Topic: Alesis PalmTrack - announced at NAMM

[sunjan]

Lots of buzz at the current NAMM show.
Starting with this one:
http://alesis.com/palmtrack

Kinda like Alesis response to the H2?!

    * Handheld SD recorder with stereo and four-capsule omni pickup patterns
    * Record 44.1/48kHz, 64–320kbps MP3 and 16/24-bit WAV
    * Four onboard mics with high, low, and auto gain for overload-free recordings
    * Bass compensation, Chorus, Pitch Shift, Delay, Reverb, MP3 Voice Cancel, and Tuner
    * Inputs for connecting 1/8-inch (3.5mm) mic and line-level audio
    * Stereo 1/8-inch (3.5mm) headphone output and built-in monitoring speaker
    * Includes SD card; works with virtually all SD cards up to 16GB
    * USB jack for mass storage connection to Mac and PC
    * AC/DC operation on 2 AA batteries (included) or AC adapter
    * Threaded mounting point for tabletop and stand-mounted applications

"It is thought that the PalmTrack will be available in February, we do not yet know a definite release date nor details regarding pricing"

[refrain]

One more chinese built, this is one is showing in the Thomman store for a couple of months, is similar, only the brand changes...
http://www.thomann.de/pt/swissonic_mdr4.htm

[sunjan]

One more chinese built, this is one is showing in the Thomman store for a couple of months, is similar, only the brand changes...
http://www.thomann.de/pt/swissonic_mdr4.htm

Good spot! As it turns out, the real manufacturer is a company called Medeli. Manual can be downloaded here:
http://www.medeli.com.hk/downloads/index.html (the PDF was created 2009-05-13)

It's also rebranded as Conrad DR2, street price €99 / £79:
http://www.conrad-uk.com/goto.php?artikel=304369

There's a review out, with sound snippets and comparison with H2:
http://translate.google.com/translate?js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&layout=1&eotf=1&u=http%3A%2F%2Fhandbuch.pararesearch.info%2Fwiki%2FJournal%3ATest_Medeli_DR2&sl=de&tl=en

Why do I get a feeling that Alesis took a cheap shortcut? They obviously didn't do any development of their own, just rebranded Chinese generica. And why launch this at NAMM only now, when the generic model has been sitting on the shelves for months?

[digifish_music]

Then, there is this...



Alesis VideoTrack Handheld A / V Recorder Records To SD And Transfers Via USB
January 17, 2010
Alesis VideoTrack handheld audio / video recorder features a stereo condenser microphone set, video lens, and DSP image-processi

In addition to the slew of items introduced at the Winter NAMM show, Alesis has announced the VideoTrack handheld audio / video recorder ($299 MSRP, $199 Street). This portable video recorder would be ideal for capturing gigs and rehearsals (think quick YouTube music videos) and everyday use.

The VideoTrack uses the same stereo condenser microphone set found on the ProTrack handheld recorder for iPod, and also features a high-quality video lens and advanced DSP image-processing technology. You can use it as a video camera, of course, or as still-image camera for taking quick snapshots. The VideoTrack is powered by its internal, rechargeable battery or by a wall-power source, and it records onto standard SD cards. For easy video transfer, the recorder connects via USB to any computer with a USB port.

Alesis kept this recorder simple, offering only the most essential functions in a straight-forward layout. The VideoTrack has a large, easy to view on-screen display, a five-way control system, a headphone input, video output jack for watching playback on a TV, and easy mounting onto a camera tripod or table stand.

Look for the VideoTrack when it begins shipping in April, 2010.

[refrain]

Alesis and zoom are going for the same market?

The specs aren't ready but for sure it records video in 640x480, like the zoom Q3...
Waiting for a bigger video resolution with onboard XY mics...

[digifish_music]

Video Track YouTube video

Palm Track YouTube Video

[Teen Wolf Blitzer]

I love looking through that Thomman site.  Crazy stuff.

weird looking

http://www.thomann.de/pt/applied_microphone_technology_b811.htm






A Rhode but it way different.

http://www.thomann.de/pt/the_tbonest1000.htm

One more chinese built, this is one is showing in the Thomman store for a couple of months, is similar, only the brand changes...
http://www.thomann.de/pt/swissonic_mdr4.htm

[flintstone]

The Palmtrack shows up in the Sweetwater catalog with MSRP of $200,
Sweetwater offers it for $150.  The Videotrack is $50 more.

[sunjan]

The Palmtrack shows up in the Sweetwater catalog with MSRP of $200,
Sweetwater offers it for $150.

Selling for $99 now, if you don't mind the "Medeli" label 
http://www.jimlaabsmusic.com/studio-recording/recording-interfaces/medeli-dr2-digital-recorder/prod_4853.html

[Johnny Thunder]

Is anyone using one of these as a bit bucket? The price is attractive, IF it functions every bit as well as it's more expensive competitors. I have my reservations for obvious reasons, but I'm very curious to know if anyone's tried this little guy out and what kind of results they are getting.

-JT

[Gutbucket]

Is anyone using one of these as a bit bucket?

Analog input only, no digital input for bit bucket use.

[Ozpeter]

Here it is again, spotted by someone in the Whirlpool forums.

http://www.storedj.com.au/products/product.php?id=2977

[sunjan]

Here it is again, spotted by someone in the Whirlpool forums.

http://www.storedj.com.au/products/product.php?id=2977

Interesting that the Carrillon PDR2 website points to a firmware upgrade (v3.0) which both Alesis and Conrad fails to mention anything about. The page is also much more detailed than Medeli:
http://www.carillonaudio.com/support/downloads/?id=2

[sunjan]

Just noticed that the Palmtrack is retailing for $75:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/800747974-USE/Alesis_PALMTRACK_PalmTrack_Handheld_Digital_Audio.html

Could be a basic starter rig for tapers on a low budget.
If anyone tried it, how would it compare to DR-07 or Zoom H1?

[skua]

I realize it's a rather old thread... but NewEgg had the Alesis PalmTrack for $49 this morning. At that price I thought I'd give it a try.

[jibooer]

skua,henceforth you are known as guinea-pig....