M-Audio’s compact flash recorder
 

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...rack-main.html

PCM recording: 16 or 24-bit at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz


2-channel WAV and MP3 recording and playback for pro recording, meetings, training, education and worship

storage via convenient CompactFlash or microdrives

immediate drag-and-drop file transfer to PC and Mac via USB 2.0 mini- connector


powered via USB, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) or optional power supply


separate left and right input level controls with signal and peak indicators


professional balanced ¼” TRS inputs with mic/line switch


dual microphone preamps with 48V phantom power for studio microphones


1/8” TRS input with 5V power for use with stereo electret microphone (microphone included)


S/PDIF coaxial input for digital transfers


monitoring via RCA line outputs or 1/8” stereo headphone output


stereo output level control


large LCD for navigation and statistics


dedicated buttons for navigation, record, hold, pause, delete, menu, and power


includes Audacity software for editing and file format conversion


32MB CompactFlash card included

Hi Rob,
Looks great! I was actually looking for something just like that!
I was considering The Marantz PMD660 - 671 or Maycom http://www.maycom.nl/main.html portable recorder.
But the M-audio looks like a winner! Can't wait for it!

That looks like a great option to the practice of slipping an iRiver or minidsc recorder into the pocket of talent or the celebrant or the groom in a wedding party.

I doubt you want to slip a 7.4 x 6.9 x 2.2", 1.1 lbs unit into a groom's pocket. I wouldn't call this unit "Micro"track, but it does have nice features for a modest sized two channel digital recorder.

Joseph

I couldn't find the dimensions in the M-audio web site listing but they described it as "about the size of a deck of cards" so I was going by that.

Joseph,
Where did you get those dimensions? They don't seem to be available at the M-Audio site. They are clearly incorrect. 7.4" x 6.9" is nearly square. The product on the site is rectangular. The RCA inputs give you a sense of scale as well. No way is it more than 2" thick.

Up to this point I've been a minidisc fan, but this is pretty hard to pass up. It may be the perfect mate to the Core Sound Mic2496.

http://www.core-sound.com/Mic2496.html

Using the RCA inputs as a reference - it is approx (very Approx) 6cm x 3.5cm x 14.5 - or in imperial units about 2.2" x 1.4"x 6.9". I think that the 7 should in fact be a 1!

Can't say anything about the weight, but it looks like it might be a very handy device - will have to keep an eye on this one!

Graeme

I hope that DV Mag or some other publication runs it through tests. I was very disappointed to find out that the Fostex FR2 apparently doesn't have good enough preamps to justify 24 bit recording. It's probably expecting too much of this thing to do better.

Even if one doesn't use the 24 bit recording, that fact that you can natively record 16bit 48kHz WAV files seems like it would be a good tool to use in the situations (like slipping in a groom's pocket) where people are currently using consumer minidisc and iRiver recorders, with sync a bit easier to achieve and maintain and it providing phantom power to allow you to easily use pro quality lav mics with it.

Agreed. It also looks like a good option for double system sound, especially if you pair it with a separate AD converter. The IRiver seems like just a little too much of a consumer device for serious use to me. This thing looks like it has more thoughtfully laid out controls. Although in the picture, I didn't see any DB markings on the meter. At least it has one.

Check out soundprofessionals.com for a spec sheet

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cg...KER&type=store

I went to my favorite and most trusted video gear supplier, B&H Photo, to get the dimensions. I agree, the picture doesn't fit the stated dimensions. Just for completeness (and so no one thinks I'm crazy) I've included the B&H link below.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

I was misled. With the smaller dimensions, this unit is truly remarkable.
Joseph

Only if it has a "lock" facility - and I can't see anything in the specifications to that effect.

I presume so that it can't be accidently clicked out of record mode? Do the consumer minidiscs and iRivers that so many people use usually have such a record lock critter?

Minidiscs do, at least the Sony models I own.

The Irivers do...

Hold button yes, external power maybe no
 

M-Audio posted the manual for the Microtrack a few days ago:

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support.manuals

The Microtrack definitely has a "Hold" button. But I'm not sure if you can power it externally (like if you were using it with a mixer and one external battery). It has a USB connection that is used to charge the internal battery and it comes with a USB power supply so that you can charge it without a computer, but it's unclear if that connection can be used to bypass the internal battery. Also, it's unclear if the internal battery is easily replaceable or if it's sealed up like an iPod. If so, that would seriously suck for a professional product.

Yeah, I had that same thought as I've just this week discovered one of my DVX batteries is toasted... it goes from saying full power to suddenly dead. I'd hate to think of what it would mean if the battery was sealed inside.

BTW... These should be shipping this week. I ordered mine from www.guygraphics.com for $349 plus $6.67 shipping. That's the best price I've found and Clayton Guy has taken good care of me on other purchases in the past.

The bottom line on the unit is -100db SN for mic/line in through the 1/4" inputs... and it can supply phantom 48v out those inputs if needed. I'm hoping the A/D converters are decent... and the pres for that matter... but I have a way around the pre with an SD mixer... so we'll see...?

I should have some audio samples from this thing by the end of the week... if they're actually shipping tomorrow or tue... one thing I know for sure is they HAVE SHIPPED from M-Audio this past week. That is certain. It's just a question of if your chosen store gets their supply this week.

Matt, how do you know for sure they've shipped? Information from M-Audio given to me on Thursday is just the opposite. I hope you're right, and M-Audio is wrong.

I've been bugging the hell out of Jace Nuzback... the Product Manager for M-Audio and here's the text of an email I got from him on Friday:

>
Units have been shipped out.
They should be getting in to dealers within the next two weeks.
Jace
>


He's had lots of other interesting stuff to say such as "use whatever compact flash card you want... even the lower speed cards we've tested work great..."

The unit utilizes FAT16 format for any card popped in under 512mb and automatically does FAT32 for anything higher. It's probable that they'll have a firmware upgrade to seamlessly run across the 2 GB limitation on file size (that's tied to FAT32)... but you can use up to an 8 GB CF card if you like... so far there are no brand/speed compatibility issues.

Other then that I can't tell you much else you don't already know...? You know that it's got incredible specs for what it is right? I already mentioned the -100db SN... which even the Marantz 670 is only -65db SN for mic in... so although I'd love if they found a way to cram XLR-in on this thing... I can't really complain if it lives up to HALF of what they say it'll do on paper.

It's too bad that it looks like a toy, but I'll use black gaffer tape and secure it to an SD mixer so nobody will notice!

I haven't been this excited about an audio/video product since I first got my DVX.

The thing that I would really be interested in is
how are the pres. Don't really want to have to use
a Sound Devices with it. Do let us know your impressions,
Matt.

I'll give my impressions as soon as it gets here. Clayton Guy (guygraphics) emailed me last night and said they should have their stock my Wed (tomorrow), but it could be by the end of the week. Either way I probably won't get mine until NEXT Wed.

I ordered a set of StarQuad XLR-TRS connectors from Trew (which will be here today) and a 4 GB CF card from Dell which should be here by the end of the week.

I can't wait until the MicroTrack gets here 'cause how about THIS setup: Get a cell-phone case that perfectly fits the MT (it won't be hard to find) and has a belt loop... strap that to the butt of your boom pole and BAM! Wireless booming with sound to BEAT a Zaxcom!

Except $4500 cheaper.