The Song Meter SM4BAT FS is one of the most widely used ultrasonic bat recorders available, designed specifically for long-term bat monitoring and ecological surveys. With more than 20,000 recorders sold across the Song Meter SM4 range, it has become an industry-standard solution for reliable, high-quality bat recordings.
Supplied with a low-noise, weatherproof SMM-U2 ultrasonic microphone and 5m extension cable, the SM4BAT FS is ideal for deploying microphones away from the recorder to achieve optimal positioning in the field. The recorder captures full-spectrum ultrasonic recordings and incorporates advanced triggering technology to help ensure that recordings are only made when bat activity is detected.
Designed for demanding field conditions, the SM4BAT FS features a fully weatherproof polycarbonate enclosure, extensive internal diagnostics, fail-safe recording technology and dual SD card slots for secure data collection during extended deployments.
Key Features
- Includes low-noise SMM-U2 ultrasonic microphone and 5m extension cable
- Industry-standard ultrasonic bat recorder trusted by ecologists worldwide
- Weatherproof design suitable for long-term outdoor deployment
- Advanced triggering records only when bat activity is detected
- Optional noise scrubber removes false triggers that do not contain bat calls
- Dual SD card slots provide failover protection and extensive storage capacity
- Stores recordings in full-spectrum WAV format or compressed W4V format
- W4V compression can effectively double storage capacity without reducing recording quality
- Flexible scheduling options including sunset and sunrise-based recording
- Optional GPS accessory allows date, time and location synchronisation across multiple recorders
- Optional 16kHz high-pass filter helps reduce low-frequency environmental noise
- Compatible with Kaleidoscope Pro software for call analysis
- External power compatible for extended deployments
Technical Specifications
- Recording Format: 16-bit PCM WAV or compressed W4V
- Channels: Single-channel ultrasonic recording
- Sample Rates: 192kHz, 256kHz, 384kHz and 500kHz
- Microphone: SMM-U2 low-noise ultrasonic microphone
- Run Time: Up to 480 hours (approximately 48 ten-hour nights), depending on bat activity and settings
- Power Options: 4 x D-cell alkaline or rechargeable NiMH batteries, or external power supply
- Storage: Dual SDHC/SDXC card slots
- Maximum Storage Capacity: 2 x 2TB SDXC cards (4TB total)
- Dimensions: 218 x 152 x 78mm
- Weight: 730g without batteries; 1300g with batteries
- Enclosure Material: Polycarbonate
- Environmental Protection: Fully weatherproof
- Operating Temperature: -20°C to 85°C
- Warranty: 3 years
Scheduling & Deployment
The SM4BAT FS can be configured to record continuously, at specific times, or relative to local sunset and sunrise times. Recording schedules can be programmed to start immediately or on a specified date and will repeat automatically throughout the deployment period.
This flexibility, combined with long battery life, large storage capacity and reliable weatherproof construction, makes the SM4BAT FS well suited to professional bat surveys, long-term monitoring projects and research applications.
- Dimensions (mm): 218 x 152 x 78
- Weight (g; without batteries): 730
- Weight (g; with batteries): 1300
- Enclosure material: Polycarbonate
- Fully Weatherproof: Yes
- Operating Temp: -4° to 185° F / -20°C to 85°C
- Recording Technology: 16-bit PCM .wav files or compressed .w4v files
- Channels: Single
- Sample Rates (kHz; full-Spectrum): 192, 256, 384, 500
- Run-time (hrs): Up to 480 (48 x 10 nights), depending on bat activity *Run times can vary by 50% depending on specific brands and models of flashcards, batteries used (alkaline versus rechargeable), temperature and configuration.
- Internal power: 4x D-size alkaline or rechargeable NiHM batteries
- Ext. power: via optional SM3/SM4 Power Cable
- Storage: 2x SDHC/SDXC flash card slots (class 4 or greater)
- Total capacity: More than 1 terabyte using 2x 512GB SDXC cards *Compression is available to further increase storage capacity. We recommend SanDisk brand SDHC/SDXC cards.
- Warranty: 3 years (excluding microphones, batteries, and accessories)
Delivery & Returns
Shipping is calculated at checkout based on order weight, product type and delivery postcode. Prices exclude VAT.
Delivery times
| UK mainland | 1 to 3 working days for orders placed before 2pm |
| Scotland, Northern Ireland & UK offshore areas | 2 to 5 working days for orders placed before 2pm |
| Europe | 3 to 5 working days for orders placed before 2pm |
| Rest of world | 7 to 14 working days for orders placed before 2pm |
Delivery costs
UK mainland: delivery starts from £7.92.
Highlands and Islands: delivery starts from £25.
Northern Ireland: delivery starts from £20, rising to £90 for orders up to 60kg.
Larger orders, pallet deliveries and some offshore or international deliveries may require a quote.
For European orders, please visit wildcare.eu, call +33 (0)4 65 65 00 05 or email [email protected].
Need it by a certain date?
Please tell us when ordering. For urgent orders, call 01451 833181.
Returns
If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us within 5 working days.
A Returns Number may be required before sending goods back. Call 01451 833181 or email [email protected].
Please see our full returns policy for more information.
