Hydrophones built for rigorous fieldwork
The AquaEar range delivers calibrated, broadband underwater acoustic performance — suitable for marine mammal research, passive acoustic monitoring, bioacoustics, and environmental assessment. Designed in Australia, used in research worldwide.
Choose your model
AquaEar CR30‑40
Covers the full audio range for cetacean research: low-frequency baleen whale vocalisations, dolphin whistles, and echolocation clicks up to 30 kHz. The standard choice for most marine mammal monitoring work.
| Frequency range | 7 Hz – 30 kHz |
| Sensitivity | –165 dB re 1V/µPa (nominal) |
| Output impedance | 150 Ω |
| Depth rating | 100 m |
| Cable length | 40 m (standard) |
| Connector | 3.5mm TRS |
AquaEar CR80‑40
Extends into ultrasonic frequencies for studies requiring high-frequency echolocation capture — odontocete click trains, porpoise vocalisations, and bat echolocation in freshwater environments. Required for full-bandwidth dolphin and porpoise research.
| Frequency range | 7 Hz – 80 kHz |
| Sensitivity | –165 dB re 1V/µPa (nominal) |
| Output impedance | 150 Ω |
| Depth rating | 100 m |
| Cable length | 40 m (standard) |
| Connector | 3.5mm TRS |
Compatible recording interfaces
The AquaEar outputs a standard analog signal (3.5mm TRS, line level with the HP-A1 amplifier). It is compatible with any interface that accepts a line or mic-level input, including:
If you're unsure about compatibility with your existing setup, contact us — we're happy to advise on gain staging and connector requirements.
Recommended accessories
The HP-A1 Conditioning Amplifier (AUD $399) is recommended for most research deployments. It provides 40 dB of gain, high-pass filtering to reduce low-frequency flow noise and vessel interference, and balanced output for long cable runs. It's particularly important when connecting to interfaces with high-impedance or consumer-grade inputs.
The Battery Box (AUD $150) provides self-contained power for remote deployments away from shore power.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a calibration certificate?
Individual calibration data (sensitivity vs. frequency curves) is available on request. Contact us after purchase with your order details.
What is the self-noise level?
Please contact us for the current specification sheet — noise floor figures vary slightly by production batch and we prefer to provide accurate data rather than nominal figures.
Can cable length be customised?
Yes. Custom cable lengths, jacketing, and connector types are available as a custom build — see our commercial builds page for details.
Is it suitable for freshwater deployment?
Yes. The hydrophone is sealed and rated for both salt and fresh water to 100 m.
What sampling rate is needed to capture the full 80 kHz range?
You'll need a minimum sample rate of 192 kHz (Nyquist: 2× the maximum frequency). Most professional DAQ systems and high-end audio interfaces support this. Standard 96 kHz interfaces will capture up to approximately 45 kHz.
Need something beyond off-the-shelf?
Custom cable lengths, multi-channel arrays, and DAQ integration are available as a commercial build. Tell us about your project.
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