Parabolic Microphone 580 - Large Parabolic Dish
Parabolic Microphone 580 is a large, field-ready parabolic microphone dish designed to mount either the Røde Lavalier GO or the Deity W.Lav Pro.
For the best recording and editing experience, pair it with the free TalonFab Recorder and Editor.
The 580 mm reflector collects more sound energy than a compact dish and begins providing useful acoustic gain at lower frequencies. It delivers increasingly strong amplification and directionality through the core bird-vocalisation range, helping isolate distant subjects from surrounding bush noise, insects, water and other off-axis sound.
This makes it particularly useful for recording quiet, distant or difficult-to-approach species, documenting calls during surveys, and capturing cleaner source material for identification, analysis or publication.
The microphone is positioned at the acoustic focus of the dish and recessed below the rim to help shield it from direct wind. Rounded dish edges further reduce abrupt airflow around the reflector.
The dish is manufactured from lightweight carbon-fibre-reinforced ASA and divided into four accurately aligned quadrants. Interlocking seams locate the sections during assembly, while mechanical fasteners hold the completed reflector together as a rigid structure.
Unlike a permanently bonded dish, the bolted construction allows individual sections to be separated again for transport, storage, maintenance or replacement.
The integrated handle and lightweight structure provide a stable platform for handheld operation. Mounting points allow the completed microphone to be attached to a tripod, while a rear accessory mount positions a compatible phone or audio recorder within view of the operator.
What’s included
1 × Parabolic Microphone 580 dish, supplied in four quadrants
1 × Integrated handle, boom arm and microphone mount
1 × Complete dish assembly hardware set and assembly tools
1 × 1/4-20 mounting bolt for a compatible phone holder or audio recorder
What you’ll need
The following items are purchased separately:
- RØDE Lavalier GO or Deity W.Lav Pro microphone
- Compatible audio recorder or smartphone
- Suitable phone holder or recorder adapter
- USB-C microphone interface when recording directly to a compatible smartphone
- Stable tripod or support system when tripod mounting
For a compact, self-contained recording system, we recommend the Deity PR-2, which includes a Deity W.Lav Pro microphone and supports 32-bit float recording with minimal overall system weight. The optional TalonFab Deity PR-2 Tripod Mount Adapter allows the recorder to be attached directly to the rear accessory mount.
TalonFab Recorder and Editor can be used to record, clean up and export your audio, including applying frequency-response compensation designed for this microphone.
Note: The Zoom F3 audio recorder is compatible but requires a mounting plate (e.g. SmallRig MD4883) due to the recessed tripod socket.
Key Benefits
- Greater acoustic reach
The 580 mm dish collects substantially more sound than compact parabolic systems, improving the recording level of distant and quiet subjects. - Useful gain at lower frequencies
The larger reflector begins providing acoustic gain at lower frequencies than the 300 mm model, making it better suited to deeper bird calls and a broader range of wildlife vocalisations. - Stronger subject isolation
Narrower directionality through the primary bird-call frequency range helps reduce surrounding environmental noise and competing off-axis species. - Four-quadrant construction
The dish separates into four sections for more practical shipping, transport, maintenance and long-term storage. Interlocking tongue-and-grove joints locate the reflector sections accurately, while mechanical fasteners create a stiff completed dish without relying on permanent adhesives. - Wind-aware microphone placement
The microphone sits recessed within the dish, with rounded reflector edges helping reduce direct wind interference. - Easy Carry, Mount and Storage
Use the integrated handle for mobile recording, attach a carry strap or or attach the microphone to a suitably rated tripod for extended monitoring and fixed-position recording. - Integrated recorder mounting
The rear accessory point allows a phone or compact recorder to be mounted where levels and recording status remain visible while aiming the dish. - Built for outdoor environments
Carbon-fibre-reinforced ASA provides stiffness, heat resistance, UV stability and long-term dimensional stability for repeated field use. - Designed and made in Australia
Designed, manufactured, assembled and field tested by TalonFab in Australia.
