LOM Geofón, Leaf Audio, Manalive Audio: there aren't many geophones designed for field recording and sound design. Here's a simple geophone comparison, with prices checked on 13 September 2026 and the specifications stated by each manufacturer. We make one of them, so we'll also tell you when another model might suit you better.

The comparison at a glance

Key takeaways

Price

At €129.99, our geophone is the cheapest in this comparison. And even as an XLR pack with its accessories, at €139.99, it's still below the Leaf Audio Geophone S (€186), the LOM Geofón (€215.25) and the Leaf Audio Geophone L (€266).

Accessories

All these geophones come with ways to attach them: magnet, suction cup, spike. What sets ours apart is compatibility: our geophone's heads are the same as our hydrophone's. If you already own one, your accessories work on the other.

Cable and plug

Three metres of cable with us, against 1.5 m for the LOM Geofón and 2 m for the Leaf Audio models. And three plugs to choose from, where the other models are XLR.

Frequency range

We state 5 Hz – 5,000 Hz, LOM 10 – 1,000+ Hz, Leaf Audio 28 – 1,000 Hz (S) and 15 – 1,000 Hz (L). Each manufacturer measures in its own way: these figures give an idea, not an absolute truth.

Waterproofing

None of these geophones can go underwater. The LOM Geofón is weather-resistant but not submersible. Our standard version isn't waterproof, and a waterproof version is coming soon. For water, choose a hydrophone.

Shipping

Our geophones ship from France and are delivered everywhere in Europe and around the world within 7 days. In the European Union, our prices include taxes. Outside the European Union, import taxes may apply on arrival.

When to choose another model?

• To record in the rain right now : the LOM Geofón is stated as weather-resistant.
• If you want a sensitivity figure : LOM and Leaf Audio publish theirs, in V/m/s.
• If you want the whole kit included without choosing : the Leaf Audio models come with a clip and a carrying bag.

Why choose the Manalive Audio geophone?

• The cheapest in the comparison, from €129.99
• Handmade and tested in France
• Three plugs to choose from and 3 metres of cable
• No 48 V power needed
• Ground spike included, all the hydrophone's heads compatible
• A waterproof version in the works
• Shipped from France worldwide, taxes included in the European Union

• See the geophone versions and prices
• Our microphones for sound designers
• Hydrophone comparison: Manalive Audio, Aquarian, Ambient, JrF and Etsy

Your questions

What is a geophone used for in sound recording?

To record vibrations rather than sound in the air: the ground, wood, metal, a heartbeat, a vibrating bridge. It picks up lows and impacts that a regular microphone can't hear.

Does a geophone need power?

Not ours: a simple mic input is enough, without 48 V power.

Can a geophone be used underwater?

Not the models in this comparison. For water, you need a hydrophone. A waterproof version of our geophone is coming soon.

Sources

• LOM Geofón, manufacturer's website
• LOM Geofón, manufacturer's manual
• Leaf Audio Geophone S, Thomann
• Leaf Audio Geophone L, Thomann