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Pettersson M500 Microphone
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
Ask BCM a Question-
Would the M500 microphone pick up better than the D240x?
The M500 is actually the same high-end mic element as the D240x, so your recordings will appear familier in that the frequency response is essentially unchanged. A huge problem with certain other brands is every iteration of their microphones has a different frequency response, which can be seen in full spectrum and causes mis-classifications when using auto-ID apps. The M500 has updated electronics and supposedly is even better than the D500x microphone we compare to other brands. The much bigger difference using the M500 + SonoBatLIVE over the D240x is that the capture process is all automated, so you will be recording a lot more bat calls than you might with the D240x, in many but not all situations. You can also connect the M500 to an Android device and use a $6 app call Batrecorder, and it would actually function better than the D240 system you are currently using, because there is no downtime between recordings, it saves direct .wav files to the SD card in the phone. (You can buy Andrioid phones with no phone contract, etc. and use them as bat detectors.
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Hi, what is the dB range for M500? Can we change the gain?
Hello- the recording software will record even the slightest ultrasound, or even just set to constantly record. This is how the recordings are controlled for "gain" in a way. There is no real "gain" dial, if your recordings contain way too many poor quality out-of-range bat calls, then set the recording threshold to something higher so that it only records the stronger bat passes. If your purpose is to record every sound regardless of strength, then very long recordings could be made, essentially set it to always trigger, and select a long file size, like 30 seconds or more, etc.
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Hi The sampling frequency of an M500 can be changed from 500 to 384 kHz by changing firmware. Is it also possible to change the sampling frequency of an M500-384 from 384 to 500 kHz by changing firmware ? Best regards Gösta
No- you must start with the M500 to obtain the high sample rate. The M500-384 is max 384 only. The firmware change requires slight disassembly however if you are comfortable with very basic electronics it is easy enough; we have modified M500s to run at 384 in a few minutes at workshops.
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Hello! I have a Pettersson M500-384 and an iPhone with Ultrasonic Analyzer. I bought a female USB A to mini USB so the two devices could talk to each other, but it appears that the phone won't power the detector, since when connect the two, the M500 doesn't turn on and the phone doesn't seem to recognize that the M500 is plugged in. The M500 does work when it's connected to a computer, so I don't think that's the problem, and I've tried using a different iPhone, which also didn't work, so I don't think it's my specific phone. Any suggestions you have would be appreciated! Thanks!
Hello please be sure you are using an Apple iphone camera adapter https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MD821AM/A/lightning-to-usb-camera-adapter this is the only way to connect a USB device like the Pettersson M500-384 to an iOS device. Be sure you get the right connector for your generation iOS device; I even picked one up a Wal-Mart at one time.
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Would this be able to detect rat vocalizations? I am interested in researching rat vocal communications and would like to be able to record subjects' calls, but am unsure what device I should be getting.
Hello - The M500 with record 10 kHz and up, but the u256 and u384 would record from 1 kHz and above. This lower range might be more suitable for your application. All of these are USB microphones and recordings would be made using BatSoundTouch (Windows) software, included with purchase. https://batmanagement.com/collections/pettersson-collection Another option is the Binary Acoustic AR125 which can also record low frequencies and produce a realtime feed suitable for capturing in the lab environment. https://batmanagement.com/collections/binary-acoustic-technology
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I do not see spec requirements for the tablet to collect data with the M500 microphone. Are there minimum requirements for ram, 32 bit vs 64 bit OS, Windows 10 version? I am looking at getting this for data collection in the field, and using a more capable PC for data analysis. Can you tell me if this tablet is suitable? https://www.amazon.com/NuVision-8-inch-Touchscreen-Quad-Core-Processor/dp/B01H3B17R8 Thanks,
Hello Mike- Some of the software that the M500 works with is:
Windows: SonoBatLIVE, BatSound Touch, SoundChaser, Audacity
Android: Bat Recorder, USB Bat Detector iOS: Ultrasonic Analyzer Linux: Audacity OS X: Audacity
The tablet must be able to handle a microphone at a 384 kHz sample rate. Some low end tablets cannot do this.
Probably the most intensive software to use with the M500-384 is SonoBatLIVE. For that you want at least Hardware Requirements: Windows 10 PC, Mini PC, or tablet. 4 GB RAM + 1.5 gHz processor or higher, 64 bit. More RAM and a higher clock speed will help reduce perceived lag, especially in areas with high noise or high bat activity.
The tablet you spec is lacking in too many areas... it is a 32 bit machine where 64 is required for the latest SonoBat. It has too little RAM. Finally be wary of those machines with only one port... this means you cannot charge it while the mic is plugged in/running. Expect to pay ~$400 for a refurbished SurfacePro 4 with the minimum specs. We are testing a SurfaceMe with is smaller and lighter, but can't say one thing or another about it yet. -
Buenas tardes, estamos interesados en comprar 3 Pettersson M500 Microphone, estamos en Colombia y los requerimos para el 01 de Marzo de 2019, cómo sería el trámite
"Good afternoon, we are interested in buying 3 Pettersson M500 Microphones, we are in Colombia and we require them by March 1, 2019, how would the process be?" You can see shipping charges by adding all items to the shopping cart and then going thru the order process and entering your complete address. At that point you will see a shipping quote. International orders must be paid in full. The M500 is always in stock and can ship in one business day. Please email jmumper@batmanagement.com if you experiance problems placing any order online.
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