Review: M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 Pocket Digital Recorder
Pages: 1, 2, 3, 4

Touring the Case

In addition to mic and line-level inputs (bottom photo), the MicroTrack also features an S/PDIF digital-audio input.

The MicroTrack records MP3 and WAV files at a variety of sample rates and resolutions to CompactFlash cards or microdrives. Connectors include:

• 1/8-inch miniphone input for electret condenser mics
• 1/4-inch TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) line/microphone inputs with phantom power (more on this in a moment)
• S/PDIF digital audio input
• RCA line outputs
• Miniphone stereo output for headphones
• USB 2.0 port

All of this fits in a box scarcely larger than a first-generation iPod. Forget the backpack studio, we're talking back pocket here.

The MicroTrack ships with everything you need to get started:

• Mini T-style stereo microphone
• USB cable
• Wall-wart power adapter (you charge the battery via USB, by plugging the cable either into the wall plug adaptor or directly into your computer's USB port)
• Earbuds
• 64MB CompactFlash card
• QuickStart guide and PDF manual
• Even a dandy drawstring carrying case

Here's one essential add-on: more memory. The included card yields just six minutes and 20 seconds of recording time at 16-bit, 44.1kHz resolution, the CD standard. Of course, the actual recording time varies widely depending on the type of recording — compressed MP3 or uncompressed WAV — sample rate, and bit resolution. For instance, that same 64MB card can handle about an hour and a half of MP3s encoded at 96kbps, which is just fine for recording lecture notes or capturing your grandmother's life story.

Although the MicroTrack can accept any size CompactFlash cards and even microdrives, there is currently a 2GB limit on audio files. In 24-bit, 96kHz, uncompressed format, that's about 62 minutes. However, as I discuss in a moment, using the highest sampling rate makes so little difference on this recorder that you should feel free to record at 44.1kHz, which will more than double your recording time.

As far as inspiring professional confidence, don't look for rugged hardware knobs, VU meters, or bulletproof audio jacks. At slightly over 5 oz., the unit is lightweight almost to a fault — the weight of my mic cables pulled it off the table more than once — and its construction doesn't bode well for heavy-duty use. Yes, more about that later, too. The slightly bulbous shape and silver-and-black color scheme remind me of something from a '60s sci-fi show.

But all in all, the layout works quite well and I salute M-Audio for designing a recorder that I could operate with one hand. The front sports the power switch, a 1.5-inch square LCD, Delete and Record buttons, and three rocker switches to set input and output levels. (You can control the left and right levels independently.) Two pairs of LEDs indicate signal presence and peak level.

The recorder's sides feature additional controls. The L/M/H switch sets mic sensitivity (provided you have the latest firmware); the Ph Pwr switch supplies 30V phantom power to the mics.

Running up the left side are the phantom power switch, a mic/line selector with two mic levels, a Hold switch that prevents you from accidentally interrupting a recording or switching on the unit while it's in your pocket, and a Menu button to access the internal menus. Unfortunately, the Hold switch appears to draw power even if the unit is turned off, which can drain the battery.

On the right you get a nav wheel to scroll through and select menu items, play files, etc., and a large slot for the memory cards. One nice touch: the card's eject button folds out of the way so you won't pop out the memory at an inopportune time.

Capturing the elusive sizzle when the tropical sun hits the Pacific.