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INTRODUCING THE SM5

 

The Ultimate Long-Haul Acoustic Recorder

The top-of-the-line recorder for professional ecologists studying audible wildlife. Song Meter® SM5 can record birds in the canopy, amphibians in the understory, and much more—and it does so while delivering the best battery performance on the market.
POWER YOUR WAY
 
 

Deploy for longer.

Industry-leading battery performance keeps you recording when deployments run long.
 
Get up to 1,330 hours with 18650 Li-ion batteries, or 700 hours with alkaline.* 
 
Install either with the re-engineered battery tray. Or, connect to solar via the external power port.
Set your GPS location with the Song Meter Configurator app (shown here) or using on-unit buttons and display.
WITH ACCURACY
 
 

Built-in GPS with time-sync.

A built-in GPS/GLONASS antenna keeps the clocks of multiple recorders synchronized to within 30 microseconds of one another.

This allows you to perform accurate time-of-arrival localization calculations. 

WITH EASE
 
 

Hassle-free
Bluetooth® configuration.

Easily program one recorder or a whole fleet wirelessly via the Song Meter Configurator app on your iOS® or Android device.

Select settings, create schedules, and get estimated deployment timelines at your fingertips.

Or use the on-unit buttons/display or desktop configurator to program your kit.

Song Meter Configurator app screenshot showing remaining storage, battery level, and the temperature.
The SM5 enclosure and built-in mics are IP67 weatherproof, ensuring unstoppable performance in all climates.
RELIABLY
 

Rugged setup,
field-ready performance.

Featuring a reimagined, IP67-rated weatherproof enclosure and built-in microphones.
 
Record reliably in all weather, in any terrestrial environment—rain, shine, snow, or sleet. Backed by our gold-standard three-year warranty.
FROM NOW ON

 

Future-proof design, remote access.

A brand-new expansion port for cellular remote access (accessory coming late 2026).

Download data, check recorder status, and adjust settings from anywhere, anytime. 

SM5 ANATOMY

SM5 Website Image_Anatomy (Top) V2 (1)
1. A head-on view of the Song Meter SM5.
SM5 Website Image_Anatomy (Inside)
2. A look inside the Song Meter SM5.
SM5 Website Image_Anatomy (Bottom)
3. A bottom view of the Song Meter SM5
 

It's all been leading to this.

Eighteen years of proven field experience and listening intently to your feedback. Now hear more, haul less, and streamline your workflow with the all-new SM5.

What will you discover next?

SM5 Top (1)
ACOUSTIC

SM5

Record birds and audible wildlife in stereo with the best battery life—and warranty—on the market.
 
SM5BAT Top (2)
ULTRASONIC + ACOUSTIC

SM5BAT

Record bats, birds, and everything in between—simultaneously—with the best battery life on the market.
 
*Based on recording at a 24 kHz sample rate with two built-in acoustic stub microphones. Battery specifications are estimates based on preliminary testing. Updated numbers will be coming in January 2026.