This is a brief document that describes a portable, short-term recording system that investigators may carry into the field to make brief (1-2 hour) recordings. While this small-scale system does not offer the same benefits as continuous observations, it will allow researchers to take advantage of interesting or uncommon auditory phenomena. This document describes a complete recording system, including data logger, microphone and weather-resistant housing. Three or four such systems should be purchased for this project, as this would increase the likelihood that a recorder is available should someone wish to use it. The total system cost (without shipping) is less than $1,000.00.
Because this system will frequently be used to conduct ad-hoc or impromptu recordings, a standard meta-data description should be included at the beginning of every recording session. A potential meta-data standard is described in this document.
