Review: The UltraMic Evo 384K USB Microphone from Dodotronic

The UltraMic Evo 384K USB Microphone from Dodotronic

Not to be confused with The UltraMic 250K, or 384K USB microphone, The Evo 384K is a totally different device: 

The Ultramic 384K Evo is a professional USB microphone, which digitally records both audible and ultrasonic sound. It is constructed of high-quality black plastic, although it is not weatherproof. 

The unit is unique since it employs two separate microphones; which reside behind the opening (opposite of the [male] USB connector).

The Ultramic 384K Evo utilizes USB 2.0 connections at full speed via an audio class UAC 1.1 interface. This translates to a driverless coupling with host devices.

Hardware gain (amplification) is adjusted via a small, recessed, 4-position switch. Note: My microphone arrived with the switch set at 3 - Which equates to 0dB of gain.

More details may be seen on Page 10 of the User Guide; however, the switch gain settings, are as follows:

1.  -33dB
2.  -10dB
3.   0dB
4.  10dB

Just to clarify:

1 being the switch setting closest to the center of the Mic, and correlating to the least amount of gain (-33dB).

2 being the center position (-10dB).

3 Moving toward the Mic's opening (0dB)

4 The position closest to the Mic's opening (10dB)

The microphone itself, is basically omnidirectional. However, there is also an optional acoustic horn available (which typically costs approx. €8).

The acoustic horn is attached to the Mic using built-in neodymium magnets. Attachment of this horn makes the reception noticeably more directional / less sensitive to off-axis sound. Planar plots demonstrating this may be seen on Page 4 of the User Guide.

Physical characteristics of this unit are as follows:

80mm Long X 30mm Wide X 16mm High (thickness).

It weighs only 24 grams.

With Magnetic Cone attached, hook & loop/Velcro also provided.

A few more technical details:

• It uses a 32 bit ARM Cortex M4 microcontroller for it's CPU.
• It uses 15mA of power from whichever host it's connected to.
• It utilizes 2 SPU0410LR5H microphone elements from Knowles.
• Recording format is linear PCM format.

Current price, directly from the Dodotronic Site, at the time of this writing is €220.

Amoung the applications listed for this microphone (as per Manufacturer's site) are:

• Bioacoustics:

Detection/recording of ultrasounds of insects, cetaceans, rodents, and bats.

Bat activity at wind farms.

Mice vocalizations for medical and pharmacological studies, etc.

Various soundtracks which require the slowing down of ultrasounds.

• Industrial: 

Leak detection (gas line leaks, etc.).

Monitoring machine motors for prediction of faults.

Listening for high frequency noises from switching power supplies, LCD screens, various turbines, and energy saving lamps.

The Ultramic 384K Evo is designed to be used with your PC and/or Android phone.

Whether connected to a smartphone or a laptop, The Ultramic Evo is generally easy to use. Having said that, I would advise you to consider the importance of choosing a compatible App, which you find comfortable and convenient to use.

In both domains of smartphones and laptops (PC & Apple) - not all Apps are created equal. 

Luckily, you have a substantial assortment to choose from:

• SEA Sound Emission Analyzer
• Multi-Instrument
• GoldWave
• Audacity
• SpectraPLUS-SC
• Tadaria
• Reaper

For Android devices:

• Bat Recorder
• USB Audio Recorder Pro
• Audio Evolution Mobile Studio

For iOS:

• Ultrasonic Analyzer

As far as mounting goes, I've had satisfactory results when hand holding the Mic - However, the unit is sensitive enough to pick up sounds of even small movements of the hand that's holding it. 

The unit doesn't have a built-in tripod socket; but since it's so incredibly light (and small) there are nearly endless options for temporary mounting locations: All that is required is some good quality masking tape & your imagination.

Again, the Ultramic 384K Evo is not waterproof, so here we're discussing mounting in areas where you can keep an eye on it. For relatively "long-term" recordings, your only real limitations are:

• Your supply of expendable memory/hard drive space.
• The length of time of good weather.
• And how willing you are to search/sort through the considerable amount of recordings later.

I believe there would be a fair number of Ecologists, and those involved in Bioacoustics who would be interested in using this USB microphone.

