High-Fidelity Binaural Headset

High-Fidelity Binaural Headset:

In order to provide the very best solution, we have come up with our own optimized design, the High-Fidelity Binaural Headset that is now available in kit form that requires some assembly. Not only does it provide an excellent spatial experience, it also utilizes super low-noise microphones that will aid in the detection of distant and subtle bird songs. In addition, the earphones rest lightly on each ear and do not obstruct one's normal hearing. A special adapter (made by Rode) is an essential ingredient, providing excellent A/D conversion and connection to the mobile device's lightning port.

Assembly requires mounting of mics using mounting putty (provided in the kit), twisting of cables (which is fairly straightforward) and fixing cables together at several locations using plastic cable-ties. Go here to view video tutorials that show exactly how this is done.

Order the optimized High-Fidelity Binaural Headset kit from micbooster.com.

Note: If you choose to go with this high-fidelity solution, be aware that it is very important that you adjust the Rode AI-Micro audio interface so that you avoid hearing loud feedback squeal. Go here for more information. This is also covered in detail in the video tutorials.

Disclaimer: Be aware that our non-profit will not make any money from the sale of headset kits, which are currently being handled by micbooster.com. Note that we are open to working with other possible kit suppliers as well as enterprising individuals interested in making and selling fully-completed high-fidelity binaural headsets optimized for use with our app.

closeup of one side of headphones on ear

More information pertaining to the High-Fidelity Binaural Headset:

Order High-Fidelity Headset Kit From MicBooster

High-Fidelity Headset Kit Video Tutorials

Rode AI-Micro Settings

High Fidelity Headset Do-It-Yourself Component List

Ordering the Micbooster Headset Kit

Click Here to order the headset kit (either the full kit or a partial kit) from micbooster.com, which is located in the United Kingdom. Prices are in British Pounds. If you are ordering from the United States, the website should detect your location and display a price of 143.20 pounds (about $170 USD) for the full kit. NOTE: If a higher price is displayed, please don’t worry … the proper price will appear in your shopping cart once you’ve registered your account and entered your US mailing address.

Disclaimer: Hear Birds Again does not profit financially from the sale of headset kits, nor is our arrangement with micbooster an exclusive one; we remain open to other headset possibilities and sources.

Headset Assembly Video Tutorials

The full micbooster kit includes all the required components and makes it very easy for individuals to complete construction. The low-noise mics are already professionally soldered to miniature cables equipped with connector plugs. All that needs to be done is mount the mics on the headset using mounting putty (which is easy), twist the cables by hand, and then secure the cables with several cable ties. The following videos convey everything you'll need to know to assemble the headset:

Go here for enlarged versions of the following videos.

The Binaural Headset - Part 1: Introduction

The Binaural Headset - Part 2: Kit Components

The Binaural Headset - Part 3: Rode AI-Micro Adjustments

The Binaural Headset - Part 4: Assembly Instructions

How to Hook-up the Rode Ai-Micro Audio Interface

CAUTION!: It is important to properly adjust settings for the Rode AI-Micro in order to prevent annoying feedback squeal:

Our recommended headset requires the use of the Rode AI-Micro interface, which will route the headset mics inputs into one's mobile device and the device's output (the pitch-lowered bird songs) back to the Koss Earphones. In order for this to work properly, it will be necessary for you to download Rode's RodeCentral application and then adjust the settings. The procedure is as follows:

1. Download RodeCentral and then open the app.
2. Connect your Rode AI Micro interface to your mobile device. RodeCentral should then automatically detect the audio interface.
3. TURN OFF the "Direct Monitor" option (the bottommost setting). CAUTION: If left enabled, you will probably experience loud feedback squeal!
4. Adjust other settings as as shown in the following screenshot of the RodeCentral user interface:

RodeCentral UI

Once the direct monitoring setting has been disabled, everything should work fine and you should not have to use the RodeCentral app again, except perhaps to occasionally check for updates to the Rode AI Micro firmware (RodeCentral automatically detects if your current firmware is out of date).

Do It Yourself Component List

We encourage experimentation with regard to headset design. Our "recommended" design (available in kit form) is the result of extensive field testing, but it is certainly not the only possible solution. So, we hope that a number of do-it-yourselfers will tackle the headset problem on their own and come up with innovative solutions. To enable such efforts, we provide a full list of components below.

Headset Component List For Do-It-Yourselfers (North American Sources):

UK-based Micbooster is also a trusted source of components, especially for UK and European Do-It-Yourselfers:

Ordering the Headset Kit from Micbooster:

Click Here to order the headset kit (either the full kit or a partial kit) from micbooster.com, which is located in the United Kingdom. Prices are in British Pounds. If you are ordering from the United States, the website should detect your location and display a price of 142.55 pounds (about $162 USD) for the full kit. NOTE: If a higher price of 171 pounds is displayed, please don't worry ... the proper price will appear in your shopping cart once you've registered your account and entered your US mailing address.

The full micbooster kit includes all the required components and makes it very easy for individuals to complete construction. The low-noise mics are already professionally soldered to miniature cables equipped with connector plugs. All that needs to be done is mount the mics on the headset using mounting putty (which is easy), braid the cables by hand, and then secure the braid with several cable ties. The following video shows how this is done:

Note: A video demonstrating the assembly procedure will soon be added here.

Disclaimer: Hear Birds Again does not profit financially from the sale of headset kits, nor is our arrangement with micbooster an exclusive one; we remain open to other headset possibilities and sources.

Do It Yourself Headsets:

We encourage experimentation with regard to headset design. Our "recommended" design (available in kit form) is the result of extensive field testing, but it is certainly not the only possible solution. So ... once our app is published, we hope that a number of do-it-yourselfers will tackle the headset problem on their own and come up with innovative solutions. To enable such efforts, we provide a full list of components below.

Headset Component List For Do-It-Yourselfers (North American Sources):

UK-based Micbooster is also a trusted source of components, especially for UK and European Do-It-Yourselfers:

The Binaural Headset - Part 1: Introduction