AudioMoth is a highly affordable ($~50–$100 USD), low-power, and compact open-source acoustic logger, ideal for large-scale, long-term environmental monitoring of birds, bats, and other wildlife. It offers excellent, user-friendly functionality for both audible and ultrasonic sounds, though it generally produces noisier files and is less sensitive than high-end professional equipment.
Key Takeaways
Performance: Highly effective for bioacoustic monitoring, particularly in studies requiring many devices to cover a large area. It works well for recording bats, birds, and amphibians.
Audio Quality: While it captures high-frequency data, it can produce noisier, lower-fidelity recordings compared to premium brands.
Usability: Small, lightweight, and easy to deploy in the field. Configuring the device via its software is straightforward, making it accessible to beginners.
Limitations: It can be difficult to purchase due to high demand, often requiring, waiting for, or joining a "group buy". It is not fully waterproof out of the box, requiring a specialized case or DIY protection.
Cost Efficiency: Its primary advantage is that it is roughly 10 times cheaper than professional alternatives.
Design and Configuration
AudioMoth uses an ARM Cortex M4 processor and a Micro USB connection to configure settings like sample rate and gain via computer software. It is frequently used for passive acoustic monitoring in remote areas, with researchers often using lithium batteries for better performance in cold conditions.
Verdict
AudioMoth is an excellent, cost-effective tool for hobbyists, researchers, and conservationists looking to deploy large-scale acoustic surveys. While it may not replace high-fidelity recorders for high-end, studio-level, or very specialized acoustic research, its price-to-performance ratio makes it hard to beat for field biology, notes Somerset Bat Group and ScienceDirect.co
Based on data from Open Acoustic Devices and Arribada, AudioMoth has emerged as a, low-cost, open-source, full-spectrum acoustic logger, typically priced around £80 per unit for the 1.2.0 version (including VAT)
. It has become a standard tool for long-term, large-scale biodiversity monitoring, including bat monitoring and conservation efforts.
Here is a breakdown of a typical AudioMoth deployment case study and current component costs in UK pounds:
Typical Case Study: Biodiversity/Bat Monitoring
Application: A project deploying multiple, passive acoustic sensors to monitor bat activity in a protected habitat, or in a study to map species distribution.
Configuration: AudioMoth 1.2.0 units set to record in 10-minute cycles to capture both bat ultrasound and bird/ambient sound, using SanDisk Extreme microSD cards for reliability.
Deployment: Units are deployed inside waterproof cases to withstand UK weather, hung from trees or poles, and left for 1–3 months.
Typical Costs in GBP (UK)
Costs below are based on direct sales from UK-based Open Acoustic Devices or authorized sellers.
AudioMoth 1.2.0 Device: £79.99 (VAT inclusive)
AudioMoth IPX7 Waterproof Case: £39.99 (VAT inclusive)
microSD 32GB/64GB card: ~£4.00 - £15.99
Total per node (approximate): ~£125 - £135 (excl. batteries/straps)
Note: Purchasing devices in bulk via GroupGets campaigns can further reduce costs.
Key Advantages in Case Studies
Low Cost: Up to 10 times cheaper than traditional commercial alternatives (which can exceed $1,000/£800).
Versatility: Capable of recording at rates up to 384,000 samples per second, making it ideal for high-frequency bat calls.
Low Power Consumption: Allows for long-term deployments on a single set of batteries.
Case Customization: Custom enclosures, such as those by Arribada, ensure protection in harsh environments.
Key Limitations
No Real-time Streaming: Recordings must be downloaded from the SD card.
Storage Requirements: High-frequency, long-term monitoring requires significant SD card capacity.
For further details, the Arribada Initiative manages funds from AudioMoth sales for research and development