H1a Hydrophone

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
• 1-year limited warranty

Recommended devices:
Use with the PA1 buffer or PA6 preamp listed on our Amplifiers Page for the perfect high-fidelity interface with your existing microphone preamp.
Use with the Honeytone amplified speaker for low-cost, portable PA system.

User Manual--includes specifications and warranty statement

Custom cable lengths: Select the custom option above, then buy hydrophone cable separately from the accessories menu. Leave notes at checkout with assembly details.

Audio interface notes: Please note that, though this hydrophone does work with most recorders and audio interfaces that offer a 1/4" microphone or instrument (line-level) input jack, the user should be very careful to ensure that the device offers adequately-high input impedance and gain. Recorders and computer sound interfaces that offer a DI or Instrument input that is compatible with direct connection to an electric guitar can work well, but many of these devices do not offer enough gain, resulting in poor sensitivity from the hydrophone. If you try to adapt to a 3.5mm or XLR microphone input, you will lose your low frequencies because of improper impedance matching. It is also possible, when connecting to a device with a 1Mohm or higher input impedance, that you will get unwanted acceleration noise which can saturate the preamp. If not using one of the recommended devices noted above, and you are unsure about compatibility with your device, please contact us for technical support with component compatibility.

Reseller accommodation and Quantity discounts: Please see our policies page for details.

H1a pictured with Honeytone Amplified Speaker.