Binaural MIC. What to choose? And what is my choice?

What is binaural recording?

Artificial head with binaural MIC

Binaural is one of the recording methods seeking to reproduce the natural human sound perception and this, by restitution through headphones. The principle is to send to each ear a sound as similar as possible to that received by the ears when they listen to a natural sound scene. This implies recording with an artificial head and sound reproduction by headphones, because reproduction by loudspeaker inevitably introduces crosstalk destroying the binaural effect, which does not take place with headphones. Hence the importance of watching my videos with headphones.

Of course, as we will not be able to walk with a "head" like this in the street, the idea is to use our head by putting the microphones in the ears.

Here, we will look at which product we can perform binaural recording and what was my choice and for what reason.

In this post, you can compare the 4 models that I had selected for myself with the prices and test videos.



First! Sennheiser Ambeo Smart Headset

Amazon link for more infomation : https://amzn.to/3d0GK2L 

The AMBEO Smart Headset is the first set in the world to offer mobile, compact and intuitive 3D sound recording. Its headphones are equipped with omnidirectional microphones that capture the sounds around you just like your ears. This makes the AMBEO Smart Headset the ideal new tool for video bloggers and other content creators who want to dazzle their audiences with sound that is just as immersive as their images. Especially since the resulting 3D recordings can be enjoyed through any pair of stereo headphones and make you feel like you are truly there and listening live. Using Apogee's proprietary PureDigital technology, the AMBEO Smart Headset integrates seamlessly with Apple iOS devices - and of course delivers the premium sound quality of Sennheiser.

Price : $79.95 now on Amazon (Was : $99.99)


2nd, Okm II Classic 


Soundman OKM II, Similar in appearance to the small in-ear headphones you usually find supplied with a smart phone or iPod, the Soundman binaural microphones where developed to try to capture sound the way we perceive it by making the microphones small enough to fit in the ear. Using computer matching, the pairs of microphones are carefully selected and in use the results are startling, generating very realistic spatial stereo imaging.

Soundman introduces itself with the original Soundman OKM II Klassik Studio (electret microphones) with omnidirectional characteristics, which enable spatial recording of live music, vocal recordings and video recordings. They simply fit over the ear like Walkman headphones while recording and work the same as artificial stereo headphones. They can operate on line inputs and are powered by a battery.

Test video : https://youtu.be/-99w6lb2vbM


3.Hooke Verse

Amazon link for more infomation : https://amzn.to/2OgbjHd

Just like Sennheiser with its Ambeo Smart Headset intras, Hooke Verse joins the very small family of in-ear devices offering binaural recording. This model is distinguished at first glance by its atypical look and its hook-shaped passage behind the ear. The intras and hooks are protected by plastic shells.

Hooke Verse can record wireless to Android and iPhone using the Hooke mobile apps and the Hooke pro grade Bluetooth recording codec.
Hooke Verse can record wired to DSLR, Field Recorders, GoPros and Computers using the included Hooke recording cable.
Simply pair Hooke Verse with your phone and open the Hooke app. From there you can record video or audio, instead of using the built in mic on your phone, you will be capturing stunning immersive audio straight from your ears. Allowing the world to hear just like you do.

The Advantage is above all its connectivity via bluetooth. Which means that you can use your smartphone as a recorder.

Price : $217.02 now on Amazon

Test video :  https://youtu.be/sN2YSBgu5k8


4.Roland cs-10em binaural microphone

Amazon link for more infomation : https://amzn.to/2N5aX5r

The CS-10EM is used for both listening and recording in stereo at the same time, which is very convenient - the perfect companion for the Roland R-05 and R-09HR recorders. Put on the earbuds with microphones and record everything you hear. And listen immediately after. The realism of the sound is amazing, as you were at the center of the sound. Thanks to the all-in-one design of the CS-10EM you can record and listen at the same time.

The CS-10EM from Roland is a unique 2-in-1 product that allows you to create binaural recordings and monitor them at the same time. With the same form factor as in-ear headphones, each earpiece also holds a high-quality condenser microphone. Simply put them into your ears and connect them to a portable recorder such as the R-05 or R-09HR to record binaural stereo recordings of your environment. The microphones are powered by the recorder, accepting 2-10V.

You can choose to monitor your recording while it's being made, or play it back over the headphones after you're done recording. The closed in-ear design and multiple eartip sizes allow you to get a solid, comfortable fit in the ear that blocks out ambient noise and reduces feedback. The headphones have a pair of standard 3.5mm connectors, one for the mics and one for the headphones. In addition to the extra eartips, you also receive a convenient carrying pouch.

Price :$79.95 + FREE Shipping 

Test video : https://youtu.be/UDCUQJ6YYM0


My choice

I really hesitated among these 4 mic. but my choice is quickly oriented towards "roland cs-10em binaural microphone".

First, As you have seen, Sennheiser Ambeo is not made for Android phone users. And even with Iphone I prefer to separate my work tool and my phone. I don't like to hear ringing while recording.

So it's not for me. And for the same reason I also eliminated "Hooke Verse".

Okm II Classic, although it seems to me to be known by professionals, I can not find much information on this mic. Maybe it's great but seems a bit expensive to me (186euros in France).

Finally, I have "roland cs-10em binaural microphone" which is well known and renowned by other film makers.

Only downside, you have to buy a separate recorder or you can plug it into your camera or gopro (but my Osmo pocket doesn't have a suitable connection).


I hope it has been useful for you, for those who want to invest more to improve the quality of your videos.

Thank you for leading.

My Youtube Cannel : http://www.youtube.com/c/Relaxedwalker4k





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