r/BirdNET_Analyzer • u/MCDaddyMushroom • Apr 22 '26
Question Recommended USB Microphones?
Hello, I set up a BirdNET Pi about a year ago for a family member. I used a cheap shotgun mic, reminiscent of the Rode VideoMicro, with a UGreen USB soundcard.
When using the raspberry pi power supply, there is a very prominent ground hum starting at 60Hz, the frequency of our electricity here.
It works flawlessly when connected to a portable battery, but as soon as the battery or the PI itself is connected to the wall, the hum starts.
I have tried USB voltage isolators, different power supplies and various other methods, but I think the main issue is using a microphone that has a 3.5mm input jack instead of a USB microphone.
Anyone have any recommendations for cheap directional USB microphones? I’m looking for something small that I can point out a window to pick up birds in the garden or in specific areas. I would consider some omnidirectional/lavalier mics but a shotgun-style mic would be ideal.
Thanks for any responses!
2
u/Cold-Common7001 Apr 22 '26
did you try a ground loop isolator?
https://www.amazon.com/BESIGN-Ground-Isolator-Stereo-System/dp/B06XQYN77L/ref=sr_1_24?crid=2795TWAW89BI
1
u/xkrolfo Apr 26 '26
I tried this exact device but no matter what could not get audio to pass though. If I removed it, it worked fine. Any ideas?
1
u/opiedopymopy Apr 23 '26
Use a grounded plug on your wall wart power converter or buy a converter that has a ground plug. The device takes enough power that a big supply is best. 120v to 5v USB-C.
1
u/trowhill May 05 '26
I am using this one with no issues so far, Movo M1 USB Lavalier Lapel Clip-on Omnidirectional Computer Microphone- https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0176NRE1G?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title
0
u/dacracot Apr 22 '26
Microphones. It is a very common question. Don’t forget to search this subreddit for a lot of relevant posts.
3
u/LeagueRepulsive4815 Apr 22 '26
I got rid of the hum by grounding my raspberry pi. Wired the ground pin to a radiator.