C55 Series Hydrophones
The Cetacean Research™ C55 series of hydrophones are preamplified, cylindrical hydrophones designed for the detection of infrasonic, audible, and ultrasonic sounds. Please note these hydrophones are available by special order only. For nearly all applications, we recommend using the C57-series hydrophones instead.
Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophones are available by special order only. We recommend using the C57 instead.
The C55 in Action!
January 2014 - Recording Engineers Tool
Listen to the recording made by a Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone and a DPA 8011 used as a stereo pair.
Raccoons in the Pool (electronic only)3:11, 9MB, MP3
by Jozefius V. Rattus & SWARMIUS
read about the music
April 2013 - Deployed in the Pelagos Sanctuary
Watch (and listen) as French researchers listen to sperm whales in the Pelagos marine mammal sanctuary using a Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone. This video is an excerpt from a program that aired on Thalassa in April 2013. Thanks to Hervé Glotin.
September 2012 - Sea Lion Stomach Survival Testimonial
C55 hydrophone survives four weeks in Stellar sea lion stomach acid ... view pictures.
In addition to typical underwater use, the Cetacean Research™ C55 series hydrophones can be used for the detection of airborne and subterranean sounds and vibrations.
The C55, C55RS, and C55X hydrophones include an integral connector and are encapsulated in a very rugged polyurethane material. An extra-rugged version is now available: the Cetacean Research™ C57 hydrophone.
The hydrophones are not individually calibrated but calibrated frequency response measurements can be performed on request.
- Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone
Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone with ruler to show size.
- Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone with cable and battery box
Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone with cable and battery box
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.
- Battery / Connector Box
Close up of the battery / connector box that comes with the Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone. Battery boxes are rated NEMA-4X water resistant. Standard signal connection for the Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone is through a watertight female BNC connector with gold center contact.
- Hydrophone Protection Cage
option: add a Hydrophone Cage for protection, flow noise reduction (shown with Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone). view more
- Frequency Response graph for C55
Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone Frequency Response graph
- Frequency Response graph for C55RS
Cetacean Research™ C55RS hydrophone Frequency Response graph
- Cetacean Research ™ C55 hydrophone with model in Cook Inlet, August 2011
August 2011, Cook Inlet, Alaska. Joe joined teams from Colorado State University and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson to record beluga whales using two Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophones and and the Fostex FR-2 field recorder.
- radiograph of C55 hydrophone in a sea lion stomach, taken September 2012
X-Ray showing a Cetacean Research™ C55 inside a Steller sea lion. The C55 survived four weeks of stomach acid and worked perfectly! Read sea lion stomach survival testimonial from Lance Barrett-Lennard, PhD; Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre or see the following images to see the C55 after the sea lion passed it.
- C55 hydrophone that survived a month in sea lion stomach acid
After being passed, washed, and the contacts buffed a little with toothpaste - the C55 hydrophone worked perfectly ! Remember, the C55 took several round trips through the Sea Lion's digestive system. Read sea lion stomach survival testimonial.
- C55 hydrophone with bones to show scale
Cetacean Research™ C55 hydrophone with bones (from a different sea lion) to show scale. Read sea lion stomach survival testimonial.
| C551 | C55RS2 | |
| Linear Frequency Range (±3dB) [kHz] | 0.015 to 44 | 0.015 to 50 & 124 to 250+ |
|---|---|---|
| Usable Frequency Range (+3/-12dB) [kHz] | 0.008 to 100 | 0.008 to 77 & 96 to 250+ |
| Transducer Sensitivity* [dB, re 1V/µPa] | -185 | -200 |
| Preamplifier Gain [dB] | 20 | 20 |
| Effective Sensitivity* [dB, re 1V/µPa] | -165 | -180 |
| SPL Equiv. Self Noise at 1kHz [dB, re 1µPa/√Hz] | 46 (Sea State Zero) | 61 |
| Power Requirement [Vdc] | 5 to 32 | 5 to 32 |
| RMS Overload Acoustic Pressure [dB, re 1µPa] | 169 to 186 | 184 to 201 |
| Maximum Operating Depth [m] | 460 | 460 |
| Operating Temperature Range [°C] | -40 to 60 | -40 to 60 |
| Output Impedance [Ω] | 10 | 10 |
| Dimensions [mm] | 110L x (25 to 16)dia. | 110L x (25 to 16)dia. |
| Integral Connector *** | Subconn MCBH3MSS | Subconn MCBH3MSS |
(1) The C55 hydrophone is a direct replacement for the C54XRS.
(2) The C55RS hydrophone is a direct replacement for the C54XR.
*** 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.
Battery / Connector box
Battery boxes are rated NEMA-4X water resistant. Standard signal connection for the Cetacean Research™ C55 series hydrophone is through a watertight female BNC connector with gold center contact. The hydrophones are powered by one or two 9V batteries (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 |
Directionality
- omnidirectional below 10kHz;
- very directional at high frequencies (e.g., ~15º solid angle at 200 kHz, –3dB);
- directionality focused in a plane.
Options
- removable in-line high-pass filter
- external power supply support
- hydrophone protection cage
- custom orders not listed above
