Review: The New Chorus from Titley Scientific Part 2 of 2

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!

🐾🐺🐦🐸

Review: The New Chorus from Titley Scientific Part 1 Of 2

Review: The Chorus from Titley Part 1 Of 2 

The Chorus - Shown with 2 Mics installed for audible sounds

The Chorus is shown above with 2 audible microphones installed (for recording of non-bat/non-ultrasonic sound). My sample/loaner unit was provided with the ultrasonic microphone as well; so there will be plenty of testing and results shared here... I already got a serendipitous recording of a Big Brown Bat (Eptesicus fuscus) using this new unit!

External Dimensions: 194 x 123 x 50mm (7.3 x 4.8 x 2 inches)

Weight: 400 grams (14 Oz.) Without batteries

The Chorus is a very solid unit. It's molded in a Shrub Green weatherproof and shockproof housing. It's a well laid-out design, similar to several other weatherproof, static recorders on the market.

However, a user should be advised/reminded: When closing The Chorus, for deployment, you must insure you hear a loud snap when you close the latch. Which, again, is similar to other static recorders currently on the market.

In other words, it is possible for someone who is unfamiliar with such devices - to close the unit, "close" the latch, and deploy the unit: Not completely sealed against the elements - without it being properly closed & sealed.

I've made a very short video, demonstrating exactly what I'm referring to. On my Bat Detector Reviews YouTube Channel - It may be seen Here.

The Titley Chorus (please ignore the cheap batteries!)

I'd like to discuss another issue straight away: something else, which was a concern of mine since it's arrival: Our local super-cold temperatures / and how in the world was The Chorus going to fare?

It's not as though I didn't have my local wildlife vocalizing (due to cold weather). On the contrary: Barred Owls (Strix varia) and Eastern Coyotes (Canis latrans) treated us to performances just about every night.

No, it was my concern (my "worry") about whether or not The Chorus would be able to perform in such cold conditions...

After a quick scan through the User Manual, what I'd vaguely suspected was confirmed: It is the batteries' ability to provide voltage (in below freezing Temps) and not The Chorus which is the deciding factor. 

That is to say, when deploying the unit in sub-freezing environments (< 32 Degrees Fahrenheit / 0 Degrees Celsius).

Temperatures here were commonly <23 Deg F/ -5 Deg C at the time that I began testing (and much, much colder since then). ...It's the batteries which are "the weakest link', and not the machine.

How can you ensure best performance in cold weather? 

The short answer: Use Lithium batteries (as many of you are already aware).

To ensure the very best performance and longevity - It would be wise to go for the best (most highly rated brand(s) you can get). Energizer brand Lithium batteries are very good:

The Energizer brand Lithium batteries are reported to "Perform well in extreme temperatures from -40°F to 140°F." I have found them to perform admirably in my local (Upstate New York) conditions.

Eneloop brand rechargeable NimH batteries are still a very good bet, as a second choice. Especially for use in non-freezing weather conditions. I have a good selection of batteries available here: From the very cheapest (untrustworthy) -to- the top of the range. I also have a tendency to try the different brands in the detector(s) I'm evaluating. So far, I haven't experienced anything out of the ordinary to report.

The Titley Chorus may be ordered from a number of Dealers. Such as NHBS:

As well as directly from Titley Scientific - Here. (for $499 [US Dollars] with one free acoustic microphone).

Via either one of the links above, you may select the preferred configuration when ordering. Generally speaking, these are:

• Chorus with one (free) acoustic microphone
• Chorus with an additional acoustic microphone (giving you the set-up shown in my photos above).
• Chorus with an (additional) ultrasonic microphone.

The Chorus powered-on in subdued light

Some key features:

• The ability to add additional microphones - Both acoustic, and ultrasonic (more on this later).

• Lasts for up to 40 nights (full spectrum ultrasonic) or 300 hours (acoustic) on 4 AA sized batteries.

• It is a static recorder, which operates unattended -and- No phone apps are required for setup.

• Temperature sensor.

• Transect mode available!

• Bar graphs on main display show a live representation of sound levels picked-up by unit.

The bottom of The Titley Chorus - Showing the tripod socket

I like the ease with which you can navigate the menus; the main screen is called the Dashboard.

The unit is powered on by pressing the OK button.

There is a useful sticker inside the cover, which conveys the basic instructions. 

The Chorus would be a very good option for: An Ecologist, Bat Worker, Wildlife Researcher, et al, looking for a capable, unattended sound recording solution. Again, it is capable of recording both ultrasounds and normally-audible sounds.

As an experienced wildlife sound recordist, I'm immediately interested in any static recorder able to competently record audible sounds of wildlife. 

In fact, I couldn't help but to make comparisons of audible sound recordings from The Chorus versus a Zoom H1n digital recorder, which I use for impromptu wildlife sound recording! Now, we all know that this can't be considered a "fair" comparison - but, I couldn't help to experiment anyway!

