You've just bought your hydrophone or you'd like to have one! Don't worry! Learn here how to use your hydrophone!

The Manaliveaudio hydrophone is designed for multiple uses thanks to its interchangeable heads and tips. Under ice or boiling water, on land or underground, it lets you create and listen to unique sounds. Watertightness is guaranteed by the total encapsulation of the capsule and electronics in resin, as well as hermetic walls.

Getting started :
To operate the microphone, you need a signal amplifier (preamplifier). It's important to note that the microphone will not work if you connect it directly to a telephone, loudspeaker or computer (see recommendations for beginners*).

Here are some examples of devices that work with this hydrophone:
-Zoom Recorder (H4/H4n/H4nPro/H5/H6/F3/F6)
-Sound Devices
-Smart Rig II and other portable amplifiers -Public address speaker with microphone input only. Requires an application and a phone with mini-jack input or adapter.
–HoneyTone AmpIn my opinion, the best choice for simple listening at sea, without recording.

Connection :
Depending on your installation, connect the microphone to the microphone input on your device, making sure that it corresponds to the model you have chosen (mini-jack 3.5mm, large jack 6.35mm or XLR).
Set the microphone gain high enough to amplify the signal.
Connect your headphones or a loudspeaker to the output of your amplifier.
Do not use 48v, as the microphone is dynamic and does not need to be powered.

If your preamplifier is not efficient enough, there is a practical solution, the Tritton Audio FetHead, which uses a 48v power supply to add output gain to any dynamic microphone.
Do not unscrew the top part / do not force it as this may damage the microphone. Avoid proximity to electronic equipment that could cause interference or nuisance sound. Temperature range -30°C to 96°C.
Limit prolonged contact with moisture at the plug.

Interchangeable heads :
Manaliveaudio hydrophones come with a range of heads and compatibility options. You can find them on the manaliveaudio.com store:
- Heavier hydrophone (sold by default), for sinking at depth.
- Lighter float, for floating on the surface.
- Thinner Magnet-Contact with a magnet for attaching to metal walls.
- Ventouse-Contact Slimmer with a suction cup for attaching to flat surfaces.
- Earth spike A spike to pick up vibrations close to the ground.
- Bait A hydrophone with a cavity to attract animals with bait.

Make sure you use the right connection for your hydrophone! Your choice of XLR, Mini-Jack or Big Jack!