[Harp-L] New MicroTrack Mobile Digital Recorder from M-Audio

[randy singer <randy@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

i just saw this new product!!!

It looks like it might be a great substitute for the minidisc

randy


http://namm.harmony-central.com/SNAMM05/Content/M-Audio/PR/MicroTrack 
-24-96.html

New MicroTrack Mobile Digital Recorder from M-Audio
 July 24, 2005

 M-Audio has announced shipment of the new MicroTrack 24/96 digital  
recorder. Only about the size and weight of a deck of cards, the  
MicroTrack 24/96 digital recorder is a mobile 2-channel digital  
recorder that records WAV and MP3 files to CompactFlash media or  
microdrives.
 Despite its small size, leaps in miniaturization technology allow the  
MicroTrack 24/96 to deliver the same quality as M-Audio's audio  
interfaces--up to 24-bit/96kHz PCM. The unit can record via balanced  
1/4" line inputs or built-in microphone preamps complete with 48V  
phantom power for studio-quality microphones. Balanced 1/4" TRS line  
inputs also make it easy to take a feed directly from a studio or club  
mixer. S/PDIF input provides for recording the output of digital mixers  
and doing transfers from other digital recording/storage devices.  
Monitoring is provided via the 1/8" stereo headphone jack or RCA line  
outs.

 One of the secrets to the MicroTrack 24/96 digital recorder's compact  
size is that, like many of today's digital cameras, it records to  
CompactFlash or microdrives. Recording capacity is based on the format  
selected and the size of the currently inserted media. A 1GB  
CompactFlash card or microdrive, for example, 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 stereo speech-quality  
MP3 audio at 96kbps. Users can deploy and swap out whatever capacity  
media suits their needs.

 The MicroTrack 24/96 can record as many unique files as the capacity  
of the available storage allows. When connected to a PC or Mac  
computer, the MicroTrack 24/96 appears as a USB mass storage device  
showing the unique identification number of each file. Just drag and  
drop the files to the computer's hard drive and the audio files are  
ready to edit and/or post to the Web.

 While MicroTrack 24/96 features WAV fidelity suitable for professional  
use, the unit's ability to record directly to MP3 files and transfer  
them instantly to computer means that users 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, for example.

 This same capability makes the unit invaluable in other markets as  
well. 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.

 MicroTrack 24/96 is powered via long-life lithium-ion batteries that  
provide for approximately eight hours on a single charge (or about  
three hours with phantom power engaged). The battery recharges by  
simply connecting MicroTrack 24/96 to a PC or Mac via USB, or using an  
optional power supply.

 The MicroTrack 24/96 is expected to ship this month and carries an  
MSRP of $499.95.