Artificial head
Artificial head
Several models were available in the 1970s. The vendors were the "usual suspects": Neumann, Sennheiser, and AKG.
Their different approaches resulted in units that sounded unique. The Neumann KU 80, the Sennheiser MKE 2002, and the AKG D99c "Harry."
All of these models are well known, and you can find pictures of them online. Some units are still available, and people are rebuilding the "Harry" in particular.
This is quite doable but results in a rather heavy artificial head.
Several models were available in the 1970s. The suppliers were the “usual suspects”: Neumann, Sennheiser, and AKG.
Their different approaches resulted in devices with unique sound. The Neumann KU 80, the Sennheiser MKE 2002, and the AKG D99c “Harry.”
All of these models are well known, and you can find pictures of them online. Some devices are still available, especially the “Harry” model, which is currently being reissued.
This is entirely feasible, but it results in a rather heavy artificial head.
However, as promised, we strive for solutions that are both effective and affordable.Therefore, we opted for an acrylic sphere with a diameter of 17 cm, some insulation wool from a hi-fi speaker, two silicone ears, and two small microphones with omni characteristics.
The acrylic sphere can be purchased online or in craft stores for very little money.
We still had the insulation wool from the speaker in stock. But you can use any fabric that is as fluffy as possible. This absorbs resonances and reflections inside the sphere.
Then cut or drill holes into the silicone ears. The diameter should be slightly smaller than that of the microphone capsules. This will hold them in place easily.
The silicone ears are now glued to the outside of the ball. Either with normal household glue or some silicone. Let the glue dry completely before you continue.
Now insert the microphones into the ears from the inside of the sphere and feed the cables out of the ball. You may need to drill an additional hole.
To be able to screw the ball onto a microphone stand using the appropriate screws, you need to drill another hole at the buttom of the sphere. Make sure it is centered.
We used tape to stick the two halves of the sphere together. This allows us to easily open the sphere again for maintenance.
It's time for your first recordings! Connect the microphones to your handheld recorder and check if phantom power is needed. Then, simply press the "Record" button and enjoy!
The results are amazing, proving that you don't have to spend a fortune to make binaural recordings with an artificial head.
Did we mention, that the Neumann KU 100 costs about 8,800 USD? (https://www.thomannmusic.com/neumann_ku100.htm).
There is no doubt that the results will sound much better, with less self-noise from the microphones.
You can put money in your piggy bank and, once it has grown up, buy a KU 100.
Until then, your own artificial head will serve you well, and you can achieve reasonable results with some de-noising tricks. But that is another story and another article.