Bennu Neuropixels Datalogger

Coming soon!

Meet the upgraded Neuropixels Datalogger Headstage, the Bennu! It is the latest evolution in SpikeGadgets’ lineup of headstages for high‑density, untethered neural recordings. Designed to support both of Imec’s Neuropixels 1.0 and 2.0 probes, this headstage delivers unmatched flexibility, power efficiency, and real‑time control for freely-moving animals. This updated datalogger includes the new two-way and standby features.

  • Compatible with Neuropixels 1.0 or 2.0 probes, enabling choice of probe type for spatial resolution or implant design.

  • Support for multiple probes (up to 3 probes, or configurable combinations) for high‑channel recordings or wide coverage.

  • Wireless datalogging mode: records to on‑board storage (microSD) allowing untethered, freely moving behavior.

  • Tethered streaming mode: livestreams selected channels via control unit for high‑bandwidth applications.

  • Two‑way radio link: enables remote monitoring of headstage status (battery, recording state), sending commands (start, stop, pause), and visual feedback (e.g. LED ping).

  • Standby (pause) mode: low‑power state when recording is paused, allowing multiple epochs per session while preserving overall battery life.

  • Integrated motion sensors: accelerometer + gyroscope for movement/orientation tracking.

  • Lightweight and robust design for chronic/behavioral/animal experiments.

Publications using the previous version of the Neuropixels datalogger:

Johnston, K. D., Gilliland, R. E., Wong, R. K., & Everling, S. (2025). Marmoset Anterior Cingulate Area 32 Neurons Exhibit Responses to Presented and Produced Calls During Naturalistic Vocal Communication. Journal of Neuroscience, 2025-09. https://www.jneurosci.org/content/early/2025/08/29/JNEUROSCI.0405-25.2025.long

Forli, A., Fan, W., Qi, K. K., & Yartsev, M. M. (2025). Replay and representation dynamics in the hippocampus of freely flying bats. Nature, 1-3. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09341-z

Bimbard, C., Takács, F., Catarino, J. A., Fabre, J. M., Gupta, S., Lenzi, S. C., … & Coen, P. (2025). An adaptable, reusable, and light implant for chronic Neuropixels probes. eLife, 13, RP98522. https://elifesciences.org/articles/98522

Awwad, B., Jankowski, M. M., Polterovich, A., Bashari, S., & Nelken, I. (2023). Extensive representation of sensory deviance in the responses to auditory gaps in unanesthetized rats. Current Biology, 33(14), 3024-3030. https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(23)00764-9

Coming soon

Important Note: *This datalogger is still in testing and development, specifications are estimates only and not verified.

Number of Neuropixels ProbesUp to 3, Neuropixels 1.0 or 2.0 probes
Channel count
Total # Selectable Channels2880 (across 3 probes)
Tethered recording1152 (across 3 probes) or 384/probe
Wireless data logging400 (across 3 probes)
Weight
Headstage + Cone21g
Headstage + Cone + 400mAh battery33g
Other specifications
Intended experimental applicationsfreely-moving, data logging
Power consumption (based on actual samples, can vary)TBA
Dimensions (headstage + 2.0 cone)33x25x39mm
Sampling rateDual band: 30 kHz (AP band); 2.5 kHz (LFP band)
Bit depth10-bit
Connection to commutatormicroHDMI
SensorsAccelerometer, gyro