Review: The MiniMIC From Binary Acoustic Technology Part 1 Of 3

Review: The MiniMIC Ultrasonic Microphone From Binary Acoustic Technology Part 1 Of 3

The new MiniMIC from Binary Acoustic Technology is a USB-powered, ultrasonic microphone for recording the ultrasonic sounds (of bats). I'll also point out, that the frequency range for this device, is 1 to 125kHz. Which means, that those (of us) who are also interested in recording singing insects, are in luck!

As covered in my 'First Impressions' post - The unit arrives very well packaged: Double-boxed; the inside box (containing the MiniMIC) is a sturdy, plain white box. 
The BAT MiniMIC microphone unit itself, is constructed from Aluminum. It is well-built, and nicely compact. It is very easy to travel with. Many people travel with their laptop anyway - So, add this neat device and it's USB cable, and you're set.

The back-end of The MiniMIC

It connects to your PC, via a USB cable (provided). The USB cable is of good quality, with Gold-plated connectors. One end inserts into The MiniMIC, the other into an available USB port of your (Windows-based) computing device. It also comes packaged with a CD, which  includes one full copy of the latest version of SPECT'R recording software. And a trial (“limited”) version of SCAN’R. The trial version of SCAN’R is limited so that it only processes recordings generated by BAT systems, either SPECT’R recordings using the miniMIC and AR units, or their other field recorders.
Again, the CD included with my test unit, contains a copy of both SPECT'R III and SCAN'R software. These are the proprietary applications, developed by Binary Acoustic Technology. To be used with their various hardware (recording devices).

After a fairly straightforward software installation; using the device is simple: 

• Attach The MiniMIC to your laptop (or other Windows-based computer) via the USB cable supplied.
• Launch The SPECT'R III software.
• Customize the various recording Settings, as per your preference.
• Create a prefix for the name of the recording files (such as "21st", or "SOVIII" for "Shoot-Out 8"). This short prefix will be automatically generated, and added to the beginning of each recorded .wav file.
• Once you complete the previous step (above) you will be prompted: "Would you like to start recording now?"
• Click "Yes" and you will observe the live spectrogram display and may adjust volume. 

I will cover more on these particular (software) topics, in Parts 2 and 3 of this review. I've recently determined, that this review will need to be split into 3 Parts; in order to properly cover all aspects of the system.

In addition, preliminary tests have shown The MiniMIC to posses excellent resistance to common sources of interference (EMI); such as those produced by household appliances and switching power supplies - Including A/C adapters for laptops (for one example).

The current price is $695 (US Dollars). Price is subject to change. The MiniMIC USB Microphone may be ordered directly from Binary Acoustic Technology; by e-mailing: Sales at Binary Acoustic Technology (sales@binaryacoustictech.com)
You may also browse their full Product List Here.

The design looks very simple and neat. Most would never guess that such a plain-looking piece of hardware, could provide such astounding results. 
The simple fact is, this device can detect, and make useful (accurate) recordings of bats in flight - at greater distances than any detector I've ever tested. 

Yes, I do realize that is quite a statement... So, I'll give you a minute to let that sink in...

After confirming bats at well over 60 Meters, I stopped concerning myself with any further calculation of distances...
If you needed to get nice, clear, recordings of bats from The Stratosphere, this would probably be the device to reach for!

Not only does it record the calls at further distances - which has always been a very important factor (for me)... But, the recordings are clearer, more accurate, and with no clipping. This is due in part, to the Hemispherical ultrasonic element which Binary Acoustic Technology uses in The MiniMIC. Which you can read a bit about Here.
Here is the Link to a PDF document  (by Binary Acoustic Technology) with a great explanation of the new technology at the heart of this successful system.

I actually began performing various nightly "Shoot-outs". I performed no fewer than 8 shoot-outs (just to be sure!) using various top-of-the-range machines. And each time, The BAT MiniMIC came out on top. The overall accuracy of this unit is amazing. It consistently recorded bats, which other detectors missed.

During my various tests, I also discovered something else - The recordings created by The BAT MiniMIC were of such high quality, that they enabled Auto ID software packages (such as Kaleidoscope) to produce more accurate identifications!
More accurate identifications, as compared to recordings from the other, high-end detectors.

So, it doesn't just pick up many more bats, and the recordings are not only made at greater distances; but they are also of exceptional quality. The spectrograms produced are lovely.

