Contact microphone

The DrAlienSmith The Gravity is a passive contact microphone designed to pick up vibrations directly at the source. Unlike a conventional air microphone, it captures the mechanical resonances of an instrument, surface or object with an extremely close, organic and often surprising sound.

Handmade in Australia by Al Smith, the Gravity fits perfectly into the DrAlienSmith world: unusual tools designed for audio engineers, musicians and sound designers looking for original textures and off-the-beaten-track recordings.

A different technology from traditional contact mics

Unlike most contact microphones, which use piezo transducers or geophones, the DrAlienSmith The Gravity is based on a "plate and coil" design derived from vibration speakers/transducers. This approach gives a much wider frequency response than conventional contact mics, with more bass, more treble and an overall more natural, immersive sound. Where some contact mics can sound narrow or harsh, the Gravity offers a wider, deeper and more organic reproduction of vibrations and acoustic resonances.

A mic designed for experimentation

Its passive design lets you connect it directly to a mic preamp, audio interface or console without phantom power. Its behaviour varies enormously depending on the surface used, making it a particularly inspiring tool in the studio.

On an acoustic guitar, it reveals playing details and wood vibrations with impressive closeness. Placed on a piano, it captures internal resonances and soundboard movement with a very cinematic character. Used on percussion, metal objects, glass or even furniture, it immediately opens the door to unusual sound textures.

The Gravity does not try to be a neutral or transparent mic. It is a true creative tool designed to add substance, character and original sound layers to a music production or sound design project.

An excellent sound design tool

The DrAlienSmith The Gravity will easily find its place in a setup dedicated to sound design, experimental recording, foley, or ambient and electronic productions.

It is also very useful for creating layers of acoustic textures and resonances that are impossible to get with a conventional microphone.

As is often the case with DrAlienSmith, each unit is made in small batches with a handcrafted, professional-studio approach.

Why we love it at Cool Kids Audio

The Gravity is exactly the kind of tool that makes you want to experiment straight away. You start by trying it on a guitar or a piano... and end up sticking it everywhere in the studio. Its very organic sound and its ability to reveal details you cannot hear with a conventional mic make it an excellent source of inspiration.