In *Phasmophobia*, the Parabolic Microphone is a crucial piece of Optional Equipment that can significantly enhance your ghost-hunting experience. If you're new to this tool, here's a detailed guide on how to unlock and effectively use the Parabolic Microphone in your investigations.
How To Unlock Parabolic Microphone in Phasmophobia
Three tiers of Parabolic Microphones – Screenshot by The Escapist
Unlock and upgrade the Parabolic Microphone in the shop – Screenshot by The Escapist
The Parabolic Microphone is classified as Optional Equipment in *Phasmophobia*, which means it isn't automatically provided to your character. To get your hands on this tool, you'll need to reach a certain level and then purchase it from the in-game Shop.
Like all equipment in *Phasmophobia*, the Parabolic Microphone comes in three tiers, each offering increased quality and reliability. To unlock the first tier, you must reach Level 7 and then head to the shop to add it to your equipment loadout (as seen in the images above).
The second tier becomes available at Level 31 and will set you back $3,000 to upgrade. The third and final tier unlocks at Level 72, costing you $5,000 to complete the upgrade.
Once unlocked, you can equip up to two Parabolic Microphones in your loadout, regardless of the size of your party. However, if you decide to Prestige your character, be aware that resetting to Level 1 means you'll need to unlock each tier of the Parabolic Microphone all over again, just like all other equipment.
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How To Use Parabolic Microphone in Phasmophobia
Screenshot by The Escapist
To utilize the Parabolic Microphone during your ghost-hunting contracts in *Phasmophobia*, you'll first need to ensure it's part of your loadout, which you can set via the Shop portal. This ensures the microphone is available in the truck when you start your investigation. Note that in Challenge Mode, the preset loadout might not include the Parabolic Microphone.
Once you're on-site, select the Parabolic Microphone from the equipment wall in the truck to equip it, similar to any other item. Use the appropriate button to toggle it on or off. If you're using the tier 3 version, you'll benefit from an attached radar screen that helps you pinpoint the direction of the sound (as shown above).
Screenshot by The Escapist
The Parabolic Microphone is particularly useful on medium or large maps in *Phasmophobia*. It allows you to track the ghost's location through sound, offering an alternative to traditional methods like using a temperature gauge or EMF Reader.
The microphone picks up various noises produced by the ghost, such as objects being thrown, doors being moved, or the ghost's voice itself. This can not only help you locate the ghost but also assist in completing Optional Objectives that require capturing the ghost's voice through the Parabolic Microphone.
Moreover, certain ghost types like the Deogen or Banshee emit unique sounds that can only be detected with the Parabolic Microphone. This unique information can be vital in identifying these specific ghost types.
With this guide, you're now equipped to unlock and use the Parabolic Microphone effectively in *Phasmophobia*. Keep exploring The Escapist for more guides and the latest news on the game, including how to unlock all achievements and trophies in *Phasmophobia*.
*Phasmophobia is available now on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.*