For instance, it would be ideal for someone who:

• Needs to record both audible and ultrasounds simultaneously. 
• Is ready to move on from all-in-one detectors.
• Requires comparisons of recordings between smartphone and laptop.
• Prefers to have recordings saved directly to a laptop for analysis and processing, etc.

Not long ago, I wrote a post about how I wanted to record mammals heard in my area; at a distance...I was hearing both Foxes and Coyotes vocalizing at night.

I wondered what the best option would be in my situation. The sounds seemed to be originating from between 50 to 150 meters away.

I considered a good digital recorder, along with a fairly good-performing shotgun microphone.

Luckily, it wasn't very long before I received the Dodotronic Ultramic - And realized that it had the potential to capture the sounds I wanted.

I have made several good recordings of our local owls: Barred owls (

, as well as a couple of (as yet unidentified) woodland animals. Sadly, I haven't had the opportunity to record the original mammals I was after.

But, I should still have time...

One of the advantages to keep in mind, when comparing this Ultramic 384K Evo to a shotgun microphone - is the ability to drastically adjust the Ultramic's gain settings. When experimenting with the higher 2 (of the 4) settings, it's easy to overload the device (and cause clipping). 

With more experimentation (combinations) of both hardware and software gain settings, a good balance can be reached.

One where: There's enough gain to properly pull-in/record the distant animal sounds; without any overloading, or clipping of the signals.

Another situation where Dodotronic microphones would excel would be in controlled laboratory environments. 

It is extremely accurate when it reproduces sound. At this time, I've only uploaded 2 recordings to The SoundCloud site - I hope to add more soon:

Here is a non-amplified recording, made with the 384K Evo, of Barred Owls at about 100+ feet distant.

Here is another non-amplified recording, made with the Evo, of what I believe is (possibly) a Whippoorwill (a common night bird in NE United States) at about 100 feet distant.

Pros:

• Records audible and ultrasonic sounds simultaneously. 
• Relatively low-cost (List price on Dodotronic's site: 220 Euros).
• Super portable - Box containing Mic and Directional Horn can fit in almost any pocket.
• Substantial assortment of software available to choose from.

Cons:

• Must be tethered to a computing device.
• Not waterproof/weather resistant. 
• Only one software option available for iOS phone users. 

You may order an Ultramic 384K Evo directly from the Dodotronic website; and I was able to find just a few Dealers who stock it (all in Europe).

I plan to add more to this review - It is a work in progress...

Until next time, Happy bat detecting!

A Muon Detector (nothing to do with bats), The Dodotronic Evo 384K USB Mic Review, Another TeensyBat, PiPPYG's, and Batwalks...

OK, this isn't a bat detector...And it basically has absolutely nothing to do with bats. I apologize; but it's just too cool not to share. 

The complete (unbuilt) Muon Detector Kit

from UKRAA (Link Here).

It's a Muon Detector kit. It detects particles called muons, which originate from cosmic rays entering Earth's atmosphere - And I will confess: Lately, I've become a wee bit obsessed with them. In any case, I'm determined to acquire a kit.

For those of you who don't solder/build kits - There's

a fully completed/tested kit, in enclosure available (Here).

Now, after some substantial web searching, you'll find (as I did) that Muon detector kits aren't easy to find. It turns out that, as with everything else I adore, the best kits are found in The UK! From The UK Radio Astronomy Association (www.UKRAA.com).

The (scarce) Muon detectors normally encountered (when one searches fervently for them) are almost always DIY units. Such as this one (what the UKRAA kit is based on). The issue with this one, and all the other (hobbyist-level/DIY) kits, is that in order to build it, one has to order the various components from several different suppliers/locations. 

That is what makes these kits from UKRAA so attractive: They come complete with everything in one package - Even down to the small quantity of optical grease needed for construction! (in small syringe).  

I've been researching them left, right, and center even delving into Particle Physics along the way! The most complex math equations I've ever seen in my life!

As for bat detectors: The Evo 384K USB Microphone from Dodotronic is currently under test. I certainly plan to put it through it's paces. Note: This device records ultrasound and audible sound simultaneously. So far, I've made short recordings of Barred Owls, Big Brown Bats (Eptesicus fuscus), and some unidentified creature(s) from the woods. All I keep thinking is - It's time to consult the 'Is That a Bat' book!
The Evo 384k will be featured in a presentation review on BatAbility Courses & Tuition on Tuesday, May 30th!

