Song Torrent: A modular, open-source 96-chamber audio and video recording apparatus with optogenetic activation and inactivation capabilities for Drosophila

BackgroundO_LIMany Drosophila species use acoustic communication during courtship and studies of these communication systems have provided insight into neurobiology, behavioral ecology, ethology, and evolution. C_LIO_LIRecording Drosophila courtship sounds and associated behavior is challenging, especially at high throughput, and previously designed devices are relatively expensive and complex to assemble. C_LI ResultsO_LIWe present construction plans for a modular system utilizing mostly off-the-shelf, relatively inexpensive components that provides simultaneous high-resolution audio and video recording of 96 isolated or paired Drosophila individuals. C_LIO_LIWe provide open-source control software to record audio and video. C_LIO_LIWe designed high intensity LED arrays that can be used to perform optogenetic activation and inactivation of labelled neurons. C_LIO_LIThe basic design can be modified to facilitate novel study designs or to record insects larger than Drosophila. C_LIO_LIFewer than 96 microphones can be used in the system if the full array is not required or to reduce costs. C_LI ImplicationsO_LIOur hardware design and software provide an improved platform for reliable and comparatively inexpensive high-throughput recording of Drosophila courtship acoustic and visual behavior and perhaps for recording acoustic signals of other small animals. C_LI