Wildtronics pro mini parabolic User manual

Wildtronics, LLC
Pro Mini
Parabolic
Instruction Manual
2016 Model

Thank you for purchasing the Wildtronics Pro Mini Parabolic. Your new
parabolic reflector kit was designed for years of service, ease of use,
superior performance, and allows installing many cylindrical
omnidirectional, cardioid, and even lavalier microphones. You may also
easily install the high performance, low noise Wildtronics Micro Mic
series microphones. The Pro Mini Parabolic is a modular system that will
require mounting a microphone into the hub to complete the parabolic
microphone. Use commonly available cables to connect your microphone
to your recorder. Read the entire manual before installing your
microphone.
Parts Identification:
Referring to the photo on page 2, the part names of the Pro Mini
Parabolic are labeled. These names will be used throughout the manual to
describe parts.
1. Parabolic Reflector -Depending on the model, it will be clear
polycarbonate or black ABS.
2. Hub -This is where the microphone is inserted and secured.
3. Accessory Mount -Used for mounting our Mini-Accessory Bar.
4. Handle -With a foam comfort grip.
5. 1/4-20 Tripod/Hotshoe Threaded Insert -Metal insert that allows
attachment to tripods and hotshoe adapters.
6. Hairy Ring -Retains the windscreen when the windscreen is installed.
7. Thumbscrew -Used to retain the microphone.
8. Mic Adapter Sleeves -Used to adapt to different diameter
microphones. One is thin, and one is thick.
9. Lavalier Mic Adapter -Used to mount a lavalier microphone into the
Hub.
10. Cardioid Mic Vent Seal -Used to cover the vents on the side of a
cardioid microphone, in case a cardioid microphone is used.
1

2
Pro Mini Parabolic Parts
1 Thin, 1 Thick
Mic Adapter Sleeves
Lavalier Mic Adapter
Cardioid Mic
Vent Seal
Parabolic Reflector
Hub
Accessory
Mount
Hub Detail
Hairy Ring
Thumbscrew
Handle
1/4-20 Tripod/Hotshoe
Threaded Insert
Microphone Adapters
Foam
Windscreen

3
Recommended microphones to use:
We recommend using an omnidirectional microphone for best results.
You can use a cardioid microphone, if that is all you have, but you must
seal the vents on the side of the microphone as described later. Shotgun
microphones will not work with parabolic reflectors at all, since their
polar response is too narrow, and would pick up very little of the sound
reflected by the parabolic dish. Use cylindrical, pencil style, microphones
that are 19-26mm in diameter. You may also use most lavalier
microphones with the included lavalier mic adapter. Remember that
lavalier microphones are typically noisy, and should be avoided for long
range use or faint sounds. For best results, use a microphone with less
than 16dBA self noise. The lower the better for increased range and
quality of recordings. Wildtronics offers the Micro Mic Series
Microphones that are high quality, low noise, and easily fit into the Pro
Mini Parabolic. Other common microphones that would work well are:
Sennheiser MKH20, MKH8020; Audio Technica 4022; DPA 4060;
Schoeps Mk5, and MK2H.
Installing a Wildtronics Micro Mic PIP Microphone:
Installing a Micro Mic PIP microphone is very straight forward and easy.
Attach your cable and slide the cable and microphone in from the front of
the dish until the o-ring contacts the Hub. The microphone is now at the
focal point. Tighten the Thumbscrew to retain the microphone. Next, slip
the Windscreen over the hub and carefully pluck the sides to fit the
Windscreen around the Hairy Ring. The Hairy Ring provides firm
retention of the Windscreen. That is it, your microphone is ready to use.
Install Micro Mic PIP so that the
O-ring contacts the Hub, and
tighten the Thumbscrew.
Install the Windscreen over the
Micro Mic PIP, and around the
Hairy Ring.

