Sound Shark Setup
IF YOU PREFER, YOU CAN REFER TO THE DESCRIPTION AND IMAGES BELOW.
A) Remove the white microphone mounting clip from the two support rods by squeezing the two vertical legs. (See illustrations below.)
B) Thread your omnidirectional microphone through the center hole in the microphone frame toward the support rods and dish
C) Loop the microphone back out to the front of the dish.
D) Place your microphone into the cavity between the two center arms of the microphone mounting clip.
E1) Squeeze the two outer arms of the mounting clip and replace it with the microphone over the two support rods and release.
E2) Gently squeeze the outer arms of the mounting clip and move the clip in and out until the center of the microphone’s pick-up pattern is in line with the tips of the two support rods. (See the Setup Hints below for further instructions.)
F) Restrain the microphone cable using the hook and loop strips supplied with the Sound Shark or with zip ties.
Mount the Sound Shark onto your camera or stand, and plug your microphone into your camera or audio recorder. You can now record audio from 30+ feet away or more!
This short video shows how to install your microphone into a Sound Shark
Tips for the Best Setup
When using a rectangular microphone, place the microphone into the mounting clip with the long side vertical and push it down until it rests against the two small bumps on the inside of the inner arms. When using a rectangular microphone, there is usually a small hole in one of the larger faces of the microphone. The center of the pickup pattern will be located at that small hole. Adjust the microphone so this small hole is in line with the tips of the two support rods.
When using a cylindrical microphone, the center of the pickup pattern is slightly behind the end face. Adjust the microphone so that the end face is just beyond the end of the two support arms. (1 mm, or 1/16″, is adequate.)
If a windscreen is being used on the lavaliere microphone, remove the windscreen the first time you adjust the microphone's position in the Sound Shark. Note the position of the microphone for future installations. Mount the windscreen to the microphone and locate the microphone at its proper location.
We recommend using some type of wind protection (windscreen, wind muff, windshield, etc.) on your lavaliere microphone when not using the Sound Shark Wind Cover. However, you can use both the wind protection on your lavaliere and the Sound Shark Wind Cover with no noticeable change in audio quality.
Verify that your microphone is facing toward the inside of the dish and even with the ends of the two threaded rods.
Verify that your gain is properly adjusted and that you are recording/monitoring the proper channel(s).
Verify your microphone is receiving power.
If you purchased a kit with an XLR microphone (large 3-pin connector), make sure your camera or recording device is providing phantom power. There is almost always a physical switch or setting to turn this power ON or OFF.
If you purchased a kit with a 3.5mm microphone (connector that looks similar to a headphone’s), make sure your camera or recording device is providing bias voltage (plug-in power). Many recorders, such as the Zoom H series, have a setting to turn this power ON or OFF.
Please check your device’s manual to ensure it can provide this power. If not, please contact us directly so we can help you find the best way to proceed.
If you are still dissatisfied with the audio you are capturing, please send an email to help@SoundSharkAudio.com or call us at (608) 713-1001.
Use a handle with a 1/4-20 threaded stud if you want to hold the Sound Shark in your hand. We offer a very nice handle as an accessory. (Just scroll to the bottom of the product/bundle page.)
Use a small Gorillapod or tabletop tripod if you want to set the Sound Shark on a flat surface.
Be very careful to avoid locations with a sound source behind your subject. The long range of the Sound Shark can pick up sounds from well behind your subject.
Also, avoid locations with reflective surfaces directly behind your subject. The long range of the Sound Shark can pick up sounds that reflect off those surfaces.
Use the circular decal to help determine the area that will provide the best audio. (Refer to the FAQ page for more details.)
Check out these videos for more tips on how to use the Sound Shark!
