M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 Portable Handheld Recorder

No longer available at zZounds
USB 2.0 for file transfer. Phantom power mic preamps.

The M-Audio MicroTrack is a rugged high-fidelity mobile 2-channel digital recorder that records WAV and MP3 files to CompactFlash or microdrives--perfect for everything from professional field recording to corporate meetings, training, education and worship. Record via balanced line inputs or built-in high-fidelity microphone preamps complete with phantom power for studio-quality microphones. Connect MicroTrack 24/96 to a PC or Mac via USB and simply drag and drop recordings to your computer for immediate editing or Web posting. Power derives from a lithium-ion battery, and the unit can recharge via the computer's USB connection or included USB power adapter. The MicroTrack 24/96 combines quality beyond that of DAT recording with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of personal digital recorders for the ultimate solution in mobile recording.

M-Audio MicroTrack Features
2-channel WAV and MP3 recording and playback for pro recording, meetings, training, education and worship

Storage via convenient CompactFlash or micro drives

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 included power supply

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

Professional balanced 1/4-inch TRS inputs with mic/line switch

Dual microphone preamps with phantom power for studio microphones

1/8-inch TRS input with 5V power for use with stereo electret microphone (microphone read more included)

S/PDIF coaxial input for digital recording

Monitoring via RCA line outputs or 1/8-inch 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

64 MB CompactFlash card included
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M Audio MicroTrack Specifications
MP3 Recording: 96 to 320kbps at 44.1 or 48kHz

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

Storage Capacity: Variable based on data rate and storage medium

Battery Life Before Recharge: Approximately 8 hours (3 hours with phantom power)

Minimum System Requirements
Windows 98SE or Mac OS 8.6. This is required for proper use of USB devices. A USB 1.1 or 2.0 port is required for connection to computer and charging.

Compatibility
WAV

MP3

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-5765

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. (81 ratings)
Submitted September 17, 2007 by a customer from maltedmedia.com

"Battery is the deal breaker"

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Does a good job, except for that darn battery.

Sound
The recorded sound is good, and reveals how far audio has come in just a few years. in 24/96 mode and fed by a good mixer, the sound is excellent. It's not professional, but even five years ago it might have been. For live classical concert recording in unpredictable situations, its sound is fine.

Features
This would get a "10" except for the battery. It dies, it's not user-replaceable, and I haven't found an online replacement yet. I'm certainly not going to send it back, pay $75, and be without it while I wait. For now, it's powered with an external APC supply with four AAA batteries. If you're not handy with a soldering iron to replace the battery when one becomes available, it's a deal breaker.

Ease of Use
There's not much easier to use. The menus are clear and it operates easily and with each control different enough that you don't make mistakes. The screen is bright when you need it. A few flaws: too easy to double-press the delete button; you have to tape down cables if they're too heavy because they'll pull out of the TRS jacks; and it takes too long to boot.

Quality
The quality is okay -- and it's durable. I fell off a cliff into a river with it, and after careful cleaning and drying, it worked just fine.

Value
For the street price here at Zzounds, it's a good read more deal. With a tiny T microphone (mine is Core Sound), it's the perfect travel recorder to get excellent recordings with no weight. Take extra batteries and a USB power supply, a bunch of flash cards, and somewhere to dump them (I use an X-Drive Pro) and you've got a recording studio that weighs about a pound.

Manufacturer Support
Not being able to buy a battery is very bad. Downloadable firmware updates is very good.

Musical Background:
Professional composer and live recording engineer

Musical Style:
Nonpop
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