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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: OFOTD on August 18, 2005, 03:46:53 PM

Title: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 18, 2005, 03:46:53 PM
Part I and II down and now part III of the M-Audio MicroTrack discussion.  There has been alot of information and speculation. 

If you have any factual new details or have a report on vendors and their prices please PM me with them and I will update this page.

Here is what we know so far as FACT:

Dimensions:
2.25" X 4.13" X 1.13"  ->   57.2  x 104.9 x 28.7 mm

Media:
The MicroTrack will be able to use BOTH CompactFlash cards as well as Microdrives

Power:
5v - Internal Battery with an expected run time of 3 hours with the 48v phantom on and 8 hours with the phantom off.
      External Power will be via the USB port
     The internal bettery DOES NOT seem to be removable for in the field use

Price:  MSR $499      Looks like street price will be $399 with several dealers attempting to undercut that.  Lowest current price (as of 8.18.05)  seems to be $350 from Cascade Media.

Mods:
None yet. 

User Manual:
http://m-audio.com/index.php?do=support.manuals&PID=196cc4c35a380d800a80448f139bcfe7&language=en&x=36&y=9

Arrival date:
According to several sources it's looking like a mid September release date.

Vendors:
(these prices are reported prices, please check with these vendors for their latest prices)

Cascade Media -  $350 + shipping   http://www.cascademedia.net
Sweetwater - $399 + free shipping   http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/MicroTrack/
B&H Photo/Video - $399 + free shipping   http://www.bhphotovideo.com
J&R - $379 + shipping     http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4050702
Crap-Sound - $369 + shipping    http://www.core-sound.com/microtrack_2496.html
Audiomidi.com - $399 + free shipping (preorders only)  http://www.audiomidi.com
Sound Professionals - $398 + free shipping (use coupon code free_shipping_promo) http://www.soundprofessionals.com/
DJMart - $360 + shipping  (must use coupon code AUGUST10 or price is $399)  http://www.djmart.com

Marketing Video:
http://sonicstate.com/news/shownews.cfm?newsid=2287#
This was a demo video from MAudio at NAMM 2005

M-Audic MicroTrack Homepage:
English
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MicroTrack-main.html

German
http://www.m-audio.de/microtrack.htm


The latest pics as of 8.23.05

(http://209.132.209.146/images/en/callouts/big/microtrack_acc.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.de/us/MicroTrack-side-R.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.de/us/MicroTrack-bottom.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.de/us/MicroTrack-topmod.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.de/us/MicroTrack-side-L.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Backlight.jpg)
 
(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Files.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Main.jpg) 

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Record-input.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Record-time.jpg)
 
(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_System-connect.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_System-setup.jpg)

Specs as posted on the Oade Brothers site Note these have not been confirmed by M-Audio yet
# 1/8" Mic Input
# Input Level: -14dBV
# Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -98dB, A-weighted
# Dynamic Range: 98dB, A-weighted
# THD+N: 0.003% (-90dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
# Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk (Bal): < -100dB
# Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.5dB
# Preamp Gain: >34dB
# Stereo electret condenser power: electret condenser power enable

1/4" Mic/Line Inputs
# Maximum Input Level: +4.3dBu, balanced; +2.1dBV, unbalanced
# Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -100dB, A-weighted
# Dynamic Range: 100dB, A-weighted
# THD+N: 0.003% (-90dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
# Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk (Bal): < -100dB
# Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.3dB @ 48kHz sample rate
# Pre-amp Gain: > 55dB
# Phantom Power: switchable phantom power

Line Outputs
# Maximum Output Level: +2dBV, unbalanced
# Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -102dB, A-weighted
# Dynamic Range: 102dB, A-weighted
# THD+N: 0.00265% (-91.5dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
# Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk (Bal): < -100dB
# Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.3dB @ 48kHz sample rate

Headphone Output
# Maximum Output: -2.0dBV at THD < 0.02% into 32 ohms
# Working Range: 16 ohms to 600 ohms


Here is the link for the first part of this thread:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=45556.0

Here is the link for the second part of this thread:

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=47014.0

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 18, 2005, 03:54:24 PM
excellent summary, thanks!  i was under the impression it has a 3 hour running time with 48v phantom turned on, otherwise it looks great to me

Quote
Power:
5v - Internal Battery with an expected run time of 4-8 hours depending on which features you are using.
      External Power will be via the USB port

Changes made.  If any other of you have facts or details that should be in this summary please PM me and I will add them. 

Also if someone has price quotes or has heard of vendor pricing let me know and we'll put it on this page.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 18, 2005, 03:58:48 PM
Curious, and I don't think it's been addressed before....what happens when the internal battery dies? Will they take them back and replace the battery? Didn't Apple have some issues with this after the first iPods came out, and they now charge $90 or something for you to send it back to them to replace the battery?


PS:
Threads can go 25 pages.  ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 18, 2005, 04:03:28 PM
The battery is removable, but apparently not easily removed.  You'll probably be able to order another one and install it yourself.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: thegreatgumbino on August 18, 2005, 04:03:56 PM
Shameless post for ease of tracking  :P
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: flintstone on August 18, 2005, 04:13:58 PM
one correction for the summary page:

MSRP $499 (not $599)  as seen at http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/MicroTrack-main.html

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Colin Liston on August 18, 2005, 04:23:48 PM
Price:  MSR $599      Looks like street price will be $399 with several dealers attempting to undercut that.  Lowest current price (as of 8.18.05)  seems to be $350 from Cascade Media.


Does the $350 price include the $50 deposit?  Or not?  If it doesn't then the price is still $400.

colin
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 18, 2005, 04:26:33 PM
It includes the $50 deposit. Now, this was only for folks that reserved it sometime ago. It was a thanks from Frank for sticking with him when the first delivery date came and passed with no MicroTracker.

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: keepongoin on August 18, 2005, 04:31:02 PM
and still no microtracker. i hope it get here soon!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Kevin Straker on August 19, 2005, 09:51:31 AM
Has anyone asked Doug Oade what he will be selling these for? I know he has a list going.
Title: MicroTrack cheap source
Post by: flintstone on August 19, 2005, 11:13:53 AM
Add core-sound.com, $369

http://www.core-sound.com/microtrack_2496.html

You have to put the item in your shopping cart to see the lower price.
Title: Re: MicroTrack cheap source
Post by: sleepypedro on August 19, 2005, 12:03:23 PM
Add core-sound.com, $369

http://www.core-sound.com/microtrack_2496.html

You have to put the item in your shopping cart to see the lower price.

ha... from core-sound.com:

How Does MicroTrack 24/96 Compare To PDAudio?
Some of our customers have asked us how MicroTrack 24/96 will compare to our PDAudio system. The answers are here!

Answer:  even though the microtracker is as of yet vaporware, it still sucks much less than PDAudio!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nickgregory on August 19, 2005, 12:09:22 PM
that faq is pure gold!

http://www.core-sound.com/pdaudio-to-microtrack-comparison.html

Summary
MicroTrack 24/96 holds great promise for a certain market segment, primarily those who are currently using MD recorders. We expect to sell a bunch of them.
PDAudio, in contrast, provides truly professional performance and unlimited flexibility. We therefore expect that PDAudio will be the choice of most audio professionals and semi-professionals.



 ;D what a jackass...completely bashing a product that may or may not work (since no on really knows yet) by comparing it against a product that has more issues than a guy at a poker table down to his last $20 and staring at an off suit 6 9
Title: Re: MicroTrack cheap source
Post by: Ray76 on August 19, 2005, 12:13:24 PM
Add core-sound.com, $369

http://www.core-sound.com/microtrack_2496.html

You have to put the item in your shopping cart to see the lower price.

ha... from core-sound.com:

How Does MicroTrack 24/96 Compare To PDAudio?
Some of our customers have asked us how MicroTrack 24/96 will compare to our PDAudio system. The answers are here!

Answer:  even though the microtracker is as of yet vaporware, it still sucks much less than PDAudio!

You people just need to accept the fact that nothing touches PDAudio.

Just ask all the film and ENG professionals that use it. Microtrack wont come close. Neither does the 722 or Deva line...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on August 19, 2005, 12:13:30 PM
What if you combine the Microtrack with Mic2496?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on August 19, 2005, 12:13:56 PM
that has more issues than a guy at a poker table down to his last $20 and staring at an off suit 6 9


and thats a lot of issues.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nickgregory on August 19, 2005, 12:16:30 PM
that has more issues than a guy at a poker table down to his last $20 and staring at an off suit 6 9


and thats a lot of issues.

I know, trust me, I was there last night
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: greenone on August 19, 2005, 12:28:47 PM
Add core-sound.com, $369

http://www.core-sound.com/microtrack_2496.html

You have to put the item in your shopping cart to see the lower price.

ha... from core-sound.com:

How Does MicroTrack 24/96 Compare To PDAudio?
Some of our customers have asked us how MicroTrack 24/96 will compare to our PDAudio system. The answers are here!

Answer:  even though the microtracker is as of yet vaporware, it still sucks much less than PDAudio!

You people just need to accept the fact that nothing touches PDAudio.

Just ask all the film and ENG professionals that use it. Microtrack wont come close. Neither does the 722 or Deva line...
You misspelled "nobody". ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 19, 2005, 12:33:15 PM
Add core-sound.com, $369

http://www.core-sound.com/microtrack_2496.html

You have to put the item in your shopping cart to see the lower price.

ha... from core-sound.com:

How Does MicroTrack 24/96 Compare To PDAudio?
Some of our customers have asked us how MicroTrack 24/96 will compare to our PDAudio system. The answers are here!

Answer:  even though the microtracker is as of yet vaporware, it still sucks much less than PDAudio!

You people just need to accept the fact that nothing touches PDAudio.

Just ask all the film and ENG professionals that use it. Microtrack wont come close. Neither does the 722 or Deva line...
You misspelled "nobody". ;)
Good call on that one. ;) ;D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: marc0789 on August 19, 2005, 02:41:19 PM
that faq is pure gold!

http://www.core-sound.com/pdaudio-to-microtrack-comparison.html

Summary
MicroTrack 24/96 holds great promise for a certain market segment, primarily those who are currently using MD recorders. We expect to sell a bunch of them.
PDAudio, in contrast, provides truly professional performance and unlimited flexibility. We therefore expect that PDAudio will be the choice of most audio professionals and semi-professionals.



 ;D what a jackass...completely bashing a product that may or may not work (since no on really knows yet) by comparing it against a product that has more issues than a guy at a poker table down to his last $20 and staring at an off suit 6 9


that dood is an uber ass clown. I have to this day never seen one complete show pulled with that PD audio piece of shit...and I've watched quite a few attempts at it. Len sucks.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 19, 2005, 02:48:05 PM
i think macdaddy uses it dont he??

I hate the fuckers attitude. Thats what kills me. I dont give a shit if he built a preamp that would be 10 times as good as my 148, and half the cost , ill never give that dude one red cent.

he always acts like he cant be bothered.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Craig T on August 19, 2005, 03:01:49 PM
that dood is an uber ass clown. I have to this day never seen one complete show pulled with that PD audio piece of shit...and I've watched quite a few attempts at it. Len sucks.

search PDAudio on bt.etree.org.  I've been pulling complete shows for about 5 months at 24/96.  The only incomplete recordings were user error.  I should also say I've had the PDAudio since its first release >2 yrs ago, and I've finally got it working.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: tonyvt on August 19, 2005, 03:03:08 PM
I know it is off topic but while everyone is bashing......


I can't even count how many times over the years that a patcher would show up at my rig with a D7 and one of those crappy Coresounds made digital cable/splitters. Seems like I was never get them to send a clean feed, those small little prongs were always getting bent or broken off. I have heard that many a digital input on a sony Dat was zapped with one of those Coresound digi cables. The official word always was that it was not the Coresound Cable that caused the problem.
I never could figure out why anyone would waste there money on one of those pieces of junk.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Colin Liston on August 19, 2005, 03:10:19 PM

crappy Coresounds made digital cable/

I borrowed one of those in a pinch one night.  I ended up having to buy a new one, since I broke all 7 pins trying to cram it into my D8 drunk as hell in the dark at some show.  I offered to buy the guy an oade cable, but he insisted on having that silly unprotected core-suck cable...

colin
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: surf1div1 on August 19, 2005, 04:18:02 PM
Sorry Craig, but your point obviously didn't include ALL of those that don't use external hard drives like your setup. As promised, it doesn't deliver, and Len's has failed to make me, or many others that purchased it happy campers. In summary, check this site and see the "hundreds of satisfied users" that Len references-

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/PenComputingAudio/

 Craig, no offense, but your post here offends me- to suggest that it's only user error is factually not true. Even the software developer admits that he can't pull 24/96 without a media change in the IPAQ H5555 with the HP expansion pack I use. I've tried all the media suggestions, and you know that I've been on that yahoo group since inception, as well. As one of the moderators on that group, I've seen enough to qualify the statment I make here. The fact that you mention "finally" say's it all. I'm still waiting. But then, if you or anyone else is so satisfied using PD-Audio, don't bother posting about it's success here. I believe that most here are looking for a reliable recorder that does something that PD-Audio doesn't do for me- Work ;-)


that dood is an uber ass clown. I have to this day never seen one complete show pulled with that PD audio piece of shit...and I've watched quite a few attempts at it. Len sucks.

search PDAudio on bt.etree.org.  I've been pulling complete shows for about 5 months at 24/96.  The only incomplete recordings were user error.  I should also say I've had the PDAudio since its first release >2 yrs ago, and I've finally got it working.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on August 19, 2005, 04:20:16 PM
Len can lick deez. What a fuckin' piece of garbage. How the hell does he stay in business???
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Kyle on August 19, 2005, 05:31:37 PM
I have to agree - those open 7pin plugs they sell are dangerous. I would not even let one of them near my rig.
As far the the MicroTrack goes - many of us here are gong to replace DAT (or JB3) with it - going digi-in - mic-pre specs etc.. will not matter to many of us - Len really is out of touch if he can't see that - of course, considering the 7pin, I guess that goes without saying  ::)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on August 19, 2005, 05:39:30 PM
I have to agree - those open 7pin plugs they sell are dangerous. I would not even let one of them near my rig.
As far the the MicroTrack goes - many of us here are gong to replace DAT (or JB3) with it - going digi-in - mic-pre specs etc.. will not matter to many of us - Len really is out of touch if he can't see that - of course, considering the 7pin, I guess that goes without saying ::)

good point!

ive never dealt w/ len, and by the sounds of it, never will

I prefer quality gear
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Chad817 on August 19, 2005, 05:46:32 PM
maybe if the company folds, he can become a TV evangelist
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on August 19, 2005, 07:03:49 PM
ive never dealt w/ len, and by the sounds of it, never will

I prefer quality gear

I've done my share of Len bashing. In fact, I was the one who ripped him a new one on DAT-Heads for his "comparison". However, Len did see a market that at the time was not being addressed and he addressed it the best way he could. He has some marketing skills, but like a lot of good marketing people I know, they only know how to push their product by constantly slamming the competition, when the reality is they haven't touched the competition, so they can't address it properly.

I say, everybody here should let sleeping dogs lie and leave the Len slamming alone. He is a marketing guy, and we should just leave it at that.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: SonicSound on August 21, 2005, 03:00:35 PM
Quote
I've been pulling complete shows for about 5 months at 24/96.  The only incomplete recordings were user error.  I should also say I've had the PDAudio since its first release >2 yrs ago, and I've finally got it working.
Quote

Luck Bastard ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: silentmark on August 21, 2005, 03:59:17 PM
Crap Sound indeed ...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 22, 2005, 04:17:29 PM
I used to constantly give Len shit on a few lists.  It seemed all questions were answered by him...and reffering a CS product.

however..
he was kind enough to send me all 3 models of his CS mics to review.  Including the DPAs.  I had them for months..it was fun.
bravo Len for that..

as for the PDaudio, my buddy Jim runs one (mk4>v3>pda).  I think he is only recording 16bit, but he seems to like it.  it certainly is small enough.
but personaly, I wouldn't touch one.  no thankyou please..it only makes me sneeze

but you gatta love that guys reasoning!
"true audio proffesionals"....indeed.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on August 22, 2005, 04:58:02 PM
but you gatta love that guys reasoning!
"true audio proffesionals"....indeed.

I asked Len one time in an email why he wasn't comparing the 722/744T, Cantar, Fostex, and Deva to his list of devices and he told me that his product was not aimed at the pro market. Now he is claiming otherwise. Basically, it has taken too long to debug the PDA recorder and other devices have come in and claimed the top and low end, so he now has to figure out how to recoop his R&D out the device. Personally I think it's going to be tough to do that, but I know I've been wrong before.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Simp-Dawg on August 22, 2005, 05:14:21 PM
i want this thing already!!  my jb3's are both having issues...one's giving me pops/clicks in my recordings and the other likes to shut down by itself.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 22, 2005, 05:16:15 PM
News has been kinda quiet for a while. Almost thought we needed to changed the thread title to Len's an Ass or something.

Maybe we'll hear something in the next 2 weeks. I've got no stealth jobs coming up until November (my main reason for getting this unit) so I'm being patient.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Tim on August 22, 2005, 05:23:00 PM
i want this thing already!! my jb3's are both having issues...one's giving me pops/clicks in my recordings and the other likes to shut down by itself.

I was just talking to Todd about the JB3's the other day.... I'm wondering if we're going to begin seeing them start to fail a lot in the near future. They are consumer mp3 players, I have to believe that we're pushing these little machines to their limits.

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: bluegrass_brad on August 22, 2005, 05:25:09 PM
i want this thing already!!  my jb3's are both having issues...one's giving me pops/clicks in my recordings and the other likes to shut down by itself.

