M-Audio’s compact flash recorder

[Robert Mann Z.]

http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_u...rack-main.html

PCM recording: 16 or 24-bit at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz


2-channel WAV and MP3 recording and playback for pro recording, meetings, training, education and worship

storage via convenient CompactFlash or microdrives

immediate drag-and-drop file transfer to PC and Mac via USB 2.0 mini- connector


powered via USB, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included) or optional power supply


separate left and right input level controls with signal and peak indicators


professional balanced ¼” TRS inputs with mic/line switch


dual microphone preamps with 48V phantom power for studio microphones


1/8” TRS input with 5V power for use with stereo electret microphone (microphone included)


S/PDIF coaxial input for digital transfers


monitoring via RCA line outputs or 1/8” stereo headphone output


stereo output level control


large LCD for navigation and statistics


dedicated buttons for navigation, record, hold, pause, delete, menu, and power


includes Audacity software for editing and file format conversion


32MB CompactFlash card included

[Hsien Yong]

Hi Rob,
Looks great! I was actually looking for something just like that!
I was considering The Marantz PMD660 - 671 or Maycom http://www.maycom.nl/main.html portable recorder.
But the M-audio looks like a winner! Can't wait for it!

[Steve House]

That looks like a great option to the practice of slipping an iRiver or minidsc recorder into the pocket of talent or the celebrant or the groom in a wedding party.

[Joseph Lawrence]

I doubt you want to slip a 7.4 x 6.9 x 2.2", 1.1 lbs unit into a groom's pocket. I wouldn't call this unit "Micro"track, but it does have nice features for a modest sized two channel digital recorder.

Joseph

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Joseph Lawrence

I doubt you want to slip a 7.4 x 6.9 x 2.2", 1.1 lbs unit into a groom's pocket. I wouldn't call this unit "Micro"track, but it does have nice features for a modest sized two channel digital recorder.

Joseph

I couldn't find the dimensions in the M-audio web site listing but they described it as "about the size of a deck of cards" so I was going by that.

[Marco Leavitt]

Joseph,
Where did you get those dimensions? They don't seem to be available at the M-Audio site. They are clearly incorrect. 7.4" x 6.9" is nearly square. The product on the site is rectangular. The RCA inputs give you a sense of scale as well. No way is it more than 2" thick.

Up to this point I've been a minidisc fan, but this is pretty hard to pass up. It may be the perfect mate to the Core Sound Mic2496.

http://www.core-sound.com/Mic2496.html

[Graeme Fullick]

Using the RCA inputs as a reference - it is approx (very Approx) 6cm x 3.5cm x 14.5 - or in imperial units about 2.2" x 1.4"x 6.9". I think that the 7 should in fact be a 1!

Can't say anything about the weight, but it looks like it might be a very handy device - will have to keep an eye on this one!

Graeme

[Marco Leavitt]

I hope that DV Mag or some other publication runs it through tests. I was very disappointed to find out that the Fostex FR2 apparently doesn't have good enough preamps to justify 24 bit recording. It's probably expecting too much of this thing to do better.

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Marco Leavitt

I hope that DV Mag or some other publication runs it through tests. I was very disappointed to find out that the Fostex FR2 apparently doesn't have good enough preamps to justify 24 bit recording. It's probably expecting too much of this thing to do better.

Even if one doesn't use the 24 bit recording, that fact that you can natively record 16bit 48kHz WAV files seems like it would be a good tool to use in the situations (like slipping in a groom's pocket) where people are currently using consumer minidisc and iRiver recorders, with sync a bit easier to achieve and maintain and it providing phantom power to allow you to easily use pro quality lav mics with it.

[Marco Leavitt]

Agreed. It also looks like a good option for double system sound, especially if you pair it with a separate AD converter. The IRiver seems like just a little too much of a consumer device for serious use to me. This thing looks like it has more thoughtfully laid out controls. Although in the picture, I didn't see any DB markings on the meter. At least it has one.

[Hsien Yong]

Check out soundprofessionals.com for a spec sheet

http://www.soundprofessionals.com/cg...KER&type=store

[Joseph Lawrence]

I went to my favorite and most trusted video gear supplier, B&H Photo, to get the dimensions. I agree, the picture doesn't fit the stated dimensions. Just for completeness (and so no one thinks I'm crazy) I've included the B&H link below.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

I was misled. With the smaller dimensions, this unit is truly remarkable.
Joseph

[Hedley D Wright]

Originally Posted by Steve House

That looks like a great option to the practice of slipping an iRiver or minidsc recorder into the pocket of talent or the celebrant or the groom in a wedding party.

Only if it has a "lock" facility - and I can't see anything in the specifications to that effect.

[Steve House]

Originally Posted by Hedley D Wright

Only if it has a "lock" facility - and I can't see anything in the specifications to that effect.

I presume so that it can't be accidently clicked out of record mode? Do the consumer minidiscs and iRivers that so many people use usually have such a record lock critter?

[Marco Leavitt]

Minidiscs do, at least the Sony models I own.