Yamaha Pocketrak CX Portable Digital Recorder

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Record/playback up to 50 hours on a single battery. Uses microSD cards, (2GB included). USB 2.0 connection.

Who would believe that this much recording power slips conveniently into a shirt pocket. The large diameter and high sensitivity 90* X-Y microphone on the Pocketrak CX. creates natural stereophonic recordings. The microSD and USB capability ensure you have all the storage capability you need. The re-chargeable "eneloop" AA battery built into the compact body allows up to 40 hours of continuous recording and play-back operation. A variety of different recording formats from 16 bit 44.1 CD quality .wav files to convenient MP3 allows you to select the recording format for your purposes. Comes bundled with Yamaha exclusive Cubase AI4 software.

If your recording needs demand the best possible sonic quality as well as unprecedented portability and convenience, the Yamaha Pocketrak CX may be just what you're looking for. This 92-gram all-in-one recorder will record or play for 50 hours on a single AA penlight battery, and deliver a level of sound quality that you can take to serious post production if necessary (Steinberg Cubase AI4 audio workstation software is supplied). The built-in X-Y stereo microphone assembly is of outstanding quality, offering detailed spatial imaging without phase problems. The Pocketrak CX an ideal tool for recording band rehearsals, live performances, and any type of field recording that requires maximum reproduction quality.

Extended Recording and Playback Time
Advanced LSI technology that achieves top-class sonic quality as well as low power consumption read more means you get unprecedented extended recording and playback performance in a compact package that weights only 92 grams, including battery. Using the most accurate linear PCM recording mode you can record continuously for up 22 hours on a single battery charge. If stereo MP3 recording suits your needs you can record for up to 50 hours.* The corresponding continuous playback times are 22 hours, and 54 hours, respectively. The Pocketrak CX cones with an environment-friendly rechargeable Eneloop battery that is charged automatically whenever the unit is connected to your computer via the supplied USB cable.

* Maximum size for a single audio file is 2 GB.

High Capacity microSD Memory Cards
The Pocketrak CX stores audio data on a convenient microSD memory card that contributes both to high storage capacity and the unit's compact, lightweight form. A 2 GB microSD card is supplied, and with it you can record up to 3 hours of top-quality audio in 44.1 kHz linear PCM format, or up to 35 hours of stereo MP3 audio at 128 kbps. The Pocketrak CX complies with the standard microSD cards specifications, so you can use compatible cards with higher capacity for extra audio capacity if needed.

Top-Quality X-Y Stereo Microphone
The built-in X-Y stereo microphone assembly include two directional microphones mounted at a 90* angle to each other. While providing extremely wide coverage this system delivers astonishingly natural stereo imaging with smooth, uniform response from full left to full right, without the level variations and phase anomalies that plague common stereo microphones. The microphones themselves are constructed of parts and materials that were carefully selected to deliver optimal recording precision and clarity without compromise. To further maximize the microphone assembly's performance it is mounted outside the Pocketrack CX casing in a solid shock-resistant die-cast aluminum frame.

Stunning Sound
The Pocketrak CX is capable of recording in uncompressed linear PCM (WAV) format as well as compressed MP3 format. Two linear PCM modes are provided, corresponding to audio CD and DVD quality sound. MP3 recorded is the best choice for extended recording times, but at the best quality setting (44.1 kHz, 320 kbps) delivers outstanding sound quality with full frequency response up to 20,000 Hz.

More Than Just A Recorder
Connected to your computer via the supplied USB cable the POCKTRACK CX is recognized as an external USB drive, allowing you to easily transfer audio files to your computer. You can also transfer audio files from your computer to the Pocketrak CX for playback: it makes a great music player that can handle MP3 and WMA. And the supplied Cubase AI4 audio workstation software gives you advanced editing and overdubbing capabilities for files that you've recorded on the Pocketrak CX and transferred to your computer.

A Pocket Full of Advanced Functions
Recording:
Wolfson stereo CODEC chip for low power consumption and outstanding audio quality.

Fine manual record input level adjustment in 80 increments.

High-pass filter automatically reduces wind noise and low-frequency rumble.

Auto level control function for optimum speech recording quality.

Peak limiter prevents overload and distortion on sudden high-level transients.

VARS function automatically starts recording when a specified input signal level is detected.

Editing:
Divide recorded audio files at any specified point.

Apply fade-ins and fade-outs to recorded linear PCM files.