Simpy - Have you done a full format of the one that is introducing pops and clicks.  I have heard that helps prevent those.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 22, 2005, 05:25:48 PM
probablyl beating up on the drives a bit..
but then again..they are made to hold data..so whats the prob?
:)

you get what you pay for...and we got a lot out of the jb3 fwiw
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 22, 2005, 05:30:09 PM
i want this thing already!! my jb3's are both having issues...one's giving me pops/clicks in my recordings and the other likes to shut down by itself.

I was just talking to Todd about the JB3's the other day.... I'm wondering if we're going to begin seeing them start to fail a lot in the near future. They are consumer mp3 players, I have to believe that we're pushing these little machines to their limits.



wont just a simple drive swap/upgrade prevent a lot of the problems with jb3 failure??isnt that where the biggest potential to fail is??the hard disk?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: fobstl on August 22, 2005, 05:30:48 PM
I was talking to Jamie at Dale Pro audio this morning and he told me that M-Audio let him know that Micro Tracker shippment was pushed back to November. Anyone else heard this from their vendor?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 22, 2005, 05:32:24 PM
I was talking to Jamie at Dale Pro audio this morning and he told me that M-Audio let him know that Micro Tracker shippment was pushed back to November. Anyone else heard this from their vendor?

Say it ain't so....
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 22, 2005, 05:52:15 PM
I say again...
www.nickspicks.com/mp3/D.WAV
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on August 22, 2005, 05:55:46 PM
i want this thing already!!  my jb3's are both having issues...one's giving me pops/clicks in my recordings and the other likes to shut down by itself.

Simpy - Have you done a full format of the one that is introducing pops and clicks. I have heard that helps prevent those.

definitely try this, if my jb3 is even close to half full, i'll get pops and clicks everywhere.  i just format and do a disc cleanup and it takes care of the problem everytime.  i usually do it before every night/weekend of taping just to be safe.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: anhisr on August 22, 2005, 06:13:09 PM
Just got an email from Frank.   He said "not that I am aware of.... I will check in with my guy"
                          jerry
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 22, 2005, 06:20:20 PM
i'm sure it will be put off until later.  i mean..what new product hasnt been?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: fobstl on August 22, 2005, 06:28:25 PM
Just got an email from Frank.   He said "not that I am aware of.... I will check in with my guy"
                          jerry
May just have been Dale Pro's shippment that is delayed.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: anhisr on August 22, 2005, 06:40:15 PM
from Frank directly from an email from my rep:

"The word on the street is wrong.  Shipping first full week of sept"
          jerry
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 22, 2005, 07:26:58 PM
here's hopin' !
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Simp-Dawg on August 22, 2005, 09:01:59 PM
well, yesterday i was taping with the one that likes to shut down...it only had about 4 gb on it.  i *think* i formatted it recently, but maybe not.  and when the one got pops, it wasn't very full.  i cleared most of the stuff off before 10klf which was where i got the pops/clicks.

granted, my memory is crap.  ;)

anyways, i think a new hdd *would* be the best way to extend the life, in addition to keeping the power and jog dial buttons clean (how did people do this??) and keeping it out of harm's way.  i may want to drill some holes in it to allow it to vent also.  i think that was my main problem yesterday.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 22, 2005, 09:15:39 PM
well, yesterday i was taping with the one that likes to shut down...it only had about 4 gb on it.  i *think* i formatted it recently, but maybe not.  and when the one got pops, it wasn't very full.  i cleared most of the stuff off before 10klf which was where i got the pops/clicks.

granted, my memory is crap.  ;)

anyways, i think a new hdd *would* be the best way to extend the life, in addition to keeping the power and jog dial buttons clean (how did people do this??) and keeping it out of harm's way.  i may want to drill some holes in it to allow it to vent also.  i think that was my main problem yesterday.

theres a thread on nomadness that talks about the best HDD to replace it with, Josh. I was almost going to replace mine before I bought my 722.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: desertsky on August 23, 2005, 04:01:07 AM
A new photo from the M-Audio website. 

What I'm really hoping they'll do is post a PDF of the MicroTrack manual online.  Not that there'l be a whole lot to go over, but it would still be nice to read through the manual before I actually receive mine.  I've been checking M-Audio's online manual listings daily but nothing yet...

(http://209.132.209.146/images/en/callouts/big/microtrack_acc.jpg)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 23, 2005, 07:28:46 AM
more details...
posted to the Oade site.

# 1/8" Mic Input
# Input Level: -14dBV
# Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -98dB, A-weighted
# Dynamic Range: 98dB, A-weighted
# THD+N: 0.003% (-90dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
# Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk (Bal): < -100dB
# Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.5dB
# Preamp Gain: >34dB
# Stereo electret condenser power: electret condenser power enable

1/4" Mic/Line Inputs
# Maximum Input Level: +4.3dBu, balanced; +2.1dBV, unbalanced
# Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -100dB, A-weighted
# Dynamic Range: 100dB, A-weighted
# THD+N: 0.003% (-90dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
# Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk (Bal): < -100dB
# Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.3dB @ 48kHz sample rate
# Pre-amp Gain: > 55dB
# Phantom Power: switchable phantom power

Line Outputs
# Maximum Output Level: +2dBV, unbalanced
# Signal-to-Noise Ratio: -102dB, A-weighted
# Dynamic Range: 102dB, A-weighted
# THD+N: 0.00265% (-91.5dB) @ -1dBFS, 1kHz
# Channel-to-Channel Crosstalk (Bal): < -100dB
# Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.3dB @ 48kHz sample rate

Headphone Output
# Maximum Output: -2.0dBV at THD < 0.02% into 32 ohms
# Working Range: 16 ohms to 600 ohms
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John R on August 23, 2005, 07:53:24 AM
for some reason, first thing i thought of when i saw those mics was marvin the martian...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 23, 2005, 08:07:58 AM
http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/MicroTrack2496-main.html

nice pics of the menu.
i think we are getting close to nirvana here
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 23, 2005, 08:25:17 AM
Yeah, all that stuff has been up for a while.  All we need now is this thing to ship. ;D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 23, 2005, 09:22:41 AM
Still no word on the "optional power supply"?

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 23, 2005, 09:32:52 AM
isnt that whats pictured w/the AC prings?  looks like the usb cable plugs into it...would be my guess
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: jason on August 23, 2005, 09:51:43 AM
Whats the current status on CF cards?  Largest size? Best deal in terms of Gig/$? Reliable/not-reliable brands?
From what I can tell, a festival-bound taper is likely going to spend as much on CF cards as the unit itself!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 23, 2005, 10:06:53 AM
isnt that whats pictured w/the AC prings?  looks like the usb cable plugs into it...would be my guess

I took it to mean something other than the USB or Wall plug option. Like an external battery pack or something. Could be wrong.

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 23, 2005, 10:20:48 AM
isnt that whats pictured w/the AC prings? looks like the usb cable plugs into it...would be my guess

I'd agree.  Sucks that it's optional, though...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 23, 2005, 10:27:16 AM
CF card prices drop like aging boobs...luckily (for the former).

I think the best price i have seen on a 4gb card has been $175.  One of those will provide all the 24/44 recording time that I will ever need...mostly.
an 8gb card will do the same for 24/96..but i dont think the improvment justifies the cost at all.   I bet in 6mo, a 4gb card will be around $100 even...and keep falling from there.

i'm really excited for this.  just think how much ass these things will kick?  remember when a new M1, arguable the best "little" DAT deck..was what, $800 ? and you couldn't even plug a digital cable into it w/o spenind another buck fifty!

yikes!
I can't wait to see one of these in my gear bag.  which..will be shrunk down to the Mme case and a little hard shell for the neumann actives.  Mmmm....actives.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: jason on August 23, 2005, 10:33:41 AM
Looks like this could spawn a whole new generation of 24-bit patch-rats.  Just as I thought patching was a thing of the past...its been a while since I've seen a massive daisy chain of 15-20 D8's, a string of blue lights and horde of people concerned with their levels (which I never understood!!) or if their deck was 'still going'. lol.

There were always those that showed up without a cable, or batteries or blank DATs.  I guess the wookie-patcher will be asking for a CF card kickdown?! ;o)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: shaggy on August 23, 2005, 10:45:52 AM
There will be no patch rats unless someone is nice enough to provide a patchbay, which I highly doubt will be commonplace.  As soon as these are out, the bottom will fall out of the used DAT and NJB3 market...it has, in fact, already started to happen. Used D7 and 8s are now commonplace at under $200.

Stealthers should think about wearing the thing in the vest pocket with a longer coax cable to the AD or cable run to the Mic-pre, it would be easy to check levels without dropping your head.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: dmonterisi on August 23, 2005, 10:48:26 AM
There will be no patch rats unless someone is nice enough to provide a patchbay, which I highly doubt will be commonplace. 


why is that?  monster coax splitters cost like $5.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on August 23, 2005, 10:53:30 AM
Are most people here considering compact flash cards over the microdrives? I've seen 4gb compact flash cards for under 200$ but I've also seen IPOD mini's with 6gb microdrives selling on ebay for 200$. Pull the drive from the IPOD mini and get yourself an IPOD and a 6gb microdrive. Is the heat/power consumption/reliability that much greater on these drives?
dB-
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: dmonterisi on August 23, 2005, 10:55:58 AM
Are most people here considering compact flash cards over the microdrives? I've seen 4gb compact flash cards for under 200$ but I've also seen IPOD mini's with 6gb microdrives selling on ebay for 200$. Pull the drive from the IPOD mini and get yourself an IPOD and a 6gb microdrive. Is the heat/power consumption/reliability that much greater on these drives?
dB-

anecdotally, microdrives fail far more frequently than flash media.  pro photogs shooting digital stay away from microdrives due to their increased failure rate.  i don't have any statistics on that though.  i would avoid them.  don't know anything about heat issues or power consumption though.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: gewwang on August 23, 2005, 11:02:30 AM
I don't believe the unit has a digital out. So the only patching will be out of the external a/d if there is one.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on August 23, 2005, 11:14:34 AM
I don't believe the unit has a digital out. So the only patching will be out of the external a/d if there is one.
Just bring along a CO2/CO3 or similar device?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 23, 2005, 11:23:34 AM
Are most people here considering compact flash cards over the microdrives? I've seen 4gb compact flash cards for under 200$ but I've also seen IPOD mini's with 6gb microdrives selling on ebay for 200$. Pull the drive from the IPOD mini and get yourself an IPOD and a 6gb microdrive. Is the heat/power consumption/reliability that much greater on these drives?
dB-

anecdotally, microdrives fail far more frequently than flash media.  pro photogs shooting digital stay away from microdrives due to their increased failure rate.  i don't have any statistics on that though.  i would avoid them.  don't know anything about heat issues or power consumption though.

Just to present the otherside of this question.  MicroDrives have moving parts. CF does not.  The failure rate is higher for the MicroDrive due to the moving parts.  I have used MicroDrives in both my camera (Rebel XT) as well as older cameras and as a portable digital drives and have NEVER had a problem with one.  No failure, no error, NOTHING. 

I plan on wholeheartly using a MicroDrive until CF prices are somewhat down to earth.  I would love to see some stats on failure rate as it seems all of us are guessing on this one.  Heck I've had more flash drives (USB variety) fail on me than I have any of my MicroDrives.   Most photogs don't use them for a variety of reasons but one is that they are slower devices than flash media.  But (a bit BUT here) they are fast enough to read and write 24/96.   Anyone have any stats they could find?

Don't just wholly dismiss MicroDrives as alot of folks will probably use them until CF prices drop.

On a side note, I will update page one with the new pic and info.  Does anyone have anything to add as far as vendor pricing or specs not listed?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on August 23, 2005, 11:23:49 AM
FYI...

...audiomidi.com has these for preorder for $399.00 with no tax and free shipping...

Edit:

I just pulled the trigger. WOOHOO!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: §†∑∫åµÞ≥¥ on August 23, 2005, 11:30:28 AM
http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/MicroTrack2496-main.html

nice pics of the menu.
i think we are getting close to nirvana here

:drool:
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: dmonterisi on August 23, 2005, 11:31:22 AM
Are most people here considering compact flash cards over the microdrives? I've seen 4gb compact flash cards for under 200$ but I've also seen IPOD mini's with 6gb microdrives selling on ebay for 200$. Pull the drive from the IPOD mini and get yourself an IPOD and a 6gb microdrive. Is the heat/power consumption/reliability that much greater on these drives?
dB-

anecdotally, microdrives fail far more frequently than flash media.  pro photogs shooting digital stay away from microdrives due to their increased failure rate.  i don't have any statistics on that though.  i would avoid them.  don't know anything about heat issues or power consumption though.

Just to present the otherside of this question.  MicroDrives have moving parts. CF does not.  The failure rate is higher for the MicroDrive due to the moving parts.  I have used MicroDrives in both my camera (Rebel XT) as well as older cameras and as a portable digital drives and have NEVER had a problem with one.  No failure, no error, NOTHING. 

I plan on wholeheartly using a MicroDrive until CF prices are somewhat down to earth.  I would love to see some stats on failure rate as it seems all of us are guessing on this one.  Heck I've had more flash drives (USB variety) fail on me than I have any of my MicroDrives.   Most photogs don't use them for a variety of reasons but one is that they are slower devices than flash media.  But (a bit BUT here) they are fast enough to read and write 24/96.   Anyone have any stats they could find?

Don't just wholly dismiss MicroDrives as alot of folks will probably use them until CF prices drop.

On a side note, I will update page one with the new pic and info.  Does anyone have anything to add as far as vendor pricing or specs not listed?

an additional concern with microdrives is that you can create a failure if the device or your pc is writing to the drive when you remove it, if you do not use the "safely eject hardware" feature in windows.  i guess also that microdrives are far more fragile so if they get dropped, jostled or kicked in the field, there is a higher likelihood of failure.  as i said, everything i have heard is anecdotal, i do not know any statistics.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Todd R on August 23, 2005, 11:45:42 AM
There will be no patch rats unless someone is nice enough to provide a patchbay, which I highly doubt will be commonplace. 

I don't know about that.  I think for most open taping situations, the microtracker will be used with an external pre/AD.  My V3 has got a coax out, an optical out, an AES out with consumer format that I've got a 110>75ohm pulse transformer and a splitter, and a Pro AES out.  I've never had a problem giving patches out of the 110>75 transformer and splitter, so there's two patches right there.  Get a optical>coax format converter (now there's a switch) and you've got one more.

I'm still wondering if we can use the Microtrack out of the pro AES output, don't know if it will accept that data stream.  But that potentially could be one more output.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: gewwang on August 23, 2005, 11:52:05 AM
I'm not sure why they couldn't make the headphone out an optical digi-out like the R1 has. Maybe it will be but hasn't been listed as a feature yet.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Todd R on August 23, 2005, 11:52:45 AM
bummer about no digi-out. that adds $2k to my high res recorder purchase.

Get a lot of patchers at those baroque perfomances?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: dmonterisi on August 23, 2005, 11:53:38 AM
bummer about no digi-out. that adds $2k to my high res recorder purchase.

Get a lot of patchers at those baroque perfomances?

all armed with MD's and bics...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: JasonSobel on August 23, 2005, 12:08:55 PM
I'm looking to use the dvra1000 as my offload device rather than a computer. Its at realtime, but thats fines, its not often that I'm crunched for time after the performance, so a 1x transfer is fine.

the marantz pmd-671 has digital input and output.  and while more expensive than the M-audio device, certainly not $2k more.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Simp-Dawg on August 23, 2005, 12:20:12 PM
Get a optical>coax format converter (now there's a switch) and you've got one more.

the hosa box works both ways :coolguy:
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: JasonSobel on August 23, 2005, 12:36:40 PM
I'm looking to use the dvra1000 as my offload device rather than a computer. Its at realtime, but thats fines, its not often that I'm crunched for time after the performance, so a 1x transfer is fine.

the marantz pmd-671 has digital input and output. and while more expensive than the M-audio device, certainly not $2k more.

but they are quite a bit larger, correct?
I'd like to keep it as small as I can.

keeping fingers crossed for a nice tight little portable dsd recorder from tas.

yes, the marantz is bigger than the M-Audio.  compared to the V3 & the m-audio microtrack
V3 = 6" x 8.3" x 1.6"
microtrack = 2.25" X 4.13" X 1.13"
pmd-671 = 7.3" x 10.4" x 2"

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on August 23, 2005, 12:39:53 PM
Any know good European distributors carrying this device at a *nice* price?  ???
It appears my contact here is unable to help me get me a US device cheaply...  :(

Please
PM me if you can help me! :-\
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 23, 2005, 01:30:58 PM
Page 1 of this thread has been updated.  Please keep the info coming as well as vendor prices so we can update it.  I have gotten a few PM's about info so I would suggest that if you have info please PM me with it so we don't take up more thread with double info!  Thanks!

Most of you have already grazed through all three of these threads already but please check out page 1 before you start asking questions as I think (hope) that most questions have been answered there.

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 23, 2005, 02:48:31 PM
Just a thought but could the ( L-M-H) slider be for the backlight display?  I don't see a button for the backlight ala D8.  Could also possibly be in a sub menu like the Ipod.   I was wondering for battery reasons and haven't some folks found the Sony backlights to cause noise in some cases?   

Also I wonder if this recorder will fall prey to cell phone noise like alot of the portable DAT's do?  Anyone had the problem with a PDR or 722? 

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 23, 2005, 02:50:47 PM
Just a thought but could the ( L-M-H) slider be for the backlight display?  I don't see a button for the backlight ala D8.  Could also possibly be in a sub menu like the Ipod.   I was wondering for battery reasons and haven't some folks found the Sony backlights to cause noise in some cases?   

Also I wonder if this recorder will fall prey to cell phone noise like alot of the portable DAT's do?  Anyone had the problem with a PDR or 722? 



