Topic: M Audio Microtrack II is CRAP, avoid at all costs

[brewcrew87]

its just not a good machine for the field, it does not have XLR inputs, by the time the clipping indicators are on, its already too late. I bought one used and im getting rid of it.

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its just not a good machine for the field, it does not have XLR inputs, by the time the clipping indicators are on, its already too late. I bought one used and im getting rid of it.

yeah, the majority of people who use one (and don't loathe it) use it for the digital input only where it can still be finicky if not used properly, but is generally considered better (notice I didn't say good, I've only passingly used one so I can't really judge it).

[danlynch]

There are a bunch of very full topics about this recorder, beginning in 2005.
The conclusion is that the pre-amps, meters, input, STN, internal battery, and just about everything else on it are useless.
The unit is worthless for field use on its own. 
However, the unit is very handy if you're using it as a 24/48 bit bucket, with a high end pre-amp feeding it through the coaxial input.

[TomBoisseau]

I agree!!  It's a terrible machine!

I've owned one for about three years.  It is not at all uncommon for it to lock up when using the spdif input.  Additionally, when using the 1/4" inputs connected to the output of a mixers AND running the MTII with the AC power supply, you frequently will get a type of ground loop that can NOT be eliminated by lifting pin 1 (or the sleeve).  Not to mention the mic pres are VERY noisy, and you cannot change out the battery when it goes dead.

IF.... they could solve these problems (I really like the size of the unit and it's ease of use)  I'd be thrilled!  But in it's present state it is not relaiable, and that is a MAJOR concern.  By the way, a friend of mine has one of these. He's experianced all the same problems I have.

Anyone want a used Microtrack II for $100.  It's in great shape and includes all the original accessories and the box!

Tom

[yltfan]

Anyone want a used Microtrack II for $100. 

$100? Damn, you could even pay me half that to take it off your hands!

Oh wait, are you saying that I pay you? I think I misunderstood, sorry...

[RTD]

its just not a good machine for the field, it does not have XLR inputs, by the time the clipping indicators are on, its already too late. I bought one used and im getting rid of it.

yeah, the majority of people who use one (and don't loathe it) use it for the digital input only where it can still be finicky if not used properly, but is generally considered better (notice I didn't say good, I've only passingly used one so I can't really judge it).

Yes it is. only advantage coax S/PDIF IN. Well, its a M-Audio.

[Belexes]

M Audio Microtrack II is CRAP, avoid at all costs

M Audio is CRAP.

[Chuck]

I bought one despite all the negative reviews and I hated it.

[jbell]

^^  I did the same thing!  My H120 was a much better device.

[Rockinman59]

There are a bunch of very full topics about this recorder, beginning in 2005.
The conclusion is that the pre-amps, meters, input, STN, internal battery, and just about everything else on it are useless.
The unit is worthless for field use on its own. 
However, the unit is very handy if you're using it as a 24/48 bit bucket, with a high end pre-amp feeding it through the coaxial input.

You're basically right on with all you said.  I used an external battery (knowing the limitation of the internal battery) and didn't have that issue, but the CF cards would always come back to bite me.  Either I lost a channel in less than an hour into the show, or at random it would either just stop recording or not changeover to a new file taping at 24/48.  Certain cards wouldn't even let the damn thing turn on.  I gave up after getting what I thought was a good CF card and hi speed at that, then having no problems for 3 months then suddenly it didn't switch files during a show.   I've since gotten a Marantz PMD661 that also has digital in and uses SD cards (I bought Class 10 which is very high speed) and can be set to switch files seamlessly at the one hour mark or 2 hour mark.  $500 spent was well worth it not to have an unpredictable bit bucket.

Just my .02

[duch]

M Audio Microtrack II is CRAP, avoid at all costs

M Audio is CRAP.

Nope. The sputnik is not for instance. I bet you're far from having used every M-Audio product anyway.

The MTII is one of the worst recorder out there, totally unreliable even as a simple bit bucket (corrupt or erased files, crashes, etc). Get one if you like russian roulette.