Contact Microphone

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

Handcrafted in Australia by Al Smith, the Gravity fits perfectly into the DrAlienSmith universe: atypical tools designed for sound engineers, musicians, and sound designers looking for original textures and out-of-the-box recordings.

A microphone designed for experimentation

Its passive design allows it to be connected directly to a mic preamp, audio interface, or console without phantom power. Its behavior varies greatly 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 proximity. Placed on a piano, it captures internal resonances and soundboard movements 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 aim to be a neutral or transparent microphone. It is a true creative tool designed to add substance, character, and original sound layers to a musical production or sound design project.

An excellent tool for sound design

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

It is also very interesting for creating layers of acoustic textures and resonances impossible to obtain with a conventional microphone.

As often with DrAlienSmith, each unit is manufactured in small batches with a handcrafted approach geared towards professional studios.

Why we love it at Cool Kids Audio

The Gravity is typically the kind of tool that immediately makes you want to experiment. You start by testing it on a guitar or piano… then you end up sticking it everywhere in the studio. Its very organic rendering and its ability to reveal invisible details with a classic microphone make it an excellent source of inspiration.