I had my cellphone ring during the BPB concert the other night...it was right beside my 722...no problems.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: WiFiJeff on August 23, 2005, 03:19:03 PM
 

Also I wonder if this recorder will fall prey to cell phone noise like alot of the portable DAT's do?  Anyone had the problem with a PDR or 722? 



A friend of mine thinks he has had this problem with the Edirol R1, when the cell-phone is up against the jacket pocket that has the R1.  I'm a walking fossil who doesn't carry a cell phone, so I've never had the problem with the R1.  I must say, the noise he picked up was very odd and not particularly cell-phonish to my ears.

Jeff
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: greenone on August 23, 2005, 03:31:02 PM
Just a thought but could the ( L-M-H) slider be for the backlight display? I don't see a button for the backlight ala D8. Could also possibly be in a sub menu like the Ipod.

Yeah, it's in the menus. Look at the menus at the bottom of this page: http://m-audio.com/products/en_us/MicroTrack2496-main.html

The top-left menu has a backlight setting, and it allows you to choose the contrast AND how long it's on for. And without that switch, there's no way of switching between mic and line unless it's in the menus somewhere, but I doubt that. My guess is the backlight goes on whenever you push a button...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 23, 2005, 03:40:29 PM
A friend of mine thinks he has had this problem with the Edirol R1, when the cell-phone is up against the jacket pocket that has the R1.  I'm a walking fossil who doesn't carry a cell phone, so I've never had the problem with the R1.  I must say, the noise he picked up was very odd and not particularly cell-phonish to my ears.

Jeff

The noise I am referring to is not a ring per se but more a sound of the cell phone checking to make sure it has service. Almost like a pulsing sound.  You can hear what it sounds like if you put a cell up next to a computer speaker.  Wait i minute or two and it will make a sound if the phone searching for a network.  I have had a couple of tapes pick up this noise.  It's more prevelant with my D10 but is still there with the D8.

Is it a magnetic tape head that is picking it up or something else?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: §†∑∫åµÞ≥¥ on August 23, 2005, 03:41:15 PM
oh brother without cellphone. two dinosaurs roam this forum!

make that 3... although I might be joining the "revolution" soon...

now back to your regularly scheduled MicroTrack discussion.....
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on August 23, 2005, 03:43:23 PM
there's a simple solution to the cellphone problem...turn it off, if you're stealthing a show, why are you on the phone to begin with?  :P
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Simp-Dawg on August 23, 2005, 03:44:32 PM
i think l-m-h might be line-mic-?? (maybe the word for digi-in starts with an H wherever these are being developed)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on August 23, 2005, 03:47:58 PM
maybe you can assign the button to different things in the menu...that'd be cool.

low-med-high backlight settings
low-med-high analog gain stages
line-mic-h? - input chooser.

heh, this is like the last real mystery of the mt it seems like, and none of us have even touched it yet.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: §†∑∫åµÞ≥¥ on August 23, 2005, 04:02:49 PM
maybe it adjusts the flame of the built-in lighter?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Colin Liston on August 23, 2005, 04:04:10 PM
I thought the L- M - H was the gain settings.

colin
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on August 23, 2005, 04:07:40 PM
maybe it adjusts the flame of the built-in lighter?

a built in lighter?!?! - now thats what i call technology!  all this thing nees is a built in dug-out.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 23, 2005, 04:19:43 PM
heh, this is like the last real mystery of the mt it seems like, and none of us have even touched it yet.

Nope, it was discussed in Part II I think....

Yeah, very first page. Starts with the last two posts on pg 1 and continues...
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=47014.0

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on August 23, 2005, 04:25:24 PM
yeah, i remember that talk, but i didn't think anyone actually figured out exactly what it was for.  just speculation.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 23, 2005, 04:53:51 PM
yeah, i remember that talk, but i didn't think anyone actually figured out exactly what it was for.  just speculation.

Isn't it all at this point?  ;)

Damn we need that to end! And NOW!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: greenone on August 23, 2005, 05:02:41 PM
yeah, i remember that talk, but i didn't think anyone actually figured out exactly what it was for. just speculation.

I think wboswell has actually had one in hand, or has a contact where he got those answers. Either way, I'd bet he's not guessing. :)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on August 23, 2005, 08:17:09 PM
oh brother without cellphone. two dinosaurs roam this forum!
+ to ya for being a holdout!

I was up until about 16 month ago, then I went full force. Killed the land line and went to nothing but cell. Not bad, but there are times I wish I still had a land line.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on August 23, 2005, 08:26:53 PM
but there are times I wish I still had a land line.

Wayne

i hear ya, i was on hold with comcast for two hours last month...i kid you not.  got my bill and i was 24 minutes over, grrr!!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: BJ on August 23, 2005, 08:47:03 PM
Got this in my email today....you can take from it what you want
Quote
We just heard from M-Audio that MicroTrack 24/96 will first ship during the
4th week of September.


Len Moskowitz
Core Sound
www.core-sound.com
Home of PDAudio
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on August 23, 2005, 08:51:42 PM
looks like the PERFECT successor to the jb3 world, lots of folks w/ 24-bit shit now ;D

I'm real psyched now, i may just get all the stuff for it after moedown(4gb flash card/OTG drive/card reader) and put the moeny down for one, IF theyre not out by then that is :)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on August 23, 2005, 08:58:13 PM
oh brother without cellphone. two dinosaurs roam this forum!
+ to ya for being a holdout!

i dont have a cellphone either 8)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 23, 2005, 08:59:35 PM
oh brother without cellphone. two dinosaurs roam this forum!
+ to ya for being a holdout!

i dont have a cellphone either 8)

why do you need one? you dont work! ;D ;) j/k!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 23, 2005, 09:06:25 PM
Got this in my email today....you can take from it what you want
Quote
We just heard from M-Audio that MicroTrack 24/96 will first ship during the
4th week of September.


Len Moskowitz
Core Sound
www.core-sound.com
Home of PDAudio

This is now the second report of shipping be pushed till the end of September.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John R on August 23, 2005, 09:33:35 PM
i don't have a sat phone
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on August 23, 2005, 09:55:00 PM
oh brother without cellphone. two dinosaurs roam this forum!
+ to ya for being a holdout!

i dont have a cellphone either 8)

why do you need one? you dont work! ;D ;) j/k!

what do you call what i do for 60 hrs a week :P :)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 23, 2005, 10:03:19 PM
oh brother without cellphone. two dinosaurs roam this forum!
+ to ya for being a holdout!

i dont have a cellphone either 8)

why do you need one? you dont work! ;D ;) j/k!

what do you call what i do for 60 hrs a week :P :)
im just bustin your chops. i know you work harder than I do. I dont do jack really. 8)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Sebastian on August 24, 2005, 09:34:23 AM
About the cell phone interference...
Sometimes, at 3-day outdoor festivals I don't use my SBM1 because it would simply need too many batteries which I don't want to carry all day. I found that when I don't use the SBM1, almost all of my recordings have cell phone interference at one or more spots. However, I've never had any problems *with* the SBM1. So, my guess is that the interference happens during the A/D conversion.

Another funny thing: I just came back from a festival in Belgium and during a show, you could clearly hear some cell phone interference over the PA. Seems like portable DATs are not the only devices that have problems with it ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: gewwang on August 24, 2005, 10:19:01 AM
Another funny thing: I just came back from a festival in Belgium and during a show, you could clearly hear some cell phone interference over the PA. Seems like portable DATs are not the only devices that have problems with it ;)

I know Spinal Tap had this problem when they played at an Air Force base once but that was back in the 80's :)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: twatts (pants are so over-rated...) on August 24, 2005, 10:36:19 AM
Another funny thing: I just came back from a festival in Belgium and during a show, you could clearly hear some cell phone interference over the PA. Seems like portable DATs are not the only devices that have problems with it ;)

I know Spinal Tap had this problem when they played at an Air Force base once but that was back in the 80's :)
:bigsmile:

Nice.  of course that was the fateful gig during which nigel walked out in the middle of sex farm

Not to threadjack - but I seem to remember this happening to Hendrix, I think at Berkeley???  Hey Joe methinks...  I'll have to go back and listen to the cd.

T
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: keepongoin on August 24, 2005, 10:48:20 AM
i used to get radio stations from my wha-wha pedal when i used certain cables. 

i think the interference comes into the systems through cables and not on the actual devices.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on August 24, 2005, 11:30:54 AM
I never ever had interference.
(and I use a battery box without box...)
I just turn off my own phone and that's it.   ;D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John R on August 24, 2005, 12:32:40 PM
i used to get radio stations from my wha-wha pedal when i used certain cables. 

i think the interference comes into the systems through cables and not on the actual devices.

cables are great antennas
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Rick on August 24, 2005, 01:02:19 PM
I just turn off my own phone and that's it.

It helps, but don't forgot everyone else has their phones on...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: keepongoin on August 24, 2005, 01:03:48 PM
I just turn off my own phone and that's it.

It helps, but don't forgot everyone else there has there phones on...

exactly.  the only interference i get has to be from other phones.  my girlfriend gets annoyed when i tell her to turn her's off if she is going to be near my rig at a show. 
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 24, 2005, 01:32:29 PM
I just turn off my own phone and that's it.

It helps, but don't forgot everyone else there has there phones on...

I keep mine in my pocket so its not in my gear.  I guess the reason I brought it up was that I didn't know if it was because of the DAT deck or something else.  Hopefully its the DAT heads (no pun intended) and not something else.  Hoping that this will not be an issue with solidstate recording.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: desertsky on August 24, 2005, 02:42:34 PM
Got this in my email today....you can take from it what you want
Quote
We just heard from M-Audio that MicroTrack 24/96 will first ship during the
4th week of September.


Len Moskowitz
Core Sound
www.core-sound.com
Home of PDAudio

This is now the second report of shipping be pushed till the end of September.


After reading this yesterday, I emailed the online vendor I pre-ordered my Microtrack from, DJaudio.com and told them about the email Core Sound had sent out regarding the new late September ship date.  The sales rep at DJaudio just replied back to me.  She contacted her rep at M-Audio this morning and was told their first shipment of Microtracks was still scheduled to go out on September 1st.   Could it just be some vendors are having their initial shipments delayed while others are still getting theirs in early September?   
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on August 24, 2005, 02:55:44 PM
Here are some 2GB Kingston CF cards for $106 - $20 Rebate...good until 8-31-05

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20998

Edit:

4GB Kingston for $212 - $20

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20999


Edit 2:

FWIW...I spoke with audiomidi.com where I got mine and they said a late August/early September delivery is still expected.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 24, 2005, 02:56:28 PM
Got this in my email today....you can take from it what you want
Quote
We just heard from M-Audio that MicroTrack 24/96 will first ship during the
4th week of September.


Len Moskowitz
Core Sound
www.core-sound.com
Home of PDAudio

This is now the second report of shipping be pushed till the end of September.


After reading this yesterday, I emailed the online vendor I pre-ordered my Microtrack from, DJaudio.com and told them about the email Core Sound had sent out regarding the new late September ship date.  The sales rep at DJaudio just replied back to me.  She contacted her rep at M-Audio this morning and was told their first shipment of Microtracks was still scheduled to go out on September 1st.   Could it just be some vendors are having their initial shipments delayed while others are still getting theirs in early September?   

On a serious note, I think Len is just trying to squeeze one more month of life cycle out of his own product.   He obviously must have a core group of customers that have been with him for awhile so this comes as no suprise. 

What did you end up paying at djaudio?  Did it include free shipping?  Website?   I keep updating page one of this thread with vendors and info.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on August 24, 2005, 03:01:10 PM
Yeah, I thought that may be the case too.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: gewwang on August 24, 2005, 03:05:58 PM
Maybe M-Audio's having problems integrating shoddy 7-pins into their units. :-X
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: desertsky on August 24, 2005, 03:12:14 PM
On a serious note, I think Len is just trying to squeeze one more month of life cycle out of his own product.   He obviously must have a core group of customers that have been with him for awhile so this comes as no suprise. 

What did you end up paying at djaudio?  Did it include free shipping?  Website?   I keep updating page one of this thread with vendors and info.

I messed up on the vendor name.  It's DJMart, not DJAudio.  The URL is www.djmart.com    The Microtrack is $399.99, but with the "AUGUST10" coupon code it's $360.00 with no sales tax unless you live in CA.  The shipping was $8.00 for UPS 2Day.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: kskreider on August 24, 2005, 03:14:45 PM
oh brother without cellphone. two dinosaurs roam this forum!
+ to ya for being a holdout!

I held out until a day in August two years ago when I was stuck in the middle of a city with 8 million other people without electricity.  The friggin' airplane I was on was diverted to the wrong airport and I was still a 4+ hour from home.  NO hotels, no trains, no buses, no way to call home and in less than 12 hours I had to be at work.  (Which was in the hazardous materials field)  I'll tell you that was the proverbial "straw that broke the camels back". 
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: kskreider on August 24, 2005, 03:15:23 PM
Here are some 2GB Kingston CF cards for $106 - $20 Rebate...good until 8-31-05

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20998

Edit:

4GB Kingston for $212 - $20

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20999


Edit 2:

FWIW...I spoke with audiomidi.com where I got mine and they said a late August/early September delivery is still expected.


So a 2GB for $86? or is it $106AR?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on August 24, 2005, 03:28:38 PM
If anyone cares to go the microdrive route, you can get a new 6gb microdrive on dEbay for 100$. It'll hold 3hours of a 24/96 recording.
dB-
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 24, 2005, 03:53:13 PM
Quote
I held out until a day in August two years ago when I was stuck in the middle of a city with 8 million other people without electricity.  The friggin' airplane I was on was diverted to the wrong airport and I was still a 4+ hour from home.  NO hotels, no trains, no buses, no way to call home and in less than 12 hours I had to be at work.  (Which was in the hazardous materials field)  I'll tell you that was the proverbial "straw that broke the camels back".

Except if the power outage is bad (as it sounds like this one was), the cell tower could go down as well and then it doesn't matter at all. ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on August 24, 2005, 04:01:20 PM
Here are some 2GB Kingston CF cards for $106 - $20 Rebate...good until 8-31-05

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20998

Edit:

4GB Kingston for $212 - $20

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20999


Edit 2:

FWIW...I spoke with audiomidi.com where I got mine and they said a late August/early September delivery is still expected.


So a 2GB for $86? or is it $106AR?

$86 + shipping. Not an instant rebate though.


Also, I just called audiomidi.com and they are matching the www.djmart.com price...already tax free and free shipping!

Joe at audiomidi couldn't match the djaudio.com price, however he knocked off 5% to $379.50 with free shipping. He related both audiomidi and djaudio.com had the same rep, but audiomidi.com would have theirs before djaudio.com's. Take it FWIW. Talk to Joe if interested this special.

The cheapest microdrive I found on ebay has been $200+....where are the $100 ones?

Edit:

nm. I see 'em.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on August 24, 2005, 04:12:00 PM
Here are some 2GB Kingston CF cards for $106 - $20 Rebate...good until 8-31-05

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20998

Edit:

4GB Kingston for $212 - $20

http://www.mwave.com/mwave/viewspec.hmx?scriteria=BA20999


Edit 2:

FWIW...I spoke with audiomidi.com where I got mine and they said a late August/early September delivery is still expected.


So a 2GB for $86? or is it $106AR?

$86 + shipping. Not an instant rebate though.


Also, I just called audiomidi.com and they are matching the www.djmart.com price...already tax free and free shipping!


The cheapest microdrive I found on ebay has been $200+....where are the $100 ones?

Edit:

nm. I see 'em.


http://cgi.ebay.com/HITACHI-6GB-MICRODRIVE-NEW-COMPACT-FLASH-CARD_W0QQitemZ7540531819QQcategoryZ50519QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: prof_peabody on August 24, 2005, 04:14:09 PM
Except if the power outage is bad (as it sounds like this one was), the cell tower could go down as well and then it doesn't matter at all. ;)

A lot of cell towers in my area have generator back-up.  Might have something to do with hurricanes, not sure though.

Trying to resist pre-ordering; this is tough.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 24, 2005, 04:44:50 PM
Except if the power outage is bad (as it sounds like this one was), the cell tower could go down as well and then it doesn't matter at all. ;)

A lot of cell towers in my area have generator back-up.  Might have something to do with hurricanes, not sure though.

Trying to resist pre-ordering; this is tough.

thats a dilemma. I would if I was getting one, as I know how much of a PITA it can be to wait. I had to wait like 4 months for my 722 I think. There will be much longer lines for this thing.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John R on August 25, 2005, 10:21:16 AM
There will be much longer lines for this thing.

i don't think so.  frank has stated that his opening order is larger than his potential list.  and SS has picked up m-audio as well.  we were told the original shipment to the us is to be quite large.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on August 25, 2005, 10:22:54 AM
There will be much longer lines for this thing.

i don't think so.  frank has stated that his opening order is larger than his potential list.  and SS has picked up m-audio as well.  we were told the original shipment to the us is to be quite large.

that is good news John.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: greenone on August 25, 2005, 10:52:17 AM
There will be much longer lines for this thing.

i don't think so. frank has stated that his opening order is larger than his potential list. and SS has picked up m-audio as well. we were told the original shipment to the us is to be quite large.
So you're both right. The lines will be longer, but just move more quickly. ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: rdvdijk on August 25, 2005, 11:10:43 AM
If anyone cares to go the microdrive route, you can get a new 6gb microdrive on dEbay for 100$. It'll hold 3hours of a 24/96 recording.
dB-

I think we're missing a few pieces of this puzzle. I've followed the PenComputingAudio group a bit, (that's the PDAudio group, Len is there, and Gordon the programmer) and there seems to be a big compatibility problem with high-speed CF cards. They (Gordon+Len) now say that PDAs do not support those 'high speed' CF cards, because the operating system does not implement those bursting algorithms. Some of those fast cards can't support writing the continuous stream of audio data coming from the PDA. There's a list now of what cards should work and which do not.