To elaborate - The Zoom H1n recorder is designed from the ground up, to do one thing: record stereo sound as well as possible (within it's [low] cost constraints!).

The Chorus (and similar devices) must record wildlife - Reliably, accurately, over long periods of time, and in the most extreme weather conditions imaginable.

From the jungles of South America, to The Great White North (😉 Canada) and beyond... These are no small feats, by any stretch. 

Obviously, this product would be very well-suited for anyone needing to record ultrasonic and non-ultrasonic sounds. In other words - It would be a great match for Biologists working with animals which vocalize in both audible, and sub-audible (ultrasonic) spectrum.

This review is continued, in Part 2 of 2... Where I covered a bit more about this very capable recorder. 

Happy bat detecting! 

Review Of The Titley Anabat Swift Part 3 Of 3 - Three Optional Microphones Tested

This Post serves as Part 3 Of 3 of The Titley Anabat Swift Review (If you haven't already, see Part 1, Part 2)
As well as the testing and comparison of the 3 microphones which are currently available, from Titley Scientific. These optional Mics allow additional, significant customization of your AnaBat Recording set-ups. 

 

In it's current state, this post is just a rough outline, I'm posting it here as a placeholder. It will be added to, as soon as time allows.

Owners of either The Anabat Swift, or The Anabat Express bat recorders, should be aware of the 3 Microphones currently available, from Titley Scientific.

The post immediately preceding this one, lists some detailed specifications and information on each of the 3 Mics (as per Titley). 
What follows below, are just some of my findings:

1. The Anabat Omnidirectional Ultrasonic Microphone - US-0 V3

While doing some experimental tests, using The Bat Chirp II (artificial bat, made by Tony Messina); I was able to get (mechanical-looking) sonograms. I'm sharing these here, mainly as a "curiosity".

This was at a distance of 50 feet.

Here is just a small section of the sonogram, as recorded by "Mic #1": The US-0 V3

The Bat Chirp II as heard by the US-0 V3 Mic on The AnaBat Swift

2. Anabat Directional Ultrasonic Microphone US–D V1
 
This was at a distance of 50 feet.
Here is just a small section of the sonogram, as recorded by "Mic #2": US-D V1

 

For my own purposes of organization, I refer to this microphone: Anabat Omnidirectional Acoustic Microphone AS–0 V1

as "Mic #3" - I apologize for not having a spectrogram from this Mic to share. I am currently still sorting through the recordings made using this Mic (again with the aid of The Bat Chirp II [artificial bat]). I will be adding (at least) one sonogram to this post soon...

 

Here is a sonogram of a real bat, made using "Mic #1" Anabat Omnidirectional Ultrasonic Microphone US-0 V3

 

  

A real bat, recorded using The US-0 V3 Mic on AnaBat Swift

(bat was approx. 100 feet distant)

For further, current Info, on these Mics as well as other compatible accessories, have a look at this page, from Titley's Scientific's Site.

Until then, Happy bat detecting!

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC Recorder From Wildlife Acoustics Part 3 Of 3

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC recorder from Wildlife Acoustics Part 3 Of 3

My Nephew, Gabriel endorsing The SMZC

After testing the Songmeter SMZC for several months, I found it to provide very accurate recordings -- And along with Kaleidoscope software, very accurate species ID's.
To reach this conclusion (in this case) what I did, was:

I took the time to make identical (simultaneous) recordings, using an Elekon Batlogger M (for good measure).
Make comparisons between recordings, etc. 
Manually identified the species; and compared results.

I am (still) a huge Fan, of Kaleidoscope software. And, since a search for "kaleidoscope" on this blog, will return plenty of Reviews featuring my opinions of it -- I will not go into it in this particular review.
To summarize, however: I will state the obvious - It is the best software to pair-up with any of WA's Songmeter Recorders. They are literally, made for each other!

Here is a print-screen, depicting everyone's favorite CF bat: Lasiurus cinereus (Hoary bat):

AKA: 'LACI'

 

Pros:
* Long battery life - Using both Alkaline and rechargeable NiMH batteries.  
* Very easy to deploy - Set-up, from box to field is pretty straight forward. 
* Prominent LCD display (w/ back-light) displays pertinent information.
* Lower price than it's closest competitor (The AnaBat Express).


Cons:
* Kaleidoscope software (which works best with it) is not free.
* GPS must be purchased separately. 
* Larger/heavier - More cumbersome than it's closest competitor (The AnaBat Express).

One of the best places to order the new Songmeter SMZC, is from Wildlife Acoustics themselves. Especially, if you are in The US, of course.
Other places to shop, if in The UK, include NHBS.

The first two segments of this review may be accessed here: Part 1 Of 3, Part 2 Of 3.

