With so many options and models of acoustic recorders, we've compiled a handy guide to each product. The guide includes an overview, applications and technical specifications.

STATIC

Static recorders refer to any acoustic recorder which is designed to stay in a permanent location for the duration of its recording. This is the most popular method of capturing acoustic recordings. These high-performance, high-quality pieces of equipment are installed and left for a period of time, to therefore give an accurate acoustic recording of a particular area.

SONG METER MINI

Why would I purchase the Song Meter Mini?

If you are looking for a Bluetooth-enabled wildlife audio recorder, with a built-in microphone, that is weatherproof, small, light, and affordable, without compromising on features, the Song Meter Mini Acoustic Recorder is a strong option.

What can I record with it?

This device will enable you to record birds, frogs and other vocal wildlife, with recording quality that is comparable to the standard Song Meter SM4. It is ideal for:

  • Species inventory
  • Presence/Absence surveys
  • Detecting endangered species
  • Monitoring habitat health

Technical Specification:

Bluetooth connectivity enables you to change settings, schedule recordings and receive recorder status information wirelessly, through the app. It even uses your mobile device to set date, time, time zone and location, so that you don't have to.

  • Optional second microphone for stereo recordings
  • Record up to 215 hours scheduled over months with 4 AA batteries (or up to 1,100 hours with 6 lithium-ion batteries in optional lid)
  • Compatible with Kaleidoscope Pro software to quickly scan recordings to help find species of interest
  • External Dimensions (mm): 123 x 168 x 36
  • Weight (g; with batteries): 290
  • Weight (g; without batteries): 190
  • Power Requirements: 4 AA Alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries for up to 215 hours recording*
  • Power via optional lid: 2, 4 or 6 18650 rechargeable lithium-ion batteries for up to 1,100 hours*
  • Memory: 1 SDHC/SDXC flash card slot (≥Class 4). Up to 1TB SDXC cards
  • Recording technology: 16-bit PCM .wav files
  • Channels: 1 built-in (2 with optional second microphone)
  • Recording Bandwith: 20Hz – 48kHz
  • Sample Rates: 8000, 12000, 16000, 22050, 24000, 32000, 44100, 48000, 96000 (in samples per second on one or two channels)
  • Microphone: Omni-Directional
  • Sensitivity: -11.0 ±4 dBfs/pa @ 1kHz, 0dB gain
  • Signal to Noise Ratio: 80 dB Typ. at 1kHz (1 Pa, A weighted network)
  • Max Input Sound Level: 105 dB SPL Typ.
  • Enclosure Material: Polycarbonate - fully weatherproof
  • Operating Temperature: -4°F to +185°F or -20°C to 85°C
  • Warranty: 2 years recorder/1.5 years built-in microphone

*Run times can vary depending on the characteristics of specific brands and models of flash cards, the kind and quality of batteries used, temperature and configuration. We recommend SanDisk brand SDHC/SDXC cards.

Please Note: The Mini Configurator app will work with most smartphones or tablets that have Bluetooth version 4.0 or later and run either iOS 10 or later, or Android 5.0 or later. The one major exception we've found is Android devices produced by Huawei, which do not use the same Bluetooth implementation as other major Android manufacturers.

SONG METER MICRO

Why would I purchase the Song Meter Micro?

The latest acoustic recorder from Wildlife Acoustics, the Song Meter Micro is lightweight, compact and weatherproof at an affordable price. Small enough to fit in your pocket, it’s ideal for small budget projects and hobbyists.

Bluetooth-enabled for wireless setting changes, scheduling, and status notifications. It sets date, time, time zone, and location set via your mobile device.

Compatible with Kaleidoscope Pro software

What can I record with it?

