Alternative Uses for Smartphone Windscreen "Fur" Coats: Noise Reduction for Birdsong Recording and Capturing Infrasound

Windscreen "fur" coats, commonly used to protect microphones from wind noise, have proven to be versatile tools beyond their primary function. These furry covers, often seen on professional microphones, can be repurposed for unique applications such as recording birdsong and capturing infrasound. In this blog post, we'll explore how these windscreen "fur" coats can enhance your audio recording experiences in nature.

Introduction to Windscreen Fur Coats

Windscreen fur coats are designed to reduce wind noise by diffusing airflow around the microphone. They typically consist of a synthetic fur material attached to a foam windscreen, which effectively dampens wind-induced sounds. This setup allows for clearer audio capture in windy conditions, making it ideal for outdoor recording.

Recording Birdsong with Reduced Noise

Birdsong recording is a delicate art that requires minimizing background noise to capture the purest sounds of nature. Here’s how a windscreen fur coat can help:

1. Noise Reduction: By placing a windscreen fur coat over your smartphone's microphone, you can significantly reduce wind noise, allowing the subtle sounds of birdsong to shine through.

2. Improved Audio Quality: The fur coat helps maintain audio clarity by preventing wind from directly hitting the microphone, ensuring that the recorded sounds are crisp and clear.

3. DIY Setup: You can create a makeshift windscreen using materials like faux fur and foam. Simply wrap the fur around a foam core and secure it over your smartphone's microphone.

Capturing Infrasound

Infrasound refers to sound waves with frequencies lower than 20 Hz, which are below human hearing range. These low-frequency sounds can be challenging to capture due to their subtle nature and the need for specialized equipment. However, a windscreen fur coat can aid in this process:

1. Reducing Interference: The fur coat can help shield the microphone from higher-frequency wind noise, allowing for a cleaner signal that might include infrasound.

2. Enhanced Sensitivity: By reducing ambient noise, the setup can make the microphone more sensitive to low-frequency sounds, potentially capturing infrasound more effectively.

3. Experimentation: While not a substitute for dedicated infrasound equipment, this method can be an interesting DIY experiment for enthusiasts.

Tips for Using Windscreen Fur Coats

1. Choose the Right Material: Opt for a high-quality fur coat that provides good wind protection without compromising audio transparency.

2. Secure the Setup: Ensure the windscreen is securely attached to your smartphone to prevent it from shifting during recording.

3. Experiment with Placement: Try different microphone placements to optimize sound capture, especially when recording birdsong.

Conclusion

Windscreen fur coats, originally designed to combat wind noise, offer surprising versatility in other audio recording applications. Whether you're an avid nature enthusiast looking to capture birdsong or an experimentalist interested in infrasound, these furry covers can enhance your recording experiences. By repurposing this technology, you can unlock new possibilities for capturing the sounds of nature with greater clarity and precision.