Topic: Microtracker vs. R-9

[Rick]

Microtrack has a digital input. The R-09 does not.

This to me is the single biggest reason to get the MT over the R-09 even with all the positives of the R-09.

 

well that all depends if you want to use an outboard A/D or not... I'm not planning too so I'm just waiting for 4GB cards to be supported.

[rodeen]

would there be a workaround for the digital inputs? Also a lot of people are downing the Microtrack... Any reasons why??

The digital input comes into play when you patch from someone else or if you are using an external A/D converter.  Basically you are using the MT as a storage device.  It is a handy feature and is the way I use my MT about 95% of the time.

As to the MT bashing?  I think it is pretty much agreed that the device was released prematurely.  There have been lots of quirks and issue that given fairly superficial testing could have been avoided.  The current firmware is substancially more stable and the devices are working well for people in a wide range of situations.  Given the features and the price it is still a good value.

And only one has exploded that we know of so far!

[ghostyroasty]

Boy that is reassuring!! How about the limiter? I've heard some people recording a lot with distortion... how could it be avoided on the Microtrack besides getting the  10 db pad? As you might be able to read, I'm a newbie to recording. That might be why I'm so torn between the two!

[ghostyroasty]

oh, and I will be using it to record audio live as well... I need a great all around type deal!

[Zaphod]

Isn't the general consensus that the MT isn't good for recording analog line-in due to the fact its adds gain when run that way?

I'd say if your running digital-in the MT will suit you well, if its analog line-in go for the R-09.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

I'd say if your running digital-in the MT will suit you well, if its analog line-in go for the R-09.

Exactly..  The only thing I just MUST add...  The Microtrack BLOWS away the R-09! 

[sleepypedro]

Exactly..  The only thing I just MUST add...  The Microtrack BLOWS away the R-09! 

spoogles unavailable for comment...

[Zaphod]

I'd say if your running digital-in the MT will suit you well, if its analog line-in go for the R-09.

Exactly..  The only thing I just MUST add...  The Microtrack BLOWS away the R-09! 

In true Hollywood style at that! 

[ghostyroasty]

Would it be safe to assume that the Microtrack is a great all around performer? Decent analog, good digital, good for live recording?

[sleepypedro]

Would it be safe to assume that the Microtrack is a great all around performer? Decent analog, good digital, good for live recording?

abso-friggin-lutely not.

i don't think you could find a single person on this board -- even relatively happy MT owners -- who would say it's a "great all around performer".

if you yourself hold that opinion, you haven't read enough of the MT threads.

[ghostyroasty]

Ok then R-09, great all around with no digital?? Better?? Sleepypedro, I'll respect your word, since I've read a lot of the other posts of yours on here.    So I guess it is the R-09 for me unless someone can change my opinion!

[sleepypedro]

Ok then R-09, great all around with no digital?? Better?? Sleepypedro, I'll respect your word, since I've read a lot of the other posts of yours on here.    So I guess it is the R-09 for me unless someone can change my opinion!

well, i don't mean to posture as an authority, cos i'm not, but...

basically it comes down to this:  if you're going to be steamed about not having a digital in, don't get an R09.  BUT... if you're not going to use the digital in on your POS microtracker on a very regular basis, please banish thoughts of buying a microtracker from your head.

it's that easy.

here's more fuel for the fire, literally and figuratively:  http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=64648.0

[SunWizard]

I'd say if your running digital-in the MT will suit you well, if its analog line-in go for the R-09.

Exactly..  The only thing I just MUST add...  The Microtrack BLOWS away the R-09! 

I assume by the smilies that it literally "blows away" the R-09 when the microtracker explodes?  Or is there a more technical reason?

[ghostyroasty]

You guys are great. I'm glad I found this place. I think I will go with the R-09 unless I see something in the next couple hours to swerve my mind yet again.... Any place to get it cheaper than $399? I want to also order the case/tripod for it, and get a dual mic preamp, or a cheap mixer to run the mics through.

[dallman]

Boy that is reassuring!! How about the limiter? I've heard some people recording a lot with distortion... how could it be avoided on the Microtrack besides getting the  10 db pad? As you might be able to read, I'm a newbie to recording. That might be why I'm so torn between the two!

If you record through the 1/8" jacks, the gain is a problem. The 10db pad or any simple attenuator will solve this. I have heard people say they have problems with the TRS 1/4 " jacks too, but I think this may be partly user error. I say this for two reason (and I may still be wrong), One, it is critical that the L/M/H switch be on L, and two, the newer if not newest firmware must be in use. If you look at the measurements with that scenario in place, it seems unlikely that the TRS 1/4 " jacks would distort. They have not for me while I do need an attenuator for the 1/8" jacks.

Here are the measurements of sensitivity for the 2 inputs:
http://www.sonicstudios.com/mt2496rv.htm

It has a lot of useful data, and the measurments are down the page a bit.