the c-series+ 'ecoutic' microphone

available from September 2024

JRF C-SERIES+ 'ECOUTIC' ADAPTED CONTACT MICROPHONE

The 'ecoutic' adaptation is suitable for use in ecoacoustic research and creative sound practices. 

An adapted version of the now iconic c-series microphones that have been at the forefront of creative sound and scientific research for many years, leading the way in new techniques to explore sounds in the soil, plants, trees, architecture and in performance. They’ve been part of ground breaking studies, shifts in knowledge about multiple species, installations, exhibitions, albums, award winning documentaries, films and games, and, of course, a vast range of artistic works, across forms & genres.

£60 inc. c-cm+ mic with fitted adaptor + 3 probes (UK)
£65 inc. c-cm+ mic with fitted adaptor +3 probes (rest of world)

postage options include 1st class, special delivery (UK) or tracked (rest of world)

with neutrik jack and 2m cables as standard

supplied with three probes; small, medium and long
(spare probes are also available for an additional cost)

*if you have the budget we do suggest using the ecoutic mic with the impedance adaptors to XLR (£25), as this improves the frequency response further

This adaption is based on the mics that Jez and Pheobe use in some of their own work and research , and allows different sized, interchangeable probes to be attached easily to the microphone. They were developed alongside the techniques that Jez devised.

As with every JrF microphone, ethics and the principle of quality sound at a reasonable price has guided the process, with each part of the adaptation being sourced from recycled or sustainable materials where possible, microphone elements that are custom built for the widest frequency response + acoustic transfer coatings.

The adaptation is simple, with the adaptor attached to a c-cm+ mic. We could have created a new, bespoke part but the additional cost to customers and environmental impact was an issue, therefore we are using parts already in production for other uses. We have however worked with manufacturers to increase the use of recycled materials and to remove coatings on the adaptors and probes that can affect some insect species.

Batches will be released at regular intervals. Email to order or be placed on the list for the next available batch.

*further advice and information can be found below.

the c-series+ ‘ecoutic’ adaptation - general advice (additional advice is available on the plant-tree-soil recording page)

. As mentioned, this adaptation uses parts already in various manufacturing systems, to keep costs affordable to customers and reduce additional environmental impacts. Apart from using this adaptation in our own works (see moss listening, ink botanic, soil horizons and secret sound of trees) we carried out extensive research on different ways to approach the adaptation, in consultation with leading ecoacoustic researchers from across the world. We firmly believe, as with other JrF mics, that the version we are making available represents the best balance between outstanding results and cost. In terms of sensitivity, frequency response and the overall sound they significantly out perform soil monitoring systems costing several hundred GBP / Euro’s, and expand this area of research into creative sound practices further.

. This adaptation is simple; it involves attaching a small adaptor to a c-series+ contact mic. The cost represents the additional time required & the sourcing of ethically produced parts (animal testing free, recycled where possible), free from coatings that can affect various plant & insect species.

. Jez has been recording in plants, trees and soil systems for many years, helping expand and enhance the practice, and being one of the pioneers of extended field listening / recording techniques, in both urban and rural environments.

. build - JrF c-series+ contact mics have a very wide frequency response, due to using custom built elements and other patented processes. It is however important to remember that there is a degree of fragility with all microphones, especially those that work through surface / contact resonance. They might not cost as much as the most expensive microphones, but you should always treat them as if they do (unless risk is part of your creative process of course).

. probes - the probes are attached by simply twisting them once into the adaptor mounted on the mic. They can be easily changed and disconnected. The probes are in use in other settings, however the ones we supply have been specifically supplied to us without the coatings and other treatments that can affect certain species.

. results - when recording the sounds of sub-surface environments and species, it’s important to remember that we are pushing recording technologies to their limits. This kind of work is amongst the most challenging and requires patience, luck and a recorder with decent pre-amps.

WHICH VERSION OF THE C-SERIES+ MICS SHOULD YOU BUY?

If you are interested in a wide range of applications, such as recording surfaces (bridges, fences, instruments etc), attaching to the outside of trees & plants, and other experimental / extended techniques, then the normal c-cm+ is the ideal option. 

The 'ecoutic' version was designed alongside the techniques Jez developed for recording in a more stable & focused way the sounds of sub-surface environments and species. The adaptor fitted to the surface of the mic, allowing for the probes / waveguides to be attached, does mean this version is less adaptable to some other applications. 

You can of course buy both versions.