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Ecological Consultancy Habitat & Species Management Field Equipment & Wildlife Features

SMZC Bat Detector by
Wildlife Acoustics

100% Guarantee The SMZC zero-cross bat detector has been superseded by the new SM4BAT ZC, which is backed by my 60 day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and exclusive 4 year warranty. Martin Bailey

The SMZC has been superseded by the new SM4BAT ZC!

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The New SM4BAT Bat Detector

The new SM4 family consists of three models: The SM4BAT FS, the SM4BAT ZC and the SM4 (acoustic). The FS model records in full spectrum and the ZC model records in zero crossing. The two ultrasonic recorders have a single microphone with cable and the acoustic model has two integral microphones.
SM4BAT
Designed around the size of four D-sized batteries, the SM4 family of recorders includes the smallest and lightest, weatherproof recorders available. Moulded in polycarbonate, the SM4 is less than half the weight and size of the SM3. This custom-designed enclosure allows for multiple units to be packed into a backpack. In addition to being completely weatherproof, the enclosure has an integrated and lockable security cover.

Why a single channel for bats? Many of our clients use single channel recording for their work. If you need two channels for bats, we advise that you buy two of the SM4BAT recorders. Why? The cost of two SM4BATs is not much more than the cost of an SM3BAT with an extra microphone. With two SM4BAT recorders deployed, you get more placement flexibility. Of course, should you want two channels, you can always order the SM3BAT.

How long can you deploy an SM4BAT? Featuring a new, low power microprocessor, single channel recording format and running on 4 D-cell batteries, the SM4BAT models have the longest deployment times available – up to one month in Full Spectrum. The SM4BAT ZC will record in Zero Crossing much longer. Deployment times for the FS and ZC can be extended even further with external power sources.

What about the SM3BAT? The SM3BAT is here to stay and will be repositioned as the solution for multiple cross-species monitoring (birds, bats, frogs, dolphins, etc) where you need both acoustics and ultrasonic microphones. If you're a dedicated bat biologist, the SM4BAT FS or ZC is the better choice. If you're not doing any bat work, you should go with the SM4 acoustic recorder.

When will the SM4 be available? All models of the SM4 are available now.

Martin's thoughts: The SM4BAT units give our clients the option of a more cost-effective unit to suit their individual preferences. If you prefer full spectrum recorders then the SM4BAT FS will suit your needs admirably. If you prefer zero crossing, the SM4BAT ZC will suit you. Of course, you can still get zero crossing files from the full spectrum files if you wish, but not vice versa. If you value the flexibility of two channels and the choice of full spectrum and zero crossing on one device, with the ability to record multiple animal species, you can still choose the SM3BAT. For acoustic recordings only, the SM4 acoustic recorder will be hard to beat (more details at the bottom of the page).

SM4BAT FS
unit only


£980

SM4BAT FS
with SMM-U1 microphone


£1280

SM4BAT FS
with SMM-U1 microphone, 2 128GB SDXC cards and 4 alkaline batteries

£1310

SM4BAT FS prices include UK delivery, VAT and a free bat calls book worth £30 as well as our
60 day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and our exclusive 4 YEAR WARRANTY
SM4BAT ZC
unit only


£620

SM4BAT ZC
with SMM-U1 microphone


£940

SM4BAT ZC
with SMM-U1 microphone, 2 32GB SDHC cards and 4 alkaline batteries

£990

SM4BAT ZC prices include UK delivery, VAT and a free bat calls book worth £30 as well as our
60 day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and our exclusive 4 YEAR WARRANTY
SM4 Acoustic
with integral microphones

£999

SM4 Acoustic
with 2 128GB SDXC cards and 4 alkaline batteries

£1050

SM4 Acoustic prices include UK delivery and VAT as well as our
60 day 100% Satisfaction Guarantee and our exclusive 4 YEAR WARRANTY
Wildlife Acoustics EM3 GPS Save £50 when you buy the GPS unit with your SM4 ~ as used with EM3 and SMZC ~ only £150 instead of £200
British Bat Calls - A Guide to Species Identification

FREE BAT CALLS BOOK
worth £30
with SM4BAT bat detectors

Choose your book after purchase

Social Calls of the Bats of Britain and Ireland
Specifications of the SM4 Family *
SM4BAT FS SM4BAT ZC SM4 (acoustic)
Recording Technology:
One channel full spectrum

Microphone:
Element: Knowles FG
Directionality: Omnidirectional

Power:
4 D-size alkaline batteries: Up to 400 hours

Storage:
2 SDXC/SDHC flash card slot
More than 1TB total capacity using 2 512GB SDXC cards

