Contents
- Parabolic Reflector
- Natako Audio AquaHear 2.0 Hydrophone
- Natako Audio RigidEnhancer Hydrophone Preamplifier
- Assembly bolts and nuts
- Rod mount parts
- Assembly instrutions
Parabolic Reflector
Product Description
A Parabolic Reflector with a Hydrophone is an advanced underwater listening device designed to capture increased sound from a specific direction. The core of the system is the hydrophone, a sensitive underwater microphone, positioned at the focus of a parabolic reflector. The reflector, made from a lightweight, durable plastic, is shaped like a shallow dish. Its parabolic design focuses incoming sound waves onto the hydrophone, amplifying signals from a targeted direction while minimizing noise from other directions.
This configuration enables the hydrophone to detect faint or distant sounds underwater, such as marine life communications or environmental phenomena, with clarity. The parabolic reflector enhances the directional sensitivity, making the device highly effective for applications requiring accuracy in sound detection, such as underwater research or acoustic monitoring. The entire assembly is typically mounted on a stable, adjustable rod, allowing precise control.
Specifications
Size
- 142mm Height
- 200mm Inner Diameter
- 206mm Outer Diameter
Material
- Plastic
AquaHear 2 Hydrophone
Product Description
Our AquaHear 2 hydrophone is omnidirectional and crafted to deliver exceptional audio performance without breaking the bank. With a durable and shielded construction, it ensures good sensitivity and low noise. It’s compatible with our home model RigidEnhancer 1 preamplifier and other high-impedance preamplifiers. Above all, its straightforward design ensures comfortable and user-friendly operation. It has a lower sensitivity in comparison with AquaHear 1 hydrophone but provides the same signal-to-noise ratio at the same intensity with higher low noise amplification.
Single mono hydrophone.
Specifications
- Typical capacity 5nF – 6nF.
- 5m cable RG174.
- BNC female connector.
- Compatible with hydrophone preamplifier RigidEnhancer 1
WATER RESISTANCE
Submersible to a depth of 10 meters in freshwater, saltwater, and both warm and cold conditions, this hydrophone features a shielded piezoelectric component housed within a plastic body and a layer of waterproof resin for complete protection.
IDEAL FOR RECORDING
Capture the aquatic environment, its sounds, and motions with this hydrophone. Perfect for studying cetaceans such as killer whales and dolphins, as well as for sound design purposes.
PRODUCTION QUALITY
Every hydrophone undergoes meticulous handcrafting and rigorous testing prior to shipment, guaranteeing optimal reliability and sound reproduction. The microphone body is 3D printed with an exclusive design to ensure both sound quality and capsule protection.
SOUND QUALITY
Capture an extensive spectrum of sounds spanning from 20Hz to 80kHz. The piezoelectric element remains isolated from interference.
RigidEnhancer Hydrophone Preamplifier
Product Description
The Preamplifier RigidEnhancer 1 has a low noise level which is provided by using the low noise, precision Op Amp chip LT1792. This chip is specifically designed for hydrophone preamplifiers. The hydrophone preamplifier circuit is specifically balanced for use with all of our hydrophones AquaHear 1, AquaHear 1.5, and AquaHear 2 with a capacity of up to 40nF.
The internal shielding of the circuit also guarantees a low noise level.
The output provides the required signal value for connecting the hydrophone to an amplifier, recorder, or other sound equipment.
The preamplifier requires a power of 9V DC from the standard battery which can be connected through a snap connector clip lead wires holder. The external snap connector is designed like so to provide you with the quickest and easiest way to change the battery. To keep the battery visible, accessible, and close to the preamplifier the holder cavity is designed to be semi-open. The battery’s external dimensions usually vary so the battery holder is designed to be a little bit wider. To adjust the holder size to the specific battery size if it is less than the holder, the user can put a small piece of insulating tape on one internal holder side if required.
The preamplifier provides adjustable gain from 10Db to 26Db. According to our experience, this gain is enough to get the required sensitivity in 99% of user requirements. If another gain value is required you can contact us and we can provide a custom design in the framework of electrical circuit capability. The preamplifier has an external 4-position switch for the manual gain adjustment. It provides the gain options of 10Db, 15Db, 20D, and 26Db.
The case is produced by 3D printing and provides the required durability for long-term use.
The preamplifier has a BNC female input connector therefore a hydrophone can be directly connected to it. The output is a 3.5mm audio socket so the device can be directly connected to any audio equipment by using a 3.5mm to 3.5mm Aux adapter cable.
RigidEnhancer 1 Preamplifier Specification
Electrical
- Supply voltage: 9V DC
- Adjustable gain: 10Db, 15Db, 20Db, and 26Db
- Input capacity: ≤40nF
Connections
- Input: BNC female connector
- Output: 3.5mm audio mono socket
- Battery: 9V snap connector clip lead wires holder
Physical
- External dimensions: Length – 82mm, Width – 51.5mm, Hight – 30.2mm
- Weight: 43g
Quick Start
To start the recording, all you need is the simplest kit including a hydrophone (Optimally one of our home models: AquaHear 1, AquaHear 1.5, or AquaHear 2), the RigidEnhancer 1 preamplifier, 3.5mm to 3.5mm Aux cable, and any sound recorder. For headphone users, we recommend using a headphone amplifier.