So:

1. Does the Microtrack support these fast cards properly, or should we be wary of what cards we put in? (note: it doesn't need the high speeds since 24/96 isn't that much data per second)
2. and also: Can the Microtrack record continuously until the CF card is full? If you put in a 8GB card, will it fill it all up, and never miss a bit? (and: should we pre-format and allocate (!) the cards as with the PDAudio?)
3. Will it support hot-swapping of CF cards? I guess it won't, but it would be a cool feature (something that is supposed to work with PDAudio..).

We'll see.. M-Audio has some awesome products, I got a feeling this will be another one.

Roel
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: anhisr on August 25, 2005, 11:24:17 AM
I know of point number two is that one fille can not be more than 2GB in size but, they did not tell me that you can not use more that 2GB to record on.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: rdvdijk on August 25, 2005, 12:43:04 PM
I know of point number two is that one fille can not be more than 2GB in size but, they did not tell me that you can not use more that 2GB to record on.

That's correct. I expect (or hope) that the device will record to 2GB and then start a new file, while not missing a bit of data. 2GB of data will hold 60 minutes of 24/96 audio..

Roel
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on August 25, 2005, 12:44:21 PM
they've pretty much said they'll be releasing firmware to fix the 2gb size limit - either before or after its released.  they've also said that it doesn't matter what card you throw in there, it should work just fine.

the microtracker isn't pdaudio, ones from m-audio, the other is from core-sounds.  *shrug* take it for what it is i guess.  but something tells me the quality control at an international company like m-auio is better than a privately run core-sounds.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: cmoorevt on August 25, 2005, 04:25:45 PM
just posted this in the retail area, but it doesn't hurt to have it here as well.

from hot-deals.org

Dell Home - 4GB Compact Flash memory card for $167 after rebate
Click the above link to find a Kingston 4GB Compact Flash memory card for $276 before automatic discount. Apply coupon code 1BJH3HL3JS799P to get 20% off, and apply coupon code 5?KHKMQ4XTGQ4$ to get $20 off, making it $187 with free shipping. A $20 mail-in rebate is available on Dell.com. Most stores sell it for around $245 shipped.

Here is the link to the card at the dell site:

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?sku=A0448320&c=us&l=en&cs=19&category_id=2999
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on August 25, 2005, 05:59:50 PM
Cool deal.. I was very tempted but I'm going to wait after reading this.. Of course I also read that Apple is buying around 40% of samsung's flash production for ipods. That could drive prices up  :-\

Quote
Corsair is coming out with 2, 4 and 6GB 133X cards in a couple weeks for about this price, this is why the discounting is going on.

Corsair already released their 133X speed SD cards and they rock, and have a free USB drive promo. I suspect they will do this for their upcoming 2/4/6 GB cards.

This IS a great deal, but probably because they want to move stock before Corsair enters the market with the higher speed cards.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: keepongoin on August 25, 2005, 06:36:16 PM
just wait until after the new cards  hit the market and get some of the older CF cards for 50 bucks... glad i didn't pull the trigger on buying a  card in early July when I put a deposit on the recorder.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 25, 2005, 07:07:28 PM
I actually bid on a busted ipod mini just for the small drive in it.  Would be killer to get a 4gb for 20 bucks!   ;D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 25, 2005, 07:23:36 PM
Quote
Cool deal.. I was very tempted but I'm going to wait after reading this.. Of course I also read that Apple is buying around 40% of samsung's flash production for ipods. That could drive prices up 

More than likely it'll only drive prices lower, as it'll lead to increased production and lower costs.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on August 25, 2005, 09:24:09 PM
Quote
Cool deal.. I was very tempted but I'm going to wait after reading this.. Of course I also read that Apple is buying around 40% of samsung's flash production for ipods. That could drive prices up

More than likely it'll only drive prices lower, as it'll lead to increased production and lower costs.

kinda why im holding out for now, and besides that, im not 100% sure ,y playback can even do 24-bit

i believe it can but how do i tell ???
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Teen Age Riot on August 26, 2005, 07:26:50 AM
kinda why im holding out for now, and besides that, im not 100% sure ,y playback can even do 24-bit

i believe it can but how do i tell ???

Good point. I just got a new CD player (NAD C521BEE), so I did the following: Pulled out my Wilco 06/11/05 recording on CD and DVD (the show was recorded at 24/48) and compared the two. The CD sounded a whole lot better than the DVD which I played back on my Pioneer 434. Bottom line: I need to take care of playback system first, i.e. get a better DVD player. Otherwise the whole 24bit thing doesn't make that much sense to me.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on August 26, 2005, 08:08:50 AM
kinda why im holding out for now, and besides that, im not 100% sure ,y playback can even do 24-bit

i believe it can but how do i tell ???

Good point. I just got a new CD player (NAD C521BEE), so I did the following: Pulled out my Wilco 06/11/05 recording on CD and DVD (the show was recorded at 24/48) and compared the two. The CD sounded a whole lot better than the DVD which I played back on my Pioneer 434. Bottom line: I need to take care of playback system first, i.e. get a better DVD player. Otherwise the whole 24bit thing doesn't make that much sense to me.
NAD T524 sounds good.
Shitty handling of groups on DVD-A though. (it is no direct CD player replacement)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Teen Age Riot on August 26, 2005, 09:35:26 AM
NAD T524 sounds good.
Shitty handling of groups on DVD-A though. (it is no direct CD player replacement)

Interesting, because that's the one I was going to get. I didn't think it was out yet. Do you have one?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: MoFo2 on August 26, 2005, 10:11:53 AM
So this device is the thing to have when it comes to stealthing? I considered a JB3, but as my taping knowledge is severely lacking and the JB3 is a bit bulky, this seems like a recorder sent from heaven. Hopefully I can purchase one for the next time U2 tours in Europe.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Brian Skalinder on August 26, 2005, 10:15:13 AM
So this device is the thing to have when it comes to stealthing?

We'll find out once it ships and people start using it.  For now, no one really knows, though many of us have high hopes.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 26, 2005, 05:09:47 PM
IMO...though its way bigger than the flashtracker will be, the Oade mod marantz 660 is the box to stealth with.
especialy if you have actives.  damn..it sounds fucking great.
I pulled an XY recording of a mono PA and it sounds like ORTF !  talk about soundstage.

sorry to be so off topic.
Can't wait for the flashtracker.
:)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Brian on August 26, 2005, 05:47:00 PM
I pulled an XY recording of a mono PA and it sounds like ORTF ! talk about soundstage.

??? :-X
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 26, 2005, 05:55:25 PM
I just doesn't sound like you'd expect an XY recording of a PA to sound...or, at least it didn't to me.  And this is a venue I tape in frequently, and know what to expect for results.   it caught me by surprise, and I attribute it to the preamp section of this Marantz.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: chitaper on August 28, 2005, 03:32:54 PM
OK, I have ordered a MicroTracker, a 4gb CF card, and a 80gb OTG drive but have a question:

If recording at a long, 2 set show or a festival, is there enough time between sets or shows to transfer the data to an OTG drive and erase the CF card for the next set or show? Otherwise, it seems that 2 CF cards will be needed. I'd like to get by w/ one for now if possible, as they are still $200 a pop.

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 28, 2005, 04:04:46 PM
if you need long record time, you'll just have to settle for 16bit resolution.
6.5 hours on a 4gb card.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: JasonSobel on August 28, 2005, 04:30:09 PM
or at 24/48, you still have 4 hours on a 4 gig CF card.  should be enough for just about every 2 set show...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: chitaper on August 28, 2005, 05:57:31 PM
or at 24/48, you still have 4 hours on a 4 gig CF card.  should be enough for just about every 2 set show...
OK, but I'm going to Vegoose. How long to dump 4gb to the OTG drive? Anyone have any idea?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on August 28, 2005, 06:02:45 PM
well, this has nothing to do w/ that, BUT when going jb3>jb3 via the 4-pin>4-pin cable i have, it still takes about 30 mins to do a 2/2.5hr set!

i suspect w/ a usb 2.0 card reader>usb 2.0 OTG drive, it may be faster tho, who knows tho, noone yet
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Sebastian on August 28, 2005, 06:40:13 PM
Even at the oldest standard, USB 1.0 can transfer data at a rate of 1.5 MBit/sec (which is 187.5 MB/sec). So, at this rate the transfer of 4 GB of data should take approximately 21.3 seconds. And USB 2.0 can even do up to 480 MBit/sec (though this will never happen as most CF cards can't be read faster than at 10 MBit/sec).
Since the MicroTrack has a USB 2.0 port, we can pretty much expect reasonable transfer times. These numbers are all highly theoretical and nobody knows how fast the MicroTrack will really be able to read CF cards - so don't take my word for it ;)

I'm also planing on buying an OTG hard drive for festivals, etc. I'm just not sure how to power it in the field - or how to charge the Microtrack in the field. Any ideas on that? Or are there any battery packs with USB connectors available already?

Another thing to look out for when buying CF cards is the lifetime of their flash memory. After a certain number of erase-write cycles, every flash memory will become unreliable.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on August 28, 2005, 07:05:44 PM
if you need long record time, you'll just have to settle for 16bit resolution.
6.5 hours on a 4gb card.


Or go with a microdrive 6gb drive. 3hrs at 24/96. I just recieved one from an eBay auction for 100$. It's an Apple branded Hitachi 6gb drive sealed from OEM.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: chitaper on August 28, 2005, 07:21:20 PM
Even at the oldest standard, USB 1.0 can transfer data at a rate of 1.5 MBit/sec (which is 187.5 MB/sec). So, at this rate the transfer of 4 GB of data should take approximately 21.3 seconds. And USB 2.0 can even do up to 480 MBit/sec (though this will never happen as most CF cards can't be read faster than at 10 MBit/sec).
Since the MicroTrack has a USB 2.0 port, we can pretty much expect reasonable transfer times. These numbers are all highly theoretical and nobody knows how fast the MicroTrack will really be able to read CF cards - so don't take my word for it ;)

I'm also planing on buying an OTG hard drive for festivals, etc. I'm just not sure how to power it in the field - or how to charge the Microtrack in the field. Any ideas on that? Or are there any battery packs with USB connectors available already?

Another thing to look out for when buying CF cards is the lifetime of their flash memory. After a certain number of erase-write cycles, every flash memory will become unreliable.
Well that sounds pretty good, even if it took 5 minutes it would be plenty of time.

The OTG drive I bought is this one. (http://www.digitaldingus.com/reviews/macally/macally250otg.php) It has a rechargeable internal battery that should last several hours of use, way more than enough if all you're doing is dumping data to it. You can install any 2.5" 9.5mm hard disk you'd like into it, between the enclosure and the disk it's less than $200.

I'd be using the V3 for a pre, and it's claimed that the battery in the MicroTracker lasts 8 hours, so I'm not too worried about that. A 12v battery and power inverter should do to recharge if you have to in the field?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 28, 2005, 07:23:17 PM
Quote
Even at the oldest standard, USB 1.0 can transfer data at a rate of 1.5 MBit/sec (which is 187.5 MB/sec). So, at this rate the transfer of 4 GB of data should take approximately 21.3 seconds. And USB 2.0 can even do up to 480 MBit/sec (though this will never happen as most CF cards can't be read faster than at 10 MBit/sec).

HA!  All of those speeds are theoretical and USB 1.0 never even approaches 1.5 MBit/sec.  I have to transfer all of my shows over USB 1.0 currently and it takes around 30 mins for a 1.5 hour show at 16/44.1.  

As for the speeds of USB2, it can only reach 480 MBit/sec in bursts - its sustained speeds are in fact much lower, which is why Firewire tends to be faster.  
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: prof_peabody on August 28, 2005, 08:24:59 PM
Quote
Even at the oldest standard, USB 1.0 can transfer data at a rate of 1.5 MBit/sec (which is 187.5 MB/sec). So, at this rate the transfer of 4 GB of data should take approximately 21.3 seconds. And USB 2.0 can even do up to 480 MBit/sec (though this will never happen as most CF cards can't be read faster than at 10 MBit/sec).

HA!  All of those speeds are theoretical and USB 1.0 never even approaches 1.5 MBit/sec.  I have to transfer all of my shows over USB 1.0 currently and it takes around 30 mins for a 1.5 hour show at 16/44.1.  

As for the speeds of USB2, it can only reach 480 MBit/sec in bursts - its sustained speeds are in fact much lower, which is why Firewire tends to be faster.  

Yup.  USB is poor for sustained transfer.  They sacrificed high sustained transfer rates for making the technology cheaper.  People always point out that Firewire is slower than USB2, but Firewire supports higher sustained transfer rates as you said.  For someone whos day job involves moving around gigs of data all day that's important.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: 1st set only on August 28, 2005, 08:58:37 PM
I have never seen one of these OTG drive enclosures before, Way Cool Beans!

how do we know it will work with the microtracker?
and is M-audio recomending any specific brand CF cards or are you guys just crossing your fingers?

thanks for being my guine pigs!!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on August 28, 2005, 09:16:59 PM
if it doesnt work w/ the microtracker, a usb 2.0 card reader would do the trick :)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on August 29, 2005, 01:18:30 AM
NAD T524 sounds good.
Shitty handling of groups on DVD-A though. (it is no direct CD player replacement)

Interesting, because that's the one I was going to get. I didn't think it was out yet. Do you have one?
Yup. Cheap in Germany. 350?
I was looking at using it mainly as a DVD-A player (for archived shows). `->` goes to next track or 1st track in next group. `<-` doesn't do groups, just tracks... So without a screen you cannot easily navigate groups. The current group is not on the players'display, nor audio resolution. Asked NAD, it's a restriction of the controller used in the player.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 29, 2005, 07:36:02 AM
Or go with a microdrive 6gb drive. 3hrs at 24/96. I just recieved one from an eBay auction for 100$. It's an Apple branded Hitachi 6gb drive sealed from OEM.

but this is a microdrive, and not CF, correct?
and who knows it if will actualy record relaibly when under the stress of 24/96 I/O
the larger toshiba PCMCIA 5gb drives do not.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: rdvdijk on August 29, 2005, 08:11:47 AM
but this is a microdrive, and not CF, correct?
and who knows it if will actualy record relaibly when under the stress of 24/96 I/O

Stress? 24/96 is 576kb/s .. That shouldn't be a problem for a microdrive? That's hardly "4x speed". But I agree with you, we still have no "real" performance test results on this device.

Roel
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: 1st set only on August 29, 2005, 10:38:20 AM
if it doesnt work w/ the microtracker, a usb 2.0 card reader would do the trick :)

explain?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 29, 2005, 10:41:23 AM
if it doesnt work w/ the microtracker, a usb 2.0 card reader would do the trick :)

explain?

You connect a USB Card Reader to the OTG drive instead of the MicroTrack.

but this is a microdrive, and not CF, correct?
and who knows it if will actualy record relaibly when under the stress of 24/96 I/O

Stress? 24/96 is 576kb/s .. That shouldn't be a problem for a microdrive? That's hardly "4x speed". But I agree with you, we still have no "real" performance test results on this device.

Roel


I don't think it's a question of whether or not it can keep up with the I/O, I think it's more of a question of how much tolerance the microdrives have for heat and vibration.  Those are things you don't have to worry about with the CF Cards.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: 1st set only on August 29, 2005, 10:45:44 AM
ahhh that makes sense

thanks
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: ford prefect on August 29, 2005, 12:56:27 PM
Even at the oldest standard, USB 1.0 can transfer data at a rate of 1.5 MBit/sec (which is 187.5 MB/sec). So, at this rate the transfer of 4 GB of data should take approximately 21.3 seconds.

Your math is wrong - 1.5Megabit/sec = 187.5 kilobytes per second.

4GB = 4,000,000,000 bytes.  (roughly)

4,000,000,000 bytes / 187,500 bytes per sec = 21,333 seconds = 355 minutes = 5.9 hours (that sounds about right for my JB3 at this speed)

For USB2:
480Mbit/sec = 60MBytes/sec

4,000,000,000 bytes / 60,000,000 bytes per sec = 66.6 seconds = 1.11 minutes.  (but most IDE hard drives can't write that fast, so it'll be quite a bit slower)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Sebastian on August 29, 2005, 02:04:08 PM
Your math is wrong - 1.5Megabit/sec = 187.5 kilobytes per second.

You're right. My mistake was that I thought 1.5 MBit = 1,500 Bit, but in fact it's 1,500,000 Bit (I was just off by a factor of a thousand *g*). I guess that's what you get when trying to solve a simple maths problem in a hurry ;)

(but most IDE hard drives can't write that fast, so it'll be quite a bit slower)

The transfer speed will not be limited by the destination hard drive - the read speed of the CF card will be the bottleneck here! The few cheap ones I've found on eBay can be read at a speed of 4.7 MB/sec (= 0.0047 GB/sec). So, a 4 GB transfer will take 4/0.0047 = 851.06 seconds (about 14 minutes). With a 10 MB/sec card, the same transfer will need 400 seconds (6.66 minutes).
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: ford prefect on August 29, 2005, 02:09:11 PM
The transfer speed will not be limited by the destination hard drive - the read speed of the CF card will be the bottleneck here! The few cheap ones I've found on eBay can be read at a speed of 4.7 MB/sec (= 0.0047 GB/sec).

Until I read this thread I had always thought CF was like RAM - too fast to be a bottleneck.  Thanks for pointing that out.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on August 29, 2005, 03:33:24 PM
FWIW, I just got off the phone with my local salesman of M-Audio products who spoke with his rep from M-Audio today and was told the MicroTrack is expected to ship to retailers on Tuesday the 6th. We'll see...
dB-
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: chitaper on August 29, 2005, 05:11:07 PM
Your math is wrong - 1.5Megabit/sec = 187.5 kilobytes per second.