I am slowly but surely making progress on building more PiPPYG's and Batwalk units...My goal is to provide any supplemental information, construction notes, tips, etc. for these units.  

Best wishes & happy bat detecting!

A Quick Update Post Re: The TeensyBat 4.1 Detector

The TeensyBat site has recently released new software for The TeensyBat 4.1 bat detector.

I've been using mine quite a bit lately... This is the second one I've built (PCB Ver. 0.7). I'm planning on ordering another kit, which now utilizes the very latest PCB (Ver. 0.8). As I type this, I have the (recently completed) TeensyBat plugged into an external (powered) speaker. 

I enjoy listening to the bats, using the Auto-Heterodyne feature (heterodyne with the benefit of automatic tuning).

My local bats are out, and seem to be celebrating Spring! 

The latest software adds some nice features: https://www.teensybat.com/software  Including very nice Auto-Record features.

Edwin Houwertjes (of The Netherlands), has recently made some new YouTube videos demonstrating his TeensyBat Detector (~ 4 months ago) - they provide an excellent explanation and overview of this kit:

TeensyBat detector basic use V1.4

TeensyBat playback and record V1.4

TeensyBat settings V1.4

Happy bat detecting!

Merlin Tuttle's Most Dangerous Adventures in the Venezuelan Jungle

Book Review: 'A Miscellany Of Bats' by M. Brock Fenton & Jens Rydell

'A Miscellany Of Bats' by M. Brock Fenton & Jens Rydell

This book has just recently been published (January 10, 2023) by Pelagic Publishing. It's currently available in paperback, and electronic format (Amazon Kindle).

The book is 256 pages in length; and it measures 24.4 X 17.0 X 1.91 Centimeters. 

As always, I advise you to shop around for: Best price, and delivery times. See link to NHBS below:

I was very anxious to receive my copy! Had I known that it was going to contain such stunning photographs, I would've been even more impatient!

In an effort to not divulge too much about the book itself, I will focus on the items which I found particularly interesting.

It arrived from the publisher's very well-packed & protected. For starters, when I first thumbed through it (just quickly, mind you) - I couldn't help but notice the amazing photos. Many of which are breathtaking. 

The other factor which becomes obvious after a short time, is that this book is meant to be read through - Not just to be referred to. In other words, it isn't strictly a (non-fiction) resource on bats.

Table of contents:

1. Introducing bats

This first chapter covers catching, IDing, marking & tagging bats (pages 5-7). Being a mothing enthusiast for many years myself - I was happy to learn that Jens Rydell started as a moth collector (page 19).

2.Bat wings and flight

Covers bat wing anatomy, and facts related to the way bats fly.

3. Seeing with sound

An excellent chapter, providing an easy to understand introduction to the ways bats use echolocation. Wonderfully presented.

4. Echolocation: a window onto bat behaviour

One of my favorite chapters - provides further details, and even more interesting information on echolocation. Also, a rare glimpse at what detectors look like in the early 1980's! Absolutely loved it!

5. What bats eat, part 1

There are facts and illustrations in this chapter which are simply amazing! The diet of bats is described, as well as the fascinating tactics they use, to acquire their food items of choice.

6.What bats eat, part 2

This chapter mostly deals with bats which eat items other than small insects. Similar to part 1, but in an even more concise and captivating manner.

7. Vampire bats

A slightly shorter chapter than those which preceded it, but rest assured - you will learn some facts which you were completely unaware of! You'll come to understand these enigmatic bats in a different light.

8. Where bats occur and where they roost

In this thorough, and wonderfully illustrated chapter - The reader will again learn many unique facts about where, and how bats select and use roost sites.

9. Social lives of bats

Here, the reader will learn about mating, reproduction, and the social behaviors of bats.

10. How bats use space

At 1st glance, the reader might think this chapter is about how bats use confined space(s) - In actuality, this is not the case. This chapter brings to light several unique facets of their habits (as discovered through research/study).

And I'll leave it that (as a surprise!).

11. Threats to bats

Here the authors cover all of the current threats to the survival of the world's bats. Beginning with natural threats, predators, et cetera; and moves on through to man-made threats: Such as wind farms, etc.

