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Step 2: Programming the AudioMoth

AudioMoths can be configured with many different settings for different objectives. For comprehensive documentation please see the Operation Manual.

Below are some recommended settings for standard bird monitoring projects

Main Settings​

  • Sample rate: 32 kHz

  • Gain: Medium

  • Sleep duration: 9 min

  • Recording duration: 1 min

  • Schedule: 00:00–24:00 (set in the local timezone e.g. UTC−7)

  • Filtering: None

Advanced Settings​

  • Disable: “Require Chime App”

    • The chime app (smartphone) can be used to reset the clock in the field after changing batteries. However, we do not want to require it to be used for sensors that already have datetime set correctly (ie, upon initial deployment).

  • Enable: “Use device ID as prefix in WAV filename”

  • Leave all other boxes unchecked.

note

If you are using NiMH or LiPO rechargeable batteries you need to check the box Use NiMH/LiPo voltage range for battery level indication.

  • Click Configure AudioMoth.

  • Wait for the button to return to the ready state.

  • Eject the device safely.

Expected Runtime​

  • Storage: ~1336 MB/day → 64 GB ≈ 49 days

  • Battery: ~30 days with 3×AA alkaline

  • Typical deployments: 3–6 weeks depending on site conditions.

Load Configuration​

CMI is happy to help you set up a config. Please reach out if you want our advice or assitance.

  1. Open the Configuration App.

  2. Load your configuration file: File → Open Configuration.

  3. Set the device clock display: Time → Local.

Set Device Time​

If you have already programmed the AudioMoth and the batteries have been installed continuously since programming, the AudioMoth clock should already be set correctly. However, if the batteries have been removed at some point, you can use the Time App to set just the clock.

  1. Open the Time App.

  2. Click Set Time to sync to your computer's local time.

    • The AudioMoth will store time in UTC.

If you see a warning about fast clock drift, verify the time on your AudioMoth manually - this warning is often incorrect.

Pre-deployment Sanity Check / Test​

Before sending any AudioMoth into the field, perform a quick functional check to ensure the device, SD card, and configuration are working as expected. These tests take less than two minutes per unit and prevent most deployment failures.

  1. Insert batteries and SD card
    Confirm the SD card clicks securely into place and the battery contacts are clean.

  2. Confirm correct configuration
    Connect the device to the AudioMoth Config App and ensure the intended sample rate, gain, schedule, and timezone are applied. Verify that the device time is within a few seconds of the computer clock. Then disconnect the AudioMoth from your computer.

  3. Arm the device Switch to CUSTOM, check that the LED flashes as expected (if sensor is between scheduled recordings green light will blink slowly, if currently recording red light will flash quickly). See the LED guide to diagnose unexpected blinking patterns.

  4. Record a short ambient test clip

tip

See the Testing Acoustic Sensors for the recommended testing workflow.

Leave the unit running for ~5–10 seconds while speaking at a "normal" volume. Then switch to USB/OFF and inspect the SD card:

  • A new WAV file should be present.
  • The file should have the correct timestamp.
  • Playback should contain your voice clearly.

  1. Inspect housing fit
    Place the device in its intended housing and confirm that:

    • No rattling occurs.
    • The microphone port is unobstructed.
    • Orientation marks are visible or labeled.

  2. Any device that fails a sanity check should not be deployed until the issue is resolved.

Choosing Sample Rate, Gain, and Schedule Settings​

Selecting the appropriate recording settings depends on the target taxa, background noise levels, storage constraints, and project goals.

Sample Rate Selection​

Study Aim / Target TaxaRecommended Sample RateNotes
General biodiversity (birds, mammals)24–32 kHzBalanced file size vs. frequency coverage.
Songbirds, frogs32–48 kHzCaptures energy up to ~24 kHz, useful for harmonics.
Bats or very high-frequency insects≥192 kHzRequired for ultrasonic signals; large storage and battery impact.
Low-frequency noise or marine use8–16 kHzSufficient for low-frequency signals; minimizes battery and storage use.

Rule of thumb: Choose the lowest sample rate that still captures the highest frequency of interest (sample rate ≥ 2 × maximum frequency).

Gain Setting Guidance​

  • Low gain is best for high-noise environments or loud species.
  • Medium or high gain may be useful for:
    • quiet forests,
    • distant calls,
    • faint signals (small passerines, rodents, some frogs).
  • High gain increases the risk of clipping, especially during rain, wind, or loud species (hornbills, baboons, gunshots).

If unsure, run two devices with different gain settings for 24 hours and compare Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR).

Scheduling Considerations​

  • Continuous recording: Best for unknown vocalization patterns; highest battery and storage cost.
  • Duty-cycled recording: Useful for long-term monitoring (e.g., 1 min every 10 min).
  • Time-of-day schedules: Target crepuscular or nocturnal species (owls, bats, some insects).
  • Avoid very short cycles (<1 min files), which increase file fragmentation and SD card wear.
tip

Match the schedule to when the species vocalizes — dawn chorus, nocturnal peaks, rainfall cycles, etc. This can extend deployment duration. If target species are unknown or if you are interested in general biodiversity monitoring, it is often best to set up a recording schedule that operates 24 hours a day (1 every 10 min/24hrs).