Build Your First (Good!) Contact Microphone

Get the full series as it's released:   / 1678010   How to build a DIY contact microphone step by step (beginner-friendly guide). In this video, I’ll show you how to build your very first contact microphone using parts that cost under $10. A contact mic lets you capture vibrations directly from objects—sounds you won’t hear with a normal microphone. That means you can record textures, tones, and details that are usually hidden from the ear. You’ll learn: • What a piezo disc is and how it works • How to wire and solder a basic contact mic • The difference between unbalanced and balanced contact mics • How to upgrade your build for less noise and stronger signal Along the way, I’ll share some examples of contact mics I’ve built for my own projects—everything from waterproof versions to ones with magnets, suction cups, and even gloves with built-in mics. This video is part of a bigger series on building and using contact microphones. If you want to go deeper, I’ve made the full series available on Patreon, where I also share schematics, supply lists, and build notes: 👉   / 1678010   If you enjoyed this video, consider subscribing! Chapters: 00:00 What is a Contact Microphone? 01:33 Supplies for a basic contact mic 03:14 How to make a basic contact mic 05:36 A better type of contact mic 06:19 Supplies for a balanced contact mic 07:34 How to make a balanced contact mic 12:45 Next steps for upgrading your contact mic