Monday, January 20, 2025

Review: The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 from Wildlife Acoustics

The Song Meter Mini Bat from Wildlife Acoustics (USA) is The latest version of The Mini Bat 2, an unattended bat recorder.

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (AA) 

Packaging - included in the box, is everything you need:

  • QR codes to Tutorial videos.
  • Frequently asked questions.
  • QR code / Links to free product training guides.
  • Link to a full/detailed product user guide.

 

Some Basics:


  • It’s the 2nd Generation Mini Bat.

  • Same small size; with twice the battery life.

  • Constructed of olive-coloured, IPX-7 Rated ABS.

  • Rugged, and waterproof.

  • Has a Humidity Regulation Packet + Moisture Vent.




Some of the features of the latest Version of The Mini Bat 2 are:


  • Full Spectrum and/or Zero Crossing*


  • Ultrasonic: 192kHz, 256kHz, 384kHz, and 500kHz.


  • Acoustic: W/ Optional Microphone: 8kHz, 12kHz, 16kHz, 22.05kHz, 24kHz, 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 96kHz.


  • Up to 50 10-Hour nights of recording.




Additional Specs of The Mini Bat 2 


  • Size: 123mm x 134mm x 36mm (4.9” x 5.3” x 1.4”)


  • Weight: 190 grams / 0.42 lb. / 290 g with batteries.


  • Features 500kHz sampling, adjustable gain, SD Card size up to 1TB.


  • Operating Temperature: -20℃ to 85℃ Or -4℉ to +185℉

 


Interior Design and Controls:


It comes equipped with a (built-in) omnidirectional ultrasonic microphone. It records 16-bit PCM .wav files - to a single, Micro SD card (of up to 2 terabytes). Sample rates available, range from 8kHz to 96kHz.

Is it easy to deploy? - Yes!


This unit features 3 Pre-Programmed Modes which many of us have come to appreciate:


  • Record bats 24 hours a day (subject to triggering).

  • Record bats from sunset to sunrise (subject to triggering).

  • Record bats 30 min before sunset to 30 min after sunset (subject to triggering).


Some highlights from The User Guide:

  • P. 17 How to insert batteries.

  • P. 21 The LEDs and what the mean.

  • P. 23 The 2nd Mic - Audible.

  • P. 26 Deployment Checklist.

  • P. 31…Unit Placement - Concise explanation.

  • P. 33 Transect Mode + KML.

  • P. 43 How to configure multiple units.

  • P. 55 Settings: FS, ZC, ZC+FS

  • P. 64 Sunrise and sunset.

  • P. 69 Battery and SD card life.

  • P. 81 Song Meter Configuration Editor.

  • P. 91 Configuration Editor.

  • P. 98 Schedule block elements.

  • P. 110 GUANO Metadata.

  • P. 113 Analyzing your recordings.

  • P. 115 Troubleshooting.


What can it do? 

Record bats and other ultrasonic wildlife for up to 50 ten-hour nights. Add an optional stub mic to capture birds, amphibians, and other animals.

A low-noise mic picks up quiet, distant echolocations, while advanced triggering captures more bats and filters out false triggers.

The result? More bat calls, less time spent sorting unusable files.

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 (AA) currently sells for $749 US Dollars.

It comes with one, built-in ultrasonic microphone. 

An optional Mic for audible sounds is available (purchased separately $75 US Dollars)

This unit would be excellent for anyone who needs a small, high-quality, static bat recorder.

Recording: Eptisicus fuscus (Big Brown Bat)

500kHz sample rate.



Recording: Lasiurus borealis (Eastern Red Bat)

500kHz sample rate.



Recording: Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary Bat)

500kHz sample rate.



Recording: Lasionycteris noctivagans (Silver-Haired Bat).


Cell phone interface display

Cell phone interface display - Configuration controls available



Pros:

  • Easy to deploy.

  • Packed with useful features.

  • Professional-level recording quality.

  • Optional (affordable) audio microphone extends it’s capabilities.


Cons:

  • None.




Summary of features:
  • Built-in low-noise mic captures high-fidelity bat calls

  • Battery lasts up to 50 ten-hour nights

  • Optional stub mic records birds, amphibians, and more*

  • Free app programs: GPS, settings, and schedules via Bluetooth

  • IP67-rated housing ensures all-weather durability

  • Rear tripod mount for flexible placement

  • Lockable, ergonomic design for security

  • Compact and lightweight for easy transport


Until next time,

Happy bat detecting!

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Review: The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 from Wildlife Acoustics

The Song Meter Mini Bat from Wildlife Acoustics (USA) is The latest version of The Mini Bat 2, an unattended bat recorder. The Song Meter Mi...