where do i go to learn how to build a medium range microphone?

Question

I am hearing impaired and an electronics geek wannabe, also retired . Hobby. Need to pick up sounds outside house, fifty feet away.

Answer 1

You will definitely want to use a condenser microphone for the purpose you have stated. It is cheaper to buy one of quality, and quality is what you would want, again, for the stated purpose.

If the area you want to pick up is narrow. then you would be looking for a cardioid polar pattern. If extremely narrow, perhaps a "shot gun" type microphone.

If you are wanting the largest area to be covered, then you would want a mic with an omni-directional polar pattern.

Condenser microphones need a power source to operate, commonly somewhere between 9 and 48 volts. Most will accept a nine volt battery, while others will require "phantom power" from an audio mixer.

In either instance, a mixer may be required, although most high impedance mics can plug directly into a guitar type amplifier. I would recommend low impedance. If the mic is to be outside, I am assuming a lengthy cable run to a mixer. Low impedance will provide the best performance with the least interference.

A small, inexpensive mixer produced by Behringer will do the trick. I would recommend, for your purposes, model XENYX 502, for $44.95. This has a 1 mic input preamp and four more line level inputs, into which you could run your TV, Video, computer audio or CD player, then send some or all of it to your power amps and speakers.

The mixer above and a suitable microphone is currently available through American Musical Supply at www.americanmusical.com.
Their prices are very reasonable.

I hope this is of help to you................

Answer 2

I've never tried, but this link shows you how to build a condenser mic. Good luck.

Answer 3

it's much easier (and probably cheaper) to buy one that to build one.
Check with music stores and security system providers.