# Bat Recording Storage Cost Calculator

> Calculate the cost of storing bat survey recordings over 9 years across different storage options.

Last updated: 2026-04-26.

## Inputs

- Detector type (Song Meter SM4BAT, Song Meter Mini Bat, Song Meter Micro, AudioMoth triggered, AudioMoth untriggered, Batlogger M2, Pettersson D500X, Anabat Swift, Anabat Express, Titley Chorus, or direct GB entry)
- GB per night (auto-filled from detector, editable)
- Number of mics
- Number of nights (mics x nights = detector-nights per year)
- Or direct GB per year
- Years of retention (1-15, default 9)

## Detector storage estimates

| Detector | GB per night | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Song Meter SM4BAT FS | 1.5 | Triggered (256 kHz default) |
| Song Meter Mini Bat | 1.0 | Triggered |
| Song Meter SM4BAT ZC | 0.05 | Triggered (ZC) |
| AudioMoth triggered | 1.8 | Triggered |
| AudioMoth continuous | 28 | Continuous (256 kHz × 10-hour night ≈ 17 GB; at 384 kHz × 10 hours ≈ 28 GB) |
| Batlogger M2 | 0.8 | Triggered |
| Pettersson D500X | 2.5 | Triggered (500 kHz) |
| Anabat Swift | 0.1 | Triggered (ZC) |
| Anabat Express | 0.05 | Triggered (ZC) |
| Titley Chorus | 1.5 | Triggered |

GB-per-night figures are approximate mid-range estimates based on typical field deployments and manufacturer specifications. Actual volumes vary with bat activity, trigger sensitivity, recording duration, and sample rate. Use the GB per night field to enter your own measured value.

## Storage cost comparison

| Option | Cost per GB per year | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Azure Blob Storage | ~£0.17 | Hot tier, UK South. Reliable, but costs grow with every season's archive. |
| BioSonic | Included | 9 years EU-hosted storage with every account. |

## Why storage matters

Bat survey data is typically retained 6–10 years for audit and re-analysis purposes. There is no formal regulatory minimum in NL, UK, or DK — but client agreements and quality-management standards commonly require multi-year retention. We use 9 years as the calculator default. Cumulative costs grow faster than expected because each year's new data adds to the archive.

## Disclaimer

Azure cost estimate based on Azure Blob Storage Hot tier pricing for UK South (~£0.0142/GB/month) as of April 2026. BioSonic storage is included in the per-GB analysis subscription.

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