Product Overview
The JLI Aspen is a compact phantom-powered field recording microphone built around our JLI-9750AL26-HD electret microphone capsule. Part of the JLI Field Series, a family of compact microphones designed for nature recording, environmental ambience, wildlife, and other outdoor recording applications.
Aspen combines a high-sensitivity, low-noise omnidirectional capsule with phantom-powered electronics and a balanced XLR output. The circuitry is housed inside a genuine Neutrik XLR connector shell, producing a very compact microphone that connects directly to professional recorders, microphone preamplifiers, mixers, and audio interfaces.
A waterproof acoustic membrane protects the capsule from rain, spray, and airborne moisture. Aspen is available individually for mono recording or in quantities of two for stereo field recording.
Design & Performance
Aspen was designed for field recordists who want the acoustic performance of the JLI-9750AL26-HD capsule with the convenience of a standard balanced, phantom-powered XLR connection.
The microphone capsule and protective acoustic membrane are built into a genuine Neutrik XLR shell, while the phantom-powered electronics are contained within the connector body. This eliminates the need for a separate microphone enclosure and keeps the completed microphone small enough for discreet placement in the field.
The JLI-9750AL26-HD is a 9.7 mm omnidirectional electret capsule with a nominal sensitivity of -26 ±3 dB and a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 82 dB. Its omnidirectional pattern is well suited for natural ambience, wildlife, sound effects, and environmental recording where sound may arrive from many directions.
Phantom-powered electronics provide a balanced output for connection through standard XLR microphone cable. This allows the microphone to be placed remotely from the recorder without being limited to the permanently attached cable length of a typical plug-in power microphone.
Aspen is highly water resistant but not submersible. The acoustic membrane protects the capsule from normal outdoor moisture, but the microphone is not intended for underwater use, immersion, or prolonged exposure to standing water.
Field Recording Samples
Hear JLI Aspen alongside JLI Willow in direct field-recording comparisons. The recordings were made simultaneously with both microphones positioned together and connected to the same recorder using identical gain settings. Both recordings received the same gain adjustment in post so their original relative output levels are preserved. No noise reduction, equalization, compression, or other corrective processing was applied.
Moving Water
JLI Aspen — this product
JLI Willow
Frogs at Night
JLI Aspen — this product
JLI Willow
What’s Included
- One completed JLI Aspen field recording microphone
- Foam Windscreen
- Padded storage pouch
Aspen microphones are sold individually. Order two microphones for use as a stereo pair.
Key Features
- Compact phantom-powered field microphone
Connects directly to standard professional recording equipment through XLR. - JLI-9750AL26-HD microphone capsule
High-sensitivity omnidirectional capsule provides low-noise, full-range sound capture. - Balanced XLR output
Suitable for use with standard microphone cables and remote placement away from the recorder. - Genuine Neutrik connector shell
The microphone electronics are contained in a proven professional connector housing. - Highly water-resistant capsule assembly
A waterproof acoustic membrane protects against rain, spray, and airborne moisture. - Flexible mono or stereo use
Use one Aspen for mono recording or two microphones for independent stereo placement. - Small and discreet
Compact construction allows placement where a conventional microphone body would be intrusive.
Applications
- Nature and wildlife recording
- Environmental ambience and soundscape recording
- Streams, forests, wetlands, and weather
- Sound effects gathering
- Remote microphone placement
- Outdoor documentary and location recording
- Spaced-pair and other stereo recording arrangements
- Room ambience and general omnidirectional recording
Who This Product Is For
Aspen is intended for field recordists who prefer professional XLR connections and phantom powering but do not need the size of a conventional microphone body.
It is a good choice for portable recorders, mixers, and audio interfaces equipped with phantom-powered microphone inputs. Because each Aspen has an independent balanced output, two microphones can be positioned and recorded separately for flexible stereo capture.
Technical Description
Aspen uses one JLI-9750AL26-HD omnidirectional electret capsule. The capsule has a nominal sensitivity of -26 ±3 dB, a specified frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz, and a signal-to-noise ratio greater than 82 dB.
The capsule signal is interfaced with phantom-powered electronics contained inside the Neutrik XLR shell. The completed microphone produces a balanced output compatible with standard microphone inputs that provide the required phantom power.
The omnidirectional pickup pattern provides consistent response around the microphone and allows broad acoustic environments to be captured without precise aiming. For stereo recording, two Aspen microphones may be spaced and oriented independently according to the desired recording technique.
A waterproof acoustic membrane protects the capsule from exposure to rain and moisture. The membrane does not provide wind protection, so an appropriate windscreen should be used when recording outdoors in moving air.
Specifications
| Product Type | Phantom-powered field recording microphone |
| Product Series | JLI Field Series |
| Powering | 48v Phantom Power |
| Microphone Capsule | JLI-9750AL26-HD electret microphone capsule |
| Polar Pattern | Omnidirectional |
| Capsule Sensitivity | -26 ±3 dB |
| Capsule Frequency Response | 20 Hz–20 kHz |
| Capsule S/N Ratio | >82 dB |
| Output | Balanced microphone-level output |
| Connection | 3-pin XLR |
| Connector Housing | Genuine Neutrik XLR connector shell |
| Capsule Protection | Waterproof acoustic membrane |
| Environmental Protection | Highly water resistant; not submersible |
| Available Configuration | Sold individually; two may be used for stereo recording |
Use & Care
Aspen is designed to tolerate rain, spray, and moisture encountered during normal field recording. It should not be submerged, used underwater, or installed where water can collect around the capsule or connector.
After use in wet conditions, disconnect the microphone, wipe the exterior dry, and allow it to air dry completely before storage. Do not use compressed air or direct heat on the acoustic membrane.
Use an appropriate windscreen when recording outdoors. The waterproof acoustic membrane protects the capsule from moisture but does not eliminate wind noise.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment is required?
Aspen requires a microphone input that supplies compatible phantom power. It may be connected through a standard balanced XLR microphone cable.
Is Aspen sold as a pair?
Aspen is sold individually. Two microphones may be ordered and used together for stereo recording.
Is the microphone waterproof?
The capsule is protected by a waterproof acoustic membrane, making the completed microphone highly resistant to rain, spray, and moisture. It is not designed for immersion or underwater recording.
Can Aspen be connected directly to a recorder?
Yes, when the recorder has a compatible phantom-powered XLR microphone input. Otherwise, a suitable external microphone preamplifier or audio interface is required.
Can Aspen be used with long microphone cables?
Its balanced XLR output is intended for connection through standard microphone cable, making it suitable for placement at a distance from the recorder.
