Microtrack II

[Marlan]

Anybody use one?

I need a cheap little 2 track recorder for quick get in and get out recital concerts, and for recording small two track sessions. I am getting a lot of calls for these types of gigs and in the past I normally just declined because I didn't want to schlep out a heavy, super high end rig for just a few hundred bucks.

The reason I am interested in this unit is because I will be using a pair of Schoeps, DAV BG1 outboard pre, and a Mytek a/d with spidif. The goal is to have everything fit in a backpack and after the concert, take the device to my studio and load into Pyramix. It's really the spidif that is the selling point for me.

I'm not opposed to other recorders (I know everyone here gushes over the Korg), but I do like the idea of that digital connection. Since I already own the 2 channel Mytek 24/96 and the price is only 300 it seems like a cool idea. On the other hand it could be a cheap plastic piece of crapolla that isn't fit for my junk drawer.

Who uses one and why do you like it?

p.s the Korg does look pretty cool I have to admit. I just wish it had AES or SPIDIF

[Harvey Gerst]

It works great for me. The SPIDIF is wonderful and the reason I bought it. Make sure you upgrade to the most current software. The older software had problems.

[bcgood]

I own one. The pres suck hardcore but you've already mentioned that you have DAVs so that's not a problem. For you it might work syncing it with the Mytek.

However, the Korg is so awesome recording at full resolution. In my opinion it's the most analog sounding digital unit out there YMMV. If you have the money I highly suggest it.

[surflounge]

Sonic State - News MicroTrack II Tutorial, See how to use the M-Audio mobile recorder free online
Sonic State - News MicroTrack II Tutorial, See how to use the M-Audio mobile recorder free online

[Shadow_7]

+1 Korg

On the trombone forums the microtrack II is all but hated. Some sort of auto gain staging that you CAN'T turn off and otherwise takes the dynamics OUT of the performance. Not that I've ever owned / seen / or used one. And with an external preamp, this "might" not be an issue.

I went for the Korg MR-1000. A good unit that can be carried in one hand. With it's travel pouch, you can carry it and the mic stand in one hand. But by no means pocket size.

[RobAnderson]

I use a Microtrack II as a backup. I am not sure I would trust it as my only recorder. It has become a little temperamental lately - it occasionally freezes up after formatting the media, has trouble interfacing with my PC (but not with my Mac), during one concert I lost the right channel somehow (possibly after disconnecting my headphones).

Actually, my 2-Tr setup is pretty similar to what you describe. I feed two flash recorders digitally from a Mytek Stereo96ADC. Everything - preamps, cables, mic's etc. - fits nicely into a rolling suitcase.

[Marlan]

I've had a demo of a couple of things, called some friends, and I've determined that although the Microtrack is a nifty little tool, it really is (as Rob pointed out) a bit too flimsy and unreliable for me to take along on classical remotes (especially as a main 2 track unit.

It appears that the fellers at Korg really did some serious homework and released a hell of a good product. It's rare in this day and age to use the analog inputs on a portable digital recorder but thats what I'm gonna do (god help me!).

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by Marlan

Anybody use one?

I need a cheap little 2 track recorder for quick get in and get out recital concerts,.................

t I normally just declined because I didn't want to schlep out a heavy, super high end rig for just a few hundred bucks. ....................

The reason I am interested in this unit is because I will be using a pair of Schoeps, DAV BG1 outboard pre, and a Mytek a/d with spidif.

I think you're going two directions. One is for "quick get in and get out recital conerts," and the other....well.............

<<I will be using a pair of Schoeps, DAV BG1 outboard pre, and a Mytek a/d >>

It seems like you'll still be carrying a bit of gear!

I've heard of frequent file corruption problems with the MicroII, I don't think I'd trust it.

You might try the HD-P2, it has digi ins, time code, etc. and doesn't break the bank. It is extremely dependable.

You might also just borrow the HD-P2 or the Korg and go make some recordings using the on board gear and see what you think. The Tascam does pretty well for itself, especially when used at higher sampling rates for complex source material. Don't be put off by the gain specs. There's plenty of gain to accomplish anything necessary for a classical gig, even a lute recital. I haven't mic'd a clavichord, yet. The HD-P2 produces a very "large" image. I haven't used the Korg, but I have heard recordings made with it and it is extremely impressive, as has already been said. You can't beat a single box for getting in and out-or putting up with disorganized building staff and building schedules.

Returning to your original plan, though, it seems the highest priority for you-given using digi ins-would have to be reliability. I wouldn't look to the MicroII for that. The HD-P2 does SPDIF, no problem running AES/EBU into that.

[loujudson]

Sound Devices. Anything less is toys. Won't even need your pres.

L

[XLR]

I've heard of frequent file corruption problems with the MicroII, I don't think I'd trust it.

You might try the HD-P2, it has digi ins, time code, etc. and doesn't break the bank. It is extremely dependable.

Usually for me the HD-P2 does this kind of gigs, with external pre and converter. But temporarily I needed a second unit, so I bought a Microtrack II as it was the only cheaper thing with digital input.

During test recordings (24/96) on the cans everything was ok (despite of the poor headphone amp), but at the end 1 of 6 files came out as 24/44.1 (play back sounds like half speed ).

Another issue for me: S/PDIF and DC input (small USB) are built so close together that even with small plugs You can hardly use them at the same time without damaging something over the time.

The meters seem to be related to the dynamic range of the built in mic pre, for watching the digital input they are useless.

I thought that quality can't be a problem when the only job is writing digital data, but IMHO this box is not reliable enough for a fast concert recording. I can hardly plug in a safer battery, the meters tell fairy tales, and I can't be shure what it's gonna write...

[Don S]

I use mine as a backup and love it! I used to haul around a CD recorder for a 2 track mix from my FF800. Now all I need is this litle thing. I did have one software issue, but not during play/record. I plugged in 2 U87s to test the phantom and it sounded fine. I'll even go as far to say better than it should considering the $250 pricetag.