If you have previously used the Song Meter Mini 1 or 2, learn the key differences in the SM5 to quickly start using the recorder.
Built-In Support for Two Battery Sizes
The Mini 1 supported AA batteries by default, and 18650 batteries with an optional lid accessory. The Mini 2 was sold in two different versions that each supported a single battery size. The built-in battery compartment of the SM5 allows for either D batteries or 18650 batteries.
18650 Li-ion batteries are rechargeable, and, for a given weight, provide more energy than alkaline D or AA batteries.
The SM5 also supports an external power source, such as the Wildlife Acoustics Power Kit or a third-party external battery.
External power and internal batteries cannot be used simultaneously.
Support for Stub or Cabled Microphones
The SM5 features two preinstalled, replaceable acoustic stub microphones. These are very similar to the stub microphones used with the Mini 1 and 2, but with a longer internal cable and an improved weatherproof membrane.
You can also use up to two external, cabled microphones, such as the SMM-A2. Only two microphones in total can be active at a given time; activating a cabled microphone means deactivating a stub microphone.
Configure In-App or On-Device
The SM5 features both a built-in hardware interface like the SM4 and mobile app connectivity like the Song Meter Mini 1 and 2.
The same Song Meter Configurator mobile app works with Mini and SM5 recorders and provides the same features for checking status, managing saved configurations, and configuring a large fleet of recorders.
The built-in screen and buttons of the SM5 also allow you to configure every setting and check the recorder's status directly, and the interface is similar to that of previous models like the SM4 and SM3.
Built-In GPS/GLONASS Antenna
The SM5 has an internal satellite antenna that allows you to automatically update the recorder's clock and location settings to match data from the GPS and GLONASS satellite networks. You can configure the SM5 to synchronize with satellites once when it powers on, once every day, or continuously.
Continuous satellite sync draws additional power, so it is only recommended when you need to keep the recorder's clock precisely aligned. For example, using recordings from multiple SM5 units to perform time-of-arrival calculations requires this level of timing accuracy.