About the Song Meter Configurator App

The Song Meter Configurator app provides a simple interface for configuring the schedule and settings of the Song Meter Mini Bat 2. It runs on phones and tablets running iOS and Android, and, once installed, it does not require an internet connection. See Install the Song Meter Configurator App.

Important:

While you can configure most settings without using the app by loading a .miniconfig file from an SD card, you must use the app to set the recorder's clock. The recorder will not run its recording schedule if its clock has not been set.

The Song Meter Configurator app communicates with the recorder via Bluetooth connection. By default, the recorder broadcasts periodic status beacons that can be received by the Song Meter Configurator app running on nearby devices, even when the app is not paired with the recorder.

The app can also be paired with one recorder at a time for two-way communication. When paired to a recorder, the Song Meter Configurator app can be used to program the recorder's settings in real time. You can also transfer configuration files between the paired recorder and the app's Configuration Library.

Bluetooth Functionality

The Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder uses the Bluetooth Low Energy protocol to communicate with the Song Meter Configurator app.

Note:

The process for pairing the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 with the Song Meter Configurator app is not the same as the process you might use for pairing common Bluetooth accessories, like headphones. See Pair the Recorder with the Song Meter Configurator App for pairing instructions.

By default, when the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 recorder is powered on, it generates a Bluetooth status beacon once every few seconds. If the recorder is within Bluetooth range of the mobile device, the Song Meter Configurator app will automatically detect the Bluetooth status beacon and the recorder will be detected and displayed in the Recorders screen of the app.

It is possible to disable the recorder’s Bluetooth status beacons from the Configuration Editor screen (see Send Bluetooth Beacons?). If Bluetooth beacons are disabled, the recorder will not be detected by the app unless the PAIR/STATUS button on the recorder is pressed and held for three seconds.

Note:

The usable range of a Bluetooth signal varies from phone to phone and tablet to tablet, but it is usually under 30 feet, assuming a clear line of sight between the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 and the phone or tablet.

Use Without Cellular Service

An internet connection is required to install the Song Meter Configurator app from the Apple App store or Google Play store. Once the app is installed, an internet connection is not required for any of the core functions of the app. You can manage and program your recorders using only local, Bluetooth communication.

Note on GPS and Location Data

The Song Meter Configurator can use your device's real-time location to automatically save deployment location to the Song Meter Mini Bat 2 during pairing. Location data can also be entered manually in the Location & Time Zone Screen. This location is saved to each audio file for later reference.

Most cellular-enabled devices, such as smartphones and some tablets with paid cellular plans, are equipped with a GPS antenna that receives information broadcast from GPS satellites orbiting Earth. This GPS data does not travel through the cellular network, so a smartphone can receive location information from GPS even when not in range of a cellular tower. The map data shown on the Location & time zone screen may not be visible without an internet connection, but the device's location coordinates do not rely on the Internet.

Most non-cellular-enabled devices, like tablets without a paid cellular plan, do not have a GPS antenna. These devices may be able to track approximate location data from nearby Wi-Fi routers, but this is generally not as precise as GPS location data, and it only works within about 50 meters of the nearest Wi-Fi router. A dedicated GPS receiver can be paired with a tablet via Bluetooth to provide more precise location data that can be used to set the Song Meter Mini Bat 2's saved deployment location.

Supported Operating Systems

The Song Meter Configurator app is available for Android and iOS devices.

For Android devices, download and install the Android version from the Google Play store. The Configurator app requires Android version 8.0 or later in order to run.

For iOS devices, download and install the iOS version from the Apple App Store. The Configurator app requires iOS version 12.0 or later.

Note:

The Song Meter Configurator app cannot be installed if your device is running an older operating system than the minimum supported version.

Supported Languages

The Song Meter Configurator app is available in the following languages:

  • English

  • French

  • Spanish

  • Portuguese

  • Chinese

  • German

  • Japanese

The display language of the Song Meter Configurator app will follow the Android or iOS system language setting. To manually set the language of the app, see App Information Screen.