SE DEBE SOLICITAR COTIZACIÓN DE ENVÍO PARA ARTÍCULOS DE GRAN TAMAÑO

AudioMoth vs. Meter Micro 2 for Wildlife Recording

AudioMoth vs. Song Meter Micro 2

A Complete Guide to Choosing The Most Affordable Audio Recorder for Wildlife Studies

Why is Sampling Rate Important?

The sampling rate determines the range of frequencies a device can capture. According to the Nyquist Theorem, to correctly record a sound, the sampling rate must be at least double the highest frequency you want to capture.

The AudioMoth (8-384 kHz) can record sounds up to approximately 192 kHz, while the Song Meter Micro 2 (8-256 kHz) reaches up to approximately 128 kHz.

AudioMoth

Key Advantages

  • Higher Sampling Rate (384 kHz) to capture very high-frequency ultrasounds
  • Greater recordable frequency range (up to ~192 kHz)
  • Buffer Mode allows up to 30 seconds.
  • More affordable price than the Song Meter Micro 2
  • Fully customizable through open-source software
  • Lightweight and compact (though requires an external case for protection)

Technical Specifications

  • Sampling Rate: 8-384 kHz
  • Frequency Range: Up to ~192 kHz
  • Dynamic Range: 70 dB
  • Battery Life: Up to 2 weeks with batteries
  • Durability: Requires external case for outdoor use

Song Meter Micro 2

Key Advantages

  • Design specifically for fieldwork with all parts optimized to work together
  • Rugged IP67 case that protects against extreme weather conditions
  • Intuitive configuration app for iOS and Android with easy setup via Bluetooth
  • Superior recording quality with better signal-to-noise ratio (96 dB) and flatter frequency response
  • Integrated features such as tripod mount, attachment loops, and dedicated mounting tab

Technical Specifications

  • Sampling Rate: 8-256 kHz
  • Frequency Range: Up to ~128 kHz
  • Dynamic Range: 96 dB
  • Battery Life: Up to 1 week with batteries
  • Durability: IP67 case for adverse weather conditions

Animals that AudioMoth can record but Song Meter Micro 2 cannot (or does so limitedly)

🦇 Horseshoe Bats

Species like Rhinolophus spp. emit echolocation calls between 130-140 kHz, which exceed the limit of the Song Meter Micro 2.

🦇 Small Insectivorous Bats

Many species emit frequencies between 150-180 kHz, perfectly capturable by AudioMoth but not by Song Meter Micro 2.

🦋 Moths and Ultrasonic Insects

Many insects produce defensive or communication ultrasounds that reach up to 150 kHz.

🐭 Rodents and Small Mammals

Offspring of many species emit vocalizations that can exceed 125 kHz, at the limit of the Song Meter Micro 2.

When to Choose AudioMoth?

AudioMoth is the best option when:

  • You need to record very high-frequency ultrasounds (above 128 kHz)
  • You have a limited budget but need advanced sampling capabilities
  • You work with high-frequency bats or ultrasonic insects
  • You require advanced customization of the firmware or specific functionalities
  • You require use of the buffer mode
  • Lightweight and compact size are critical factors in your research

When to Choose Song Meter Micro 2?

Song Meter Micro 2 is the best option when:

  • You need a device ready to use out of the box without complicated setup
  • You work in adverse weather conditions that require maximum durability
  • You value superior audio quality with better signal-to-noise ratio
  • You prefer an intuitive mobile app to configure and monitor your devices
  • You conduct studies of birds, amphibians, or mammals with vocalizations below 128 kHz
  • You require remote monitoring of battery status and storage space

Conclusion

The AudioMoth is superior for specialized research that requires capturing very high-frequency ultrasounds, especially for studies of chiropterans, ultrasonic insects, and small mammals. Its higher sampling rate and more accessible price make it the ideal choice for projects with specific technical requirements and a limited budget.

The Song Meter Micro 2 is excellent for general bioacoustics applications, offering better audio quality, greater durability, weather resistance, and a more user-friendly interface. Its all-in-one design optimized for fieldwork and the intuitive configuration app make it the preferred choice for researchers who value ease of use and reliability in adverse conditions.

The choice depends on your specific needs: if you require maximum frequency capability and customization, the AudioMoth is unbeatable. If you value ease of use, durability, and audio quality for general applications more, the Song Meter Micro 2 is an excellent option.