Comparing the Song Meter Micro and Song Meter Micro 2

The Song Meter Micro 2 builds on the first-generation Song Meter Micro by taking into account the feedback we have received from users in all types of scenarios since the original product's launch in 2021.

The first- and second-generation recorders share much in common, and users coming from the original Song Meter Micro will find themselves well at home with the new Song Meter Micro 2. However, there are several major improvements worth highlighting, as well as functional differences that we recommend keeping in mind, particularly if you have a mixed fleet of first- and second-generation recorders.

Improved Enclosure

The Song Meter Micro 2's enclosure has been completely redesigned from the ground up to be more robust and easier to use.

While the first-generation Song Meter Micro's enclosure was comprised of a separate base and lid, the enclosure of the Song Meter Micro 2 is joined by a permanent hinge, and the latch can be more easily operated with one hand.

The seal around the edges of the enclosure has been improved, and the enclosure meets IP67 standards. This means it can withstand temporary submersion in water up to a depth of one meter without water instrusion.

The back of the Song Meter Micro 2 features a tripod-style, ¼”-20 threaded mounting point. This enables you to mount the recorder using many accessories designed for trail cameras and similar devices.

For more detailed information on the new enclosure, see Song Meter Micro 2 Hardware.

Extended Battery Life

The new Song Meter Micro 2 enclosure now allows for four AA batteries instead of three, and the recorder's circuitry has been made more energy-efficient. With these two improvements, the Song Meter Micro 2 can run for twice as long as the Song Meter Micro, assuming identical microSD cards and batteries, at room temperature conditions.

A ribbon built into the AA battery tray allows you to remove batteries much more easily.

Flatter Microphone Response

The enclosure and electronics of the Song Meter Micro 2 have been redesigned to complement the microphone element and improve the recorder's frequency response. The result is a recorder that is more evenly sensitive across the vast majority of the audible spectrum.

Figure 1. Sensitivity and Noise Floor of the Song Meter Micro 1 and Song Meter Micro 2
The Song Meter Micro 1 had a prominent sensitivity peak around 5 kHz, as well as some less prominent ripples for the entire spectrum above 7 kHz. The frequency response of the Song Meter Micro 2 is much flatter, with no 5-kHz sensitivity peak and much more consistent sensitivity overall. The Song Meter Micro 2 also has a lower noise floor between 10 kHZ and 20 kHz by up to 10 dB.

Configuration and Firmware Files are Cross-Compatible

The Song Meter Micro and Song Meter Micro 2 run the same firmware versions, meaning both will be improved by the same new features and bug fixes as we release firmware updates.

Both recorders can also share configuration files. A configuration file exported from a Song Meter Micro can be imported into a Song Meter Micro 2, and vice-versa. This provides a simple way to maintain consistent settings across a mixed fleet of recorders.