4
Installing a typical cylindrical microphone:
Installing a typical microphone is similar to installing the Micro Mic PIP,
but you will have to set the focal point before tightening the
Thumbscrew. You may find it easier to insert the microphone from the
rear of the Mini Parabolic. Set the focal point, where the actual
microphone’s element is located. The focal point is located 25mm or 1-
inch in front of the face of the Hub. Accuracy of 1-2mm results in
maximum performance. Tighten the Thumbscrew and install the
Windscreen over the microphone and the Hairy Ring. You may use the
windscreen that came with your microphone if you want.
25mm Adapter Sleeve
Insert microphone so that the
mic’s actual element is 25mm in
front of the Hub face. This is the
focal point of the parabolic dish.
Depending on the diameter of your
microphone, you may need an
adapter sleeve. See the table
below for the sleeve to use.
Cardioid Seal
Use the thin or thick adapter sleeve
if needed to retain your microphone.
If you use a cardioid microphone,
as shown above, note the vents
on the side of the mic. Place the
cardioid seal over the mic. The seal
converts the cardioid response to an
omnidirectional mic response,
improving the overall performance.

5
Using Mic Adapter Sleeves:
To allow for various microphone diameters, Wildtronics uses adapter
sleeves that fit over the microphone and into the Hub. Select the adapter
you need from the table below. Align the slot in the sleeve 90 degrees
from the thumb screw for best clamping.
Sleeve Use Table
Microphone Diameter
Sleeve Needed
18 -19.5 mm
Thick
19.5 - 22.5 mm
Thin
22 - 26 mm
No Sleeve Needed
Installing a Lavalier Microphone:
You may install a lavalier microphone by using the Lavalier Mic Adapter.
It should be noted, in general, there are very few lavalier mics that have
low noise. Therefore, lavalier mics should not be used when you need
maximum range or when in a quiet environment. However, we include a
the Lavalier Mic Adapter to improve the reach and isolation of the
lavalier. This results in a shotgun microphone like response.
Thread the lavalier mic so the mic
sticks out from one end of the tube.
Take one of the foam rubber
pieces, and open the slice to fit
around the mic. Try to protrude the
mic from the foam by about 6mm
or a 1/4 inch. If your mic is large,
you can protrude it more.

6
Next, insert the foam rubber and the
mic into the tube until the foam is
flush with the end of the tube. Your
mic should protrude as shown.
Retain the cable on the opposite
end of the tube with the other foam
rubber piece, by inserting the cable
into the slice.
25mm
Squeeze the foam rubber around
the cable, and insert into the tube
until the foam is flush as shown.
You can pull on the cable slightly
to straighten and seat the mic. T
is now securely held.
he
mic and cable
Insert the mic and adapter into the
Hub, until the front end of the mic
is 25mm from the face of the
Hub. This is the exact focal point.
Tighten the Thumbscrew to retain
the assembly. Install the
Windscreen over the mic and Hairy
Ring. You can also use the wind-
screen that came with your mic for
a double windscreen.
Using the Cardioid Mic Vent Seal:
Use the Cardioid Mic Seal around your mic if you are using a cardioid
mic. This seal prevents sound from entering the back side of the mic
element, converting the cardioid response into an omnidirectional
response. This will improve the overall performance of your parabolic
system by improving the gain and frequency response.

7
Using the Accessory Mount:
The Accessory Mount is located on the back side of your Pro Mini, just
under the Hub, on the Handle. The Accessory Mount can be used to
mount the Wildtronics Mini Accessory Bar. The Mini-Accessory Bar
allows attachment of a small, hand-held recorder. This allows for quick
easy use with just one short cable to your microphone.
The Accessory Mount. Attaching a small hand-held
recorder using the Mini-Accessory
Bar.
Using Pro Minis to Capture Stereo Sound:
The compact, light weight Pro Minis are ideal for stereo use. The
available Wildtronics Mini Stereo Bar accessory can be used in many
different ways. Mount two Pro Minis, a camera, a recorder, extra mics,
tripods, and more. Independently point at two subjects or maintain a fixed
angle. Perfect for capturing a stereo image for run and gun filming or
audio recording.
Hand holding two Pro Minis, and a
recorder with the Mini Stereo Bar.
The system is light, superbly
balanced, and easy to hold.
Here is an example of using two
Pro Minis with a camera.

