AquaEar CR80‑40 — Ultrasonic Research Grade Hydrophone (7 Hz–80 kHz)
5m
$1,500.00
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AquaEar CR80‑40 — Ultrasonic Research Grade Hydrophone (7 Hz–80 kHz)
$1,500.00
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Ultrasonic research grade
The CR80‑40 extends the AquaEar range into ultrasonic frequencies — essential for capturing dolphin and porpoise echolocation click trains in full detail. If you need broadband research-grade performance up to 80 kHz, this is the model. For general whale watching or soundscape work, the CR30‑40 is the simpler choice.
Best for
Dolphin echolocation research Porpoise acoustic studies Bioacoustics research Passive acoustic monitoring University & govt. research High-frequency recording
Why this model
- 7 Hz – 80 kHz frequency range captures full-bandwidth dolphin echolocation and porpoise clicks
- Same robust active design as the CR30‑40 — built for repeated field use, not just bench work
- Compatible with Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter, Zoom H-series, Sound Devices MixPre, and NI DAQ systems
- Depth-rated to 100 m — suitable for towed, moored, and hand-deployed fieldwork
Important: To capture the full 80 kHz range, your recorder must support a minimum sample rate of 192 kHz. Check your recorder's specifications before ordering. Standard 96 kHz recorders will capture up to approximately 45 kHz.
Which cable length should I choose?
5 m
Close deployments — dock, kayak, or small vessel with recorder nearby.
10 m
Most small-boat research. Gets below surface noise and prop interference.
20 m
Larger research vessels or when the recorder is mounted away from the deployment point.
50 m
Deep water studies, towed deployments, or long cable runs on large vessels.
Custom cable lengths, connector types, and multi-channel configurations are available as a commercial build — contact us for a quote.
Specifications
| Frequency range | 7 Hz – 80 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) |
| Min. recorder sample rate | 192 kHz (for full 80 kHz bandwidth) |
| Calibration data | Available on request |
| Construction | Australian-made, field-grade |
Example signal chain
CR80‑40 hydrophone
→
HP-A1 conditioning amp
→
192 kHz capable recorder
The HP-A1 provides power, 40 dB of gain, and high-pass filtering to reduce low-frequency noise before the signal reaches your recorder. Verified compatible recorders include the Wildlife Acoustics Song Meter SM4 (with external battery), Zoom F-series, and Sound Devices MixPre-6 II.
Not sure which model you need?
If you're recording baleen whale song, general soundscape, or dolphin social calls — the CR30‑40 is the simpler and equally capable choice. The CR80‑40 is specifically for work that requires capturing ultrasonic echolocation in full bandwidth.
Still unsure? Tell us what species you're studying and what recorder you're using — we'll give you a straight recommendation.