Dimensions:
Height: 8.6" / 21.8 cm
Width: 5.9" / 15.0 cm
Depth: 2.8" / 7.1 cm

Weight:
1.4 lbs. (0.64 kg) without batteries
2.7 lbs. (1.2 kg) with 4 D-size batteries

Operating Temperature:
-4°F to +122°F or -20°C to 50°C

Warranty:
3 years (4 years if bought from us)

Price:
From £980

Download User Guide
Recording Technology:
One channel zero crossing

Microphone:
Element: Knowles FG
Directionality: Omnidirectional

Power:
4 D-size alkaline batteries: Up to 450 hours

Storage:
2 SDXC/SDHC flash card slot
More than 1TB total capacity using 2 512GB SDXC cards

Dimensions:
Height: 8.6" / 21.8 cm
Width: 5.9" / 15.0 cm
Depth: 2.8" / 7.1 cm

Weight:
1.4 lbs. (0.64 kg) without batteries
2.7 lbs. (1.2 kg) with 4 D-size batteries

Operating Temperature:
-4°F to +122°F or -20°C to 50°C

Warranty:
3 years (4 years if bought from us)

Price:
From £620
Recording Technology:
Two channel

Microphone:
Element: Knowles FG
Directionality: Omnidirectional

Power:
4 D-size alkaline batteries: Up to 450 hours

Storage:
2 SDXC/SDHC flash card slot
More than 1TB total capacity using 2 512GB SDXC cards

Dimensions:
Height: 8.6" / 21.8 cm
Width: 5.9" / 15.0 cm
Depth: 2.8" / 7.1 cm

Weight:
1.4 lbs. (0.64 kg) without batteries
2.7 lbs. (1.2 kg) with 4 D-size batteries

Operating Temperature:
-4°F to +122°F or -20°C to 50°C

Warranty:
3 years (4 years if bought from us)

Price:
From £999

Download User Guide
* Because the SM4 recorders have only just been announced, these specifications should not be taken as 100% accurate - we do what we can with limited information pre-launch. We will update the information as it becomes available.
The new Song Meter SM4 Acoustic for recording birds, amphibians and other non-ultrasonic species is the longest deployment, compact, weatherproof acoustic recorder available. Featuring new generation, built-in microphones, the SM4 creates higher quality recordings than those from all previous Song Meter recorders. Designed around the size of four D-cell batteries and moulded in rugged polycarbonate, the combination makes the SM4 less than half the size and weight of the SM3.
Small enough to fit in your hand. About the size of a birder’s field guide, you can pack several SM4 recorders into a small backpack and still have room for field equipment.
Ready to record... immediately. The SM4 is ready to record right out of the box. Choose from built-in schedules like Record Always or Record Daytime – or you can easily create you own schedule and recording parameters by using the new Scheduler feature.
Capture months of vocalization data. The SM4 can store more than a terabyte of data, and its power-efficient processor gives it the longest deployment time of any bioacoustic recorder. That means more data with fewer trips into the field.
It's weatherproof. With a rugged polycarbonate enclosure and a specially designed weatherproof gasket to protect your data from the elements.
It's tamperproof. The Song Meter SM4 has an integrated security cover and lockable latch to help you keep your recorder out of sight and prevent prying paws or hands from getting at the keypad or your precious data.
It has a useful assortment of accessories and options. Choose an optional cabled microphone (in lengths of 3m, 10m and 50m), a 20m cabled hydrophone, a GPS Antenna, and a power cable.
Order using the buttons above the table.

Instructional Videos for the SM4BAT Ultrasonic Recorder

1. Introduction to the SM4BAT

2. SM4BAT Settings

3. Recording with the SM4BAT

4. Scheduling the SM4BAT

Instructional Videos for the SM4 Acoustic Recorder

1. Introduction to the SM4 Acoustic Recorder

2. SM4 Acoustic Settings

3. Scheduling with the SM4 Acoustic

4. Custom Scheduling the SM4 Acoustic

5. Recording with the SM4 Acoustic

6. Import and Export Schedules with SM4 Acoustic


7. Check Status with the SM4 Acoustic



Quick Links:


AnaBat    Batbox    Ciel    Elekon    Magenta    Pettersson    Wildlife Acoustics
Heterodyne    Dual Function    Frequency Division    Multi Mode
Bat Detector/Recorders    Digital Recorders
Sound Analysis Software


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