Ultrasound Microphones for the

Avisoft-Bioacoustics UltraSoundGate Devices

The modular device concept of the UltraSoundGate system makes it possible to use various exchangeable ultrasonic microphones. Choose the model that is most appropriate for your specific application.

Microphone principle pre-polarized condenser
(electret)
externally polarized condenser (200V)
Microphone model
Knowles FG
Knowles FG-O
UltraSoundGate
CM16/CMPA
UltraSoundGate
CM24/CMPA
Relative flatness of the frequency response poor good
Frequency range [kHz] 10-120 2-250
Relative sensitivity at 50 kHz medium high
Approximate self-noise level, bandwidth: 30- 50 kHz [dBSPL] 26 18 15
Directionality low medium high
Reliability in high-humidity environments very good good
Total size [mm] 19 x 19 x 47 36 x 36 x 60
(including CMPA)
44 x 44 x 54
(including CMPA)
Weight [g] 40 65
(including CMPA)
65
(including CMPA)
Power requirements 5V, 6 mA 5V, 14 mA
Compatibile to UltraSoundGate xx16x
Part # 40001, 40007 40011 40041

Relative signal-to-noise ratios of different microphones (sound source located exactly on-axis). Note that the s/n ratio will be degraded if the sound source is located off-axis. The off-axis attenuation will depend on the physical size of the diaphragm and the signal frequency. So, the largest model Avisoft CM24/CMPA is the most directional one.

See Ultrasound Microphones P48 for details on the phantom-powered microphone models that can be used with common field recorders or computer audio interfaces.

See the CM16/CMPA microphone page for details on the avilable options for connecting the condenser microphone to other recording hardware (including National Instruments devices).

In order to attach other sensors, such as hydrophones, piezo elements or third-party measurement microphones, there are additional adapter boxes available:

Charge Amplifier

1/4″ Mic Power Module

The microphone mixer allows to attach up to 4 microphones to a single UltraSoundGate microphone input.