Song Meter® SM5: A Guide to Wildlife Acoustics’ Passive Recorder Range

Wildlife Acoustics is a leading provider of bioacoustics monitoring technology, and since its founding in 2003 its products have been widely used by biologists, researchers, and government agencies around the world. Through a comprehensive range of recorders, bat detectors, and sound analysis software, the company has enabled the recording and analysis of thousands of hours of acoustic data, helping ecological professionals deepen their understanding of wildlife and ecosystem health.

Ahead of the release of the new flagship SM5 recorders, we have put together a brief guide to the passive recorder range, highlighting the some of the key differences and new functionality.

Key Improvements at a Glance

Extended Battery Life
The SM5 now accepts 18650 lithium-ion batteries, delivering up to 1,710 hours of recording. This is a substantial improvement over the SM4, which achieved approximately 440 hours in comparable configurations — making the SM5 far better suited for long-term and remote deployments.

Built-in GPS & Time Synchronisation
GPS and time synchronisation are now integrated directly into the SM5, eliminating the need for external receivers or antennas. This ensures precise metadata tagging and simplifies field setup.

Bluetooth Configuration
Configuration is now faster and more intuitive thanks to Bluetooth connectivity and a companion app, allowing users to manage settings in the field without opening the unit.

Expansion & Future Proofing
The SM5 includes an expansion port designed to support future accessories, including cellular remote access and data transfer, currently expected in 2027. This ensures the SM5 remains relevant as monitoring requirements evolve.

SM5 Bat vs SM Mini Bat 2: Which Should You Choose?

Why Choose the SM5 Bat?

The SM5 Bat is designed for demanding, long-term monitoring projects where flexibility and robustness are essential. Key advantages include:

  • Four channel recording (2 ultrasonic + 2 acoustic)
  • Simultaneous ultrasonic and acoustic monitoring
  • Exceptional battery life
  • Flexible power options, including solar compatibility
  • Increased storage capacity via dual SD cards

These features make the SM5 Bat ideal for multi-taxa monitoring, reducing the need for multiple devices in the field.

SM Mini Bat 2

The SM Mini Bat 2 remains a strong option for shorter term surveys or projects requiring a larger number of deployed units. It offers:

  • Acoustic or ultrasonic recording (not simultaneous)
  • A compact, lightweight design
  • A lower price point
  • Excellent flexibility for targeted studies

For users balancing budget, portability, and deployment scale, the Mini Bat 2 continues to be a practical and capable solution.

SM5 Bat vs SM4 Bat: What’s Changed?

The SM5 Bat takes everything users value in the SM4 Bat and enhances it further.

Key Differences:

  • Four independent channels (2 ultrasonic + 2 acoustic) for simultaneous monitoring of acoustic and ultrasonic calls
  • All the core SM5 upgrades, including:
  • Improved battery performance
  • Built-in GPS and time sync
  • Bluetooth configuration
  • Expansion port for future connectivity

For users currently running SM4 Bat units, the SM5 offers clear advantages in deployment duration, metadata accuracy, and future expansion.

Why Choose an SM5 Acoustic Recorder?

The SM5 Acoustic is the ideal solution for users requiring multichannel acoustic recording or deploying recorders in remote, hard to access locations. Its long battery life, integrated GPS, and precise time synchronisation make it particularly well suited to:

  • Longterm biodiversity monitoring
  • Remote ecological surveys
  • Projects where accurate metadata is essential

Like the SM5 Bat, it also includes the expansion port for upcoming cellular remote access.

Other Recorders in the Range

Song Meter 2

A good balance between functionality and affordability ships with one acoustic microphone but another can be added. Ideal for shorter term ecological surveys in less remote areas or where a larger number of recorders are used.
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Song Meter Micro 2

The most affordable and compact unit in the range, offering single channel recording. Although not as high fidelity as the SM5 or Mini 2 it an ideal choice for short term deployments where weight and budget are more of a considering that the highest quality audio.

Choosing the Right Recorder

Whether you need long-term, multi-taxa monitoring or a lightweight solution for short-term surveys, Wildlife Acoustics’ passive recorder range offers a solution to match almost any project requirement. The SM5 stands out as the most powerful and future ready model to date — delivering longer deployments, easier configuration, and expanded monitoring potential in a single, flexible platform.