ContourHD Microphone Modification

 

Warning:  Unless you are comfortable with handling small items and electronic devices do not attempt this.  Opening your ContourHD camera will more than likely VOID any warranty. 

You perform this procedure at your own risk and I will not be held responsible for any damage, loss of sound or any other detrimental outcome associated with your ContourHD.

 

You will require the following items:

A small crosshead (Phillips) screwdriver.

A small quantity of foam sheet.

 

For alternate mod you will also need

Fast set glue.

Dremmel or similar tool.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From here there are three possible ways to proceed.

  1. Foam between outer body and microphone.
  2. Foam over microphone and foam between outer body and microphone.
  3. High density foam (ear plug) over microphone.

 

 

Option 1.

 

Cut a small piece of foam to fit inside the rubber body cover.  In doing so, it will provide wind protection between the outer rubber body cover and the internal microphone inside the plastic camera body.  This is the simplest and quickest modification.

 

Look at the underside near the front LED on the plastic camera body and you will see a small hole.  This is the Microphone opening.

 

 

The foam I used was thin low density foam I had from a previous project.

 

 

I simply cut it to size and made a small cut for the LED to show through.

 

 

 

Option 2.

 

Open the body of the camera by removing the three silver screws, two are visible, one is under the grey plastic tape at the top of the camera body.  You will see in the below image one of the screws is at the bottom to the right of the brass thread.  The silver screws are seated deep inside the body.

 

Once you have removed that screw you will need to gently peel back both the grey tape and red (record) tape enough to allow the body to come apart.  There is no need to remove the tape full, allow it to remain attached to the other side for ease of re-assembly.

 

You camera will now look like this.

 

The microphone.

 

 

Do not pull on the wires, they will break off.  Use a gentle prying motion behind the microphone to ease it out.

 

 

Remove the rubber grommet

 

 

Use some thin low density foam and wrap it around the microphone and re-assemble.  That’s Option 2 finished.

 

 

Option 3.

 

Use a foam ear plug as pictured above.  I cut it in half and then using a dremmel and small drill bit cut out a hole to take the microphone. (do not use the black rubber grommet)

 

You can apply some fast drying glue (super glue) and pinch the foam together to set.  Then gently ease the microphone back into the recess on the body.  Trust me when I say it will be a tight fit.  Be gentle and take your time.

 

 

To be perfectly honest I found the noise reduction to be too good and I could not hear myself when I spoke and could just hear some wind noise when tested by blowing air at the microphone.  I suppose that’s why they use that foam for ear plugs J.   That’s Option 3. completed.

 

Re-Assembly

 

Carefully close the two parts of the camera together.  Ensure the two microphone leads are not trapped between the two halves. Push the two plastic tags (grey and red record) down so they stick.

 

Testing

You can slip the black rubber cover onto the bottom of the camera (with foam insert as per option 1. if required.)  Insert a battery and memory card into the camera.  By pushing the small button at the rear you can turn the camera on.  Place the sliding switch (check the little tag underneath fits into the groove) onto the camera in the rearward position, slide it forward, be careful that it does not catch on the tags.  Do a test recording to see if you have achieved your desired sound reduction.

 

If not, then gently disassemble and modify your foam as required.

 

If you are satisfied with your sound levels then continue to reassemble.

 

Remove the rubber cover so you can screw together the camera body.  Use the three silver screws to secure the body back together, one screw goes under the edge of the grey tag at the top.

 

Replace the rubber cover and insert the two tags (hinges) of the rear cover onto the back of the body as you do so.  Push up into position and secure rubber cover with four black screws.  Do not over tighten.  If you have foam in between the camera and the cover you may need to apply a small amount of pressure to compress the foam to allow the screw holes to align.

 

Next slide the metal anodised body back over the lens. Ensure it does not catch on the grey label and stop half way as pictured below.

 

                     

Place the sliding switch (check the little tag underneath fits into the groove) onto the camera in the rearward position.

 

 

Slide the metal anodised body fully to the rear ensuring it does not catch on the red record label.  Secure with two small black screws. Do not over tighten.

 

Use this opportunity to clean the lens and lens cover.  Screw lens cover back onto lens and continue to rotate until the screw-hole lines up.  Using the last small black screw secure the lens cover.

 

That’s it.  Good luck.