Topic: New improved microtrack (MT II)

[Real2Real]

Hey, guys -- Thanks for all the great info in this forum.

I've been enjoying my MicroTrack II for a couple of months now. But I recently encountered a weird problem that I haven't seen documented anywhere else.

While listening back to a large file (approx. 1.25 GB) on the unit, I accidentally hit the Record button. The MTII started recording a new file. I didn't have a mic plugged in, so apparently it was just recording silence. After about a second, I hit Record again to stop recording. I stowed the recorder, not knowing that something terrible had just happened.

Later at home I transferred files from the MTII into my computer. Disappointingly, the file I'd been listening to had been erased!! Well, sort of. The file name was still there, but it had a size of Zero KB.

I didn't hit the Delete button to erase this file, because I would have had to confirm the delete and I know that didn't happen. I also know that the file wasn't empty before, because I listened to a lot of it before it got Zeroed out. I also know this wasn't caused by static electricity on my CF card, because I use a large format card (16GB) that I never change out.

I also tried replicating the error on a different file, but the MTII just recorded a new file without changing the one I was listening to. So I'm stumped as to what's going on.

Has anybody else had this problem? Any ideas?

Thanks, R2R

[JoeKiller]

Ouch man, sounds like one hell of a bug.  Let everyone know which version of the firmware you are using and someone else can test to confirm the bug.  You could just try to reproduce it.  Perhaps it only occurs if you are really far into a playback?  Hope it works out or at least it is figured out what the issue is.

[manitouman]

So are these good enough to purchase one yet? I've got the MTI and have had no problems. I've just been waiting till the bugs were worked out before getting the MT II. So are we good enough to go yet? I found an online retailer selling them for $214 and some change brand new.

[NOLAfishwater]

So are these good enough to purchase one yet? I've got the MTI and have had no problems. I've just been waiting till the bugs were worked out before getting the MT II. So are we good enough to go yet? I found an online retailer selling them for $214 and some change brand new.

are you running SPDIF into it? I love mine. Works like a charm on the 2GB seamless split.

[anhisr]

using it as a bit bucket, I have no problems with the unit.   The internal battery or the draw of the machine is much better than the MT I.  I can do a whole show and opening band with the internal battery.  I still have an external in my bag, just in case though.

[batchain]

I've got an older one as well as the MT II. As said, for bit buckets they are great. A few things I really like about the MT II's is that they boot up fast, do seemless splits and have the backlight so you can turn it off/on when you want it with a switch.

[manitouman]

Just using it for  recordings. I'll be using the CA gear and utilizing the 1/4" TRS inputs. I'll be doing most of the gain with the CA 9100 pre. The way I've done it before is set the MT at 75% of the gain and then adjust the rest via the pre. Seems to work good for me that way.

My old one runs fine but I want to record via 24/96 and don't want to have to worry about stopping/starting near the 2GB mark.

[huskerdu]

Just using it for  recordings. I'll be using the CA gear and utilizing the 1/4" TRS inputs. I'll be doing most of the gain with the CA 9100 pre. The way I've done it before is set the MT at 75% of the gain and then adjust the rest via the pre. Seems to work good for me that way.

My old one runs fine but I want to record via 24/96 and don't want to have to worry about stopping/starting near the 2GB mark.

Be aware of the "sprinkler sound" when using the MT II 1/4" inputs with an unbalanced source. If the inputs are not balanced, you can probably get away with it by using as little of the MT II gain as possible.

[Rleeee]

Ok, I think I'm ready to get one of these. I'm not very tech savvy, so please be kind to the slow witted.
 I don't know whats balanced or unbalanced on my gear. I just know that when I plug it all together it works.
 So what I want to know is. How would I get AT831 mics and a SP-SPSB-8 battery box to work with the MTII?
 1- Would I use the 1/8" mic input?   
 2- Some sort of stereo 1/8" to 1/4" adapter from Radio Shack for lines in?
 3- See if Ed at Kind Kables, or someone can make me a custom device that would the job. (I only have one good hand so I can't do my own soldering.)   
         Thanks in advance, Richard

[taperwheeler]

I have recorded with my MTII using sp/at mics similar to yours and have had great results.  They'll plug straight in to the 1/8 jack.  Trust me, you wanna avoid the trs inputs at all costs!

[taperwheeler]

Made my first real stealth recording over the weekend at a large venue running at-spc-8 mics directly into my mt2.  Overall I am pretty happy with the result.  The vocals came out pretty crisp and clear, and the sound is good to my ears, but there is something rather off with the low end.  I'm not sure if I should've used my battery box w/roll off or if it maybe had anything to do with location of my mics (clipped to my backpack that I had on my lap).  Either way, was hoping someone could give me some insight or critique as to what I could do to improve the existing recording, or capture better recordings in the future.

Thanks...

[Carlos E. Martinez]

Trust me, you wanna avoid the trs inputs at all costs!

You mean as unbalanced mic input, right? It seems to work fine for balanced mics.

[dallman]

Made my first real stealth recording over the weekend at a large venue running at-spc-8 mics directly into my mt2.  Overall I am pretty happy with the result.  The vocals came out pretty crisp and clear, and the sound is good to my ears, but there is something rather off with the low end.  I'm not sure if I should've used my battery box w/roll off or if it maybe had anything to do with location of my mics (clipped to my backpack that I had on my lap).  Either way, was hoping someone could give me some insight or critique as to what I could do to improve the existing recording, or capture better recordings in the future.

Thanks...

Were the mics cardioid or omni caps? Omnis are often very boomy. This can be fixed in post if you have an EQ. Can you describe what you mean by "off". Is that muddy, or boomy, or lacking bass? How obstructed were the mics in your lap? All that info would be useful.

[taperwheeler]

Sounds distorted.  I posted a clip up here...

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,106415.0.html


They were cardiod caps.  The mics were angled up towards the stacks, clipped to my backpack.  I'm wondering if running the batt box would've helped. 

[taperwheeler]

Sounds distorted.  I posted a clip up here...

http://taperssection.com/index.php/topic,106415.0.html


They were cardiod caps.  The mics were angled up towards the stacks, clipped to my backpack.  I'm wondering if running the batt box would've helped. 

Also, these are old sp-cmc-8 mics.  They have the AT933 caps.  Thanks again for any input...