You're right. My mistake was that I thought 1.5 MBit = 1,500 Bit, but in fact it's 1,500,000 Bit (I was just off by a factor of a thousand *g*). I guess that's what you get when trying to solve a simple maths problem in a hurry ;)

(but most IDE hard drives can't write that fast, so it'll be quite a bit slower)

The transfer speed will not be limited by the destination hard drive - the read speed of the CF card will be the bottleneck here! The few cheap ones I've found on eBay can be read at a speed of 4.7 MB/sec (= 0.0047 GB/sec). So, a 4 GB transfer will take 4/0.0047 = 851.06 seconds (about 14 minutes). With a 10 MB/sec card, the same transfer will need 400 seconds (6.66 minutes).
Ah, thanks! Now I have a formula to use. I have now opted for a slightly more expensive CF card, a SanDisk which should read at 7.9 MB/sec, so even a full card should take less than 9 min. to transfer to the OTG drive. This is less time than it takes between sets/shows, so I should be ok just having 1 CF card at festivals. And most times there will be far less than the full 4GB on the card, so it will take even less time than that. BTW, it seems that SanDisk CF cards read faster than most other brands. But you can save money (read/write speed seems to be the main difference between cheap and expensive cards) if read speed isn't that important to you, and any card is more than adequate for audio as far as write speeds go.

Now if I can just get my MicroTrack to arrive before the NMAS show on Sep. 16!  :P
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: jbraveman on August 29, 2005, 10:43:33 PM
difference between cheap and expensive cards) if read speed isn't that important to you, and any card is more than adequate for audio as far as write speeds go.

Now if I can just get my MicroTrack to arrive before the NMAS show on Sep. 16!  :P
Quote

Is it true that the write speeds won't matter for this device?  For the PDAudio the requirement was that the card could write at least 576 kb/second for 24/96.  Some of the microdrives apparently couldn't do 24/96 very well.  Since nobody has the device for testing, is it premature to go out and buy some cards?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 29, 2005, 10:53:27 PM
Theoretically all you need is a 4x CF card to write 24/96 (and I'm not sure if you can even get CF cards that slow anymore). 

We'll have to wait for the MicroTrack to be released to see what it *really* needs.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: chitaper on August 29, 2005, 11:15:04 PM
Is it true that the write speeds won't matter for this device?  For the PDAudio the requirement was that the card could write at least 576 kb/second for 24/96.  Some of the microdrives apparently couldn't do 24/96 very well.  Since nobody has the device for testing, is it premature to go out and buy some cards?
Even the cheapest CF cards can write several times the necessary speed. This one (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11069062&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=2246&hierPath=84*2246*) from Costco has a sustained write speed of 3.4 MB/sec.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: rdvdijk on August 30, 2005, 04:00:15 AM
Even the cheapest CF cards can write several times the necessary speed. This one (http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?prodid=11069062&whse=BC&topnav=&cat=2246&hierPath=84*2246*) from Costco has a sustained write speed of 3.4 MB/sec.

I would like to point out again that these speeds are often very dependent on algorithms in the client device. We'll have to wait and see if this 'sustained speed' is indeed feasible in the MicroTrack. As can be read on the PDAudio discussion list (yahoogroups), the programmers have CF-writing problems on PDAs, which do not implement those algorithms. They had some real troubles with some 'high speed' cards. (for a CS-reference, see here (http://www.core-sound.com/CF-and-SD-mass-storage-comparison.html))

This being M-Audio, they probably tested the hell out of the MicroTrack, so I'm sure this all won't be a problem.

Roel
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on August 30, 2005, 08:23:03 AM
but this is a microdrive, and not CF, correct?
and who knows it if will actualy record relaibly when under the stress of 24/96 I/O

Stress? 24/96 is 576kb/s .. That shouldn't be a problem for a microdrive? That's hardly "4x speed". But I agree with you, we still have no "real" performance test results on this device.

Roel


I've got lots of real experience with the Toshiba 5gb PCMCIA drive..which is larger..and may be more robust than these which are 1/3rd the size.
and these toshiba drives suck.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: ice8888 on August 30, 2005, 10:21:07 AM
FWIW, I just got off the phone with my local salesman of M-Audio products who spoke with his rep from M-Audio today and was told the MicroTrack is expected to ship to retailers on Tuesday the 6th. We'll see...
dB-

hmmm... wonder if i can have it by sept 9th in denver...  ;D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: jkeats on August 30, 2005, 11:25:33 AM
Weird - 4 available on ebay over in Europe.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7345474197&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Does this mean they are shipping in Europe?  Already way over priced, but interesting.  The auction is in dutch or german or something, so I don't what it says really.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on August 30, 2005, 11:31:33 AM
Weird - 4 available on ebay over in Europe.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7345474197&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Does this mean they are shipping in Europe?  Already way over priced, but interesting.  The auction is in dutch or german or something, so I don't what it says really.
It is in German ('Deutsch...'). 444 euro is the standard German asking price for the MT.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John R on August 30, 2005, 11:31:52 AM
Weird - 4 available on ebay over in Europe.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7345474197&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Does this mean they are shipping in Europe?  Already way over priced, but interesting.  The auction is in dutch or german or something, so I don't what it says really.

two ways to look at this:

1.  they're selling them on spec
2.  they should be in the states w/in a week(this statement coming from the extreme optimist in me :banging head:)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: JasonSobel on August 30, 2005, 11:52:34 AM

two ways to look at this:

1.  they're selling them on spec
2.  they should be in the states w/in a week(this statement coming from the extreme optimist in me :banging head:)

the most recent information we have from several retailers is that shipping will begin the first full week of Sept.  So the idea that they'll be here next week is pretty realistic, I think.  not necessarily extremely optimistic anymore :)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: bartek on August 30, 2005, 12:51:49 PM
Weird - 4 available on ebay over in Europe.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7345474197&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr4_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Does this mean they are shipping in Europe?  Already way over priced, but interesting.  The auction is in dutch or german or something, so I don't what it says really.

two ways to look at this:

1.  they're selling them on spec
2.  they should be in the states w/in a week(this statement coming from the extreme optimist in me :banging head:)

In the item description it says that they are expecting the MT to be shipped in the first week of september. So the seller pretty much knows the same as we do. The guys at thomann.de - they claim to be the biggest M-Audio retailer in europe - expect to get the MT by september 8th.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on August 30, 2005, 01:37:22 PM
Here is a question. With a Microdrive with the following specs, how much power would this drive suck off the MT battery? What sort of times are we looking at here without phantom?


Microdrive 6GB Power Specs:


Requirement +3.3V power supply ±5% +5V power supply ±5%
 
Current (write) 305 mA 314mA
 
Current (standby)  16 mA 18 mA
 
Power consumption efficiency 0.055 (watts/GB at idle) 0.090 (watts/GB at idle)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: WiFiJeff on August 30, 2005, 05:39:29 PM
Here's another rumor for the mill, supposedly just now from the nat'l sales manager.  End of September, but no later as they have to make Qtrly numbers, first shipment will be 1000, second to follow about ten days later.

Jeff
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: hyperplane on August 31, 2005, 11:25:15 AM
thanks for that post, Sixto Lezcano! +t
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on August 31, 2005, 01:19:33 PM
Aren't they going for $350 basically everywhere???
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: jkeats on August 31, 2005, 03:50:33 PM
i preordered from cascade a week or so ago and the price was 400.  Thimk I'll cancel it now since there are many at 350.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on August 31, 2005, 04:08:10 PM
i preordered from cascade a week or so ago and the price was 400.  Thimk I'll cancel it now since there are many at 350.

Before you cancel with Frank see if he will price match for you.  Always like to keep business in the community if at all possible.

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: tonyvt on September 02, 2005, 09:46:07 AM
Microtrack will make initial shipment to retail stores at the end of September. 2ndshipment will be in late November.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 02, 2005, 10:10:52 AM
Microtrack will make initial shipment to retail stores at the end of September. 2ndshipment will be in late November.

So glad I got a 722.. Guess I'll get a bit more serious about stealthing it since the MT still seems to be vapor.


it's not vapor, just late... but then so was the 744/722. The taper community is very excited about these products and unfortunately when the companys rush them to market they tend to have a load of problems. There isn't a single 722/744, Deva IV/V, or Cantar unit that hasn't seen multiple firmware upgrades to fix or enable features the unit was sold with. If a vendor can fix the problems before they get out into the field, they can save themselves from the public black eye that can haunt them for years. Public perception is huge! As I see it, the proliferation of 24-bit recording devices is nothing but good for the recording community. Of course now we'll all have to wait to see how these 24-bit sources sound. No longer can people just dump to their computer and mark the tracks. Now dithering to 16-bits comes into play for CDs and it will be interesting to see what happens there since we all know not all dithering routines are created equal.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on September 02, 2005, 11:01:39 AM
Microtrack will make initial shipment to retail stores at the end of September. 2ndshipment will be in late November.

Anyone else confirm this?

Nice avatar btw!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: tonyvt on September 02, 2005, 11:06:09 AM
Microtrack will make initial shipment to retail stores at the end of September. 2ndshipment will be in late November.

Anyone else confirm this?

Nice avatar btw!

Thanks.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on September 03, 2005, 04:25:55 PM
Microtrack will make initial shipment to retail stores at the end of September. 2ndshipment will be in late November.

Anyone else confirm this?

Nice avatar btw!

M-Audio tech support told me first hand the Microtrack is arriving in port early next week. I did open up a support ticket to see whether or not the device will support file sizes over 2gb out of the box or if an update will be available to make this a possibility. The support tech I talked with was Steve Nalepa who demonstrated the Microtrack here in Chicago as part of the Remix Hotel Convention, which was held last week.
dB-
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: drewcatc on September 03, 2005, 04:37:57 PM
CF card prices drop like aging boobs...luckily (for the former).

I think the best price i have seen on a 4gb card has been $175.  One of those will provide all the 24/44 recording time that I will ever need...mostly.
an 8gb card will do the same for 24/96..but i dont think the improvment justifies the cost at all.   I bet in 6mo, a 4gb card will be around $100 even...and keep falling from there.

i'm really excited for this.  just think how much ass these things will kick?  remember when a new M1, arguable the best "little" DAT deck..was what, $800 ? and you couldn't even plug a digital cable into it w/o spenind another buck fifty!

yikes!
I can't wait to see one of these in my gear bag.  which..will be shrunk down to the Mme case and a little hard shell for the neumann actives.  Mmmm....actives.

how many hours of 24/94 will fit on a 4G card?

Drew
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Rick on September 03, 2005, 04:43:21 PM
CF card prices drop like aging boobs...luckily (for the former).

I think the best price i have seen on a 4gb card has been $175.  One of those will provide all the 24/44 recording time that I will ever need...mostly.
an 8gb card will do the same for 24/96..but i dont think the improvment justifies the cost at all.   I bet in 6mo, a 4gb card will be around $100 even...and keep falling from there.

i'm really excited for this.  just think how much ass these things will kick?  remember when a new M1, arguable the best "little" DAT deck..was what, $800 ? and you couldn't even plug a digital cable into it w/o spenind another buck fifty!

yikes!
I can't wait to see one of these in my gear bag.  which..will be shrunk down to the Mme case and a little hard shell for the neumann actives.  Mmmm....actives.

how many hours of 24/94 will fit on a 4G card?

Drew

2
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: rdvdijk on September 03, 2005, 05:13:52 PM

how many hours of 24/94 will fit on a 4G card?

Drew

Note that a '4GB' card is often 4,000,000,000 bytes, and not 4*1024*1024*1024 (=4,294,967,296).

made a small table, and highlighted some 'hours'.
size16-bit, 44.1KHz24-bit, 96KHz
1GB
95m
29m
2GB
189m (3h)
58m
4GB
378m
116m (2h)
6GB
567m
173m (3h)
8GB
756m
231m

Hitachi sells 6GB microdrives, and I added the 8GB since Hitachi just introduced (http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=25889) an 8GB microdrive.. 8GB, that's over 12 hours of 16-bit, 44.1KHz. :o

I think 4GB solid state compact flash is easily available in shops.

Hope this helps..

Roel

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: JasonSobel on September 03, 2005, 05:24:31 PM
this is another useful reference:

http://24bit.turtleside.com/pcm.wav.file.sizes.pdf
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: BayTaynt3d on September 04, 2005, 12:06:53 AM
Well, if the rumors are right, we're looking at 1,000 MTs at the end of the month. I'm trying to figure out with the buzz and anticipation for this new product coupled with its unproven reliability in the field, I'm having a hard time gaging whether a 1000 units is a lot with some to spare, or will they be all gone in minutes? Also, since some people are pre-ordering, I wonder what distributors/retailers are going to get the most units? And who has the "longest lines" right now? If I wanted to jump on the bandwagon, where am I more likely to get my order actually filled? B&H? Or elsewhere, sponsor sites?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ray76 on September 04, 2005, 08:49:10 AM
Well, if the rumors are right, we're looking at 1,000 MTs at the end of the month. I'm trying to figure out with the buzz and anticipation for this new product coupled with its unproven reliability in the field, I'm having a hard time gaging whether a 1000 units is a lot with some to spare, or will they be all gone in minutes? Also, since some people are pre-ordering, I wonder what distributors/retailers are going to get the most units? And who has the "longest lines" right now? If I wanted to jump on the bandwagon, where am I more likely to get my order actually filled? B&H? Or elsewhere, sponsor sites?

Frank at cascade(www.cascademedia.net) told me that there would be more than enough to fill the first shipment. Sound Professionals(www.soundprofessionals.com) has them too, I think..Sonic Sense(www.sonicsense.com) has picked it up as well, and I think Sweetwater.(www.sweetwater.com). I think it is  a good thing to try to stick with the companies that show us support here. Those 4 companies have really done their best to support us.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: spreetaper on September 04, 2005, 08:34:44 PM
i know it will be available in at least 5 stores here in NYC.. ive already checked :)

B&H
J&R
Guitar Center
Sam Ash
Manny's
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: cwfen on September 05, 2005, 09:50:46 AM
Oade Brothers is going to carry them as well... I think $350.00 is what I heard from them... If they are counting on having them, that is a pretty good sign, as Doug and Bros are fairly conservative with the products they carry.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: jcrab66 on September 05, 2005, 08:31:16 PM
this is another useful reference:

http://24bit.turtleside.com/pcm.wav.file.sizes.pdf

great link, thanks...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on September 05, 2005, 10:04:47 PM
I know this thread has cooled off this past week.  But I wanted to see if folks had confirmed any more prices for this new unit.  I'd like to update the 1st page with more vendors but it seems like people have names of vendors but not prices?  Anyone?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: drewcatc on September 05, 2005, 10:18:51 PM
I know this thread has cooled off this past week.  But I wanted to see if folks had confirmed any more prices for this new unit.  I'd like to update the 1st page with more vendors but it seems like people have names of vendors but not prices?  Anyone?

all of the linke I have checked this week have the prices at $399.  not $350.  I am begining to lean toward getting one myself.

Drew
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: desertsky on September 05, 2005, 10:31:54 PM
I wish this darned thing would start shipping already.  When I pre-ordered my MicroTrack last month, I had hoped I would get mine in time to stealth record three concerts I'm going to the week of Sept 19th.  Still hoping I'll get it in time for the shows, but at this point not holding my breath.   
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: chitaper on September 06, 2005, 04:24:46 PM
I don't think anyone posted this yet, just noticed it on the M-Audio web site - pics of the menus! (http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/MicroTrack2496-main.html)


(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Backlight.jpg)  (http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Files.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Main.jpg)  (http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Record-input.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_Record-time.jpg)  (http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_System-connect.jpg)

(http://www.m-audio.com/images/global/product_pics/th/microtrack_System-setup.jpg)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 06, 2005, 04:27:21 PM
These have been posted. Check either page 1 of this thread, or the other two threads. All pics out there of this thing have been either posted or linked too....

I was hoping to get word today from Frank saying these things will be here "____Inset Day___", still interested. But no luck! Wishfull thinking!

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: chitaper on September 06, 2005, 04:39:54 PM
These have been posted. Check either page 1 of this thread, or the other two threads. All pics out there of this thing have been either posted or linked too....

I was hoping to get word today from Frank saying these things will be here "____Inset Day___", still interested. But no luck! Wishfull thinking!


I didn't see it on page 1, and didn't check the other (seemingly) 10 bazillion pages... I'm checking my email constantly hoping to see a "your order has been shipped" message and a tracking number, I'm getting very antsy! :P
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on September 06, 2005, 04:44:17 PM
These have been posted. Check either page 1 of this thread, or the other two threads. All pics out there of this thing have been either posted or linked too....

I was hoping to get word today from Frank saying these things will be here "____Inset Day___", still interested. But no luck! Wishfull thinking!


I didn't see it on page 1, and didn't check the other (seemingly) 10 bazillion pages... I'm checking my email constantly hoping to see a "your order has been shipped" message and a tracking number, I'm getting very antsy! :P

Just been added!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on September 06, 2005, 04:53:42 PM
I just got my invoice and it says it will be shipping Sept. 15!

Cancelled my order through audiomidi.com and got it through djmart.com instead since it was cheaper!!!


1298microtrack2496    M Audio MICROTRACK 24/96 Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Recorder    399.99    399.99

Subtotal   399.99

Transaction Discount (Coupon discount (august10))   -40.00

Shipping Cost (UPS 2nd Day Air®)   21.04

Total   $381.03
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: desertsky on September 06, 2005, 05:58:05 PM
I just got my invoice and it says it will be shipping Sept. 15!