The MiniMIC USB Microphone would be ideal for anyone performing passive (stationary) recordings of bats. It may also perform very well for driven transects; where the use of a laptop isn't a hindrance. 
Unless the computer used is very small, and light (perhaps a Palmtop?) - I cannot see The MiniMIC being a superior candidate for walking transects. However, with the recent popularity of UMPC's (defined Here), you may be able to outfit yourself with a set-up which would be comfortable enough to walk with.

It would be perfect for someone recording bats from inside a home. I've tested it in this way many times, using various laptops. It's very convenient to set-up. The (weatherproof) Aluminum enclosure is secured outside, pointing in the general direction of expected bat activity. 
You may even perform work on your laptop, while detection is in progress - With no ill-effects at all...More on this in Part 2, and 3.

...This new MiniMIC has just set the bar very high.   

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

Until then,
Happy bat detecting!

Review: SonoChiro Auto Bat Call ID Software

Review: SonoChiro Auto Bat Call ID Software

The SonoChiro software from Biotope, is an automated bat call identification program. This software package is provided as a downloadable/Online purchase; from the Biotope Website.

The process of purchasing, downloading, and installing the application is very straightforward. Most potential owners/end users, will no doubt already be well-experienced with this typical install process.
The downloaded executable for SonoChiro is 9.8MB in size, and installation is fairly quick and easy; with no "surprises". The most time-consuming portion of the process, is filling-in the electronic Registration form.

SonoChiro is provided on an annual subscription basis, which includes all updates for one year. The current price is 846 Euros, including VAT.

As many of my Visitors may know by now, whenever I review any bat detecting product: I like to be quite descriptive, in regards to every feature and detail. As an example, for the past couple of years, I've even included photos of the shipping box the equipment arrives in. Not such an odd practice, I think... I've seen reviews of various products, where the reviewer includes such (packaging) details.
Here, we are discussing a downloaded software package, so I may not have any physical packaging to describe...However, SonoChiro features some interesting designs. I've already expressed my fondness of their main (purple) bat logo (in the 'First Impressions' Post).

I even like the Biotope logo! 

{So, if the Folks at Biotope / SonoChiro offer any apparel featuring these logos - please let me know!}

Upon launching, you'll notice that The SonoChiro application features a neat dialog box (screen shot below). The purple background is a stylized photo of a bat in flight. Don't let the modest size of it's interface fool you: This software application is serious business! How do I know this?

SonoChiro application dialog box

Having had a fairly long career as a Computer Engineer, I have a natural tendency to really put computer software (and hardware) "through it's paces", etc. And, I find myself testing and experimenting with such products in ways which only an advanced Engineer would understand.
So, I tested this application in many different ways. As always, this application has been tested on more than one laptop.

As a simple example - While testing it on one laptop in particular: I found that the application uses quite a bit of the computer's resources. To the point where the laptop began to run hot!

Now, almost all software applications will suggest, that you "close any other programs" which you may have open/running, etc. And, of course it is always a good practice to close applications that you are not using. However, in the case of SonoChiro, I feel that it is even more important to adhere to this suggestion. Especially, if you happen to be using it on an older, slower laptop. 

Having stated all that...During the test period I can say, that I've never had The SonoChiro "crash", freeze, or stop responding. Only those who are very experienced with software, can fully appreciate how impressive this is.

The ideal buyer of SonoChiro ID software, would be someone who records bat calls in any of the geographic areas indicated on (their) Map - Which may be seen on Page 5 of the User Manual. Note - North America is not included (unfortunately for me!).

Since the main output format of this bat call ID software is in Microsoft Excel format - This product would be best used, by someone who is familiar with this MS Office application. I mention this specifically, since a .csv file is the only output that SonoChiro produces.

This is not to say that mastery of Microsoft Excel (or any other App capable of viewing a .csv file) is required. My point, is that if I were a potential customer - I would want to be well-versed in the manipulation of .csv files. In order to get the most out of the data produced.

The process of using SonoChiro is very simple - Basically comprised of:

1. Specifying the location of your recordings.
2. Chosing a name for your Output (Excel/.csv) file.
3. Select one of the (preset) geographical ranges.
4. Click on 'Start'

That is basically it, then you just sit back and wait for your .csv file to be created. And, I do mean sit back and wait...because this software takes it's time...
Well, just remember the old saying - "all good things to those who wait"

From the many tests I've put this software through, I can state that it is indeed very accurate. This was largely determined, by using known (voucher) calls - Of species which were within SonoChiro's capabilities. The example (voucher) calls were of various species of bats, and happened to have been recorded by (well-known) respected Scientists in the field of Bat Research. I won't go into all the details at this time.

