Hydrophones
overview of all models

Custom orders gladly accepted such as gain or bandwidth modifications.


CRT Advantages

Our Customers include...

Cetacean Research hydrophones are manufactured using superior transducers encapsulated in a durable polyurethane. Cetacean Research Technology (CRT) also carries Sensor Technology hydrophones.

CRT offers both hydrophones and hydrophone systems

SQ26-H1B hydrophone

SQ26-H1B

General purpose hydrophone ideal for kayaking, whale watching and full audio-band signal detection; can also be used as a contact microphone or low cost geophone... more

Cetacean Research™ CR1A hydrophone

CR1 series

Excellent multi-purpose non-preamplified hydrophones - great for the detection and recording of both very loud signals and the quieter sounds of cetaceans and other underwater sources.... more

Cetacean Research™ CR2 hydrophone

CR2

Ideal for the detection and recording of extremely loud signals. Examples of such loud sources include close-range dolphin echolocation, high-power sonar, large pile drivers ... more

Cetacean Research™ CR3 hydrophone

CR3

An omnidirectional hydrophone ... more

Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone

C55, C55RS

Cylindrical hydrophones for detection of audible and ultrasonic sounds, with the addition of an integral connector... more

Cetacean Research™ C56 hydrophones

C56

A modular hydrophone, designed to be connected to up to five other C56s... more

Cetacean Research™ C57 hydrophones
New !

C57, C57RS

An extra-rugged version of the C55 in a shape that allows it to be towed behind a boat with less flow noise... more

Cetacean Research™ C75 hydrophones

C75

A preamplified omnidirectional hydrophone... more

Cetacean Research™ C305 hydrophones
New !

C305

Directional receive pattern with very wide frequency response for monitoring ultrasonic signals not detectable by competing brands... more

SQ26-01 hydrophone

SQ26-01

A reliable, low cost, rugged hydrophone which is integrated into instrumentation... more




Cetacean Research Hydrophone Specifications Comparisons


Model Number CR1A CR2 CR3
Linear Frequency Range (±3dB) [kHz] 0.00016 to 48 0.0019 to 28 0.0004 to 180
Usable Frequency Range (+3/-12dB) [kHz] 0.00005 to 68 0.0005 to 60 0.0001 to 240
Transducer Sensitivity [dB, re 1V/µPa] -199‡ -214 -207
Preamplifier Gain [dB] N/A N/A N/A
SPL Equiv. Self Noise at 1kHz [dB, re 1µPa/µHz] 38 (< Sea State Zero) 68 54
Power Requirement [Vdc] N/A N/A N/A
RMS Overload Acoustic Pressure [dB, re 1µPa] N/A N/A N/A
Maximum Operating Depth [m] 500 370 980
Operating Temperature Range [°C] -25 to 60 -40 to 70 -40 to 90
Capacitance [nF] 10 0.82 6.7
Dimensions [mm] 85 L x 32 dia 56 L x 14 dia 50 L x 18 dia
Coaxial Cable Length [m]* 15 10 15
Directionality
all are omnidirectional below 10kHz
- - omnidirectional at all frequencies
Battery / Connector box power not required power not required power not required

notes:

Requires a preamplifier with 100MΩ input impedance, such as the Reson VP1000 or Reson VP2000 preamplifiers, or the USB Dual Pre, which has 330kΩ impedance. If a typical preamplifier with 1MΩ input impedance is used then the following will occur:

  low frequency -3db point
will be at
-20db point
will be at
CR1 16Hz instead of 0.16Hz 1.6Hz instead of 0.016Hz
CR2 200Hz instead of 2Hz 20Hz instead of 0.2Hz
CR3 60Hz instead of .6Hz 6Hz instead of 0.1Hz.

CR1 series and CR3 hydrophones are individually spot calibrated at the factory; calibration guaranteed between -5°C and 30°C.

  CR2 hydrophones are not individually calibrated, but calibrated frequency response measurements can be performed for an additional fee.

* Cable terminated with male BNC connector (longer cable optional)



Cetacean Research Hydrophone Specifications Comparisons


Model Number C57 / C57X C57RS / C57XRS C305 / C305X C75 / C75X
Linear Frequency Range (±3dB) [kHz] 0.015 - 45 0.015 - 50 & 124 - 250+ 0.012 - 1200 / 0.012 - 250+ 0.010 - 170
Usable Frequency Range (+3/-12dB) [kHz] 0.008 - 100 0.008 - 77 & 96 - 250+ 0.005 - 2000+ / 0.005 - 250+ 0.003 - 250
Transducer Sensitivity* [dB, re 1V/µPa] -187 -200 -198 -200
Preamplifier Gain [dB] 20 / 33 20 / 33 20 / 33 20 / 33
Effective Sensitivity* [dB, re 1V/µPa] -167 / -154 - 180 / -167 -178 / -165 -180 / -167
SPL Equiv. Self Noise at 1kHz [dB, re 1µPa/√Hz] 46 (Sea State Zero) 61 ≈ 63 51
Power Requirement [Vdc] 5 to 32 5 to 32 5 to 32 5 to 32
RMS Overload Acoustic Pressure [dB, re 1µPa] 171 - 188 / 158 - 175 184 - 201 / 171 - 188 182 - 199 / 169 - 186 184 - 201 / 171 - 188
Maximum Operating Depth [m] 370 920 920** 920**
Operating Temperature Range [°C] -40 to 60 -40 to 60 -40 to 60 -40 to 85
Output Impedance [Ω] 10 10 10 10
Dimensions [mm] 116L x 25dia. 116L x 25dia. 110L x 38W x (25-11)T 92L x (25-18)dia.
Integral Connector *** Subconn MCBH3MSS Subconn MCBH3MSS Subconn MCBH3MSS Subconn MCBH3MSS
Directionality
all are omnidirectional below 10kHz
very directional at
high frequencies
(e.g., ~15° solid angle
at 200 kHz, –3dB);
directionality focused
in a plane.
very directional at
high frequencies
(e.g., ~15° solid angle
at 200 kHz, –3dB);
directionality focused
in a plane.
very directional at
high frequencies
(e.g., ~15° solid angle
at 200 kHz, –3dB);
directionality pattern
is a dipole.
omnidirectional
at all frequencies

Battery / Connector box****

yes yes yes yes

notes:

*  Transducer Sensitivity + Preamplifier Gain = Effective Sensitivity.
**  1,000 meter versions are available. Append "-1k" to the model number to order a hydrophone with a depth rating >1,000 meters.
*** Connectors are rated to a depth of 7,000 meters; see below (or to the side) for mating connector and cables.

Shielded Cable Length [m]

  • mating connector molded to 15, 30, or 50 [m] shielded cable
  • other lengths available on a custom order basis
  • cable includes Integral Connector rated to a depth of 7,000 meters.

Options

  • removable in-line high-pass filter
  • external power supply support
  • hydrophone protection cage
  • C57 and C305 series hydrophones are not individually calibrated; calibrated frequency response measurements can be performed for an additional fee
  • custom orders not listed above

**** Battery / Connector box

Battery boxes are rated NEMA-4X water resistant. Standard signal connection for the Cetacean Research C57, C75, and C305 series hydrophones is through a watertight female BNC connector with gold center contact. The hydrophones are powered by one 9V battery (not included) or an optional long-life rechargeable, external power supply.

Signal Output Female BNC connector
Battery Life [hours] > 20
Box Dimensions [mm] 110 long (including connectors) x 90 wide x 50 high