I called DJMart earlier today.  The guy told me they'd be receiving their shipment of Microtracks next week, but didn't give me an exact date when my order would be shipped out.  I hope it ships out a day or two earlier than the 15th, otherwise I'll be out of town when my package arrives.  Might have to upgrade the shipping to FedEx next-day if it's cutting too close.
 
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: coloartist on September 06, 2005, 07:07:42 PM
Just talked to Frank @ Cascademedia. He said M-Audio would have them on Friday the 9th. And send them out to them early next week. We are getting closer I think.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on September 06, 2005, 07:19:52 PM
I'll believe it when I see it. ;)

I just hope it's ready to go out of the box.  I'd gladly wait another month to make sure all the glitches were gone.  Lets hope that's what they did already. ;D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: cascademedia on September 06, 2005, 07:37:14 PM
Word today is that they will "land at M/Audio in CA on Friday the 9th".   We will get them sometime early next week and proceed to ship.    Look for an email from me to those who have ordered once I get official word that they are on their way to us.

We still have units available in our initial shipment also. 

thanks
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 06, 2005, 07:41:36 PM
Thanks Frank!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on September 06, 2005, 07:47:06 PM
FYI...there are alot more BIN $99 6GB Hitachi Microdrives on ebay.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: desertsky on September 06, 2005, 08:45:30 PM
I just hope it's ready to go out of the box.  I'd gladly wait another month to make sure all the glitches were gone.  Lets hope that's what they did already. ;D

Same here...  I'll know soon enough how the Microtrack performs if I can get mine by next Friday.  I have tickets for Oasis on the 18th (right in the sweet spot for taping) and GA floor for U2 in Chicago the 20th and 21st.

DJMart is not too far from M-Audio in the LA area, so I'm hoping it'll be a quick turnaround once M-Audio ships it out to retailers early next week.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: BayTaynt3d on September 07, 2005, 01:00:13 AM
Might be time to start thinking of some early tests to run. Of course, an anlysis of it's recording capabailities are a given, but it'd also be sweet if someone was willing to risk part or all of a show to use the MT more "out-of-the-box" with no pre-amp, no bbox, no a/d, no nothing but mics plugged in via balanced/phantom and/or mic directly into 5v mic in jack, as well as various combinations of with/without pre, with/without a/d, etc., to get a feel for how good/bad some of the built-in hardware is. Thoughts?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on September 07, 2005, 06:23:10 AM
Might be time to start thinking of some early tests to run. Of course, an anlysis of it's recording capabailities are a given, but it'd also be sweet if someone was willing to risk part or all of a show to use the MT more "out-of-the-box" with no pre-amp, no bbox, no a/d, no nothing but mics plugged in via balanced/phantom and/or mic directly into 5v mic in jack, as well as various combinations of with/without pre, with/without a/d, etc., to get a feel for how good/bad some of the built-in hardware is. Thoughts?
Sounds good.
- Verification of the factory specs (on the M-Audio site)
- Other interesting, imporant qualities (e.g. performance beyond 20 Khz?)

Who has teh gear to do these tests _and_ access to a MT unit soon?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on September 07, 2005, 09:18:59 AM
i'd beware of the microdrives in these.
- probably poor for 24bit
- probably overheat easily
- probably suck the shit out of the battery
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on September 07, 2005, 09:27:25 AM
That a lot of assumptions Nick...
   Let see if we can get the thing to power on first.   ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on September 07, 2005, 09:39:45 AM
well...not really assumptions, but observations based on feedback from others who have used microdrives in other CF based recorders.
I've been speaking to a few folks on the tapeless recording email list, and this is what they report.

bummer...because I was all excited to pick up a 4gb microdrive.  they are cheap enough.  I wonder if it will work out for 24/44.1.  but I doubt it.  I might buy one to check out and see.

i'm confident the MT will turn on.
but...will it stay on?
:)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 07, 2005, 09:49:40 AM
I'm more than willing to test it out and be brave. It'll all depend on when we get them. I've got a few shows I can run open with and two sets of mics so I'll have a back up. M Doughty is next Wed., John Butler the end of Sept. Or, I'll just go to IOTA or something and run stealth. No biggy to me.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on September 07, 2005, 02:27:05 PM
i'd beware of the microdrives in these.
- probably poor for 24bit
- probably overheat easily
- probably suck the shit out of the battery

For $99 I am willing to take that chance. I will have plenty of power via the 2 USB battery packs I ordered. M-audio specs the drives to perform in the unit (well within range for 24/96 data throughput) so that is good enough for me as well. I don't really see heat being an issue either...at least in my applications and intended use. They are used in many different mp3 players (ipod, Muvo, Creatives, etc) so they couldn't be THAT heat sensitive. I do intend to buy a 4+GB CF card as well, but with this unit arriving next week I must have media now! Maybe its just the Marantz products that don't like them. :P
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 07, 2005, 02:38:15 PM
For $99 I am willing to take that chance. I will have plenty of power via the 2 USB battery packs I ordered. M-audio specs the drives to perform in the unit (well within range for 24/96 data throughput) so that is good enough for me as well.

What I'm waiting for is all the folks who start using 24/96, to then decide it isn't worth the extra bandwidth and then drop back down to 24/48 or 24/44.1 to record. Then again, maybe I'm in the minority, but I have yet to find amplified music that warrants 24/96 and gains something by using the higher sampling rate. Classical or acoustic is another story, but I don't see much of that going on around here (except for our crazy classical man...mfrench).

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: sygdwm on September 07, 2005, 02:44:41 PM

Quote

What I'm waiting for is all the folks who start using 24/96, to then decide it isn't worth the extra bandwidth and then drop back down to 24/48 or 24/44.1 to record. Then again, maybe I'm in the minority, but I have yet to find amplified music that warrants 24/96 and gains something by using the higher sampling rate.

Wayne

youre not the only one, but still in the minority. i think.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on September 07, 2005, 02:46:20 PM
For $99 I am willing to take that chance. I will have plenty of power via the 2 USB battery packs I ordered. M-audio specs the drives to perform in the unit (well within range for 24/96 data throughput) so that is good enough for me as well.

What I'm waiting for is all the folks who start using 24/96, to then decide it isn't worth the extra bandwidth and then drop back down to 24/48 or 24/44.1 to record. Then again, maybe I'm in the minority, but I have yet to find amplified music that warrants 24/96 and gains something by using the higher sampling rate. Classical or acoustic is another story, but I don't see much of that going on around here (except for our crazy classical man...mfrench).

Wayne

heh. I hear ya. I only run 24/48 now since I am limited by the vxpocket. 24/96 will be all I use. Overkill in certain situations? Sure!, but isn't the Deva?  ;D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 07, 2005, 03:25:25 PM
heh. I hear ya. I only run 24/48 now since I am limited by the vxpocket. 24/96 will be all I use. Overkill in certain situations? Sure!, but isn't the Deva?  ;D

The Deva has opened some doors my friend... Just got an email today from Rodney Crowell's folks, they were going to do some 24 track recording for a possible live record next year until the bean counters got wind of the cost. Instead, they gave me a shout since I can do 8 tracks with the Deva... Overkill? In a bar, yes. But it has opened doors too.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on September 07, 2005, 04:32:12 PM
I am really confused here about the Microdrive debate.  I am not on the tapeless recording email list so let me try and take these one by one:

Quote
- probably poor for 24bit]- probably poor for 24bit

Is this assumption because of bandwidth issues?  That it won't read or write fast enough?  Or is there another concern?

Quote
- probably overheat easily]- probably overheat easily

The microdrive will overheat or the unit will overheat?

Quote
- probably suck the shit out of the battery

This assumption seems like there are a ton a variables to consider.  Are you using the phantom power?  Are you keeping the back light on all the time or for prolonged periods?  Are you using an external battery pack?

I do know for a fact that photographers do not prefer microdrives because of the speed of the camera's  initial access to the drive.  They have to wait a 1/1000 (guesstimate)  of a second to spin up and that doesn't translate well for digital imagery?  But in our use this would not be a factor as we are not dealing with fractions of seconds in the startup time or read time.

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: rdvdijk on September 07, 2005, 04:36:48 PM
I am really confused here about the Microdrive debate.  I am not on the tapeless recording email list so let me try and take these one by one:

Quote
- probably poor for 24bit]- probably poor for 24bit

Is this assumption because of bandwidth issues?  That it won't read or write fast enough?  Or is there another concern?


Here's the Core Sound link again: http://www.core-sound.com/CF-and-SD-mass-storage-comparison.html

The table can give you an idea of memory speeds on PDAs, but it is very clear that microdrives can just reach 200kb/s, which is not fast enough for 24/96 (576kb/s). Maybe the interface on the MicroTrack is better than on a regular PDA, but I doubt they will reach much higher speeds. Most of the newer SanDisk CF cards can reach that speed, though.

Roel
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on September 07, 2005, 04:52:07 PM
I am really confused here about the Microdrive debate.  I am not on the tapeless recording email list so let me try and take these one by one:

Quote
- probably poor for 24bit]- probably poor for 24bit

Is this assumption because of bandwidth issues?  That it won't read or write fast enough?  Or is there another concern?


Here's the Core Sound link again: http://www.core-sound.com/CF-and-SD-mass-storage-comparison.html

The table can give you an idea of memory speeds on PDAs, but it is very clear that microdrives can just reach 200kb/s, which is not fast enough for 24/96 (576kb/s). Maybe the interface on the MicroTrack is better than on a regular PDA, but I doubt they will reach much higher speeds. Most of the newer SanDisk CF cards can reach that speed, though.

Roel


Okay I looked at Len's  :crazy:  site.  According to their numbers recording at 24/96 writes 576 KB to disk every second

Now looking at this chart at: http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-7699
I picked a random Microdrive towards the bottom of the list (the slower cards are listed closer to the bottom) , the Hitachi Microdrive 4GB, formatted FAT32 with 32K cluster size8 (Model: HMS360404D5CF00)   writes at 2.882MB/sec.   

So if the card can write about 6x the speed of what is needed to record at 24/96 then i'm having a hard time understanding where we have a problem with the Microtracker? 

Is this debate not a debate of facts but of personal preference of CF over Microdrives?  We do know that Microdrives have moving parts and CF does not.  So theoretically the chance of something going wrong is higher one would think.  But what are the odds of something going wrong?  I have a few flash USB keys and have had two of them just quit.  So flash memory (CF) can fail as well. 

Help me here i'm trying to understand? 
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on September 07, 2005, 05:00:07 PM
The facts so far (other than theoretical read/write speeds, which usually are never achieved outside of a lab) seem to suggest that the Microdrives have had difficulty in current devices keeping up with 24/96.  *Can* it be done?  Maybe.  Can it be done reliably?  So far no. 
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on September 07, 2005, 05:01:32 PM
The facts so far (other than theoretical read/write speeds, which usually are never achieved outside of a lab) seem to suggest that the Microdrives have had difficulty in current devices keeping up with 24/96.  *Can* it be done?  Maybe.  Can it be done reliably?  So far no. 

Are we talking about any devices OTHER than Len's p.o.s. stuff? 
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on September 07, 2005, 05:03:44 PM
I am really confused here about the Microdrive debate.  I am not on the tapeless recording email list so let me try and take these one by one:

Quote
- probably poor for 24bit]- probably poor for 24bit

Is this assumption because of bandwidth issues?  That it won't read or write fast enough?  Or is there another concern?


Here's the Core Sound link again: http://www.core-sound.com/CF-and-SD-mass-storage-comparison.html

The table can give you an idea of memory speeds on PDAs, but it is very clear that microdrives can just reach 200kb/s, which is not fast enough for 24/96 (576kb/s). Maybe the interface on the MicroTrack is better than on a regular PDA, but I doubt they will reach much higher speeds. Most of the newer SanDisk CF cards can reach that speed, though.

Roel


Okay I looked at Len's  :crazy:  site.  According to their numbers recording at 24/96 writes 576 KB to disk every second

Now looking at this chart at: http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-7699
I picked a random Microdrive towards the bottom of the list (the slower cards are listed closer to the bottom) , the Hitachi Microdrive 4GB, formatted FAT32 with 32K cluster size8 (Model: HMS360404D5CF00)   writes at 2.882MB/sec.   

So if the card can write about 6x the speed of what is needed to record at 24/96 then i'm having a hard time understanding where we have a problem with the Microtracker? 

Is this debate not a debate of facts but of personal preference of CF over Microdrives?  We do know that Microdrives have moving parts and CF does not.  So theoretically the chance of something going wrong is higher one would think.  But what are the odds of something going wrong?  I have a few flash USB keys and have had two of them just quit.  So flash memory (CF) can fail as well. 

Help me here i'm trying to understand? 

I'm with ya. I just checked Hitachi's site and saw the the 6GB microdrive can write plenty fast enough.

http://www.hitachigst.com/hdd/support/micro/3k6.htm
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on September 07, 2005, 06:34:33 PM
if a toshiba PCMCIA hdd, which I have to think has more fault tollerance than these microdrives, whch are 1/4 the size...dont work for shit in a giant, airy FR2.. what makes you think they'll kick ass in the MT?
thats my logic.

i'd love to see otherwise.  here's hoping.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on September 07, 2005, 06:56:11 PM
if a toshiba PCMCIA hdd, which I have to think has more fault tollerance than these microdrives, whch are 1/4 the size...dont work for shit in a giant, airy FR2.. what makes you think they'll kick ass in the MT?
thats my logic.

i'd love to see otherwise.  here's hoping.

Well I think i'm just looking for facts about the microdives and not just guesses like some folks have been reporting.  Assumptions are fun and easy to do but I just felt like the tone turned negative to microdrives.  While I suspect alot of things may or may not happen I cannot discount the fact that we have not heard from anyone who has used one successfully or unsuccessfully.  The cost difference is quite signifigant between microdrives and CF cards and if I can use a microdrive with success I would rather put that savings difference into other things.   

From my personal experience I have had more products with CF fail on me and not had any of the microdrive products fail.  Now my primary microdrive devices are Ipods (1x2g, 1x3g, 1x4g (which has 2 drives) and a mini) and they all have never given me a problem.  My luck with CF and flash memory has been really disappointing.   

Also I think that sometimes we as a group tend to work from the top (pricewise)  down gear-wise when I would suspect a huge number of tapers work from the bottom up on the price scale.

+T's around for good discussion on this.  I'm waiting with much hope that this new device pans out.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on September 07, 2005, 07:08:57 PM
Quote
From my personal experience I have had more products with CF fail on me and not had any of the microdrive products fail.  Now my primary microdrive devices are Ipods (1x2g, 1x3g, 1x4g (which has 2 drives) and a mini) and they all have never given me a problem.  My luck with CF and flash memory has been really disappointing.   

Only one of your iPods actually has a Microdrive...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on September 07, 2005, 07:39:58 PM
dont get me wrong...i'd rather use microdrives too.
but small hdds have proven quite sucky for the FR2.  I can't see how smaller hdd's are going to fair better.
thats my own experience.  and like I said, I have heard others report that they dont work for squat in their cf based recorders.

i'm not trying to bash them..I just have practical expectations.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on September 07, 2005, 10:35:39 PM
Quote
The cost difference is quite signifigant between microdrives and CF cards and if I can use a microdrive with success I would rather put that savings difference into other things.   

This is where you and I differ I suppose.  A 6gig microdrive is 100, a 4gig CF card is about 190 if you look around.  The difference, to me, is not that much, and when you've got 1500+ invested in mics, 1200+ in a preamp/ad then i just don't think cutting corners to save a 100 or so bucks is worthwhile. 

It is a good discussion and +T back to you, I'm just playing  >:D's advocate

One big difference would be a 6gb microdrive user getting 3hours of 24/96 with no drive exchange where a 4gb cf user gets 2hours and the risk of losing part of a performance when exchanging cards. We'll have to wait and see just how much time is killed exchanging disks on the MT.
dB-
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 07, 2005, 10:50:26 PM
Does anyone know if the unit will actually take a 24/96 signal via s/pdif?  There've been some that doubt it...

That will be the big question, that and what happens when a AES signal is thrown at it.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: CQBert on September 07, 2005, 11:13:24 PM
OK - I am an admitted novice on this thread but.... it seems to me like 'we', TS are tossing a whole lot of professional quality faith into a consumer oriented product...  sorry if I am wrong...

The micro-tracker does not seem to be a production tool at its base and MAYBE similar to the JB3 and will have shortcomings with regards to what 'we' want it to do...

AES is a perfect example... 

I am not sure - just kind of glancing at the multitiude of stuff out there... if this is it - the next coming of taping... 

Just not sure....

Hell - I hope it is all it is cracked up to be...   if so  > find me a V3 opti and lets go....

Wait and see...  field trials will tell all......  Sound Devices has been on top of nearly every issue from day one and Edirol is in the process of completing retrofits on its products...  we will see..

CQBert
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: 284201 on September 08, 2005, 12:26:02 AM
Does anyone know if the unit will actually take a 24/96 signal via s/pdif?  There've been some that doubt it...

That will be the big question, that and what happens when a AES signal is thrown at it.

Wayne

Bingo.

Those of you who plan on running this thing out of a V3 have seemingly little to worry about, but for those of us using a Mini-Me or anything with a pro AES out only, the future's a little shadier.

I'll have no problem if this thing can't do 24/96, as I've been doing 24/48 for quite a while, and I'm not sure the higher sampling rate is really worth it, but I'm sure as hell not going to use the shoddy s/pdif out on the Apogee.

M-Audio seems to be billing this thing as a replacement for DAT, so in my mind that means it should take a pro level signal, but I'll believe it when I see it.

