M-Audio announces MicroTrack, Audio Hardware Options

[kactus]

an ibook doesn't have an audio input built in. but for $100 you could get an m-audio fast track and be making field recordings for hours. I think these little recorders are cool... but i think i'll just stick w/ my minidisc recorder.

I guess this is a specific recording device, kinda of Field recording device, we still have to see the specifics of it, but
it compares to Marantz PMD660 in the price range, which has 2 XLR phantom, to plug microphones, but only goes 16/48, DAT stuff.., It is portable, not a laptop, that in some harsh conditions is impossible to work or to be quick enough for the job, due to booting, open aplicattion, set levels and start recording, at least in field conditions, for concert or indoors aplicattions is the perfect tool...

The only thing I regret is the apparent lack of a second XLR phantom, otherwise it looks perfect to replace my DA-P1, on this price range, everything else is much more expensive (EDIROL R4, MARANTZ PMD670, FOSTEX FR-2, SOUND DEVICES 722).

Best,
CS

[andyface]

It's too expensive. Edirol R1 is much better and cost less.

I had an Edirol R-1 during three months before it got stolen and used it intensly during that time. My verdict is the following:
Apart from a horrible look (you might say that's not important, but then...) it is an ok but overpriced piece of portable equipment. it records up to 24-bit audio in .wav-format, mp3 up to 320kps, so thats fine. the internal microfone has a horrible sound and the stereo quality of it is rather disappointing. Another little thorny thing is that if you have the recording level turned up and you where a headphone, the entire R-1 seems to record the noise around you - pretty unpleaseant! until you turn down the record level... - I mostly recorded with my external little Sony Microfone (ECM-MS907) which has an excellent stereo quality for its size.
The little jog-wheel to step through the menu points fell off after the second day of use and the AC Adapter is a hassle.
And remember - the price doesn't include any smart memory card! So the price for having a 1GB memory card + the R1 was some 550 .- € VAT included!!! - way to expensive if all you want is record good quality audio
Ah, I almost forgot: the effects: some funny low-fi stretching effects can be achieved, but nothing you couldn't do on your G4/5 running a production sequencer like Logic. -

Good thinking...

andyface

[renderingtodeath]

Does anyone worked with the Edirol R4. Is it worth the money?

[vaal]

Does anyone worked with the Edirol R4. Is it worth the money?

I know one person who owns an R-4. I was considering buying one until he bought a Sound Devices 744T. I've had a chance to try it recently and now I'm buying that instead.

Is the R-4 worth the money? From what I hear, yes. But, the 744T is definitely worth a look, although it is pricier.

[kactus]

Does anyone worked with the Edirol R4. Is it worth the money?

There's a lot of talk about it in the Phonography list, and Sonatura site has also some reviews from users,
it looks like a killer machine for the price tag...

best,
CS