The Song Meter Mini Bat is a lightweight and small stand-alone bat detector comparable to its bigger brother the SM4BAT FS. In addition, it offers many benefits. Thanks to this recorder you no longer need to purchase 2 standalone detectors from Wildlife Acoustics if you want to record in full spectrum and in zero crossing because the Song Meter Mini Bat can do both. It is even possible to connect an acoustic microphone so that you can also record birds and frogs with it.
Another important difference is that the Song Meter Mini Bat can be operated via a smartphone or tablet with a BlueTooth connection. You can download the "Song Meter Mini Configurator" app for free via Google Play or the Apple App store. It also sends interim updates via the same connection to the free app on your device. With your telephone you can, for example, set the date, time, time zone and location.
The Song Meter Mini Bat can record continuously for 25 nights of 10 hours on regular AA batteries. Are you using the 18650 lithium-ion batteries in combination with the Battery Lid? Then it's not 25 nights but 125 nights, in short: more than 4 months of data. You can then further develop this data with the Kaleidoscope software from Wildlife Acoustics
Specifications Song Meter Mini Bat
| Recording format | Full spectrum and/or zero crossing |
| Acoustic recording | yes, with extra microphone to be purchased |
| Maximum sampling rate | 500 kHz |
| Programming method | iOS or Android App via BlueTooth |
| Quick start schedules | Yes |
| Advanced schedules | No |
| Advanced trigger settings | Yes |
| Battery type | 4 x AA alkaline or 2x, 4x or 6x li-ion 18650 |
| Battery life | 25 nights for 10 hours/125 nights for 10 hours |
| External power connection | not available |
| Memory storage | 1 SDHC/SDXC card |
| Microphone type | Integrated microphone similar to the SMM-U2 |
| Microphone cable extension | not available |
| GPS time/data | via the app |
| Weight | 190 grams/290 grams with batteries |
| Dimensions | 123 x 134 x 36mm |
| Waterproof | Yes |
| Integrated mounting bracket | yes, supports various mounting options |
| Factory warranty | 2 years |
Advantages compared to the SM4BAT FS
- It is smaller and lighter
- Can record both ultrasonically and acoustically (not simultaneously and not without the optional acoustic microphone)
- Can simultaneously make full spectrum as well as zero crossing recordings
- and it is many times cheaper
But:
- The SM4BAT FS has a wired microphone option and an external plug output
- The SM4BAT FS is equipped with an adjustable high-pass filter
- More advanced schedule modes for different days
- And 2 card slots instead of 1