If you are trying to decide, between The Songmeter SMZC and The AnaBat Express; I sincerely hope that my reviews of each, will help to make the decision easier. Part 1 Of 2 of my AnaBat Express review, is currently posted - But, is in a state of flux: As I continue to edit and update it. Part 2 Of 2 is also a current work-in-progress. 

Further reading: 2012 Article by Ian Agranat of Wildlife Acoustics. I recently found myself re-reading this article, written by The CEO of Wildlife Acoustics. And, I still find several parts of it fascinating (and relevant). For those who are interested, it explains the benefits of zero crossing recording, in a manner that is easily absorbed! 

I hope to add more images to this particular Post, in the near future.

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC Recorder From Wildlife Acoustics Part 2 Of 3

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC recorder from Wildlife Acoustics Part 2 Of 3

Welcome to Part 2 of 3, of the new Songmeter SMZC recorder review. Let's start, by going over some of this machine's main features:

The new SMZC from Wildlife Acoustics is built tough. There are no "weak links" to worry about on it. I like the fact, that even the (already robust) Mic element, is covered by a thin, felt-like material. This is a simple way to keep any debris from ever coming in contact with the microphone. I sometimes wish that other manufacturers (of bat detectors) would do the same thing.
It's very easy to use - Install batteries, and you're almost half-way done.
The recorded bat calls are easily transferable to your laptop, via the (included) SD memory card.
This machine will allow you to record bat activity, for about 40 nights! (per set of fresh batteries)
Priced at just $649 U.S., it is positively, one of the most economical un-attended solutions available. The price will be attractive to many in the field of Bat Ecology.

For those using Kaleidoscope Software, who need to manipulate the ZC recordings - There are a lot of things you can do: Chief among these, is the ability to easily convert the Zero cross recordings of The SMZC to .wav files - For playback and analysis.
 
Note: Way back in the "early days" of zero-crossing technology - The process, of simply playing the recordings back, might have been considered a bit convoluted (by today's standards).

The ideal buyer might be someone who needs to deploy several recorders, in various locations - And, needs to do it quickly.

In use, The SMZC seems to have a respectable pick-up range. There is a PCB mounted, 3.5mm earphone jack located inside the SMZC box. This is provided so that you can listen to the sound input while recording; this may be used for live monitoring, to check the status of the microphone, perform test recordings, etc.

If you would like to do a bit of quick monitoring, in the field -
Just plug a pair of earphones/headphones into the 3.5mm jack, and listen for yourself -You'll notice that the omni-directional microphone is picking up everything!
{As per WA's Site: "If you need to ensure that your recorder is operating properly, the Song Meter SMZC has an integrated earphone jack inside the enclosure. Simply open the lid and plug in ear buds or headphones to monitor."}
Of course, thresholds/triggers can always be adjusted as necessary. 

  
The unit can be permanently mounted to a flat surface (or, on trees of various sizes) using any of the various built-in screw holes. These holes will (more than likely) be used to secure the SMZC to a tree, using several of the common best-practices in use today.
And, at this point, I must also mention (as a reminder) the available options and accessories

With the top cover safely closed-up, in preparation for mounting/deployment - The green LED light will be visible to you, so that you can get feedback before, during, and after the unit is mounted:
- A steady blinking: Indicates the unit has started it's scheduled program; and will be recording when the (appropriately set time arrives). Again, it basically serves as an all-systems-go indicator. I would like to have seen a built-in diffuser (as seen used on The SM3, and other units). It informs you that the system is awake, and will be actively monitoring when the time you've specified rolls around.

One of the best places to order the new Songmeter SMZC, is from Wildlife Acoustics themselves.

Part 3 Of 3 of this review (the final installment) will also include sonograms, and screen captures. 
Happy bat detecting!

Review: The New Songmeter SMZC recorder from Wildlife Acoustics Part 1 Of 3

Review: The brand-new Songmeter SMZC zero crossing recorder from Wildlife Acoustics Part 1 Of 3

This Part 1 Of 3, will serve as an Introduction / Prelude of The new SMZC. Part 3 will feature the screenshots, sonograms, recordings, and other colorful goodies...

The New SMZC is the latest unattended bat recording solution from Wildlife Acoustics. It combines small size (especially for an un-attended/tree-mount unit) with a very competent zero-cross technology recorder. An informative (back-lit) LCD display, status LED (where would we be without LEDs?), and GPS capability round out The SMZC's main features.
Some of the very first pictures I took of this new Songmeter, may be seen on this Post.

The Songmeter SMZC might be considered a "smaller sibling" to The SM3BAT (also from Wildlife Acoustics). One of the main differences, is that this machine records in zero crossing mode only. Whereas in The SM3BAT, zero crossing mode is an available option. 
It seems to me, that there is definitely a demand for such a machine. A lower-cost ZC recorder, which may be confidently deployed as a rugged, unattended monitoring solution for bats. From what I've seen and read: Many companies who need to perform unattended bat surveys, are in need of exactly these types of features.
The lower cost translates to more remote units in the field - Which in turn, translates into more data collected. When it comes to unattended monitoring of bat activity - One could pair this SMZC up with their Kaleidoscope software, and have a powerful combination for the accurate collection (and processing) of data.

