
1. Check that phone has a 3.5 microphone/headphone jack. Some phones and tablets may require a Rode SC4 3.5 mm TRS to TRRS microphone adapter and some of the newest phones require a 3.5 mm to USB-C adapter, ~ $10-$15.
2. Remove lapel clip, windscreen (bees chew on it), and attach the microphone to a thin wire (brass does not rust) to facilitate insertion into middle of hive via the entrance opening.
Dayton Audio EMM-6 Electret Measurement Microphone has a very flat frequency response. Each microphone has been calibrated. A measured response curve available, indexed by microphone serial number. Uses gold-plated XLR output connector.
Cost: $50-$80 from Parts Express Plus
Pros: Individual microphone testing and calibration offers better accuracy. Unit is metal, sturdy. This is a research-grade instrument, solidly built, XLR cables tend to be rugged.
Cons: Chunky, 3.5” x 0.47” (12mm) nose may not fit through shallow hive entrances. Requires a microphone interface like the IK Multi-media, iRig Pre XLR microphone interface for iOS and Android, ~ $40. However, with a 9-volt battery and adjustable gain, the iRig offers control over recording volume.
Tips:
1. XLR pre-amplifier must be switched on to 48 v Phantom power supply to the microphone.
2. Carry spare 9-volt battery.
3. Be sure to have an XLR cable, preferably long enough to lay the phone on cover of the hive when the microphone is in the hive entrance.
Sanitary Covers for Microphones
For those who elect to use an external, probe style microphone - don't use black foam covers - the bees will go nuts trying to sting the invader. For cleanup, I suggest when you see some gunk, use an alcohol wipe to gently clean - but be sure it tries fully before inserting into the hive - bees apparently don't like the smell. Obviously, it's desirable to have some form of disposable cover, especially if you move to other bee yards or your neighbor's bees or after sampling an AHB colony.
The best solution I can think of is to use an acoustically transparent fabric sock A common test involves attempting to blow through the fabric. If the fabric allows air to easily pass through, it will also allow sound to pass through, making it acceptable for use as an acoustic fabric. Soon as weather permits, I'm going to try paper KimWipes, maybe with a rubber band or bit of tape to hold a small piece over the end of the microphone.
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