Pros -

• Powerful, robust, software that doesn't crash.
• Very accurate and reliable for ID of bat calls.

Cons -

• Only outputs results in one file/format (.csv file).
• Doesn't cover North American species.

If you are looking for an accurate and dependable bat call identification software, and you live in one of the geographical ranges covered - Then I would highly recommend that you look into SonoChiro!

Good luck, and...

Happy bat detecting!

The BAT MiniMIC Ultrasonic Microphone From Binary Acoustic Technology: First Impressions

The BAT MiniMIC Ultrasonic Microphone From Binary Acoustic Technology: First Impressions

I'm very pleased to report the arrival of the New BAT MiniMIC Ultrasonic Microphone.  
The test unit, arrived yesterday; from Binary Acoustic Technology (in Tucson, Arizona). I've been fascinated by this (relatively new) recording system; since first reading about it several months ago. In fact, I would advise anyone who is interested in a PC-based recorder to take a good look at The MiniMIC's Page Here.

I'm happy to declare that this is not my first time testing and reviewing an ultrasonic recording device from Binary Acoustic Technology. Almost exactly one year ago, I wrote a Review of their AR125 (which is still available for purchase, from their Site).
  As evidenced by my past experience (with The AR125 from BAT), the company is obviously keen on shipping their products neatly, and well-protected. At this point, I presume it's safe to say that the sturdy, pink foam-lined boxes are standard. For those who happen to hold things like proper packaging in high regard: You may rest assured - All components of The MiniMIC microphone kit are well-packed and protected. Below, is a photo of the recently unpacked BAT MiniMIC:

The double-boxed and well packaged MiniMIC
 

This USB-based ultrasonic microphone has several unique features. As per this (partial) snippet, from the Binary Acoustic Technology Site states:

" It employs low noise circuitry along with 16-bit digital converters to achieve high sensitivity along with a large dynamic range.  It is capable of detecting bats at a distances up to one hundred and forty feet."

16-bit digital processing is certainly impressive in it's own right...Low noise circuitry is nothing to sneeze at either. But, it's the second sentence (above) which interests me a great deal - Since (again) the distance at which a bat detector can record bats, has always been at the top of my "List" of priorities.
When it comes down to the discussion of the performance and value of an ultrasonic device, I'm usually anxious to determine the distance at which bats can be picked up.

Well, for now I'll just state that preliminary tests have been impressive. I'm not entirely certain, of how well liked computing-based bat recording devices are, in general. But, I've liked them from the start. And, I find myself becoming more and more fond of them. They have a lot to recommend them. As we shall see in the upcoming reviews...Of both The BAT MiniMIC and The M500 from Pettersson.

Until then...

Happy bat detecting!

The New micro trio X05 Series Bat Detector From Ciel EaM

I'm very happy to report the arrival of a New (full-production-PCB) micro trio X05 Series bat detector from Ciel EaM. The test unit I have (pictured below) still happens to sport the black & yellow cover - But, the important thing is, that I can fully recommend this flagship of their new X05 Series detectors.

The (new) micro trio test unit from Ciel 

The full-production units will be black & blue in colour (as pictured on their Site). And they will be a pleasure to use! Excellent! 

I'll be re-visiting this bat detector in a future post...

Happy bat detecting!

The Pettersson M500 Ultrasonic Microphone - First Impressions

The Pettersson M500 USB Ultrasonic Microphone - First Impressions: Wow!

It's here! It arrived rather quickly, here to the U.S. from Sweden. Un-boxing and first impressions are simply wonderful! As always, products from Pettersson Elektronik are always very well-packaged.

"Great things come in small packages"

For this test unit, an additional USB mini male to USB-A male was included. This is the much shorter coiled version, shown still in the package in the Pic below:

The M500 in box, along with coiled cable for Tablet PC use

I confirmed with Mr. Pettersson, and the additional coiled/compact USB cable will be included at no charge, upon request. This is the case when ordering from Pettersson directly. If ordering your M500 Microphone from an Authorized Dealer, it would be best to ask.

As you can see, the unit is small. However, it is robustly built. Very well-made, with solid construction throughout.

 The M500, standard USB cable, and USB Thumb Drive containing software

Installation was a breeze! And, although I've only "tested" it for a very short time (since it's recent arrival) - I can tell you that I am thoroughly impressed with this device!

The included recording software is perfectly laid-out, and features everything you need to start recording bats.

Much more to follow!

