MICROPHONE HAT -- hands-free recording

MICROPHONE HAT -- hands-free recording
Digital dictation recorders are fairly cheap. They have lousy speakers, but very good microphones and can download their files to a computer for editing.

I have an interest in music and recording. I want to develop my voice and also record the instrumental music I make. In order to record the scat singing I do sometimes, I wanted a portable microphone, so that I can do other things while I sing.

At first I thought of wearing the recorder around my neck, like a necklace. Movement of the dangling microphone would bring it into contact with my chest and clothing; thus creating unwanted noise. About the only place to wear it that wouldn't have that problem was on top of my head.
 
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Step 1Safety

Safety
We love plastics for what they do for us, but plastic manufacture and decay tend to pollute the environment and negatively affect our health.

Vinyl Chloride, one of the components of PVC, is carcinogenic. When it is locked up in the polymer, however, it is much safer to be around. In my years of experience working with PVC, I have not noticed any adverse effects on my health from being around it.

Always work in areas with good ventilation. If you do get caught in a cloud of smoke, hold your breath and move to clean air.

When heating PVC with a gas stove or propane torch, try not to let it burn. Smoke from burning PVC is bad. With experience one burns it less and less. Don't panic the first time you do burn some. It scorches, but doesn't immediately burst into flame. Move the material away from the flame and try again. Don't breathe the smoke. Smoke avoidance comes naturally for most people.

While heating PVC over a gas flame, keep the plastic an appropriate distance from the flame to avoid scorching the surface before the inside can warm up. It takes time for heat to travel to the center of the material being heated.

Keep the plastic moving, and keep an eye on the state of the plastic. When heated, the PVC material is flexible, like leather. Beyond this stage, you risk scorching it.

A word from James, the plastic engineer -- "Just a word of warning, PVC can handle some high heats but if it catches fire, you wont be able to put it out, it does not need oxygen to burn so don't do this inside".

I do work inside, but my house is made of cement and has good ventilation. MAKE SURE THAT YOU HAVE GOOD VENTILATION. PLAY WITH FIRE -- CAREFULLY.
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16 comments
Nov 10, 2009. 12:23 PMmatchumatchu says:
that is about the dumbest thing i have ever seen.
Nov 18, 2011. 5:37 PMzomfibame says:
ehhh, I do NOT think it looks "dumb"; I'd say it looks a little crazy, and no doubt home made, but that is part of it's cool factor. I'm diggin' it.
Aug 4, 2011. 9:14 AMVerttech4 says:
The audio sounds GREAT! :D
Dec 21, 2009. 8:19 PMerwinmeyer says:
That's cool... Now, all you have to do is attache a small (Lipstick) camera and shoot a music video... You go Scat Man.
Nov 22, 2009. 12:42 AMmskogly says:
Does it have voice activation? That would be perfect. Then you could just forget that is was up there and walk around doing strange things all day long.
Nov 16, 2009. 1:18 PMSeasam says:
you have a sweet beard!
Nov 3, 2009. 6:45 PMJAZ97 says:
LAZY!!!!!! it be perfect for me but instead of building one ill just buy it
lol jk
Sep 17, 2009. 5:55 AMsolarpoolheatinggurl says:
This one was great a helmet mic very useful in battle though...
Aug 19, 2009. 12:08 PMry25920 says:
I hate to say it, but it's called a headset/ clip microphone... But you know what?? That's the glory of it, why do it when you can over do it. Nice job 4 stars.
Aug 19, 2009. 5:36 PMrobotguy4 says:
Now the question is: How do you get the microphones that the Bigfoots (Bigfeet?) implanted in mah teeth out? Neat idea!
Aug 19, 2009. 12:52 PMlemonie says:
The sound quality is very good. Dare I say you'd beat Rolf Harris in a battle of the one-man bands...?

L
Aug 19, 2009. 12:12 PMbustedit says:
I love it! 11 stars!
Aug 19, 2009. 11:20 AMpineapplenewton says:
and subtle too.

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Author:Thinkenstein
I'm a refugee from Los Angeles, living in backwoods Puerto Rico for about 35 years now and loving it. I built my own home from discarded nylon fishnet and cement.