Have Audio Questions?

What type of microphone element can I use in the KLOVER MiK 26?

The KLOVER MiK 26 requires the use of a microphone with an omnidirectional pickup pattern. A small diaphragm condenser (pencil) mic between 3/4 and 7/8 inches in diameter may be used. In addition, a lapel (lavaliere) microphone up to 5/16 inch in diameter may be used with the included mic adapter tube.

Omnidirectional microphones capture sound from a 360-degree pattern around the microphone. This allows them to capture the sound energy reflected from the outer edges of the parabolic dish. This sound energy may be ignored with a more directional pickup pattern.

How do I focus the KLOVER MiK 26?

Each parabolic microphone has a specific focus point. The microphone element must be placed at this focus point in order to provide the maximum performance from the unit. The focus point of the KLOVER MiK 26 is 2-1/4 inches behind (inside) the rear surface of mic mount hub or 4 inches behind the front face of the collector dish.

A label on the face of the collector dish includes a line that is 2-1/4 inches wide for adjusting the focus.

Please refer to the video in the “Assembly Video” tab above, for a detailed explanation of the focusing process.

How large is the KLOVER MiK 26?

Please see the dimensions in the “Specifications” section above.

How heavy is the KLOVER MiK 26?

Please find the product weight in the “Specifications” section above.

How do I mount a lapel microphone in a KLOVER MiK 26?

The KLOVER MiK 26 is shipped with an “adapter tube” that fits inside the center hub of the microphone yoke and has an inside diameter that is significantly smaller. The most common method of mounting a lapel microphone inside this tube is to wrap the mic cable with soft foam rubber before locating the mic inside the tube. When the foam expands, it centers and retains the mic.

We are currently shipping a plastic microphone clip that snaps on the outside of the lapel microphone and then slips inside the adapter tube.

Is there any difference in the audio performance of the KLOVER MiK 26 and the KLOVER MiK 26-TE?

No. These two models are functionally equivalent. The only difference between the two models is the shape of the flat flange on the front surface of the parabolic dish. The shape of the “TE” model allow the dish to be rotated slightly to fit within a waterproof (Pelican style) shipping case. It also allows the unit to fit in a slightly smaller shipping container which reduces its shipping cost.

Why do I have to be more precise in aiming the KLOVER MiK than with the Big Ears I used in the past?

The Big Ears, which has been widely used for many years, did not provide a true parabolic dish. The dish was more similar to a hemisphere than a parabola.

This shape provided a wider, less focused pickup pattern than a dish with a true parabolic. This shape also provides less defined, less crisp, audio.

Why do the handles of the KLOVER MiK 26 move slightly?

Some operators will notice the flexibility of the handles. This flexibility is the result of our patented construction method that isolates the handles from the dish itself. Products that mount the handles directly to the plastic dish often generate unwanted noise from the movement of the handles. The isolation of the handles from the dish allows the handles to move slightly but keeps any stress placed on the handles from being transferred to the plastic dish which would cause the dish to create noises such as creaks and pops. While it may initially seem uncomfortable to operators accustomed to the older design, they adjust quickly.

The microphone yoke (support bar) is also isolated from the dish to eliminate any noise created by movement of the mic yoke.

Why do you build your handles out of carbon fiber?

First, carbon fiber is very light and strong. Second, and more importantly, when a carbon fiber tube breaks it turns into small weak strands. Handles made from PVC are strong but when they do break they create very sharp jagged edges which basically create a spear. Handles made from metal tubes or plates are so strong that they will not bend or fail until they have done serious injury to the operator or athlete that may have collided with it.

Parabolic microphones are involved in many collisions during the course of a sports season. We take the safety of operator and athletes very seriously and have done all we can to provide the safest products possible.

How can I mount the KLOVER MiK 26 so I don’t have to hold it for long periods of time?

If the KLOVER MiK 26 will be stationery for long periods of time we suggest the use of one of our mounting accessories.  The Monopod Mount replaces the rear cross bar of the handle assembly.  It allows the entire unit to be mounted on top of a tripod or monopod while still allowing the unit to be aimed by the operator.

We also offer a pole mounted version of the KLOVER MiK 26 for permanent installations. This custom version replaces the handle assembly with brackets that will mount the dish to a pole while allowing for adjustment about the horizontal and vertical axes.

Is there anything that can be done to reduce operator fatigue?

Our first recommendation is to mount the KLOVER MiK on top of a monopod by replacing the rear cross bar of the handle assembly with a Monopod Mount.  Placing the KLOVER MiK on top of a monopod takes the weight of the parabolic off of the operator’s shoulders and allows the operator to simply “point” the parabolic in the proper direction.  We feel this also improves the operator’s safety as the operator can simply let the parabolic fall to the ground if a collision with a player is imminent, instead of having to run from the collision with the parabolic still around their neck.

A second option, though untested, is to combine the proper use of the neck strap, as demonstrated in the “Proper Operation” video (under the “Assembly Videos” tab above) , along with the use of a Bicep Curl Belt to provide support for the operator’s elbows.