M-Audio MicroTrack II Mobile Digital Recorder

M-Audio Updated: 2008-11-11 RSS
M-Audio MicroTrack II Mobile Digital Recorder

The redesigned MicroTrack II brings even more professional features to the original high-fidelity mobile digital recorder that's been embraced by audio and film professionals worldwide. With an extended input gain range, analog input limiter, 48V phantom power, faster file transfer rate, seamless recording of files beyond 2GB in size and other enhancements, MicroTrack II delivers the highest quality mobile recording experience available today. Simply record WAV (BWF) and MP3 files to CompactFlash or Microdrives through balanced line inputs or built-in microphone preamps—then drag and drop recordings to your computer via high-speed USB 2.0 for immediate editing or Web posting. MicroTrack II is perfect for a wide variety of applications including field recording, capturing live shows, songwriting, education and more.

Features

2-channel WAV (BWF) and MP3 recording and playback for pro recording, capturing live shows, songwriting, training, education, worship and more
new features and enhancements including:
* extended input gain range
* analog input limiter with bypass
* 48V phantom power
* faster data transfer rate via USB 2.0
* easily add markers to BWF files
* monitor S/PDIF input via headphones while recording
* seamless recording of files greater than 2GB
* customizable folders for organizing files
* built-in CompactFlash speed test
* backlight dimmer
* hibernation mode
storage via convenient CompactFlash or Microdrives (sold separately)
immediate drag-and-drop file transfer to PC and Mac via high-speed USB 2.0 mini-connector
powered via USB, built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery or included power supply
separate left and right input level controls with signal and peak indicators
professional balanced ¼" TRS inputs capable of mic or line-level signals
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
output level control
dedicated buttons for navigation, record, hold, pause, delete, menu, and power
large LCD screen
includes electret t-shaped microphone, software for editing and file format conversion, carrying pouch, 1/8" stereo extension cable with lapel clip, power supply, and USB cable

Advanced Operation
MicroTrack II gives you even more professional recording options than ever before. Capture high-SPL sources without clipping thanks to an extended input gain range and built-in analog input limiter. Transfer files faster than ever before via the high-speed USB 2.0 connection. Drop in markers while recording BWF files and easily find your place when editing your content. Easily organize and locate your files in the field with a user-created folder structure. Overcome the limitations of the FAT32 protocol and create seamless recordings beyond 2GB in size. Dim the backlight to save battery life and be discreet in a dark room. Let the recorder hibernate, then wake it up to record on a moment's notice. With all these enhancements and more, MicroTrack II takes your mobile recording experience to the next stage.

The Professional Choice
M-Audio's MicroTrack handheld recording technology has been embraced across the digital media production spectrum. From cutting-edge music producers and Hollywood sound designers to top-shelf video game developers and photojournalism agencies, working pros depend on the MicroTrack for reliability and pristine sound quality. They've tested the unit in all kinds of conditions—so you know your MicroTrack II will deliver every time.

High-Fidelity Recording on the Go
At about the size and weight of a deck of cards, MicroTrack II will go anywhere you need to record. But don't let its small size fool you—this rugged device is in the same class as our critically acclaimed audio interfaces. Pro-quality preamps complete with full 48V phantom power will work with your favorite condenser microphones virtually anywhere you need to capture audio—all the way up to 24-bit/96kHz.

Applications Galore
When you carry MicroTrack II as your songwriter's notebook, you'll never miss a moment of inspiration. The recorder's mobility and mic preamps also make it ideal for recording practice sessions and gigs, not to mention capturing film-quality sound effects in the field. Balanced ¼" TRS line inputs also make it easy to take a feed directly from a studio or club mixer. S/PDIF input means that you can even record the output of digital mixers and do transfers from other digital recording/storage devices. And regardless of how you choose to record, you can monitor via the 1/8" stereo headphone jack or RCA line outs.

Post MP3s to the Web—Instantly
Since MicroTrack II lets you record directly to MP3 files and transfer them instantly to the computer via high-speed USB 2.0, you can e-mail or post high-quality recordings to the Web immediately. Musicians can e-mail demos to writing/production partners and record companies when the inspiration strikes. Business users can easily upload meetings and presentations for review and wider dissemination. Educators can post classes, lectures and seminars without delay. Faith-based organizations can quickly broadcast worship services and speakers. Professional presenters can create and sell back-end collateral content almost instantly—and the list goes on.

Flexible Recording
Like many of today's ultra-compact digital cameras, MicroTrack II records to CompactFlash or Microdrives. Capacity is based on the recording format selected and the size of the currently inserted media. For example, a 1GB CompactFlash card or Microdrive will hold approximately 100 minutes of uncompressed CD-quality 16-bit stereo 44.1kHz WAV files. That same 1GB media will store 1500 minutes of speech-quality stereo MP3 audio at 96kbps. Of course, you can use and swap out whatever capacity media suits your needs.

Simple Transfers
You can record as many unique files as the capacity of your available storage allows. Then just connect MicroTrack II to your PC or Mac via high-speed USB 2.0, and it appears as a USB mass storage device showing the unique identification number of each file. Just drag and drop the files to your computer's hard drive and your audio will be ready to edit and/or post to the Web. The included software even gives you the power to easily edit your files and convert between file formats.

Power to Go
MicroTrack II is powered via a long-life lithium-ion battery. You can record for approximately four to five hours on a single charge (or about three hours with phantom power engaged). You can also use an optional USB battery pack for additional hours of top-quality recording—there are many inexpensive options available at your local consumer electronics retailer. Recharge the battery by simply connecting MicroTrack II to a PC or Mac via USB, or using the included power supply.

Beyond DAT
The MicroTrack II recorder represents a far better way to acquire audio than DAT, especially in the field. To start, MicroTrack II features solid-state media and electronics, making it significantly quieter, more compact, reliable and resilient. Where delicate DAT tapes are comparatively hard to find, CompactFlash and Microdrives are readily available, and the price per megabyte keeps plummeting. Perhaps even more compelling, audio data transfers from MicroTrack II to your computer almost instantly—no more waiting around for real-time DAT transfers. And the recorder's media can even double as storage for other devices such as digital cameras.

Use Your Own Microphone
The MicroTrack II is optimized for use with professional condenser microphones and balanced TRS cables. Please visit this FAQ to confirm compatibility with your microphone. Click here for more information on the importance of using balanced cables.