The Chorus from Titley Scientific: Review - Part 2 of 2
The Chorus
The AnaBat Chorus - First time use:
Connect the microphone(s) you intend to use, in their appropriate sockets (these are also labeled A & B in raised lettering directly on the unit - look closely).
Install new (or formatted) SD card, 4 new AA size batteries; power-on by pressing the 'OK' button...Give the unit half a moment to boot up (in reality, it only takes a few seconds).
Check that the time zone is correct (Clock Settings) - Press OK to confirm. Remember daylight savings time. Allow unit to acquire GPS satellite lock - And accurate time will auto-update.
Note: You should be aware of whether or not your unit is up-to-date as far as firmware is concerned. My example unit was up-to-date on arrival.
Select one of the pre-set modes on the right of the screen.
Clam-shell the unit closed (make sure you hear the audible click) and deploy unit.
For most intents and purposes, you'll be well on your way to acquiring excellent quality recordings, simply by following the instructions above. Which are also well-laid-out in The Quick Start Guide. This presumes you are in a hurry to deploy the unit (or possibly more than one). Please be aware: If you don't perform any further configuration, your Chorus will be using all the default settings.
AnaBat Chorus with Lithium batteries installed
I always outline the quickest deployment scenario, for those who are interested. And that is what I've just outlined. However, for many other users, you'll want to become familiar with the other settings which may be customised. In the very beginning, you may want to have a printed version of the User Manual handy.
I read the Quick Start Guide, and deployed the Chorus - I was quite surprised to have recorded a bat! It was on December 26th, and it was 40℉ (4.4℃) - It was later identified as a Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus).
The fully detailed, step-by-step Set-Up Guide may be found on page 13 of the User Manual.
Amoung the features which are adjustable are:
- Gain (for side A or B, independently).
- Start / Stop times for active monitoring/recording.
- Minimum & maximum frequency.
- Minimum & maximum recording time.
The AnaBat Chorus runs on four AA sized batteries, which can be of any type (Alkaline, NiMh, or Lithium).
The Chorus also features a Micro USB connection, primarily for updating the unit's firmware. As well as a standard 3.5mm headphone jack, for live monitoring of sounds being picked up by the microphones.
During my tests, I tried various brands/types of batteries; as well as different SD/MicroSD cards - No issues were encountered.
During my extensive testing, I put The Titley Chorus through it's paces; including some deployments in sub-freezing temperatures. In all cases, I found the microphones to perform accurately, without any issues capturing and reproducing sound.
Even in this condition:
As per Page 10 of The User Manual:
Amoung the Acoustic Microphone Specifications we have:
- Electret mics with excellent sensitivity and low noise floor: -24dB sensitivity, with 80dB signal-to-noise ratio.
- Built-in low noise preamplifiers.
- Frequency response of 20Hz to 20kHz.
For the Ultrasonic Microphones we have:
- Weatherproofing, for use in rainy conditions.
- Built-in low noise preamplifier.
- Improved frequency response, when compared to previous generation electret-based ultrasonic Mics.
- Useable frequency response of 10kHz to 140kHz (response rolls-off beyond this point) - Which would be interesting to experiment with...
These are great specifications.
The Barred Owl (Strix varia) calls, recorded with The Chorus (in stereo/2 Audible Mics) may be heard on my YouTube Channel (Batdetectors1). Distance to unit: Approximately 75 Meters.
Eastern Coyotes were approximately three times as far; which is probably why I have yet to locate a solid recording worthy of sharing…
The Chorus produced excellent sounding recordings, both in acoustic mode and ultrasonic mode: The file names of acoustic recordings may be set to have an "ac" prefix. While the ultrasonic recordings may be set to have a "us" prefix.
Pros:
- Robust construction.
- Very flexible - Due to dual Mic options.
- Ability to record in FS or ZC.
- Independently adjustable gain (for each Mic).
- Myriad of versatility: The ability to schedule Ultrasonic and/or Acoustic recording for different times of the day (24 hour period).
- The quality of the recordings are excellent.
Cons:
- May be considered expensive, when factoring in the cost of an additional Mic.
- Not as quick to deploy as the AnaBat Express or AnaBat Swift: Having more features and abilities, equates to more time to configure before deployment.
- AnaBat Insight software not as fast or robust as others.
The Chorus may be purchased directly from Titley Scientific (main Website).You will also find it in stock at many Dealer's Sites, including Wildlife & Countryside Services and at NHBS.
The Titley Chorus - Things I happened to like and dislike:
I liked the robust build, the simple Dashboard/4 icons, the choice of Mics, and relative flexibility of settings like: Filter, independent gain for microphones (A/B).
I didn't like the time and effort required to go from power-up ~to~ deployment. Again, since The Chorus has more features and variables available, this equates to a bit more time to configure.
If you haven't read it already, see Part 1 of this 2-Part review Here.
As is the custom for Titley Scientific devices - there is a hidden game on this unit as well... It's called 'FlappyBat' and I must say, it's rather cute. Here's how you can access the game:
When you hold down the Power button to turn off the detector, You'll see the menu pop-up that lets you choose between sleep and power down. At this menu, press the mode button and a new icon will appear. Arrow across to this one and press OK...
The latest (auto) update/version of AnaBat Insight software has really made a difference in overall performance! A lot of major and minor issues have been addressed with this latest update. It's much more robust now (noticeably better overall). I experienced no freezing of the application, even on my slowest laptop.
Until next time - Happy bat detecting! And animal recording!
