ABOUT US
Frontier Labs, furthering the realm of bioacoustics since 2011
Our mission
We're proud of the gear we make and we're proud of the quality and care that goes into each and every unit we sell.
We believe we make the best recorders for bioacoustic research and we aim to have the best support as well.
That's why we take time to understand each customer's individual project needs to ensure you get the most out of your research.
WHAT WE DO
Frontier Labs designs and produces bioacoustic hardware and software that are designed to produce consistent, high-quality data to aid in ecological research and conservation. Our recorders can handle the toughest environments from the freezing temperatures of the artic to sweltering heat of the Australian outback. We are continually working on improving the quality of our products so our customers can keep making great science.
Besides the production of these devices, we will work with you and offer tailored advice for your project. Our team of engineers and ecologists has a wealth of knowledge and experience using bioacoustics to monitor species across Australia. We will take the time to have one-on-one meetings with you to ensure the best outcomes for your research.
Additionally, we run workshops for universities and business aimed to educate and spread awareness of the power of bioacoustics in wildlife monitoring. We frequently sponsor and exhibit at conferences and events, locally and internationally, to showcase our innovations, learn from experts in the field about how we can improve our gear and provide the best products to aid in research efforts. Follow our social media to stay update with where we will be next!
OUR history
The company was started by Michael Maggs and Mark Calder in 2011 in the back room of a share house in Brisbane. Both Michael and Mark had worked as engineers in the bioacoustics field for several years prior and believed that recorders available at the time weren't giving researchers what they needed. They had been listening to different scientists about what features mattered most to them, and they believed they could deliver that. And so, Frontier Labs was born.
The BAR was the first recorder they developed which focused on high quality recording capabilities, durability and long-term deployment. They convinced a few researchers to give the BAR a go on their bioacoustic projects, and the outcomes were highly encouraging. The BAR-LT and Solar BAR were the next to follow and we stunned the market with their durability and long-term deployment capabilities.
For over a decade now, Frontier Labs' Bioacoustic Recorders have been used all over the world. Our devices are trusted by governments and research institutions to enable ecological monitoring at scale, in remote areas and over long periods of time. From Arctic cold to desert heat, our recorders have proven their reliability and robustness in the most challenging environments.
meet the team
Michael Maggs
Co-Founder
Lead Engineer
Michael, while being a highly qualified engineer, has a deep passion for the environment and aiding in conserving our natural habitats. He goes bush when he can and teaches at circus school.
Favourite species?
Elkhorn Fern
Platycerium bifurcatum
Mark Calder
Co-Founder
Electrical Engineer
Mark, besides having a wealth of engineering knowledge and experience, enjoys sailing, hiking, rock climbing and camping with his family in his spare time.
Favourite species?
Kieran Aland
Ecologist
Kieran is a highly experienced ecologist and director of Wildwise Environmental Services. He has worked all around Australia on and off the field, using bioacoustic monitoring on a wide range of projects.
Favourite species?
Yellow-bellied Gliders
Petaurus australis
Otis
Sales Manager
Otis is a graduate from the University of Queensland and enjoys hiking, cycling and making and listening to music.
Favourite species?
Ryeland Sheep
Ovis aries
Miranda Fittock
Marketing Manager
Miranda is a graduate ecologist from The University of Queensland, co-authored 'Overnight Hikes South East Queensland' and is an avid photographer and adventurer.
Favourite species?
Splitgill Fungi
Schizophyllum commune
Georgia
Accounts and Assembly
Georgia is a highly skilled accountant but also has strong technical abilities she brings to production. She is a weaver extraordinaire, creating everything from scarves to tablecloth as a creative outlet.
Favourite species?
Common Brushtail Possum
Trichosurus vulpecula
Matt Dyhrberg
Engineer
Matt is an experienced engineer, having worked on a wide variety of projects throughout his career. He enjoys sailing with his family on weekends and jazzing it up with his double bass at his local orchestra.
Favourite species?
Southern Brown Kiwi / Tokoeka
Apteryx australis
Charles
Sales and Production
Charles is adept in both sales and production. He loves sailing and fishing, and his homemade carrot cake is to die for. His baking is highly valued by his coworkers.
Favourite species?
Bottlenose Dolphin
Tursiops truncatus
Caleb
Production
Caleb is a top notch baker, providing tough competition for Charles. He enjoys discovering new music of all kinds in his spare time.
Favourite species?
Southern Cassowary
Casuarius casuarius
Fin
Production
Fin is an engineering and music tech student at the University of Queensland who spends his spare time rock climbing.
Favourite species?
