Bat Detector

Bat Detector

Listen to and record bats

4 ratings
7 reviews
Free

Details

Released
June 13, 2024
Updated
October 29, 2026
Bat Detector video #1 for iPhone
Bat Detector video #2 for iPhone
Bat Detector screenshot #3 for iPhone
Bat Detector screenshot #4 for iPhone
Bat Detector screenshot #5 for iPhone
Bat Detector screenshot #6 for iPhone
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About

Listen to and record the ultrasonic sounds of bats. This app transforms high-frequency bat calls into audible sounds using heterodyning and time expansion, allowing for detailed analysis and species identification. It supports full-spectrum recordings triggered by bat vocalizations.

✓Ultrasonic sound detection
✓Real-time heterodyne conversion
✓16x time expansion for audible playback
✓Full-spectrum recordings
✓Bat sound-triggered recording
✓Species identification assistance
Show original description
+1

What's New in Bat Detector

2.8

October 29, 2026

Fixed a race condition that caused the audio subsystem to repeatedly restart. "Instant replay" mode so that swiping left or right in the big sonogram window will replay recently-recorded files - very handy to show people the bat they just missed when you are on a bat walk Auto ID for UK bat species

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User reviews

Great experience

I love bats and now this allows me to identify them better than my declining eyesight allows. It works great with the proper microphone and the instructions in the pdf file (installed with the app) are helpful.

Excited to Try…

The app requires a special microphone. The app description includes a link for build your own instructions and a link for a pre-built mic. Neither link is valid anymore. I hope the app maker can provide new links for both options!

Demo mode

It says to turn demo on/off go into settings yet the doesn’t seem to be any settings.

Excellent

Works well with a pippyg configured as a usb mic.
I can only assume the 1 stars are from people who never found the mic enable setting

Demo mode

Wanted to love this but it only ever said demo mode and there is not documentation or settings to speak of.

Response from developer

This is wrong, and was clearly written before the recent updates. The user could not work out how to exit demo mode, and there is now an obvious button on screen to enter settings, and in addition the app no longer boots in demo mode on the first run.

Developer apps

FAQ

What is Bat Detector used for?

Bat Detector allows users to listen to and record ultrasonic bat sounds that are inaudible to the human ear. It uses techniques like heterodyning and time expansion to make these sounds audible for analysis and identification.

How does Bat Detector make bat sounds audible?

Bat Detector employs two primary methods: heterodyne detection, which converts ultrasonic frequencies into audible clicks and pops in real-time, and time expansion, which slows down bat calls by 16 times to preserve their musical qualities and bring them into the human hearing range.

Can Bat Detector identify bat species?

Yes, by using heterodyning and time expansion in conjunction with the displayed frequency readouts, Bat Detector assists users in making more reliable bat species identifications.

Does Bat Detector require special hardware?

Yes, to use Bat Detector, you need to connect an inexpensive ultrasonic USB microphone to your iPhone or iPad. The app description provides links to build your own or purchase a pre-assembled unit.

What kind of recordings can Bat Detector make?

When recording is engaged, Bat Detector can trigger 5-second full-spectrum recordings of bat sounds. This allows for detailed analysis of the captured ultrasonic vocalizations.

Is Bat Detector suitable for beginners?

The app is designed for both enthusiasts and workers in the field. The time expansion feature, in particular, makes bat sounds more musical and easier to appreciate, suggesting it can be accessible to those new to bat acoustics.

What devices does Bat Detector support?

Bat Detector is available for iPhone and iPad devices, as indicated by its supported devices list.

How often is Bat Detector updated?

The latest version of Bat Detector is 2.8, and it was last updated on October 29, 2026. This indicates a recent update, suggesting ongoing development and support.