Application Questions

General Audio Questions

Can I use a parabolic mic with a P.A. system?

By Paul Terpstra

We get contacted regularly by customers that want to connect our parabolic microphone products to a public address (PA) system.  Typically they want to capture performers on a stage for their PA system but they don’t have enough wireless mics for each performer, or they can’t put enough stationery mic on or above the stage to capture all the performers.  

This brings about the question, can I use a parabolic mic with a P.A. system?

The answer is: yes and no.  You can use a parabolic microphone with a public address (PA) system but avoiding feedback will be a significant challenge in most situations due to the parabolic mic’s high sensitivity.

A parabolic microphone is a specialized type of microphone that uses a parabolic reflector to collect and focus sound waves onto a microphone element, which converts the sound waves into an electrical signal. This makes it highly directional, allowing it to pick up sound from a specific direction while reducing noise from other directions.  It can also provide a great amount of amplification.  Parabolic microphones can allow a normal conversation to be heard from several hundred feet away.  (If you aren’t familiar with parabolic microphones check our article “How Parabolic Microphones Work”.)

To use a parabolic microphone with a PA system, you will need to connect the microphone to a mixer or amplifier that is part of the PA system. This can typically be done using a standard XLR cable. Once the microphone is connected, you can adjust the volume and other settings on the mixer or amplifier as needed to get the desired sound quality.

To avoid feedback, be sure to locate the front face of the parabolic dish so it is not parallel to any flat surfaces and it will be less likely to capture reflected sounds.  It will be very helpful to use a feedback suppression system.  These systems automatically reduce the levels (gain, or amplification) of the PA system when feedback is first detected.  These systems react faster than a human can, making it a great tool to avoid the dreaded squeal of a feedback loop.

It’s worth noting that parabolic microphones are often used in situations where it is important to capture sound from a distance, such as outdoor events, sporting events, and wildlife observation. More traditional microphones (on a stand, hand held, or headworn) are typically used for close-up sound reinforcement, such as vocals in a live music performance, or with PA systems.

Previous Post
No previous post
Next Post
No next post
"Sad Sam the Cameraman" mascot for KLOVER MiK parabolic microphones.

Bringing the Distant Near & Keeping Your Vision Clear.

Rain soaked version of "Sad Sam the Cameraman" mascot for KLOVER MiK parabolic microphones.
We will be closed from February 22 to February 29.  We will hold all orders until March 1 for processing.
We apologize for any inconvenience that may cause.

Can Your Mic Reach As Far Your Lens?

"Sad Sam the Cameraman" mascot for KLOVER MiK parabolic microphones.
We will be closed from February 22 to February 29.  We will hold all orders until March 1 for processing.
We apologize for any inconvenience that may cause.
"Sad Sam the Cameraman" mascot for KLOVER MiK parabolic microphones.

Bringing the Distant Near & Keeping Your Vision Clear.

Rain soaked version of "Sad Sam the Cameraman" mascot for KLOVER MiK parabolic microphones.
KLOVER MiK Stealth is a long-range surveillance parabolic microphone equipped with cutting-edge audio technology and discreet design for security and military applications.
We will be closed from February 22 to February 29.  We will hold all orders until March 1 for processing.
We apologize for any inconvenience that may cause.
We will be closed from February 22 to February 29.  We will hold all orders until March 1 for processing.
We apologize for any inconvenience that may cause.

Clear Vision in Seconds, No Contact Required!

"Damp Dan the Cameraman" mascot for Klear Shot lens cleaning system.
Industry Leading Technology & Safety. The Klear Shot is a user friendly, non-contact system for removing moisture or debris from a camera lens. The Klear Shot uses compressed gas to blow moisture off the surface of the lens.
We will be closed from February 22 to February 29.  We will hold all orders until March 1 for processing.
We apologize for any inconvenience that may cause.