Recording Sites
Electrode contacts that detect neural activity from nearby neurons.
Recording sites (also called channels or electrodes) are small conductive pads on a neural probe that detect electrical signals from nearby neurons. Each site acts as an antenna picking up voltage changes caused by neural firing.
Why it matters: More recording sites allow simultaneous observation of more neurons, but increase data volume and cost. The trade-off between coverage and practicality is central to probe selection.
Typical ranges: Low-density probes have 1-32 sites for single-neuron studies. Mid-density probes (33-128 sites) balance coverage and manageability. High-density probes (129-384 sites) enable population analysis but generate large datasets.
Key consideration: Site count must match your experimental goals - don't pay for sites you won't use, but ensure sufficient coverage for your research questions.