Abstract Bats represent unique models for studying neural mechanisms of vocal control.
Most species rely on active echolocation for orientation in space and tracking their prey.
In contrast to the situation in passive listening, echolocating bats determine the temporal and spectral composition of the uttered vocalisations in close adaptation to their own specific behavioural requirements. This fine-tuning of vocal parameters to specific needs, is mainly governed by acoustical feedback of the own vocalisation after filtering through the environment. Therefore, investigation of vocal control in bats concentrates preponderantly on the 'where' and 'how' of acoustical influx to the descending vocalisation system. Although, there are indications of the existence of control loops involving higher levels of acoustical processing, this report will restrain to the presentation of current knowledge on audio-vocal control mechanisms in the brainstem of bats. Evidences on modulatory effects on the vocal control emerging from different areas of the bat's mesencephalon will be demonstrated and discussed.