Frequently Asked Questions
This is a FAQ page designed to give you the immediate answers to your questions
About Us
What is Natako Audio?
Natako Audio designs and manufactures best-value hydrophones and accessories for underwater listening, recording, and educational applications.
Each unit is assembled and tested, combining affordability with reliable underwater performance.
Our goal is to make high-quality underwater sound recording accessible to everyone – from researchers and educators to divers and sound enthusiasts.
Who can use our products?
Our hydrophones are used for:
- Field recording by sound designers capturing underwater sounds.
- Marine education and classrooms studying underwater phenomenons.
- Divers and explorers monitoring their underwater surroundings
- Engineers and hobbyists developing underwater UAVs and other systems.
We design our devices for practical, real-world applications, not just laboratories – so you can use them practically in most fields.
Product Information
What types of hydrophones do you offer?
We offer several hydrophone models and kits, covering different sensitivity levels and frequency ranges.
The AquaHear 2.5 is omnidirectional, and AquaHear 1.0 and AquaHear 1.5 are direction-oriented. All are sealed for continuous underwater use, and tested up to 30 m depth.
You can find the full comparison of our models on this page to select the one matching your use case.
Do I need additional equipment to use your hydrophones?
It depends on your recording setup:
- For Zoom recorders or most other devices with microphone inputs, you can connect directly.
- For laptops or line-level inputs, we recommend our RigiEnhancer Hydrophone Preamplifier or any compatible microphone preamp.
- For live listening, we also recommend using our RigidEnhancer Hydrophone Preamplifier and connecting it to a amplifier and a speaker.
We provide quick-start guides for each kit.
What is the sensitivity of your hydrophones?
Each model has a typical sensitivity range designed for balanced signal levels in natural underwater environments.
While not individually calibrated, every hydrophone is tested individually to ensure consistent quality.
For research that requires precise calibration, users may compare our hydrophones against a calibrated reference sensor in their lab.
How deep can I submerge them?
All Natako Audio hydrophones are function-tested and sea-tested to a depth of 30 meters.
This means each unit has been verified to operate reliably at that depth without leakage or performance degradation.
While the hydrophones are not officially certified, they are proven in real 30 m underwater conditions.
For deeper applications, please contact us to discuss your specific requirements or potential custom solutions.
Do the hydrophones come with calibration?
Our hydrophones are not individually calibrated to an absolute reference standard.
They are designed primarily for listening, general underwater recording, education, and research training, where relative signal accuracy is sufficient.
Ordering & Shipping
How can I place an order?
Simply add products to your cart on our website and proceed to checkout.
We ship directly worldwide.
For custom cable lengths or specific connectors, you can contact us through our email or this Contact Page.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. International orders are shipped via FedEx, EMS or ECO Post. You can choose your preferred carrier at checkout.
You’ll receive a tracking number once your order is dispatched.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept major credit/debit cards and PayPal.
All transactions are processed securely through our checkout system.
How long does shipping take?
Typical delivery times, depending on the carrier:
- FedEx – 4-7 business days.
- EMS – 4-8 business days.
- ECO Post – 5 – 10 business days.
Exact times depend on customs processing and carrier service.
Returns & Warranty
Do you offer a warranty on your products?
Yes. All products include a 1-year limited warranty covering manufacturing defects.
For more information about our warranty please read our Warranty Page.
What is your return policy?
All sales are considered final unless explicitly agreed in advance.
In the event you decide the product isn’t fit to your needs, we’ll make our most effort to offer a solution.
For more information please visit our Policy page.
Technical Support
How can I troubleshoot issues with my hydrophone?
Check first:
- Your cable connection and input jack
- Gain level
- Try a different recorder or amplifier
If you still experience noise or weak signals, contact our technical team with your setup details.
Can I contact support for help with setup?
Absolutely. We respond to all inquiries typically within 12 hours.
Send us a message describing your setup (with as much detail as possible) and we’ll help you get the best results.
(contact through our Contact page or by emailing sale@natakoaudio.com)
Contact Us
How can I get in touch with Natako Audio?
You can reach us through our Contact page or by emailing sale@natakoaudio.com.
We’re happy to help with questions about product selection, setup, or special orders.