Microphone for recording footsteps and other surface vibrations.

by Matt
(Leeds, UK)

Hi,

I'm looking for a microphone that can be used to record the impact noise of a footstep or tyre noise of a vehicle traversing the ground. Originally I was looking at vibration sensors/accelerometers however I am on a limited budget (£175) and these often come in at 150 each, I need 3 or more. A microphone seems the obvious way to go but any tips or tricks you could come up with would be much appreciated. Ideal I would like a 360 degree pickup pattern however I can settle for something like a cardoid pattern good 90 degree coverage is a minimum ideally 180 degrees. From my research it appears that up to 90% of the energy from a footstep is transmitted through the ground as surface acoustic waves a method of recording these would be fantastic.

Thanks in advance,

Matt