12. Bats and people

This was a concise but very enjoyable chapter. It covers the various relationships between bats and people throughout history. Fascinating and wonderful stuff!

13. Bats as beings

This last chapter, deals with the most fascinating facts - which scientists have learned about bats (relatively recently). The interesting and formally unknown activities of bat species, which recent research has brought to light.

I suppose what's most obvious about this book, is it's suitability and appeal to those with an interest in bats, at just about any level (except perhaps for young children?).
This book would be good for beginners/newcomers, students, as well as experts on bats.

I considered it a valuable book as soon as I saw that M. Brock Fenton was one of the authors - Having read several of his papers, and other examples of his work over several years. For anyone keenly interested in bats, not much more needs to be said about M. Brock Fenton.

I will take this opportunity, to point out - That Neil Middleton had the privilege of interviewing him, for The BatAbility Club (viewable to members only).

I must confess, that I was mostly ignorant of Jens Rydell's work until now. I was very sad to learn of his recent passing. The set-ups he used, to capture such awesome photos of bats in flight, were truly awe-inspiring. And the resulting photographs of bats in flight speak for themselves.

Again, this is a book which you'd sit down, read through; and enjoy! Chapters 3 and 4 essentially provide the reader with a very good basic understanding of: echolocation, the recording of bat calls, and spectrograms.

What I really liked:

The book was easy and pleasurable to read - I learned some very interesting facts about bats which I wasn't aware of.

It would also be a very useful addition to any public library.

What I would've liked to see:

Personally, I would have liked to have seen: More bat detectors, and more details about bat detectors... Because, well...I happen to have an obsession with bat detectors.

Honestly, beyond the preceding, partly tongue-in-cheek comment - I can't find any fault with this book. And would recommend it to anyone, with just about any level of existing knowledge of bats. This book will quickly bring someone up to speed on the fascinating natural history, and behaviour of bats.

The next review, will be of a bat recorder you've most likely never heard of—That's about to change... As with the TeensyBat 4.1, just recently reviewed here on the blog — it is also primarily a DIY detector. However, there is also an effort being made, which will allow Folks to purchase this detector already built, and flashed (programmed) and ready to go. That is about all I'm going to say about it for now. But I have been looking forward to reviewing it. Both for the BatAbility club as well as here on the blog, and sharing it with everyone!

Until next time,

Happy bat detecting!

The Song Meter Micro - From Wildlife Acoustics - Another Quick Look

The Song Meter Micro Revisited

A good, inexpensive, static recorder for recording Winter wildlife.

So, in addition to taking this Winter/down time to analyse all the bat recordings we've accumulated, what else are we doing?

Well, if you're like me, you also don't want to miss any neat wildlife sounds still occurring during the cold weather; but how?

Unattended sound recorders like The Micro, are a big help in such situations. Primarily, because of their customizable features. 

First we must consider a couple of factors... Such as where you live, and whether or not you have access to areas where wildlife vocalize. As for urban wildlife sound hobbyists - I have not forgotten you! Nor, have I forgotten how difficult it can be, to capture clean recordings of animal sounds. It's not easy while living in/or close to a city - but it certainly can be done!

In my particular situation, at the start of this Winter, I've had occasions when I could hear coyotes (and sometimes foxes) vocalizing at night. By my estimation, I would say their location was at least 100 meters away. 

I immediately started thinking: how am I going to capture these sounds? I'll run down the thought processes I went through:

• Get a shotgun microphone?
• An inexpensive (affordable) field recorder using it's built-in (X-Y) microphones?
• Maybe a good field recorder with a shotgun?
• Possibly a good-quality trail cam?

Enter The Micro!

Yes, there are other options out there as well...but we won't be discussing them at this time.

Note: The Song Meter Micro's Quick Start is located right at the beginning of the User Manual.  

I have written a full review of The Song Meter Micro, which may be read Here. Perhaps of even greater interest: There is also a full, webinar/presentation review of this unit; viewable to Members of The BatAbility Club.

Also note:

• The Micro allows a wide range of recording schedules/flexibility. 
• Wildlife Acoustics has excellent Customer Service & online resources available.
• Wildlife Acoustics provides a handful of silica gel packs with the unit.

