Topic: Advice on replacing a microtrack

[tomfrey]

I've used microtrack recorders for several years, and have always liked the sound of especially the microtrack II.  Unfortunately the reliability of that device has now hit me and I will have to replace it.  I'm thinking a Roland R05 or 09HR or a Tascam DR-2d.  As far as I can tell nobody has removable mics like the MTII which I also like.  Anyhow, I use SP-CMC-8 cards on my glasses in stealth mode for almost all of my recording.  I use the mic in and no external preamp.  Recorder is always in the front left pocket of whatever pants I am wearing so adding boxes is not where I want to go.  Anyhow, any thoughts are welcome but those addressed at the initial question are most useful.

[jbell]

Sony PCM-m10

[Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B)]

Sony PCM-m10

Expect a lot more people to say this ^

Best small recorder out there IMO (and many others as I'm sure you will see). Battery life is unreal, and it's rock solid.

There are less expensive options (the M10 goes for about $230), but what you save on a less expensive recorder you'll spend on batteries.

[hi and lo]

I've used microtrack recorders for several years, and have always liked the sound of especially the microtrack II.

You may be alone on this. Both the MT2496 and MTII have notoriously noisy preamps and less than ideal A/D converters.

If you're OK in sacrificing the digital input functionality of the Microtrack recorders, your best option hands down is the the Sony PCM-M10. It's unquestionably the best 2-channel handheld recorder available. The R-09HR/R-05 recorders are a reasonably close second.

It's very difficult for me to recommend any of the other handhelds (i.e. Tascam/Olympus/etc.). Most important, they are unable to handle a hot signal on the line input w/o distorting. The specifications are miles apart from the Sony or Edirol products, but I realize they are probably much closer to the desired price point.

The only other recorder that would get an honorable mention from me is the Tascam DR-2d because it is cable of recorder 4-channels (but often requires the use of attenuators to do so).

Finally, if you do need the digital input, I would recommend you step up to the Marantz PMD-661 or a Fostex recorder, but those are all going to be full-size units. There is no other handheld out there (afaik) that offers digital in.

[F.O.Bean]

Sony PCM-m10

'Nuf said

[jlykos]

Sony PCM-m10

'Nuf said

This.

The Microtrack is an atrocious piece of consumer hardware.  I used it for 15 shows and lost two recordings.  That's not a good ratio.  Get the Sony and never look back.  Internal preamp and A/D are light years ahead of the Microtrack.  The A/D in the D50 is so good that I stopped using an external one.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

How do you replace a recorder that has a TS reputation for exploding in Spoogles' hands?

VERY CAREFULLY!!

[stevetoney]

My advice on recorders that are better than the MT2496 or the MTII...virtually anything.  Man, if you liked your MT, you're gonna LOOOVE whatever you get as a replacement.