Of course, I was very curious about this new machine from the very beginning - Back when I first learned of it's evolution and progress. I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with The SMZC, but after some thorough testing, I haven't found much about it that I don't like.

Initially my main concern, was the fact that The SMZC is a zero-crossing recorder - Now, the zero-crossing technique may have it's place in the world of bat recording...It's engineered to help Ecologists and Bat Workers. However, I've never found bat recorders using this method to be very exciting.
I've collected (and analyzed) many zero-cross recordings over the years. Most of them, were produced while testing The AnaBat SD2. Analyzing and playing the sounds back, was not exactly exhilarating; regardless of the software used (of those available at that time).
In other words, quite stale and boring - Especially when compared to what we have available today! Of course, this is not to say that bat call analysis should be exciting; just that I happen to prefer it that way. If working with bat recordings makes-up a large part of your career, then perhaps this is also true for you? 

Software like Kaleidoscope allows one to display bat calls in a dozen different (and useful) ways. And it does this quite easily, I might add.
I've often wondered: How could anyone actually prefer a black-on-white display, over a full-color Hanning representation? Putting aside the aesthetics, color representations of bat calls are (scientifically) much more significant; to say the least. More on this topic in Part 2...

This new SMZC has actually changed the way I look at the zero-crossing recordings of bats - Literally. I believe the "secret" (for my renewed interest) is in the way their Kaleidoscope software handles the recordings. It was a bit of a surprise to me. 

However, I suppose it was the ease with which one can playback a bat call, which opened my eyes to the usefulness of zero crossing. Using Kaleidoscope software, that is.

The new Songmeter SMZC arrives just as well-packaged as any of the other products from Wildlife Acoustics.

Unpacking The SMZC:

In it's (optional) mounting bracket (prior to installation of the easy-open latch).

Pictured above, is a snapshot I took while unpacking the new loaner unit. It was so new, that the easy-open handle was not attached yet. I received one of the very first production units as a test loaner. This was long before The SMZC had gone into full-production.
Since then, the latch has been installed (by me) and is pictured below, just for reference.

Songmeter SMZC

I must state that I like this new unit! It's small size (11.5" x 5.0" x 2.75") makes it very easy to handle. It's manageability makes it easy to set it up, especially for some spontaneous bat recording sessions.
For example, I was fortunate enough to have this machine with me, on a trip to the Lake George (NY) area.
We stayed at a wonderful cabin on a river; and I was able to (easily) place The SMZC on a table (on the back deck) facing the river. Leaving it there to simply record bats overnight, provided me with lots of great recordings. These will be shared in Part 3 of this review...

The view from behind the cabin

(taken with a P&S digital cam)

It's probably safe to say, that this newest Songmeter from Wildlife Acoustics wasn't designed so that bat detecting Hobbyists could make impromptu recordings...The reality is, The SMZC is a serious unattended recording solution, devised to meet the needs of Bat Workers and Ecologists Worldwide. It's designed to be professionally set-up (deployed) and allowed to monitor and record bat activity, for about a month (before collecting the SD memory card[s] containing the data).

At this point, I'll share the link, to the easy-to-read Comparison Chart, provided by Wildlife Acoustics.

It's plain to see, that Wildlife Acoustics has been listening to those who routinely survey bats, and have developed a new solution from the ground-up. The SMZC is designed to collect large amounts of recorded ultrasonic bat calls. Historically, zero-crossing technology has always been selected, whenever large quantities of ultrasonic recordings were expected. This is because ZC bat recordings consume much less memory space than almost* (any) other bat recording method.
Note: I've indicated * "almost" because there are, in fact, some other recording methods out there, which take even less (memory) space.

SMZC with backlight lit/showing Status

I really like the ease with which an SMZC can be deployed. Very simple set-up; with Menus and commands which are nearly intuitive. This is more of what an un-attended recording solution should be like:

• Robust (fully weather-resistant)
• Easy to program (right out-of-the-box)
• Capable of storing very large amounts of data (recordings)
• Makes working with ZC recordings easy

If you need to deploy several recorders, in various sequestered locations - And, you need to do it quickly - The Songmeter SMZC would probably be the machine you choose.

The price, may also be attractive, to many in the field of Bat Ecology: Currently $649 (US Dollars).

One of the best places to order the new Songmeter SMZC, is directly from Wildlife Acoustics themselves. However, depending on your location in the World, you may find a better deal from Authorized Resellers in your Country.

Much more to follow in Part 2 Of 3...