Avisoft-UltrasoundGate 116 Ultrasonic Bioacoustic Recording System
| Brand | Avisoft |
|---|---|
| Origin | Germany |
| Model | UltrasoundGate 116 |
| Sampling Rate | 20 Hz – 460 kHz |
| Weight | 205 g |
| Resolution | 16-bit |
| Input Sensitivity (max) | −43.2 dBV |
| Input Sensitivity (min) | −3.2 dBV |
| Gain | 40 dB |
| Features | Overload Indicator, Peak dB LED, Real-time Audio Monitoring & Streaming, Adjustable Gain |
Overview
The Avisoft-UltrasoundGate 116 Ultrasonic Bioacoustic Recording System is a high-fidelity, PC-based digital acquisition platform engineered for precise capture, real-time monitoring, and post-processing of ultrasonic vocalizations in animal bioacoustics research. Operating on the principle of high-speed analog-to-digital conversion with low-jitter clocking, the system supports continuous sampling across an extended bandwidth—from audible frequencies (20 Hz) up to 460 kHz—enabling faithful representation of echolocation calls (e.g., bats), rodent ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs), insect stridulations, and avian harmonic-rich syllables. Its compact, field-rugged architecture (205 g) integrates seamlessly with external calibrated condenser microphones—including Avisoft’s CM16/CMPA series—and interfaces directly via USB 2.0, eliminating latency-inducing external soundcards. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the UltrasoundGate 116 complies with IEC 61260-1:2014 Class 1 requirements for electroacoustic measurement instrumentation and meets electromagnetic compatibility standards per EN 61326-1:2013.
Key Features
- Wideband ultrasonic acquisition: 20 Hz – 460 kHz real-time sampling, supporting Nyquist-compliant analysis of signals up to 230 kHz
- 16-bit analog-to-digital resolution with ≤0.002% THD+N, ensuring high dynamic range (>96 dB SNR) and minimal quantization distortion
- Programmable gain control (0–40 dB in 1-dB steps), optimized for both low-amplitude USVs (e.g., mouse 50–110 kHz calls) and high-SPL bat pulses (up to 140 dB SPL)
- Dedicated hardware indicators: dual-color LED for peak dB level and overload status, enabling immediate visual feedback during live recordings
- Real-time audio streaming over USB to host PC with sub-5 ms end-to-end latency—critical for closed-loop behavioral paradigms and triggered recording protocols
- Integrated DC-coupled input stage compatible with electrophysiological signal synchronization (e.g., simultaneous EEG/EMG + vocalization capture)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The UltrasoundGate 116 is routinely deployed in ethologically valid settings—both in climate-controlled laboratories and unshielded field environments—due to its low-power consumption (<1.5 W), passive cooling design, and ESD-protected microphone inputs. It supports standardized transducer coupling per ISO 12001:2021 (acoustics — calibration of ultrasonic hydrophones) when used with traceable calibration files (e.g., NIST-traceable sensitivity curves). Data integrity adheres to ALCOA+ principles: all recordings embed UTC timestamps, device serial numbers, and user-defined metadata fields. The system is validated for use in GLP-compliant studies and supports audit trails required under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 when paired with Avisoft’s SASLab Pro software configured for electronic signatures.
Software & Data Management
The UltrasoundGate 116 operates natively with Avisoft’s SASLab Pro v5.x suite—a modular, scriptable platform supporting batch spectral analysis (FFT, wavelet, LPC), automated call detection (via amplitude-threshold and machine-learning classifiers), and acoustic parameter extraction (duration, peak frequency, entropy, Wiener entropy, Jitter/Shimmer). Raw data is saved in lossless WAV format (IEEE 754 float or integer), preserving full bit-depth fidelity for third-party processing in MATLAB, Python (SciPy, Librosa), or R (seewave, tuneR). Project archives include embedded calibration metadata, session logs, and exportable CSV reports compliant with FAIR data principles. Remote configuration and firmware updates are managed via the Avisoft Device Manager utility.
Applications
- Preclinical neuroscience: Quantification of mouse/rat USVs in models of autism, anxiety, and depression (e.g., 50-kHz appetitive vs. 22-kHz aversive calls)
- Chiropteran ecology: Long-term passive monitoring of bat species diversity using autonomous recording units (ARUs) integrated with GPS-synchronized triggers
- Vocal development studies: Ontogenetic tracking of songbird syllable crystallization with millisecond temporal precision
- Toxicology and pharmacology: Assessment of drug-induced changes in vocal motor output and respiratory coordination
- Conservation bioacoustics: Automated detection of endangered species’ calls in large-scale passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) networks
FAQ
What microphone types are compatible with the UltrasoundGate 116?
The system accepts standard BNC-connected electret or condenser ultrasonic microphones with 200 V polarization voltage support (e.g., Avisoft CM16/CMPA, Knowles SPU0410LR5H-QB, or GRAS 40HP). External preamplifiers are not required.
Can the UltrasoundGate 116 operate independently without a computer?
No—it is a USB-powered interface requiring continuous host connection for power, control, and data streaming; it does not feature onboard storage or standalone firmware.
Is time-synchronization with external devices (e.g., video, EEG) supported?
Yes, via TTL trigger input/output ports and sample-accurate timestamp alignment using PTPv2-compatible network time protocol or hardware pulse injection.
Does the system support multi-channel recording?
The UltrasoundGate 116 is a single-channel acquisition device; multi-channel setups require multiple units synchronized via master-slave clock distribution or external word clock generators.
How is calibration traceability maintained across experiments?
Users import microphone sensitivity files (.cal) into SASLab Pro, which applies real-time voltage-to-pressure conversion; calibration certificates from accredited labs (e.g., PTB, NPL) are stored within project metadata for audit readiness.
