If you’re interested in binaural audio recording or you’re thinking about buying a binaural microphone, this review will help you decide which option is right for you.
In this article, I review and compare two binaural microphones from SR3D:
- The SR3D Pro XLR binaural microphone
- The SR3D DIY binaural microphone kit
Both were tested in a range of real-world scenarios, including indoor and outdoor recording, quiet ASMR-style sounds, and louder environments like fireworks.
👉 Watch the full binaural microphone review video here:
https://youtu.be/…
What Is Binaural Audio?
Binaural audio is designed to replicate the way humans hear sound.
We have two ears, spaced a short distance apart, and our brain uses timing, level differences, and reflections from our head and ears to determine direction and depth. Binaural recording mimics this by using:
- Two microphones (one for each “ear”)
- Omnidirectional capsules
- Human-ear spacing
- A dummy head or artificial ears to create realistic spatial cues
When listened to on headphones, binaural recordings can sound incredibly immersive — placing the listener inside the soundfield.
Why I Tested the SR3D Binaural Microphones
One of my ongoing interests is spatial and immersive audio, so I was pleased when SR3D contacted me and asked if I’d review some of their microphones.
They sent me:
- The SR3D Pro XLR binaural microphone
- The SR3D DIY binaural microphone kit
I tested both microphones:
- Indoors and outdoors
- On quiet sources (ASMR-style sounds)
- On louder sources (including fireworks on Bonfire Night)
The goal was to see how they compare in noise performance, stereo balance, detail, and usability.
SR3D Pro XLR Binaural Microphone
The SR3D Pro XLR is the company’s higher-end binaural microphone and is clearly aimed at more serious field recordists and sound designers.
Setup Used
For my outdoor recordings, I connected the Pro XLR outputs to a Zoom H5 recorder, creating a compact and portable binaural rig.
What I Liked
- Low noise floor
- Excellent clarity and detail
- Works well for interior and exterior locations
- Very compact and travel-friendly
- Clean, balanced stereo image
The Pro XLR performed particularly well for natural ambience recording, making it a strong option for:
- Field recording
- Sound effects
- ASMR
- VR and immersive audio projects
If you have the budget, this is a very solid binaural microphone.
SR3D DIY Binaural Microphone Kit
The DIY binaural kit is designed as a more affordable entry point into binaural recording.
What’s Included in the Kit?
- Molded artificial ears
- Two individual microphones (one per ear)
- Housing and mounting components
- Combined 3.5mm output cable
- Windscreens
Since my initial review, SR3D has updated the kit to include:
- A camera mounting bar
- Screws and adapters for attaching a phone, GoPro, or small camera
- Matched stereo microphone pairs for better balance
These updates address some early limitations and are well worth noting.
DIY Kit Assembly Notes
As shown in the video, assembling the DIY kit is straightforward, but there are a few things to be aware of:
- The microphones need to be pushed firmly into the ears
- Tissue paper (or similar material) should be used inside the housing to separate the microphones
- Tighten the mounting socket securely so it doesn’t loosen inside the case
Once assembled, you end up with a neat, portable binaural microphone rig.
Indoor Recording Issues (DIY Kit)
When recording indoors with the DIY kit, I experienced an electrical hum / buzz that I couldn’t fully eliminate.
Important context:
- I tested in multiple positions around my house
- Some rooms were quieter than others
- I tried different recorders, including the Sony M10, with similar results
After contacting SR3D, they told me this wasn’t a common issue. It could have been:
- The specific test unit I received
- Electrical interference in my home
- Environmental wiring issues
Because I couldn’t test in other indoor locations, I can’t definitively identify the cause — but it’s something to be aware of when recording indoors with the DIY kit.
Outdoor Recording & Fireworks Test
Outdoors, the DIY kit performed much better:
- Electrical noise was no longer an issue
- Ambient recordings sounded clean
- Firework recordings were immersive and enjoyable
I did notice:
- Slight left/right imbalance in the DIY recordings
(SR3D now uses matched stereo pairs, which should address this) - Slightly less high-frequency detail compared to the Pro XLR
That said, for the price point, the results were still very respectable.
DIY vs Pro XLR: Key Differences
SR3D Pro XLR
- Lower noise
- Better high-frequency detail
- More consistent stereo balance
- Better suited to professional work
SR3D DIY Kit
- More affordable
- Slightly noisier
- Less high-end detail
- Great for learning binaural recording
- Performs best outdoors
As expected, the Pro XLR outperforms the DIY kit — but the DIY option is still a great introduction to binaural audio.
Microphone Capsule Upgrade Options
SR3D offers different microphone options for the DIY kit.
If you upgrade to EM272 Primo capsules, you’ll get:
- Better noise performance
- Improved clarity
- More consistent results
If you’re concerned about noise or balance, this upgrade is worth considering.
Final Thoughts on the SR3D Binaural Microphones
I hope you found this binaural microphone review helpful.
- If you want a high-quality, portable binaural microphone, the SR3D Pro XLR is an excellent choice.
- If you’re new to binaural audio or working on a tighter budget, the DIY kit is a fun and educational way to get started — just be aware of potential indoor noise issues.
👉 If you’re interested in the SR3D microphones, you can check them out using my affiliate link here: SR3D Link
I really appreciate any purchases made through that link — it helps support the site and the channel.
Also, if you plan on doing binaural recording, I highly recommend checking out the audio tips section on the SR3D website. Binaural recording works differently from traditional stereo techniques, and a little preparation goes a long way.