It would be nice to replace the lappy for the sake of convenience, but I'll continue to deal with the extra weight and awkwardness of it if it means I have to sacrifice reliability.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Simp-Dawg on September 08, 2005, 01:26:58 AM
frankly, i see this as a replacement to jb3 and dat...no moving parts and likely will have the ability to record 16/44.1 reliably on a 4gb cf card with no moving parts.  if it does 24/96 reliably, great, but that's not my primary use.  i just want a flash based recorder for cheap, already got the mics and pre/ad i want...for now. ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: leegeddy on September 08, 2005, 01:33:28 AM
Does anyone know if the unit will actually take a 24/96 signal via s/pdif?  There've been some that doubt it...

That will be the big question, that and what happens when a AES signal is thrown at it.

Wayne

Bingo.

Those of you who plan on running this thing out of a V3 have seemingly little to worry about, but for those of us using a Mini-Me or anything with a pro AES out only, the future's a little shadier.

I'll have no problem if this thing can't do 24/96, as I've been doing 24/48 for quite a while, and I'm not sure the higher sampling rate is really worth it, but I'm sure as hell not going to use the shoddy s/pdif out on the Apogee.

M-Audio seems to be billing this thing as a replacement for DAT, so in my mind that means it should take a pro level signal, but I'll believe it when I see it.

It would be nice to replace the lappy for the sake of convenience, but I'll continue to deal with the extra weight and awkwardness of it if it means I have to sacrifice reliability.

you can easily convert aes>s/pdif signal with adaptors.

marc
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: rdvdijk on September 08, 2005, 02:39:57 AM
Okay I looked at Len's  :crazy:  site.  According to their numbers recording at 24/96 writes 576 KB to disk every second

Now looking at this chart at: http://www.robgalbraith.com/bins/multi_page.asp?cid=6007-7699
I picked a random Microdrive towards the bottom of the list (the slower cards are listed closer to the bottom) , the Hitachi Microdrive 4GB, formatted FAT32 with 32K cluster size8 (Model: HMS360404D5CF00)   writes at 2.882MB/sec.   

Help me here i'm trying to understand? 

Well, those speeds you mention are burst speeds. Modern digital camera's implements these algorithms which allow small sets of data (like a digital photograph) to be written real fast, but PDAs do not. Len's site shows a test of sustained writing speeds on PDAs. I merely gave this link as an indication (and possibly a future comparison) of how fast or slow microdrives can be.

I've been reading on the PDAudio list, and according to the programmer there (Gordon, not Len!) this is a real problem and this is not a p.o.s.

Personally, I expect the CF-interface of the MicroTrack to be better than on a normal PDA, and we won't have any problems there. On PDAs there's the (bottleneck) operating system that gets in the way, but in case of the MicroTrack it's input -> D/A -> CF interface -> card.

Roel
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: 284201 on September 08, 2005, 02:48:42 AM
Bingo.

Those of you who plan on running this thing out of a V3 have seemingly little to worry about, but for those of us using a Mini-Me or anything with a pro AES out only, the future's a little shadier.

I'll have no problem if this thing can't do 24/96, as I've been doing 24/48 for quite a while, and I'm not sure the higher sampling rate is really worth it, but I'm sure as hell not going to use the shoddy s/pdif out on the Apogee.

M-Audio seems to be billing this thing as a replacement for DAT, so in my mind that means it should take a pro level signal, but I'll believe it when I see it.

It would be nice to replace the lappy for the sake of convenience, but I'll continue to deal with the extra weight and awkwardness of it if it means I have to sacrifice reliability.

you can easily convert aes>s/pdif signal with adaptors.

marc

True, but it's just not something I want to deal with.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love it if this thing turns out to work, but if it doesn't, no biggie.  I'm just spitballing like we've all been doing. 

My setup now is pretty much a no-brainer: just plug the USB cable from the MME into the lappy and hit record.  If it turns out I can run AES out > s/pdif in without worrying about a) the flaky MME s/pdif out or b) not getting a "unsupported format" error or the like on the Microtracker, I'll be a happy guy. 

...And you or Todd  R. get to make some cash, and I get a new cable, so what's with all this adaptor talk?  ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 08, 2005, 04:12:46 AM
you can easily convert aes>s/pdif signal with adaptors.

Yes and no. Typically what you do is convert the 110 ohm AES signal to 75 ohms. However, typically the inline convertors don't touch the signal. That means you end up with an AES formatted digital signal at 75 ohms. Some devices are OK with this, others as I've found don't quite know what to do with it and won't work with this signal.

However that said, I agree with CQBert, in that we might be expecting a bit much out of this consumer device. This is after all not a replacement for the 722, but as folks have pointed out a replacement for 16-bit DAT and the JB3, just like the R1 was.

Also right now we're all simply blowing smoke since nobody has tested one, and until we can do that we won't know the answers to a lot of our questions.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on September 08, 2005, 06:17:26 AM
Aside from the impedance mismatch, if the receiver chip is capable of understanding AES it might just be a firmware upgrade away...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Nick's Picks on September 08, 2005, 07:19:34 AM
for those of you thinking your going to run 24/96 into a microdrive ...on ANY recorder...
i'm tellin you...its not going to work reliably.

this is not an assumption.
this is from years of hdd recording...both full size and tiny, on lots of devices.
it does'nt work well....if at all.
maybe if your MT is sitting on a block of dry ice...maybe.
that is too much I/O , too much heat for these little drives. 
its not like playing mp3's for hours and hours.  but you'll find out for yourselves.
I plan on trying it too...but my expectations are very low.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on September 08, 2005, 07:26:35 AM
And why is everyone calling this a consumer device?  This is a pro device made by a pro-audio company.  This one is made specifically for what we do.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 08, 2005, 07:32:02 AM
And why is everyone calling this a consumer device?  This is a pro device made by a pro-audio company.  This one is made specifically for what we do.

USB, SPDIF, CF, MP3 (and WAV)... If it walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, I call it a duck. That is NOT to say this isn't going to be a great device. Look at all the mileage the JB3 has gotten and it was a true consumer device. But just because something is a consumer device isn't a bad thing, Sony even called the D8 a consumer device by the way, and I didn't know any consumers who had them, only sound geeks and pros.


Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on September 08, 2005, 08:05:55 AM
In that case, is the 722 a consumer device?  It has Firewire, SPDIF, CF, and MP3s (WAV too)...

I'd call something a consumer device based on who makes it and how it's marketed.  This thing is definitely marketed to the professional crowd and it's made by a professional company.


But whatever.  The point is that it's made specifically for people who will be using it like we will, much like the 722 is.  Whereas something like the JB3 was just a fluke and was never meant for people like us to use...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: silentmark on September 08, 2005, 08:16:52 AM
Hell I am looking just to continue recording at 16/44.1/48 as I do not have a 24bit setup anyway...

Hopefully these will be in our hands next week and we can start working the thing ...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 08, 2005, 09:53:02 AM
In that case, is the 722 a consumer device?  It has Firewire, SPDIF, CF, and MP3s (WAV too)...

FireWire vs. USB
AES & SPDIF vs. SPDIF
Hard Drive & CF vs. CF Only
BWF & MP3 vs. Wav & MP3

I think the difference is more than just minor. However, you're right, we're simply trying to classify something that blurs the lines between consumer and professional. That said, who the hell cares what we call it, as long as it works and works well. I might even pick one up as a backup device... one of the issues I have now is I end up with 4-8 channels of audio at the end of a show and then still have to mix it. If I use one of these I can do a mix of the channels down to two tracks and supply that out the AES out and onto one of these babies... That would be sweet and convinient.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: silentmark on September 08, 2005, 11:12:17 AM
who the hell cares what we call it, as long as it works and works well.

Exactly +T
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: WiFiJeff on September 08, 2005, 12:02:29 PM

 Classical or acoustic is another story, but I don't see much of that going on around here (except for our crazy classical man...mfrench).

Wayne

Still a number of us hanging out here, though maybe quietly.  Anyway, I'm another crazy classical man.

Jeff
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: TenoRichards on September 08, 2005, 12:07:59 PM

 Classical or acoustic is another story, but I don't see much of that going on around here (except for our crazy classical man...mfrench).


WiFi:

That makes 3 of us. Got a GREAT tape of Renee Flemming and Ramon Vargas last week in an outdoor concert. Kinda sux that there's no way to trade tapes like these like the rockers do (or am I missing something?). Oh well.....I have listened to that concert again 10-15 times and am LOVIN' the quality I got.

BTW, Moke, for the first time I used the High Boost grids on the dpa's and they REALLy bring out the strings sound (albeit, non-acoustically, as this was a amp'd outdoor concert). I did absolutely NO eq'ing when I went to burn to CD. Farkin' amazing!!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: WiFiJeff on September 08, 2005, 12:16:04 PM

That makes 3 of us. Got a GREAT tape of Renee Flemming and Ramon Vargas last week in an outdoor concert. Kinda sux that there's no way to trade tapes like these like the rockers do. Oh well.....I have listened to that concert again 10-15 times and am LOVIN' the quality I got.

BTW, Moke, for the first time I used the High Boost grids on the dpa's and they REALLy bring out the strings sound (albeit, non-acoustically, as this was a amp'd outdoor concert). I did absolutely NO eq'ing when I went to burn to CD. Farkin' amazing!!


Try the yahoogroup OPERA-SELL for vocal stuff, it's pretty active with welll over1000 members worldwide, though most just record from FM radio or internet broadcasts.  There is also a group called ClassiTrade for general classical music, but it is pretty dead.  Otherwise there are a few personal "networks" of guys doing good work (some are here on the list).  PM me if interested.

I'll have to try the dpa high boost grids some time with my 4060s, for the moment I'm getting great string sound by sitting up against the violin :D

Jeff
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: jhirte on September 08, 2005, 03:02:43 PM
I put down a deposite on one yesterday ! :)

I'm probably going the route of the CF card vs MD, mainly because of the MD's moving parts... I dont know how well this would hold up against getting jarred/bumped as often happens in a stealth environment. CF's seem to be more resilient from what I've read re "shock factor".

I plan on doing 24/48 myself - 4 gig card should give me quite a bit of time (what, 3 hours??)..

Hopefully it'll be here next week and I can test it out (and of course keep you posted, as I'm sure others who have them coming will as well!)

New toys!!!! WOOHOO!!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: WiFiJeff on September 08, 2005, 03:36:25 PM

I plan on doing 24/48 myself - 4 gig card should give me quite a bit of time (what, 3 hours??)..


Closer to 4 hours.

Jeff
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: madman on September 08, 2005, 04:15:43 PM
I think we're all anticipating this thing to be better than sliced bread.  But--what if it sounds like total garbage?  That's a lot to risk on pre-ordering something that may not turn out to be that great.  Certainly I hope it is, as I'm either going to get MicroTracker or a PMD660.  I await the reviews of the brave who will be getting one of the first units!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Tenn Man on September 08, 2005, 04:16:34 PM
The User Guide is up on M-Audio's Website now.

http://m-audio.com/index.php?do=support.manuals&PID=196cc4c35a380d800a80448f139bcfe7&language=en&x=36&y=9
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 08, 2005, 04:24:58 PM
The Use Guide is up on M-Audio's Website now.


Thanks.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Simp-Dawg on September 08, 2005, 04:26:28 PM
I think we're all anticipating this thing to be better than sliced bread. But--what if it sounds like total garbage? That's a lot to risk on pre-ordering something that may not turn out to be that great. Certainly I hope it is, as I'm either going to get MicroTracker or a PMD660. I await the reviews of the brave who will be getting one of the first units!
the only way it could sound like garbage is through the analog inputs, which i will not be using.  i plan to pass it a digital signal from my v3.  now, if it completely botches the signal and drops out, introduces static, etc...then it's a piece of shit and not ready for use by anyone.  i highly doubt that will be the case but i guess anything is possible.  if it doesn't work, i'm pretty sure that i will be able to return it to cascade media as i'm sure everyone else will, and it will tarnish m-audio's reputation for releasing a non-working piece of junk...but like i said, i have some faith it will work as advertised, and if it does, we should have no problem feeding it a digi signal and recording without any degradation of quality.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: rdvdijk on September 08, 2005, 04:30:19 PM

I plan on doing 24/48 myself - 4 gig card should give me quite a bit of time (what, 3 hours??)..


Closer to 4 hours.

Jeff

Just read the manual, it states 4 hours, 8 minutes and 33 seconds for 4GB at 24/48.

Pretty weird that they do not list 24/96 in the Recording Time vs Media Chart in the appendix..

Roel
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 08, 2005, 04:35:44 PM
L/M/H mystery solved...

L = Line in
M = Mic in
H = High Gain when using the TRS inputs.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 08, 2005, 04:40:20 PM
And I'm seeing this quite a bit:

"In a future firmware update..."

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nickgregory on September 08, 2005, 04:41:25 PM
no mention anywhere of how the unit handles the 2Gb limit...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 08, 2005, 04:44:45 PM
Or anything about a HOLD button...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nickgregory on September 08, 2005, 04:47:15 PM
Or anything about a HOLD button...

page 5, item 16..hold switch locks all the buttons
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 08, 2005, 04:48:10 PM
In the words of a very powerful man...DOH!!!!! Wasn't in bold so I skipped right over it.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: madman on September 08, 2005, 05:04:24 PM
the only way it could sound like garbage is through the analog inputs, which i will not be using.  i plan to pass it a digital signal from my v3.  now, if it completely botches the signal and drops out, introduces static, etc...then it's a piece of shit and not ready for use by anyone.  i highly doubt that will be the case but i guess anything is possible.  if it doesn't work, i'm pretty sure that i will be able to return it to cascade media as i'm sure everyone else will, and it will tarnish m-audio's reputation for releasing a non-working piece of junk...but like i said, i have some faith it will work as advertised, and if it does, we should have no problem feeding it a digi signal and recording without any degradation of quality.
I guess I wasn't thinking digital in...you make a valid point.  I'm still back in the 90s with analog.  I hope this thing ends up sounding great, I've been drooling over it for months.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: WiFiJeff on September 08, 2005, 05:04:48 PM
No info on whether you can run it on external power, either.  If you turn it on when the USB is connected to a computer, it goes into USB Host mode, and you can't record.  If it's just USB power will this happen?  Hmmm.

Jeff
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: anhisr on September 08, 2005, 05:11:16 PM
Well the manual seems straight forward to me.  It seems that if you plug in the unit to a USB it will go into charge mode.  Notice when they said The MicroTrack 24/96 will automatically begin recharging the internal battery any time power is received at the USB port. Depending on the manufacturer of your computer, your computer may need to be powered on to provide power to the USB port.  If your computer is not on then it would be acting only as just a charger.
                      jerry
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: BayTaynt3d on September 08, 2005, 05:12:45 PM

 Classical or acoustic is another story, but I don't see much of that going on around here (except for our crazy classical man...mfrench).

Wayne

Still a number of us hanging out here, though maybe quietly.  Anyway, I'm another crazy classical man.

Jeff

OT: Since we're talking classical for a sec, and I'm in the market to buy my first decent mics, how do you guys think the C4's will hold up when audience taping classical or quartets? How about a pair of AT853's?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: WiFiJeff on September 08, 2005, 05:19:17 PM
Well the manual seems straight forward to me.  It seems that if you plug in the unit to a USB it will go into charge mode.  Notice when they said The MicroTrack 24/96 will automatically begin recharging the internal battery any time power is received at the USB port. Depending on the manufacturer of your computer, your computer may need to be powered on to provide power to the USB port.  If your computer is not on then it would be acting only as just a charger.
                      jerry

Yeah, but will it record in "charge mode"????  It won't in Host mode, that's clear.  But if I want to use one of those cute 4-AA pocket USB power packs, will that be possible for running the machine, or is the internal battery the only choice?

Jeff
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 08, 2005, 05:20:55 PM
Well the manual seems straight forward to me.  It seems that if you plug in the unit to a USB it will go into charge mode.  Notice when they said The MicroTrack 24/96 will automatically begin recharging the internal battery any time power is received at the USB port. Depending on the manufacturer of your computer, your computer may need to be powered on to provide power to the USB port.  If your computer is not on then it would be acting only as just a charger.
                      jerry

Does it not also say that if you plug in the USB while it's on you have to tell it to go into host mode? What happens if I don't tell it? Will it still get power? This could be a big issue for longer shows if we can't use external power while using it.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: jhirte on September 08, 2005, 05:32:44 PM
So where is the cheapest media? I've found 4 gig PNY compactflash on newegg for 211 and change...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: anhisr on September 08, 2005, 05:41:17 PM
I don't think we will know about power and what happens when it gets to the end of a 2GB file until somebody gets one in hand.  Frank ;D
                             jerry
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: prof_peabody on September 08, 2005, 05:41:58 PM
Well the manual seems straight forward to me.  It seems that if you plug in the unit to a USB it will go into charge mode.  Notice when they said The MicroTrack 24/96 will automatically begin recharging the internal battery any time power is received at the USB port. Depending on the manufacturer of your computer, your computer may need to be powered on to provide power to the USB port.  If your computer is not on then it would be acting only as just a charger.
                      jerry

Does it not also say that if you plug in the USB while it's on you have to tell it to go into host mode? What happens if I don't tell it? Will it still get power? This could be a big issue for longer shows if we can't use external power while using it.


I speculate that they mean when it's plugged into a PC via USB it goes into host mode, and when you plug in only USB power it continues to function normally while making use of the external power source (in one way or another).  This would be akin to other similar products.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: JackoRoses on September 08, 2005, 06:17:46 PM
sweetwater just called me and said they won't get their shipment in until the 23rd now.
I guess over half of them are sold as of now.
Is this the first sign of a delayed shipment? Has anyone else been told there will be a delay on their order yet?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: pschneider on September 08, 2005, 06:21:41 PM

OT: Since we're talking classical for a sec, and I'm in the market to buy my first decent mics, how do you guys think the C4's will hold up when audience taping classical or quartets? How about a pair of AT853's?

