A Brief Look at 3 Software Applications For USB Microphones
- Bat Recorder for Android phones
- AudioMoth Live for Laptops
- Ultrasonic Analyzer for iPhones
Each of these applications are available from their respective locations on the Web. Each may be reached by clicking on it's name/link above.
The Mics used for these tests
What are they?
- The Ultramic Evo 384K from Dodotronic
- The PiPPYG (DIY) from Omenie.com (Phil Atkin)
- The Brand-new (not-yet-released) AudioMoth USB Mic
Back to the software...
Bat Recorder, for Android smartphones, is found on the Google Play Store, and is listed at a price of $6.99.
AudioMoth Live is found on The Open Acoustic Devices Site, is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux; and is free.
Ultrasonic Analyzer, for Apple iPhones is found on The Apple Store, and is $19.99. Bat Recorder works on Android phones (only), is very bat-friendly, and packed with features. It seems to be designed with the bat recordist in mind.
AudioMoth Live is well designed and simple. Perhaps the fact that it's so simple to use, translates into a good design?
Ultrasonic Analyzer - Works on Apple iPhones only, is quite advanced, with several features commonly seen on bioacoustic recording software: Cursor position (area tapped) displays: Frequency, Sound Pressure Level, etc.
This iPhone based App is designed for users who like to have options; there are plenty of customizations available.
Features & Facts - Some Pros & Cons:
Bat Recorder - Will not work with The PiPPYG USB Mic (at the time of this writing). It does work with either of the other two Mics.
AudioMoth Live App - In addition to 'Off' - You have 'Monitor' and 'Heterodyne' while monitoring/recording.
Works well with AudioMoth (obviously)
Monitor gives you a relatively complete "audio picture" so to speak.
Heterodyne gives you a thin, moveable, white line as a tuning needle. It's free to download from Open Acoustic Devices.
Ultrasonic Analyzer - This App worked well with the AudioMoth USB mic and Dodotronic’s Evo 384K USB mic, and sometimes the PiPPYG mic. You can see high resolution screenshots of this App on the Apple store.
Easiest to use? I'd rank them from best (easiest) to worst as follows:
1. AudioMoth Live - It's so easy to use, you could probably teach a 10 year old how to use it efficiently. And it wouldn't take long! Don't like reading User Manuals? This is for you. It currently tunes down to 12kHz (via built-in heterodyne).
2. Bat Recorder - Takes some getting used to, and you'll really need to read the (online/Built-into-app Manual) to use it properly. Ideal for anyone chasing bats.
3. Ultrasonic Analyzer - If you like Avisoft's software, then you'll like this App. Reading of the User Manual will also be required. It may be well-suited for those who are interested in recording a larger range of animals.
I can tell you that each of these Apps provide excellent accuracy in the reproduction of sound.
Until next time,
Happy bat detecting!
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