The Sound of Machines
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A List of the Contact Microphones That I Use.
🕑 Added 2025-03-25 21:06:13 +0000 UTCA common question I get on my posts is "what is that little thing you are using?". The answer, more often than not, is "a piezo mic".
Also known as "contact microphones", they are fun, affordable elements that can pick up vibrations in objects and convert them to sound.
While some of the ones I use have been engineered by folks smarter than I am and include built-in pre-amplification and filtering, for the most part I just use the simple ones you can find when doing a quick search online.
For quick reference, I've put together a list below for you to use when sourcing the right one for your needs. While most of these link to Amazon, also check out Ali Express for cheaper (yet slower shipping) options.
You can also look for DIY sellers on Etsy as well as Reverb. Just be sure the seller is legit before buying from them.
And as a note, I don't have any affiliations with these brands. Enjoy!
Pre-made Piezo Mics
Pack of 5 Standard Piezo Mics - Amazon
3-in-1 Piezo Mic Premade - Amazon
Clip-on Piezo Mic - Amazon
Make Your Own Piezo Mics (Tutorial video coming soon)
Professional Mics (More $$$ but better quality)
Comments
Rich Bernett
Info sharing like this is great!
Will
thanks for all the great info and links. I’ll add that one can improve the frequency response of these microphones with a buffer or preamp that helps match the impedance of the mic with an amp, mixer etc. Your low frequency response will greatly improve by doing this. some reading: https://knowledge.lom.audio/research/contact_mics That Zeppelin Design Labs Cortado mic kit has the circuit for impedance matching.