I've recorded a few classical concerts - baroque chamber music (strings and bassoon), as well als organ, flute and voice - using a pair of C4's. Just send me a message if you'd like to hear a sample.

Peter
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: mmedley. on September 08, 2005, 07:41:07 PM
sweetwater just called me and said they won't get their shipment in until the 23rd now.
I guess over half of them are sold as of now.
Is this the first sign of a delayed shipment? Has anyone else been told there will be a delay on their order yet?

Call the sales phone numbers on the last page of the manual.  8)

Edit:

I just called. GOOD NEWS!!! Spoke with Robert and they started shipping out from M-Audio to vendors TODAY! He has held one in his hands...so no vaporware! He stated that recording 24/96 was capable on ALL inputs He also stated that microdrives will be able to handle 24/96. The only thing he wasn't sure of was the 2GB file size limit and splits. He also said Guitar Center was getting ALOT of them as well.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: thegreatgumbino on September 08, 2005, 08:19:10 PM
So, who's going to have one at ACL fest?   >:D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on September 08, 2005, 09:36:41 PM
niceness!
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on September 08, 2005, 09:53:46 PM
I really hope the 1/8" mic input jack can be modded to act as a "line in" to avoid having to use adapters to run a set of mics line in. I know it may sound picky, but why they didn't have an 1/8" line/mic switch is kind of odd to me. I'm thinking along the lines of my SBM inputs.
dB-
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Ed. on September 08, 2005, 10:08:54 PM
I really hope the 1/8" mic input jack can be modded to act as a "line in" to avoid having to use adapters to run a set of mics line in. I know it may sound picky, but why they didn't have an 1/8" line/mic switch is kind of odd to me. I'm thinking along the lines of my SBM inputs.
dB-

i think this might answer your question...

L/M/H mystery solved...

L = Line in
M = Mic in
H = High Gain when using the TRS inputs.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on September 08, 2005, 10:24:40 PM
I really hope the 1/8" mic input jack can be modded to act as a "line in" to avoid having to use adapters to run a set of mics line in. I know it may sound picky, but why they didn't have an 1/8" line/mic switch is kind of odd to me. I'm thinking along the lines of my SBM inputs.
dB-
I really hope the 1/8" mic input jack can be modded to act as a "line in" to avoid having to use adapters to run a set of mics line in. I know it may sound picky, but why they didn't have an 1/8" line/mic switch is kind of odd to me. I'm thinking along the lines of my SBM inputs.
dB-

you have an sbm-1 and youre gonna run analog in to this thing? or did i misunderstand you bud?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Fatah Ruark (aka MIKE B) on September 08, 2005, 10:28:14 PM
He also said Guitar Center was getting ALOT of them as well.

Very nice. I won't buy one from GC but it will be cool to check one out first (although I'm sure there will be several out here in CO soon).

Very tempting. Just got $12G's from selling my car today. Must resist urge.

MIKE B
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on September 08, 2005, 10:33:31 PM
Yes, I have an SBM with my current setup, but I want to run 24bit with the MT, which makes the SBM-1 useless for the application.
dB-
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: F.O.Bean on September 08, 2005, 10:34:45 PM
Yes, I have an SBM with my current setup, but I want to run 24bit with the MT, which makes the SBM-1 useless for the application.
dB-


ahh, that makes sense, sorry :smoking:
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on September 08, 2005, 10:37:59 PM
I really hope the 1/8" mic input jack can be modded to act as a "line in" to avoid having to use adapters to run a set of mics line in. I know it may sound picky, but why they didn't have an 1/8" line/mic switch is kind of odd to me. I'm thinking along the lines of my SBM inputs.
dB-

i think this might answer your question...

L/M/H mystery solved...

L = Line in
M = Mic in
H = High Gain when using the TRS inputs.


Ahh yes! Consider it my ignorance for not reading the manual thoroughly...   :-[


"L/M/H Switch: Sets the operating mode of the 1⁄4” TRS and 1/8” inputs. Use the ‘L’ position for line-level devices. The ‘M’ position
should be used when recording from microphones. The ‘H’ position uses a higher gain stage on the 1⁄4” TRS inputs, which can
help when recording quiet signals or using microphones with low output levels. The ‘H’ position does not boost the input gain of
the 1/8” input."



Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wboswell on September 08, 2005, 11:27:24 PM
Well the manual seems straight forward to me.  It seems that if you plug in the unit to a USB it will go into charge mode.  Notice when they said The MicroTrack 24/96 will automatically begin recharging the internal battery any time power is received at the USB port. Depending on the manufacturer of your computer, your computer may need to be powered on to provide power to the USB port.  If your computer is not on then it would be acting only as just a charger.
                      jerry

Yeah, but will it record in "charge mode"????  It won't in Host mode, that's clear.  But if I want to use one of those cute 4-AA pocket USB power packs, will that be possible for running the machine, or is the internal battery the only choice?

Jeff

The unit does not go into charge mode when powered via the usb port, at least it didn't back in July when I saw/toyed with a beta unit.  The external power supply charges the internal batt as needed when hooked up to ac power...  surely it will act the same way for DC.

PS-where can you find the cheapest media for this device?????

 ::)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Simp-Dawg on September 09, 2005, 01:25:06 AM
Well the manual seems straight forward to me. It seems that if you plug in the unit to a USB it will go into charge mode. Notice when they said The MicroTrack 24/96 will automatically begin recharging the internal battery any time power is received at the USB port. Depending on the manufacturer of your computer, your computer may need to be powered on to provide power to the USB port. If your computer is not on then it would be acting only as just a charger.
 jerry

Yeah, but will it record in "charge mode"???? It won't in Host mode, that's clear. But if I want to use one of those cute 4-AA pocket USB power packs, will that be possible for running the machine, or is the internal battery the only choice?

Jeff

The unit does not go into charge mode when powered via the usb port, at least it didn't back in July when I saw/toyed with a beta unit. The external power supply charges the internal batt as needed when hooked up to ac power... surely it will act the same way for DC.

PS-where can you find the cheapest media for this device?????

 ::)

http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=48851.0
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: TenoRichards on September 09, 2005, 07:52:33 AM
dammit. Just tried to beat you all to the punch and pick one up here in Berlin, but they didn't get it today (their target date for store release). Was speaking w/ the guys at http://www.sound-and-drumland.de/ and they said: "Sorry. We thought it would be here today. But my manager now says 'Next Week.'" Their price is 429Eur btw. I know it ain't the lowest, but dammit....I NEEEED it. Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeed iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttt.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Sebastian on September 09, 2005, 08:20:59 AM
As far as powering goes, what about this? ;)

http://www.newscientist.com/article.ns?id=dn7970
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 09, 2005, 09:31:48 AM
....I NEEEED it. Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeed iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttt.

Sounds like a addict if I ever heard one... Time to go to: http://www.microtrackeranonymous.org/  ;D

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: kindms on September 09, 2005, 09:47:10 AM
It seems like I might want to be nostalgic for my next few outings with the lappy.

Its looking more and more like my rig is gonna get a lot smaller and lighter in the next couple of weeks!


really glad there is a positive spin on the external power. after reading the manual that was the 1 thing that had me woried
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: anhisr on September 09, 2005, 09:47:57 AM
Now I just have to wait until Frank sends that all important email.  Hope to have it for the allman brothers on Friday
                     jerry
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: TenoRichards on September 09, 2005, 09:50:04 AM
....I NEEEED it. Neeeeeeeeeeeeeeed iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiitttttttttttttttttt.

Sounds like a addict if I ever heard one... Time to go to: http://www.microtrackeranonymous.org/ ;D

Wayne

"Guten Tag, meine nahme ist Andrew, und ich bin ein ADDICT!"

Farkin' Icehole, you got me. I even clicked on the link. :=)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on September 09, 2005, 09:53:29 AM
Now I just have to wait until Frank sends that all important email.  Hope to have it for the allman brothers on Friday
                     jerry

I hope you mean next friday, because I'm not sure you'll get same-day shipping. ;)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: anhisr on September 09, 2005, 10:25:10 AM
yes, I meant the 16th
           jerry
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Humbug on September 09, 2005, 10:50:29 AM
What about this gadget for power?

(http://www.electroniczone.co.uk/media/bag_large_200.jpg)

http://www.electroniczone.co.uk/48125.html

Specs:

http://www.voltaicsystems.com/
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: greenone on September 09, 2005, 10:55:39 AM
That's great! Just stand right under a light in the clubs and let the lights do the trick. ;D
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on September 09, 2005, 01:12:16 PM
I see references to a manual?
I did not find it at the m-audio sites.
Got a link?  ???
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: anhisr on September 09, 2005, 01:17:16 PM
http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=support.manuals
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on September 09, 2005, 01:17:27 PM
I see references to a manual?
I did not find it at the m-audio sites.
Got a link?  ???

Check out Page One of this thread!  All confirmed details of the MicroTracker are there!

If i'm missing something just let me know and I'll put it up.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 09, 2005, 01:17:44 PM
Go back to page 20...2nd post.

Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nic on September 09, 2005, 01:18:29 PM
http://m-audio.com/index.php?do=support.manuals&PID=196cc4c35a380d800a80448f139bcfe7&language=en&x=36&y=9
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: neutrino on September 09, 2005, 01:26:34 PM
I thought I might suggest people here to fill out a support ticket on the M-Audio site to suggest a firmware upgrade to defeat the 2gb file size. I put a ticket in myself, but it could possibly speed things along if several people where requesting the same revision. Good idea? Bad idea?
dB-
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 09, 2005, 01:30:38 PM
I don't think it could hurt...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on September 09, 2005, 01:37:19 PM
Thanks for the manual links answers (quick!).  :)
About the 2GB issue: assuming it is there (i.e.: stop after 2GB), better put in tickets kindly requesting the auto-open of new files after XXX MB/GB (or 2GB at the latest).
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nic on September 09, 2005, 01:38:17 PM
I thought I might suggest people here to fill out a support ticket on the M-Audio site to suggest a firmware upgrade to defeat the 2gb file size. I put a ticket in myself, but it could possibly speed things along if several people where requesting the same revision. Good idea? Bad idea?
dB-


except that no one knows how the MT handles the 2GB limitation.
for all we know, it allready does seemless splits.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: udovdh on September 09, 2005, 01:43:31 PM
for all we know, it allready does seemless splits.
Source, please? (would be great news)
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nic on September 09, 2005, 01:46:17 PM
for all we know, it allready does seemless splits.
Source, please? (would be great news)

thats the thing...no one knows since no one has been able to test one yet.
people are assuming it will be an issue, but it very well may not be.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: The Kilted Taper on September 09, 2005, 01:49:13 PM
But I believe it's already been said that a firmware upgrade was going to be needed to fix the 2gb problem. Isn't that correct? Hasn't someone spoken with M-Audio about this already?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: John Kelly on September 09, 2005, 01:54:23 PM
But I believe it's already been said that a firmware upgrade was going to be needed to fix the 2gb problem. Isn't that correct? Hasn't someone spoken with M-Audio about this already?


But it was also said that this firmware upgrade *could* have been ready before it shipped.  Since no one has one yet, no one knows.

In other words, don't send in any support tickets until we know what it really does.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: JasonSobel on September 09, 2005, 01:55:02 PM
But I believe it's already been said that a firmware upgrade was going to be needed to fix the 2gb problem. Isn't that correct? Hasn't someone spoken with M-Audio about this already?

I spoke with an M-audio tech a while back (one month ago?  two?), and he told me that they already had plans to implement a feature to automatically start a new file after 2 GB in a future firmware.  I have no idea if this has since been implemented, or if it is still plans for "future firmware".  Either way, it seemed to me like they were aware of the potential issue.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nickgregory on September 09, 2005, 02:48:51 PM
thats the thing...no one knows since no one has been able to test one yet.
people are assuming it will be an issue, but it very well may not be.

let me preface by saying that I am not comparing the 722 to the Microtracker....but the manual for the 722 calls out that it handles seamless splits....I hope the microtracker can handle them though...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 09, 2005, 02:56:12 PM
let me preface by saying that I am not comparing the 722 to the Microtracker....but the manual for the 722 calls out that it handles seamless splits....I hope the microtracker can handle them though...

I'm biased when it comes to manuals, but then I wrote (or more correctly rewrote the Deva manual for Zaxcom). However,  we don't talk about that point, and I don't go into detail on how you work with larger than 2 GB files (bwav files can be larger, but since applications don't like them, it can be problematic). Zaxcom is a bit luckier in some respects though because you don't use the original file, you use a copy of the original (everything must be mirrored to another disc or drive). Right now we have hard 4 GB limits on partitions on the drive, but that is all about to change with the next firmware release. The current idea is to let us determine how big the files should be during the mirroring stage, which makes a lot of sense. Not sure why more companies don't use this method. Let the user determine where to break the file. 1 GB, 2 GB, or even larger if that's what they want.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nickgregory on September 09, 2005, 02:59:35 PM
let me preface by saying that I am not comparing the 722 to the Microtracker....but the manual for the 722 calls out that it handles seamless splits....I hope the microtracker can handle them though...

I'm biased when it comes to manuals, but then I wrote (or more correctly rewrote the Deva manual for Zaxcom). However, we don't talk about that point, and I don't go into detail on how you work with larger than 2 GB files (bwav files can be larger, but since applications don't like them, it can be problematic). Zaxcom is a bit luckier in some respects though because you don't use the original file, you use a copy of the original (everything must be mirrored to another disc or drive). Right now we have hard 4 GB limits on partitions on the drive, but that is all about to change with the next firmware release. The current idea is to let us determine how big the files should be during the mirroring stage, which makes a lot of sense. Not sure why more companies don't use this method. Let the user determine where to break the file. 1 GB, 2 GB, or even larger if that's what they want.

Wayne

agreed....and the 722/744 lets you set from .5 Gb I believe up to 4 Gb...why I thought it was relevant was to call out  in the manual was because when you are reocrding a continuous stream, what happens when the space max'es based on what you spec'ed...

given that it could be fixed with the microtracker and they dont call it out because it isnt relevant...
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Brian on September 09, 2005, 03:07:17 PM
(bwav files can be larger, but since applications don't like them, it can be problematic).

just out of curiosity....what applications to you speak of?  I work with BWF all the time in many different applications.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 09, 2005, 03:12:39 PM
agreed....and the 722/744 lets you set from .5 Gb I believe up to 4 Gb...why I thought it was relevant was to call out  in the manual was because when you are reocrding a continuous stream, what happens when the space max'es based on what you spec'ed...

given that it could be fixed with the microtracker and they dont call it out because it isnt relevant...

Remember though, you and I have a hard drive in our recorder, and there are different ways to deal with this issue. I really like the idea of mirroring because it allows you to record a huge file (based on the file system of the hard drive -- Zaxcom uses their own format), so you could have a 6 GB file, then mirror it off into chunks of 2 GB at a time. If you have to deal with the file directly, as in the case of the 722/744 & Microtracker, you're absolutely right. You have the other issue which is what happens when you reach that point in the file and need to close it and start a new file. Let's hope they have enough RAM in the unit which allows for a buffer to cache the audio while it closes and opens a new file.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 09, 2005, 03:14:38 PM
(bwav files can be larger, but since applications don't like them, it can be problematic).

just out of curiosity....what applications to you speak of?  I work with BWF all the time in many different applications.

Depends on the number of tracks. But don't toss a 7 or 8 track BWF file at ProTools or it will choke. Motu's DP doesn't deal with Poly BWF files, so they have to be mono. Peak (even the newest 5.0 version) can only handle a 2 GB file. It also chokes on larger files.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: nickgregory on September 09, 2005, 03:16:34 PM
gotcha wayne, I didnt understand the mirroring comment until you detailed it.  Agree with you though that makes a difference with how it is handled.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Brian on September 09, 2005, 03:19:58 PM
Depends on the number of tracks. But don't toss a 7 or 8 track BWF file at ProTools or it will choke. Motu's DP doesn't deal with Poly BWF files, so they have to be mono. Peak (even the newest 5.0 version) can only handle a 2 GB file. It also chokes on larger files.

Wayne

Weird. The project i'm working on now is 17 tracks and Pro Tools is working just fine.  Hell...I can even use plugins too ;)

I convert to AIFF when working in peak for two channel stuff.  I can bounce plugins with zero problems as opposed to when try with .wav files.

WL 5 seems to handle 4 bwf tracks fine as well.
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: wbrisette on September 09, 2005, 03:24:18 PM
Weird. The project i'm working on now is 17 tracks and Pro Tools is working just fine.  Hell...I can even use plugins too ;)

This is a 17 track Poly BWF file?

So far none of the film guys can get post to work with their 7 or 8 channel Poly BWF files in ProTools. Avid is aware of it according to several on the Deva list, and Avid plans some type of fix.

Wayne
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: Brian on September 09, 2005, 03:30:05 PM
Weird. The project i'm working on now is 17 tracks and Pro Tools is working just fine.  Hell...I can even use plugins too ;)

This is a 17 track Poly BWF file?

So far none of the film guys can get post to work with their 7 or 8 channel Poly BWF files in ProTools. Avid is aware of it according to several on the Deva list, and Avid plans some type of fix.

Wayne
no 17 individual BWF's.  sorry for the misunderstanding.  i don't know of such a format where one file encompasses multiple tracks.  I guess I do now though. thanks!

another question out of curiosity.  why would one record a single file that has multiple tracks instead of individual tracks?  I'm failing to see an advantage at this point.

edit:  is it simply file management? or some other advantage?
Title: Re: M-Audio MicroTracker details **PART III**
Post by: OFOTD on September 09, 2005, 03:43:20 PM
Well folks this bring's an end to the third version of this thread.

Go here for the continuation (PART IV) of this thread..... http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=49809.0


We can now see the light at the end of the tunnel!