Based on your needs, the best recorder for you is the Song Meter SM4.
Capture the sounds of even
distant and quiet wildlife with one
or two (1-2) cabled microphones
(sold separately) and deploy at
distances up to 100 m from the
recorder. Or, record in stereo via
the two (2) built-in, low-noise,
omnidirectional acoustic stub
microphones.
Plug into an external power source
for extended deployments or
passively record birds (and other
audible wildlife) for up to 440 hours
with four (4) D alkaline or NiMH
batteries.
Featuring a weatherproof enclosure
and two (2) SD card slots.
$699 USD (recorder)
$259 USD (cabled mic)
$99-$249 USD (cables)
While the Mini 2 isn't compatible
with cabled microphones, it's so
small that customers sometimes
use it in place of them.
Passively record birds (and other
audible wildlife) for up to 530
hours with eight (8) AA alkaline or
NiMH batteries.
Capture the sounds of even distant
and quiet wildlife via the built-in,
low-noise, omnidirectional acoustic
stub microphone. Add a second
acoustic stub microphone (sold
separately) to record in stereo.
The IP67-rated weatherproof
housing provides flexible mounting
options and a lockable enclosure.
$499 USD
Not compatible with external power
sources.
While the Mini 2 isn't compatible with cabled
microphones, it's so small that customers sometimes use it in place of them.
Passively record birds (and other audible wildlife) for up to 1,330 hours with six (6) 18650 lithium-ion batteries.
Capture the sounds of even distant
and quiet wildlife via the built-in,
low-noise, omnidirectional acoustic
stub microphone. Add a second
acoustic stub microphone (sold
separately) to record in stereo.
The IP67-rated weatherproof
housing provides flexible mounting
options and a lockable enclosure.
$599 USD
Not compatible with external power
sources.