Many animal groups use sound to communicate, whether this be for mating and courtship, navigation or general intraspecific communication. These sounds can come in the form of croaks, songs and calls, and are produced by a wide range of animal groups including amphibians, birds, mammals and insects.
Acoustic recorders allow us to listen to these sounds, whether this be for surveying and monitoring, or just for enjoyment. This non-invasive monitoring method allows us to gather data from an environment without disturbing wildlife, and some recorders are designed to be extremely sensitive, enabling users to capture sound from great distances. From these recordings we can identify species, analyse distribution, abundance, ecological community composition and even behaviour and can use the data to inform landscape management.
Acoustic recorders are a valuable piece of kit for ecologists, naturalists or those eager to learn more about the animals in their garden, and we have a fantastic range of recorders to meet these needs. Here we have selected our top five acoustic recorders, highlighting key features of each device.
A popular, cost-effective option, the Song Meter Micro 2 is the smallest recorder in Wildlife Acoustic’s Song Meter range. The simple yet innovative design of this recorder allows for a lightweight and fully weatherproof device with an impressive 240-hour battery life. This recorder also features a built-in microphone, ideal for the detection of frogs, birds and other vocal species.
- Recording Format: 16-bit WAV
- Recording Bandwidth: 20Hz – 48,000Hz
- Recording Channels: One built-in
- Maximum sample rate: 96,000 Hz
- Memory Storage: 1 microSD card
- Battery Type: 4 AA batteries
- Weight: 195g with batteries
This all-in-one recorder is designed to suit all acoustic surveying needs. The acoustic microphone is suitable for recording birds, frogs and mammals, and can also be equipped with a second ultrasonic microphone for the detection of bats. It is robust and waterproof (IP67 rating) and can record in mono acoustic, stereo acoustic, dual acoustic or ultrasonic for up to 300 hours.
- Frequency Range: 20Hz up to 140kHz
- Sampling Rates: 500, 320, 192, 96, 48, 44.1, 32, 22.05 ksps
- Audio Output: Frequency division (ultrasonic) and stereo reproduction (acoustic) through headphones
- Memory: 1 x SDHC/SDXC memory card (up to 1TB)
- Battery Type: 4 AA batteries
- Battery Life: Up to 40 nights ultrasonic / 300 hours acoustic
- Weight: 435g without batteries
#262798 Song Meter Mini 2 Acoustic Recorder (AA Battery)
A compact and lightweight option, this acoustic recorder provides excellent recording quality while maintaining affordability. Building on the design of the original Song Meter Mini, this recorder features an improved battery life and weatherproof case design. It is suitable for the detection of birds, frogs and other vocal species, and a second microphone can be added for stereo recordings.
- Recording Format: 16-bit WAV
- Maximum sample rate: 96,000 Hz
- Recording Channels: One
- Memory Storage: 1 x SDHC/SDXC card
- Battery Type: 4x AA or 6x NiMH
- Weight: 290g with batteries
#223481 Tascam DR-05X Portable Handheld Recorder
With an easily accessible design, this recorder is straightforward and simple to use. A two second prerecord function and an auto record function ensure that a bird or bat call will never be missed, and the built-in omnidirectional microphones ensure high-quality and high resolution on this handheld recorder.
- Recording media: MicroSD card / microSDHC card / microSDXC card
- Number of channels: 2 (stereo)
- MP3 sampling frequency: 44.1kHz / 48kHz
- WAV sampling frequency: 44.1kHz / 48kHz / 96kHz
- Power: 2 x AA batteries
- Battery operation time: Alkaline: Approx 17.5 hours, Ni-Mh: Approx 15 hours
- Weight:165g (with batteries)
#233684 Telinga PRO-X Parabolic Microphone System
This economical package includes a Telinga MK3 microphone, handle and 22” folding dish, ensuring high-quality, focused audio. It is the ideal choice for recording wildlife, even over long distances, and its foldable design makes it easy to transport in field.
- Microphone frequency response: 60 – 20,000Hz
- Equivalent noise level: 12dB
Recommended Reading:
Sound Identification of Terrestrial Mammals of Britain and Ireland
A groundbreaking volume that analyses sound recordings of all 42 species of Britain’s terrestrial mammals.
The Handbook of Acoustic Bat Detection
An improved update of the German book, this is the go-to practical handbook on how to gather and analyse bat calls.