Topic: M-Audio Microtrack II + CM4

[zatanax]

Hi. I have a recorder stored away and wanted to see what the best option is. I had an old M-Audio Microtrack II, which has two 1/4" TRS microphone inputs that, according to its manual, have "PHANTOM POWER. If you are using condenser microphones that require phantom power, turn on the [+48V]." It's a good option for recording since it's more practical to transport. I also wanted to make some low-profile XLR cables.

[goodcooker]

I had a "Microcrapper" around 2007. It was a hunk of junk even then. There are many, many better options for an all in one phantom powered recorder.

You would be WAY better off buying something like a cheap second hand Tascam DR40.

Those things have a reputation for swelling up and failing spectacularly when they get old.

EDIT to say - not trying to be insensitive if you are planning to use it because it's what you have and maybe can't afford anything else. A crappy MT recording is better than no recording.

[Billy Mumphrey]

I am a huge advocate for using old recorders / audio gear. You don't need the latest stuff to make good recordings. Use what you got.

However goodcooker is right; from what I remember Microtracks (both versions) were some of the buggiest recorders around. Glitches and issues galore.

Feel free to try it out (preferrably on something non-important) while checking marketplace or ebay for any of the Tascam or Zoom recorders from the last 12 years or so.

A lot of people here feel CM4's are the best "budget mics" for taping, if you can get a pair I don't think you'll be dissapointed. Don't hesitate to just pick up any condensors on the used market for cheap.

[morst]

I thought the MT2 was perfectly cromulent except that the battery life was not sufficient to do anything serious after they age a bit.


Plan to use external USB power, and give it a go.


Edit
Oh yeah I only ever used it line in, mostly to take board feeds.
Never even tried mic mode.


I did use its digital input for some DAT transfers I think though.

[VibrationOfLife]

How do you send 48v through a TRS?  Doesn't seem possible.

[jbell]

It is possible!  Other recorder have that ability.

How do you send 48v through a TRS?  Doesn't seem possible.

[mrfender]

How do you send 48v through a TRS?  Doesn't seem possible.

I do it all the time on my DR680 for channels 5 & 6. 

[goodcooker]

How do you send 48v through a TRS?  Doesn't seem possible.

Tip, ring and sleeve is capable of the same things as pins 1,2 and 3.

[Billy Mumphrey]

I thought the MT2 was perfectly cromulent except that the battery life was not sufficient to do anything serious after they age a bit.

Yeah maybe I'm projecting the issues of the first Microtrack onto the 2nd. I think we all wanted a 24-bit bucket so bad that the dissapointment of the first version left a bitter taste in all our mouths. With that being said, get an external usb power supply and try taping some shows with it. My favorite saying in taping: there's only one way to find out.

Due to the swelling battery issue, I still have to recommend keeping an eye out for a used Zoom or Tascam. The older (but still reliable) one's are getting sooo cheap!

Nice use of the word cromulent.

[jbell]

The MT II was garbage!  My first recorder and I wished I had bought an R09hr instead. 

[zatanax]

I had a DR40 that died and never turned on again. It's true that the Micro recorder has problems when you record for a long time because it corrupts the WAV files, but I want it as a second recorder to back up my other Sony A10 setup and make a Matrix, and I just wanted to know if the voltage would be good for the microphones.

[jbell]

It should work!

I had a DR40 that died and never turned on again. It's true that the Micro recorder has problems when you record for a long time because it corrupts the WAV files, but I want it as a second recorder to back up my other Sony A10 setup and make a Matrix, and I just wanted to know if the voltage would be good for the microphones.

[Billy Mumphrey]

I've accidentally only sent 24v phantom to my CM4's and not only did they work but the recording still came out great.

[jefflester]

And of course be cautious to always have phantom turned off before inserting TRS plugs so as not to risk damage to the recorder by shorting out the phantom.

[aaronji]

I've accidentally only sent 24v phantom to my CM4's and not only did they work but the recording still came out great.

They are spec'ed from "12 - 48V (P48 recommended for best performance)". You will lose some dBSPLs in terms of maximum (Line Audio says 140 dBSPL at P48, 130 dBSPL at P24, and 120 dBSPL at P12) and the output might be a bit lower.

[SClassical]

The MT II was garbage!  My first recorder and I wished I had bought an R09hr instead.

Yes I only use it for a backup. I MOD it by taking out the internal battery and connected it with 4AA batteries pack. Its good to use as a backup recorder. They play back feature is good through to check recordings after sessions.

[dallman]

I still like the MT1, and have a few that work fine. The MT2 was a huge disaster for me. I never had one that actually worked with any reliability . The shortcomings on the MT 1 were no seamless splits (a huge consideration) and short internal battery life. I use external. I have an adapter for trs to 3.5mm that sits atop the MT and uses a button battery. That worked great, but today there are better sounding options. For me at this point I mostly and only occasionally use it as a backup bit bucket for some shows just to keep them going. There are just way too many better options. As a bit bucket as long as it's not one long set, the unit is small and works great. That said, if I didn't have them from those early days, I'd never recommend one with today's options. It requires running it a certain way, and deviating can mean a ruined recording.