Example Use Cases
Recording shy or sensitive wildlife
Maintain greater distance from subjects while still capturing useful, detailed audio.Wildlife sound recording
Produce clearer, more repeatable recordings for species identification, acoustic monitoring and field records.Wildlife filmmaking
Capture focused production audio without positioning recording equipment immediately beside the subject.Handheld or tripod-mounted recording
Comfortable handheld use, or stable fixed positioning for longer recording sessions.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Dish diameter | 580 mm |
| Dish construction | Four removable interlocking quadrants |
| Microphone compatibility | RØDE Lavalier GO or Deity W.Lav Pro, depending on selected variant |
| Material | Carbon-fibre-reinforced ASA dish, structural components and handle |
| Mounting, base | 1/4-20 female |
| Accessory mount, rear | 1/4-20 male |
| Wind protection | Recessed microphone placement |
| Assembled weight | ~1.2 kg |
| Assembly | User assembly required |
| Tools required | Included |
| Made in | Australia, by TalonFab |
Safety and Use
Parabolic Microphone 580 has a large surface area and can be strongly affected by wind. Always maintain a secure grip and use caution in exposed conditions.
When mounted on a tripod, use a stable support rated for the complete system and any attached recording equipment. Do not leave the dish unattended in windy conditions. Additional ballast may be required when using lightweight tripods.
Ensure every quadrant fastener and mounted accessory is secure before use. Periodically inspect the dish joints, mounting hardware, strap and recorder attachments.
The reflector and structural components are designed for outdoor use, but weather resistance is also determined by the installed microphone and recording equipment. Protect electronic devices from rain, condensation, dust and salt spray as appropriate.
Avoid storing the assembled dish under sustained mechanical load or in a position where the reflector may be crushed or distorted.
Assembly Instructions
Parabolic Microphone 580 is supplied as four reflector quadrants together with the handle, microphone support and required fasteners.
The interlocking edges help align each quadrant before the bolts are tightened. Assembly can be completed using the included tools, and the dish may be disassembled again when required.
To assemble the microphone, complete the following steps:
- Join the first two quadrants
Align two dish quadrants and install an M4 × 14 mm bolt through the outermost pair of holes.
Place one M4 washer under the bolt head and a second M4 washer under the nut. The bolt head should sit on the recessed side of the joint, with the nut on the flat side.
Install the hardware loosely. Do not tighten it yet. - Secure the innermost holes
Install a second M4 × 14 mm bolt, two washers and one nut through the innermost pair of holes in the same arrangement.
You may need to apply gentle pressure to the edge of the quadrant to align the holes. Do not tighten the hardware yet. - Attach the remaining quadrants
Join the remaining two quadrants using the same method.
Use an additional:
6 × M4 × 14 mm bolts
12 × M4 washers
6 × M4 nuts
Leave all fasteners loose at this stage. - Install the central seam fasteners
Use:
4 × M4 × 14 mm bolts
8 × M4 washers
4 × M4 nuts
Install these through the central bolt holes on the quadrant seams positioned 90 degrees from the microphone opening.
Keep the fasteners loose until all components are installed. - Attach the handle and microphone mount assembly
Position the Handle and Microphone Mount Assembly against the dish and secure it using:
4 × M4 × 35 mm bolts
8 × M4 washers
4 × M4 nuts
As before, place one washer under each bolt head and one washer under each nut.
Do not fully tighten the bolts yet. - Tighten all fasteners
Once every bolt has been installed and the dish is correctly aligned, tighten the hardware gradually.
Begin with the innermost and outermost bolts on each seam, then tighten the central bolts and the Handle and Microphone Mount Assembly fasteners.
Tighten the bolts evenly around the dish rather than fully tightening one joint at a time.
Avoid overtightening. Firm pressure is sufficient, and excessive force may damage the printed components.
Check the fasteners periodically and confirm they remain secure before each use.