User Manual Q&AAnswer
Feb 25, 2025 - 12:49 AM
The recommended system gain and input impedance for the Aquarian Audio H1a hydrophone depend on the specific application and the sounds you are attempting to monitor. Generally, if you are driving headphones or a line audio circuit, or working with a computer sound device, you may require 20 dB of gain for industrial monitoring, 40-50 dB for listening to cetaceans and large aquatic wildlife, and 60 dB or more for very distant or faint sounds.
The input impedance of your preamp is also important for the low-frequency response of the hydrophone. Higher input impedance will give you an extended low-frequency response. The low-frequency cutoff can be calculated using the formula: Fc = 1 / 0.000000157 * R, where Fc is the frequency at which electrical output is 3dB down from nominal and R is the input impedance of your preamp.
For example, using a preamp with an input impedance of 300 Kohms will give you a low-frequency cutoff of 20 hertz, which is the low end of what humans can hear. A preamp with an input impedance of 100 Kohms might work well for a PA system on a whale-watching vessel, giving a low-frequency cutoff of 64 Hz, compatible with most speaker systems.
If you are plugging the H1a into a standard piece of audio equipment and the plug fits, you are likely working with the right type of preamp. However, if you need specific gain or low-frequency response, it is recommended to check the specifications of your preamp or consult with a professional audio technician.
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