C305 Hydrophones

The H1a hydrophone is designed to provide high-quality audio performance in a low-cost device. It is very durable and can interface directly with high-impedance microphone or instrument preamps (please read important footnote about audio interface below). It offers very good sensitivity and low noise in the human auditory range. The H1a’s streamlined shape and high specific gravity will help to maintain a low working depth in a moving water column. Its compact size and the easy hand of its cable make it very portable and simple to use.

The H1a offers the following advantages:

• Low cost
• Low self noise
• Good sensitivity
• Robust design handles accidental drops and temperature extremes
• Compact (4.5mm OD) Low-noise cable with tough urethane jacket
• Very high dynamic range
• Connects directly with 1/4″ TS plug to High-impedance microphone circuits and musical instrument amps
• User can buy or build preamp to focus on application-specific systems
• High-quality REAN gold output connector
• Compact size and easy hand of cable
• High specific gravity and streamlined shape keeps hydrophone down in currents

DESCRIPTION:

The A5 is a new hydrophone from Aquarian Audio that improves upon the bandwidth and sensitivity of the well-established “H” series hydrophones. Its very small size and standard panel-mounting design with low-profile output connector will make it very useful for integrated systems, such as autonomous recording units, autonomous and remote-operated vehicles, and dive camera enclosures. When fitted with the optional weight and longer cables, it will be equally useful for typical deep-water and field recording applications. The compact and rugged sensor design will be especially useful for leak-finding and other service and industrial sensing operations.

The A5 uses a low-profile 3.5mm TRS output plug that is easy to pass through cable glands or penetrators and allows for the option of adding optional accessories. It is designed to connect directly with standard digital recorders that offer plug-in power on a standard mini jack. It can be powered from one leg of phantom power, as used in microphone preamps with XLR input. However, we recommend using the PIP>XLR adapter for lower noise and true low-impedance, balanced output. NOTE: TRRS jacks, typically used for headsets with cell phones and computers, will require an adapter to break out the separate mic and headphone jacks. The A5 will not work directly with AUX or LINE jacks, such as used on marine stereos and powered speakers, as these will not supply plug-in power and do not offer adequate gain.

Specifications:

• Sensitivity: -173dBV re: 1uPa (-193 sensor + 20dB integrated signal conditioning)
• Linear bandwidth 20Hz – 10KHz (+/-4dB)
• Directivity: Omnidirectional (<20KHz)
• Max depth: 100 meters
• Output connector: 3.5mm TRS (wired dual mono–tip and ring output; sleeve

ground)(5.5mm outside diameter)

• Plug-in Power required (2.4V, 400uA min. 48V, 10mA max–see additional notes about

connections above)

• SEE PRODUCT IMAGES FOR DIMENSIONS AND RESPONSE PLOT

‘Custom length’ price includes 0.5m cable length. For additional cable length, please purchase CA-52 cable separately – see details below.

The H3 hydrophone was designed as a leak finding tool. It offers exceptional sensitivity in a very small size that can easily be inserted into plumbing systems. Additionally, its mechanically-balanced dual-element design minimizes acceleration noise. This helps lower handling noise and vibration-induced noise. The H3 is also used as a waterproof microphone in industrial applications where dust and coolants would make standard microphones unreliable.

The H3 hydrophone can be optionally assembled with our WT150g sliding stainless steel weight assembly for sinking the hydrophone. There are several advantages to placing the weight on the cable, rather than building it into the hydrophone. When the hydrophone is dropped, the cable flexes and deflects that impact away from the hydrophone. It also dampens vibrations in the cable that would be induced into the hydrophone signal as acceleration noise. The weight can be moved if needed to allow insertion into a pipe. These attributes are especially useful to the leak detection specialist.

Output Options:

• H3: 1/4″ TS output for use with PA1 amplifier, any high-impedance hydrophone or instrument amp or your custom design.
• H3b: Same as H3, but with BNC output, for use with the PA6 amplifier, typical test equipment, or your custom design.
• H3m: Buffered output (3.5mm TRS) for use with any consumer-grade microphone preamp that offers plug-in power.
• H3x: Same as H3m, but with XLR output, for use with professional-grade microphone preamps, phantom power required.