"Recycle Bin" folder makes it possible to retrieve deleted files.

Playback:
High output built-in speaker allows instant review of recorded material.

MP3 file playback speed can be varied without changing pitch (70%, 100%, and 150%).

One-touch Phrase Play function rewinds and replays a specified number of seconds.

5-band equalizer makes it possible to tailor the playback sound for optimum response.

Everything You Need
A photo-tripod compatible screw socket is provided on the rear of the unit, and a microphone stand adaptor is supplied so it can be conveniently mounted on a variety of supports. The Pocketrak CX is also supplied with slip-on windscreen that effectively cuts wind noise when recording outdoors.

The Pocketrak CX comes supplied with:
- Carrying Pouch
- Stereo Earphones
- USB Cable
- AA Eneloop Battery
- Windscreen
- Microphone Stand Adaptor
- microSD Memory Card (2 GB)
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General specification
Hardware:
Dimension (WxHxD): 46.5 x 129.5 x 17.5 mm

Weight: 92 g(including "eneloop" AA battery)

Memory: micro SD/ micro SDHC card(2GB micro SD included)

Battery:
available battery: AA alkali batttery x 1 or AA "eneloop"rechargeable battery x 1

eneloop battery measurement: yes

"eneloop" recharge: yes (220 minutes)

Battery life: AA Alkali
- MP3: 54 hours, PCM: 22 hours

AA "eneloop":
- MP3: 44 hours, PCM: 21.5 hours

Playback batery life: AA Alkali
- MP3: 54 hours, PCM: 24.5 hours( w/ earphone)

AA "eneloop":
- MP3: 45 hours, PCM: 23 hours( w/ earphone)

LCD:
LCD Type: Dot matrix, with back light

Language: English

Others: Headphone (stereo mini 3.5mm) x 1, Stereo microphone input stereo mini 3.5mm line input possible x 1, microSDcard slot x 1

System Requirement
Computer: Windows computer with USB jack, Macintosh computer with USB jack

OS: Windows Vista / Windows XP, Mac OS X Version 10.4 / 10.5

System Requirements
Windows:
OS: Windows Vista / XP Professional (SP1 or later) / XP Home Edition (SP1 or later) *

CPU: Intel Core / Pentium / Celeron processor more than 1.4GHz

RAM: more than 512MB

HDD: Blank area more than 1GB

Display: Full color more than 1280x800

Others: DVD-ROM drive, ASIO or Direct X audio device(ASIO devices are recommended)

Internet connection is neccesary to make the licence resistration

*When you use Windows Vista, Cubase AI 4.1.2Update should be installed.

Macintosh:
OS: MacOS X 10.4 or later

CPU: PowerPC G4 1GHz/ Core Solo 1.5GHz

RAM: More than 512MB

HDD: Blank area more than 1GB

Display: Full color more than 1280x800

Others: DVD-ROM drive, Core Audio device

Internet connection is neccesary to make the licence resistration

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 714-522-9011
Web: https://usa.yamaha.com/support

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars. (4 ratings)
Submitted December 3, 2008 by a customer from gmail.com

"Rather expensive for the sound quality offered"

Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
I auditioned this unit in comparison to the $100 less expensive Yamaha 2G which is very similar but with lower quality mics built in. Both function very similarly. I found the sound quality for spoken word to be great, and for acoustic jamming, also quite fine. For recording a live band in a practice space (my intended use) I found the cheaper 2G to be a tad compressed and "washed out" sounding with a not very extended high end. The CX sounded clearer but with a reedy high end and poor bass response. Both models sounded FAR better when using a plug-in external stereo mic like a ATM-822. Lastly, the 2G plugs directly into your USB port without a cord. Convenient, but the design makes the USB port support the device, and it feels like it is putting strain on the port floating out of the side of your laptop 6". The CX uses a micro-USB cable to plug-in. At $400, I'm not sure this product is a great deal. I'd expect the mics to be better for the money, otherwise, you can just use the cheaper 2G model with a external mic and get better sound than the CX.
Sound
See overall comments below. Average using built in mics. Quite good with external plug-in mic.
Features
Records as it says it does. I didn't need phrase playback but would have appreciated the ability to overdub or jam along.
Ease of Use
Was cake simple to figure out.
Quality
Seemed fine.
Value
Not especially stellar considering the sound quality offered.

Musical Background:

Active musician

Musical Style:

Rock, various
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