The next review (coming soon) will be of the recently released book 'A Miscellany Of Bats'

Followed by a review of The TeensyBat (Ver. 4.1) DIY bat detector. Webinar/presentation review is already up and available to members of The BatAbility Club.

Until then,

Happy sound recording!

Some Random Thoughts, Progress Updates and Other Marginalia

Just some random thoughts, progress updates and other marginalia.

Happy New Year! 

Update Post - Late-December/Early January Activities - I apologize for not posting more frequently, I originally intended to - but frankly, my chronic pain has been getting the better of me lately.

I'm happy to report that coyotes, barred owls, great horned owls, and others have been heard vocalising in my area. My attempts at recording with just a Zoom H1n portable recorder, produced less-than-stellar results (pretty dismal in most cases). Being limited to using only the built-in Mics; this was to be expected.

I was working on raising funds for a decent shotgun microphone. I've always wanted to get a Rode NTG-2. Ever since I reached out to the author of this book:

 

I wanted to find out exactly which equipment he used, to produce the excellent recordings of singing insects on the included CD. The microphone used, was the Rode NTG-2; along with a Marantz digital field recorder (one of the no longer produced PMD-661's).

Note: If you try to track down the Marantz PMD-661 (as I have) you'll only occasionally see one pop up on eBay. And unfortunately, it's not common to find one in excellent -to- very good condition.

As for currently available handheld digital recorders, the Zoom H5 seems like just the ticket, to pair with just about any microphone. 

I've been researching, as well as building:

• Several DIY ultrasonic microphones (nothing fancy or too noteworthy yet).
• A couple of audible-range microphones (again, nothing special/noteworthy).
• Simple amplifiers for the above Mics.
• DIY Amplifiers specifically for hydrophones.

I'd done a bit of "research" on DIY hydrophones as well; and the Zoom H5 is mentioned favourably whenever the subject of hobbyist-level hydrophones is discussed. In some cases, even when the discussion involves Pro-level hydrophones.

Also, I've been keeping busy trying to build a (working!) DIY bat detector kit... I can't share much about this particular recorder yet. What I can tell you about it is:

• I've only assembled 2 so far; of which only one was successful (mea culpa).

• It uses SMD components (tiny, surface mount components). I will point out, that having only minimal experience with these parts before - delving into the technology has been fun! It's nice to know that all those years of building scale models wasn't for naught!

• It's a stand alone/static recorder type. Very much like The Audiomoth.

• I've got the parts to build three more.

But I'm not at liberty to discuss it here (yet). If and when the developer of the unit gives me the green light, I will post about it here profusely...but not until then (I hope you're reading this, Phil!).

Generally speaking, it's been a case of "Necessity being the mother of invention" here lately... Well, sort-of. That's the best analogy I can think of at the moment.

I've been very interested in obtaining some (decent-quality) recordings of my local wildlife. So, again, I've been looking very closely at the currently available devices which would enable me to do this. After some early attempts with the Zoom H1n, I thought it would be ideal, to write a post, comparing the static recorders (under a certain price point). This is still in the early stages, but in progress.

So, Wildlife Acoustics were kind enough to send me a Song Meter Micro, to help in my quest - and in my comparisons of - Static (primarily non-bat), recorders. As many of you are already aware: The Song Meter Micro is a very versatile, and easy to deploy unit. It's also very affordable.

So, in other news - I will be presenting a live webinar review of The TeensyBat 4.1 DIY bat detector kit; for BatAbility Club. This will be on the 16th of January. And viewable by club members (both live, and later in recorded format).

The TeensyBat has turned out to be not only unique; but very capable and versatile. I've also purchased one of the additional (round) DIY Mics, sometimes available on the TeensyBat site (Parts section). I'll be building an external microphone with it, to be tested with the TeensyBat, and other recorders. Hopefully, to include one of the latest AudioMoth units as well! 

I'll eventually be sharing the results of my tests, here on the blog. As well as a fully detailed review of The TeensyBat itself.

There will be a good assortment of topics and discussions here soon (mid to late January) and I hope that you'll find them interesting & enjoyable!

So, until next time:

Happy New Year! And happy bat detecting! 

Happy Christmas!

(All credit to the Author/developer: Phil Atkin)

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

Regular update post coming soon...