MICROPHONE HAT -- hands-free recording

 by Thinkenstein
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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 1: Safety

WORKING PVC (46).JPG
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.
matchumatchu says: Nov 10, 2009. 12:23 PM
that is about the dumbest thing i have ever seen.
Thinkenstein (author) in reply to matchumatchuNov 10, 2009. 2:29 PM
Admittedly, it does looks rather dumb.  It's nothing I would normally strut around with in public, anyway.  It does, however, do the job well that it was designed to do, and I don't see it. 
zomfibame in reply to ThinkensteinNov 18, 2011. 5:37 PM
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.
Verttech4 says: Aug 4, 2011. 9:14 AM
The audio sounds GREAT! :D
erwinmeyer says: Dec 21, 2009. 8:19 PM
That's cool... Now, all you have to do is attache a small (Lipstick) camera and shoot a music video... You go Scat Man.
mskogly says: Nov 22, 2009. 12:42 AM
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.
Seasam says: Nov 16, 2009. 1:18 PM
you have a sweet beard!
Thinkenstein (author) in reply to SeasamNov 17, 2009. 4:52 AM
Thanks.  I've grown rather attached to it over the years. 
JAZ97 says: Nov 3, 2009. 6:45 PM
LAZY!!!!!! it be perfect for me but instead of building one ill just buy it
lol jk
solarpoolheatinggurl says: Sep 17, 2009. 5:55 AM
This one was great a helmet mic very useful in battle though...
ry25920 says: Aug 19, 2009. 12:08 PM
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.
Thinkenstein (author) in reply to ry25920Aug 20, 2009. 11:08 AM
Thanks. Of course, besides the microphone, it is also the recorder. Anyway, it's a backwoods solution. At least it works.
robotguy4 says: Aug 19, 2009. 5:36 PM
Now the question is: How do you get the microphones that the Bigfoots (Bigfeet?) implanted in mah teeth out? Neat idea!
lemonie says: Aug 19, 2009. 12:52 PM
The sound quality is very good. Dare I say you'd beat Rolf Harris in a battle of the one-man bands...?

L
bustedit says: Aug 19, 2009. 12:12 PM
I love it! 11 stars!
pineapplenewton says: Aug 19, 2009. 11:20 AM
and subtle too.
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