New Product From Pettersson Elektronik - The M500

Just a short Post for now: I just wanted to make sure that everyone was aware, of a new bioacoustic microphone, from Pettersson Elektronik - It's The M500 USB Ultrasonic Microphone. It's competitively priced, and has some excellent specifications:

• A 500 kHz sample rate
• 16 bits ADC resolution
• High-quality microphone with optional directional horn
• An advanced anti-aliasing filter

I find each of these major specifications very exciting!
I'd also like to inform you, that I will be reviewing one of these units in the future. I'm really looking forward to it!


In the meantime, I came across a very nice review of The M500, by Dean Waters (Vespero Consulting). Check it out Here.
 
I've been informed, that there will be a minor delay in the delivery of The BAT miniMIC; so that review won't be posted as early as I originally expected.

Happy bat detecting!

Review: The micro trio From Ciel (New X05 Series)

Review: The micro trio From Ciel EaM

The brand-new micro trio bat detector from Ciel is three bat detectors in one. It is capable of operating as a heterodyne, frequency division, and (briefly) as a time-expansion detector! 

It is the latest offering from Ciel in Germany; and is part of their brand-new X05 Series of bat detectors. What makes this bat detector stand-out from the rest, is that it is the first low-cost time-expansion unit made. This is definitely something that many bat detecting hobbyists have been waiting for! 
However, before we all get too excited - I must point out, that this unit will only allow you to make one TE recording at a time.
Be that as it may, I believe it will still be attractive to many beginners; who would love the opportunity to have their very own time-expansion bat detector. 

As the saying goes "We were all beginners once"
Thinking back, to the time when I was a beginner: I know, that I would have gladly welcomed the opportunity; to get a detector which actually featured time-expansion (no matter how limited). 
Had this micro trio been available back then, I would have definitely set my sights on one. Because being able to make TE recordings of your local bats (even if it's one-recording-at-a-time) would've still been an attractive feature.

The current price, of the micro trio is: 199.00 Euros / 270 U.S. Dollars / 162 GB Pounds
(Price includes VAT & Delivery in Europe)

The (single) TE recordings, may be transferred to the recording device of your choosing - Including, of course, your PC (or other computing device) via a stereo patch cable.
This is done simply by playing the recording back (red button), while the micro trio is connected to a recording device. 
Again, this is accomplished via it's (3.5mm) Headphone jack. With the micro trio, you also have the ability to record a bat pass in HD (heterodyne) mode. A full 3 seconds of recording time, in HD Mode. It may not seem like much, to some - But, in practice, it works out just fine. The heterodyne recording is done in real time; whilst the TE recording is slowed down 10x upon playback.

The full product description, may be viewed on Ciel's Website. Their Brief Manual, for the micro trio, may be viewed and downloaded Here. 
In addition, the full Instruction Manual has also been made available Here. This recently released, 12-page Instruction Manual contains a lot of excellent information regarding the use of the micro trio - And I highly recommend it!

The micro trio fits fairly comfortably in the hand. Those with smaller hands may find it to be a little large for their taste. Especially if you're on a particularly long bat walk. The fact that the unit is very light (with 9v battery installed) helps compensate for this.

With all those stories of detectors falling into streams...I was happy to see an adjustable nylon wrist loop included. 
Insert wrist - adjust for a snug fit - and presto! Bat detector is secured. 
It's like being handcuffed to a briefcase (like in the movies!) - No worries of losing it - Neat!

The shape and design of the X05 Series is totally new, and nothing like Ciel's previous model bat detectors.
The electret-type microphone element is located on the front, right-hand-side of the unit. HD mode operates as you might expect: Frequency is adjusted (tuned) via a conveniently-positioned thumb-wheel. Same goes for tuning in TE mode - One-hand-operation for both. FD mode requires no tuning, of course. You may toggle between modes with the momentary press of a single button. So, it's very easy to use.

As with several of Ciel's bat detectors, the X05 Series of units are best suited for the hobbyist. 
The TE recording feature is activated, by pressing the red 'Rec' button. Best results would be obtained, while observing multiple (or swarming) bats. To further ensure that bat calls are not missed. With a little practice, capturing individual bat calls (recordings) will be easy.

Pros:

• Time-expansion mode! (and recording).
• Three detector technologies in one device.
• Ability to record in both HD & TE modes, with built-in memory.
• Relatively low-cost.

Cons:

•  9v batteries do not last more than 12 hours of continuous use.

