Kelly's Music Says...

The MicroTrack 24/96 is an ultra-mobile 2-channel digital recorder that records WAV and MP3 files to CompactFlash or microdrives. It includes built in mic pre-amps with phantom power and a rechargeable Li-On battery. The USB 2 connection allows you to transfer tracks back to your computer and it can also be recharged via USB.  
 
If you aren't familiar with the concept of a digital recorder, think of it as a small tape recorder that is digital, doesn't need rewinding, and you can drag and drop your recordings to your computer for editing.  
 
Around the same size as a micro-cassette or MiniDisc recorder, the MicroTrack 2496 records audio in WAV or MP3 format to Compact Flash. You can use the included stereo T microphone, or connect your own mics to the 2 1/4" inputs. Phantom power and a pre-amp are on board, allowing you to use any pro quality mic for the best possible results. Once you've hit "record", your audio is recorded to the built in 64MB CF card in any WAV or MP3 format you choose. Of course, you can also upgrade the 64MB of RAM by purchasing your own CF card, or for really long recording sessions, you can use a micro-drive.  
 
The MicroTrack can also record from digital sources using the co-ax S/PDIF connection and includes 2 RCA outputs in addition to the headphone jack. M-Audio has also included a 1/2 speed playback mode and an A-B loop repeat mode - ideal for transcribing music or notes from a lecture.  
 
Measuring only 2 1/4" (W)x 4 1/8"(H) x 1 1/8" (D) this is one of the smallest digital recorders on the market and is also one of the least expensive. Although I prefer the built in mics found in Edirol's R-1, you might find the use of a moveable mic to be more versatile. The S/PDIF input and RCA outputs are handy, as I hate trying to connect high-end audio gear using a mini-jack connector! The RCA connectors will allow me to connect to a good set of monitors for playback if I don't want to transfer everything to my computer first.  
 
The 10 hours of battery life offered by the lithium ion battery is a great feature, since most other recorders only offer 6 hours with AA batteries. On the other hand, AA batteries are easy enough to carry around, and I can swap them in, instead of waiting for the li-on to charge. However, M-Audio cleverly made the AudioTrack to charge from the USB port on your computer, so if you have your laptop along, you don't need to bring along the charger for the MicroTrack - just connect it to the USB port instead.  
If you are like me, and think that portable recorders sound really cool, but you aren't sure if you will find a use for them - all I can say is not to worry - you will definitely put it to good use! A high-quality, portable, digital recorder comes in very handy, and I'm sure you will find a lot of great and innovative uses for it.

Reviews of MICROTRACK II

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We've had it for a few months and wish we had it earlier. It's been great for live music, archiving classes for absent students, preparing certain live events for posting on the web, etc. We're exploring using it for recording meetings so the secretary can more quickly find who said what, etc. The microphone is incredible. Using it with an extension cord offers great flexibility. ...
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