Records birds, frogs, and other vocal wildlife for up to 200 hours

Technical Specification:

  • Dimensions (w x h x d, mm): 74 x 101 x 28
  • Weight (g; with batteries): 195
  • Built in Microphone
  • Weight (g; without batteries): 73
  • Enclosure material: Polycarbonate
  • Recording technology: Single Channel 16-bit PCM .wav files
  • Recording bandwidth (Hz): 20 - 48,000
  • Maximum sample rates (Hz): 96,000
  • Signal to Noise Ratio (dBA @1kHz re 1Pa): 74
  • Power: 3 AA Alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries
  • Battery Run Time (hrs): Up to 200
  • Storage Options: 1 Micro SD card
  • Warranty: 1 Year Compatibility: The Micro Configurator App will work with most smartphones or tablets that have Bluetooth 4.0 or later and run either iOS 10 or Android 5.0 or later. The one major exception we've found is Android devices produced by Huawei, which do not use the same Bluetooth implementation as other Android manufacturers.

SONG METER SM4

Why would I purchase a Song Meter SM4?

The flagship bio-acoustic recorder from Wildlife Acoustics, the Song Meter SM4 is compact and weatherproof, and comes with two built-in microphones. Innovative scheduling tools. Large data storage. Ultra-low power consumption and compatible with Kaleidoscope Pro for analysis of your data.

What can I record with it?

Suitable for capturing acoustic data from wildlife such as birds, frogs and aquatic life over extended periods in the field. In addition to the built-in microphones, the SM4 bio-acoustic recorder also comes with two mic ports for a cabled microphone and/or hydrophone. Compatible with the SMM-A1 and SMM-A2 microphones and the SM3-H1 hydrophone.

The SM4's new Quick Start menu and Scheduler feature are an industry first. The unit comes pre-programmed with daytime, night-time, and continuous recording schedules. Simply choose your schedule and press the Start button. You can also create customised schedules to suit your exact needs.

Technical Specification:

  • Record in stereo or mono
  • Up to 400 hours of recording time using internal batteries.
  • Over a terabyte of data storage capacity
  • 3 year warranty
  • Recording Technology: Two-channel, 16 bit .wav
  • Bandwidth: 20Hz – 48kHz
  • Sample Rates: The recorder supports the following sample rates in samples per second on one or two channels: 8000, 12000, 16000, 22050, 24000, 32000, 44000, 48000,96000
  • Mic Directional Characteristic: Omni-Directional
  • Mic Sensitivity: -28 dB +/- 3 dB at 1 kHz (0 dB=1 V/Pa)
  • Mic Signal to Noise Ratio: 80 dB Typ. at 1kHz (1 Pa, A weighted network)
  • Mic Max Input Sound Level: 122 dB SPL Typ.
  • Storage: 2 SDXC/SDHC flash card slots (Class 4 or greater). More than 1 terabyte total capacity using 2 512GB SDXC cards.
  • Dimensions: Height: 8.6"/21.8 cm; Width: 5.9"/ 15.0 cm; Depth: 2.8/7.1 cm Weight: 1.4 lbs./.64kg without batteries; 2.7 lbs./1.2kg with batteries
  • Operating Temperature: -4°F to +122°F or -20°C to 50°C
  • Warranty: 3 years

HANDHELD

Handheld recorders are designed for active use out and about in the field. Given their portability, they are able to provide quality recordings from numerous locations and allow for flexibility in field work.

ZOOM H2N RECORDER

Why would I purchase a Zoom H2N Recorder?

The H2n Handy Recorder is the only portable recording device to come with five built-in microphones and four different recording modes: X/Y, Mid-Side, 2-channel surround and 4-channel surround. Other advanced features include automatic gain control and onboard MS decoding, plus effects like compression, limiting and low cut filtering. You can also use the H2n as a multi-purpose USB microphone.

What can I record with it?

Not only a great quality acoustic recorder for field notes and surveys of birds, amphibians and other vocal wildlife, but can also be used to record the output of handheld bat detectors.

Technical Specification:

  • Over 20 hours of continuous battery life
  • Built-in reference speaker
  • USB 2.0 audio interface
  • Includes 2 AA batteries
  • Use with an SDHC memory card of up to 32GB (not included)