* The reason for this statement "May exhibit a minor background hum" - Is because my test unit did exhibit some background hum/hiss when set at high volume levels. However: My test unit was a prototype, which was partially assembled by hand, etc. I've been informed, that the full production units have had this (and other) minor issue(s) corrected. Hence, the reason for the asterisk *

As with many bat detectors in this price-range, a small amount of background noise may be heard. I've found that it may be controlled very well (greatly reduced), simply by lowering the volume. 
The background "hiss" may even be eliminated - By lowering the volume setting -and- using earphones (headphones).

As always, the majority of my bat detecting is done via passive monitoring (overnight recording). In the case of the micro trio, I do this using the FD mode. A rechargeable (NiMH) 9v battery lasts for one overnight recording session - From Dusk until Dawn. Currently (in my case) this amounts to less than 12 hours.
High quality / heavy-duty alkaline batteries lasted longer in my tests. And, they also seemed to produce better overall performance. The micro trio displays a "Lbat" indication when the battery must be replaced.

The micro trio has worked well for me, for overnight recording; hooked-up to a Tascam DR-08 digital recorder. Of course, various other digital recorders may be used. Again, make sure that you use a good-quality, shielded stereo cable for connection. This will help avoid local interference from other sources in the area.
As for your recorder, one of the lower quality settings (i.e. 16-bit/44.1kHz) is all that is needed. And, will provide even better results in some cases than higher quality settings. This is also true, when using lower-quality (inexpensive) digital voice recorders. However, you should feel free to experiment. As you can see on the specification section (under 'Technical Data'), The micro trio's FD mode is of the type which retains amplitude. This is a plus.

The (FD) recordings may be used for playback and analysis: 

FD recording made with micro trio - Displayed (and zoomed) using BatScan 9 

(Bat hasn't been positively identified yet)

The same FD recording - Displayed (and zoomed) using (free) BatExplorer

The new X05 Series of bat detectors, which also includes The BATz 2.0 HD detector (for young Naturalists), The micro duo HD & FD (w/ record memory) may be ordered directly from Ciel Electronique's online shop. 

These detectors have a range of 18-130kHz; which means that many North American (and European) singing insects will not be detectable. This, of course is a blessing to most!

After testing and using the micro trio a bit longer, and at different (field) locations - I've found it to be a very nice detector overall. 
I also tested the unit with several 8 Ohm speakers - And it was able to drive them nicely, without any issues. Standard, Mono speakers were tested. This would be of interest to those who enjoy passive monitoring. 

These simple speakers also worked well when plugged into the 'Line-Out' of the digital recorder(s) while in use (with The micro mini).
This would enable you to listen/monitor bat passes while recording. Please note, that having a small digital recorder also driving a speaker, will drain additional power from the batteries. As previously stated, the same may be accomplished using (stereo) earphones/headphones. Compared to a full-sized speaker - Small earphones would place slightly lower additional power demands on the recorder's batteries.  

I found each of the three operating modes to exhibit excellent sensitivity. This fact became evident, when the background noise, which was heard while indoors, etc. - Was reduced to practically nil when used out in the field (away from sources of EMI, etc.). Very nice!

The maximum pick-up range (distance at which a bat may be recorded) is still TBD. I will publish any further findings in an up-coming "revisit" post.
At this price point, you shouldn't expect Professional-level performance. However, I believe it is an excellent choice for many bat detecting hobbyists.

As always, I may revisit the micro trio, in a future post.

Happy bat detecting!

Update Post + The Next Bat Recording Device To Be Reviewed!

The next bat recording device I'll be reviewing - Will be the newest ultrasonic microphone from Binary Acoustic Technology: The miniMIC Ultrasonic Microphone
It's specifications, and reported capabilities look wonderful! - You may view/download the Product Description Here (in PDF format). Wow! I'm really looking forward to the opportunity! 

Update, on what's going on: 

The Review of The micro trio from Ciel is in progress (even as I type this) - I must apologize for the delay: It is partly due, to new information and details; which I've recently been made aware of. The mini trio review will be the very next post you'll see - In fact, it is detecting bats even as I write...Using FD Mode -to- PCM recorder -via- Stereo patch cable.

Something New is now being offered from Ciel - And it looks like a really neat deal!
It's called the 'Boxed detector starter kit 2x / Stereo heterodyne' Product no. CA0101.
It's a package deal, centered around the latest version of their Box HD2 recorder (which looks awesome!). It looks like the perfect set-up for an advanced beginner; or even an experienced hobbyist. Especially, if you plan to do a lot of passive bat recording (as I do). Further details may be seen on their Website.

And, here is a wonderful Link: Bat Sound Services - Especially for those interested in the bats of America. The Excel files provided, are an excellent resource! (Thank you Folks!)