Using the Parabolic Microphone:
Parabolic microphones are highly directional microphones that have
acoustical gain. They are intended for use when increased signal strength
and isolation of a single subject, beyond the ability of any other type of
microphone, is required. They have many applications including:
recording distant birds, animals, insects, people, background sound
reinforcement, etc. Simply point the microphone within 10-15 degrees of
your subject. Since the microphone becomes more directional as the
frequency increases, you should aim the microphone within five degrees
of the subject for full frequency response. The pointing accuracy is more
critical for recording higher pitched birds and insects.
8
Using a hotshoe mount adapter to
mount a Pro Mini directly to a
camera.
Care:
The Wildtronics Pro Mini Parabolic doesn't require much maintenance.
When the dish is dirty, blow off excess dirt with air, and clean with a mild
dish detergent and water mixture using a microfiber or a very soft cloth.
Other recommended cleaners are Novus No. 1, Plexus, Brillianize, or
wipes used to clean flat screen TV's. Each microphone is cleaned with
Novus No. 1 before it ships from the factory. You can use Novus No. 2,
and 3 to polish out haze and scratches that may develop over time. Do not
use any solvents, and avoid contact with DEET on any plastic products.
Other accessories are available for
your Pro Mini Parabolic, such as:
hotshoe adapters, a camera quick
release, stereo Y cables, ball
swivel mounts, and more. Visit
www.wildtronics.com for the latest
available.accessories

9
The most important warning is not to point the microphone at the sun,
even if it is cloudy. The perfect parabolic shape not only focuses sound,
but also radiant heat from the sun, like a giant magnifying glass. Pointing
the microphone towards the sun, even when it is cloudy, will quickly
overheat and damage the microphones, and may start burning the
windscreen material. We recommend a maximum storage temperature of
200/93° F/C. Exceeding 200/93° F/C may distort the parabolic dish
permanently. A hot car interior should not exceed 185/85°F/C. Also
avoid load or stress on the dish, at higher temperatures, such as setting
the dish on it's side, or placing objects against the dish. Avoid any
conditions that will bend, stress, or distort the parabolic dish for longer
periods of time. If you really need to “roll” the parabolic dish to fit inside
airline luggage, never roll the 0.030 thick clear dish tighter than 4-5
inches in diameter. Do not bend the Black Ops dish. Rolling the clear
dish can be great for traveling or temporary storage. For long term
storage, keep the parabolic dish away from any sunlight, in cool
temperatures, and not rolled. If you need expendable parts such as
windscreen or dish replacements, contact Wildtronics, LLC for service
part pricing and availability.
Warranty:
The Wildtronics Pro Mini is warranted for 1 year against manufacturer
defects and limited operational problems when used under normal
conditions. Wildtronics will try to resolve any problems. No part of the
microphone will be covered under warranty if the microphone was
pointed towards a heat source or the sun, or stored at over 200/93° F/C,
as this is a user error that will cause damage to the microphone.
This product has been manufactured and tested to the highest quality
standards by Wildtronics, LLC. This Limited Warranty offered by
Wildtronics, LLC covers defects in material or workmanship in new
Wildtronics, LLC products. This warranty extends to the original
purchaser only and is non-transferable. Only consumers purchasing
Wildtronics, LLC products from authorized Wildtronics, LLC retailers,
Wildtronics, LLC distributors, or through the Wildtronics, LLC website
may obtain coverage under our limited warranties.
What is covered? Wildtronics, LLC warrants this product against defects
in material or workmanship as follows: Wildtronics, LLC will replace at
no charge parts, or at its option, replace any assembly of the product that
proves defective because of improper workmanship and/or material,