AquaEar CR30‑40 — Wideband Audio Hydrophone (7 Hz–30 kHz)
5m
$1,500.00
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AquaEar CR30‑40 — Wideband Audio Hydrophone (7 Hz–30 kHz)
$1,500.00
If checkout doesn’t support your country, request a custom quote here.
The CR30‑40 is Burns' best all-round hydrophone — wide enough in frequency response for whale vocalisations, dolphin social sounds, and general soundscape work, with a tough build designed for repeated field deployments in salt water.
Best for
Whale watching vessels
Dolphin & whale research
Underwater soundscapes
Underwater filmmaking
Environmental monitoring
Education
Why this model
- Active design with internal preamplifier — strong signal over practical cable lengths without external boosting
- 7 Hz – 30 kHz covers the full range of baleen whale song and dolphin social whistles
- Works with any recorder at 96 kHz or above — including most field recorders and audio interfaces
- Depth-rated to 100 m — far beyond typical whale watching or research deployments
- Designed and built in Nelson Bay, NSW — direct support from the people who made it
Which cable length should I choose?
5 m
Shallow deployments. Kayak, dock, or small boat where recorder is close at hand.
10 m
Most whale watching and small-boat research use. Gets below surface noise layer.
20 m
Larger vessels or when the recorder is further from the deployment point.
50 m
Deep water research, long tow setups, or when the wheelhouse is far from the stern.
Need a different length? Custom cable lengths are available — contact us before ordering.
Specifications
| Frequency range | 7 Hz – 30 kHz |
| Sensitivity | –165 dB re 1V/µPa (nominal) |
| Output impedance | 150 Ω |
| Depth rating | 100 m |
| Cable options | 5 m / 10 m / 20 m / 50 m |
| Output connector | 3.5mm TRS |
| Power requirement | External DC (via conditioning amp or Battery Box) |
| Construction | Australian-made, field-grade |
Example signal chain
CR30‑40 hydrophone
→
HP-A1 conditioning amp
→
Recorder / interface / PA
The HP-A1 provides power, gain, and filtering. For whale watching vessels connecting directly to a PA, the Battery Box provides standalone power without a separate amplifier.
Need the ultrasonic range?
If you're studying dolphin or porpoise echolocation clicks (up to 80 kHz), see the AquaEar CR80‑40. You'll also need a recorder capable of at least 192 kHz sample rate.