BoomBox is evolving from a single-function playback device into a comprehensive modular platform for multimodal playback experiments.
With the release of BoomBox v2 (BBv2), BoomBox is evolving from a single-function acoustic playback device connected to a camera trap into a comprehensive modular platform for multimodal playback experiments.
BBv2 features multimodal playback capability, a new programming interface, microSD logging, higher power output for louder audio, and future compatibility with expansion packs soon to be released. It can operate as a standalone device or integrate with other monitoring tools. In addition BBv2 maintains all the functionality of v1 such as sequential or random playback and time-based playlists,
MultiModal Playback Capability
BBv2 includes audio playback as standard, with additional sensory expansion modules designed to attach to the platform as they are released. The first sensory expansion module is visual (LED lights), enabling light only or audio-light cue experiments, with further modalities planned in Q3 of 2026.
New Programming Interface
The new BoomBox Programmer allows users to configure and test devices from a single self contained application on Mac or Windows, removing the need to download libraries and set up programming environments, significantly reducing setup time.
StandAlone or Integrated with existing monitoring tools
BBv2 ships with initial interoperability for most commercially available camera traps, creating an Automated Behavioural Response system (ABRs) or it can operate as a standalone playback system. Additional integrations with passive acoustic recorders, animal feeding systems, and other monitoring devices are being developed to further expand experimental and monitoring capabilities.
Future Compatibility
As new modalities and integrations become available, researchers can extend the experimental capabilities with expansion packs and upgrade pathways while continuing to use the same core platform across multiple projects, species, and research questions.
Upgrade programme
For previous and existing BoomBox users, an upgrade programme provides a pathway for researchers to take advantage of the new features in BBv2 whilst continuing to both build on their past research and experimental workflows, and reduce their field equipment waste by trading in the previous versions circuit boards.
Pricing and purchasing
We’ve optimised production to lower the cost of BoomBox v2 and it is now available from the Freaklabs Shop.