Written on June 16, 2008 – 7:32 am | by Bogdan Alex |

Over the years, microphones haven’t been that much perfected like, say, CPUs. Miniaturization processes may be helpful to some technologies, but to others, those might not bring much of an evolution at all. Sure, miniaturization helped microphones scale down to dust specs for spying and stuff like that, but real quality improvements can’t be achieved through miniaturization. A different approach must somehow be applied, and what other source of inspiration than nature itself? Human nature, to be more specific. This way, we get to see microphones with ears.

The Japanese guys from Otokinoko came up with the Binaural Microphone, which it’s claimed to be a simple way to record the most realistic sounds possible. Binaural recording allows you to record sounds the same way they are heard in real life by us humans. This is achieved by placing two microphones in the same position as human ears are placed on each side of the head. The recording is output in an omnidirectional 3D sound which is more realistic than normal stereo because of the subtle shifts in feeling.

The Binaural Mic can be used by itself for reporter-like escapades, or it could be attached to a video camera to add realistic sound to the captured images. It also includes a 1/8” mini audio out connector. The fact that this is professional equipment with a unique and compact Japanese design might justify the high price of $3,899. To order one of these, check out the Japan Trend Shop site.