Topic: MicroTrack vs MicroTrack II?

[aowzone]

Can anyone run down the difference between these?  I haven't been able to find a comparison.

I'm in need of a cheap bit bucket and can get an original MicroTrack for about half of what a MicroTrack II is going for.

[yousef]

I've only used the original MT but I think I'm right in saying that the MT2 can do seamless filesplits at 2Gb, which the original cannot.

So if you're taping at anything above 44.1kHz/16bit I think the MT2 would be the only real choice.

To be fair this may be akin to asking which to choose between a kick to the face and a kick to the balls...

To be absolutely fair, I think the Microtrack is probably the cheapest bitbucket out there and quite a few people are very happy with it in that capacity.

[aowzone]

I've only used the original MT but I think I'm right in saying that the MT2 can do seamless filesplits at 2Gb, which the original cannot.

So if you're taping at anything above 44.1kHz/16bit I think the MT2 would be the only real choice.

To be fair this may be akin to asking which to choose between a kick to the face and a kick to the balls...

To be absolutely fair, I think the Microtrack is probably the cheapest bitbucket out there and quite a few people are very happy with it in that capacity.

]

Ah!  That's fantastic.  Deal killer right there, if it can't split at 2GB.

[willndmb]

100% can't do split
i can give you more details if you want but thats the basic of it

[dallman]

MT2496 will do splits but not seamless. It will work on it's own and start a new file, or faster if you hit record twice. And how fast also depends on the size of the card and file size as the MT2496 must save the file first. That said as a bit bucket, MT2 is seamless so much better for that purpose. The MT2 has problems with the TRS jacks when the input is unbalanced, the MT2496 does not. The MT 2496 has additional gain controls on the side, the MT2 does not. The MT2496 runs super hot so easily distorts on the 3.5mm jacks, the MT2 (I am told) does not. I own many of the smaller decks (LS-10, DR-08, DR 2D, R-05, DR100mkII) and I still like the MT for my purposes most of the time. And of course none of those will operate as a bit bucket. The decks are quirky though and if you do not follow certain processes (lock the controls, and watch the file save before shutting it wdown) you are asking for disaster. Once those are mastered, the deck is fine. It is possible though that there are a lot of tempermental or poorly made ones out there, I have had good luck personally.

[Gutbucket]

I own many of the smaller decks (LS-10, DR-08, DR 2D, R-05, DR100mkII) and I still like the MT for my purposes most of the time. And of course none of those will operate as a bit bucket.

Your DR100mkII will.

[chitaper]

I have had a 24/96 since they first came out, and by coincidence just got a "like new" MT II today that I bought for $100 on ebay.

I got the MT II for the seamless file split capabilities, my original 24/96 is still going strong and I haven't had any problems with it since they finally got the firmware settled down many years ago.

I only used it for a bit bucket though, as I intend to use the MT II so I can't comment on the analog input features.

[rodeen]

I own many of the smaller decks (LS-10, DR-08, DR 2D, R-05, DR100mkII) and I still like the MT for my purposes most of the time. And of course none of those will operate as a bit bucket.

Your DR100mkII will.

Only if fed a S/PDIF signal.  It is not as forgiving as the MT if fed an AES signal via the RCA input.

[Gutbucket]

Fair enough, only meant to correct an over-broad mis-statement which may mislead others.
Thanks for the specifics.  I've used neither myself.

[aowzone]

I have had a 24/96 since they first came out, and by coincidence just got a "like new" MT II today that I bought for $100 on ebay.

I got the MT II for the seamless file split capabilities, my original 24/96 is still going strong and I haven't had any problems with it since they finally got the firmware settled down many years ago.

I only used it for a bit bucket though, as I intend to use the MT II so I can't comment on the analog input features.

Damn you!  I think you're the one who stole it from me

[chitaper]

OK, playing with my "new" MT II I notice another difference - the backlight on the MT II automatically turns off when the "hold" button is on. Very annoying, the 24/96 didn't do that.

[dallman]

I own many of the smaller decks (LS-10, DR-08, DR 2D, R-05, DR100mkII) and I still like the MT for my purposes most of the time. And of course none of those will operate as a bit bucket.

Your DR100mkII will.

Only if fed a S/PDIF signal.  It is not as forgiving as the MT if fed an AES signal via the RCA input.

I added this (DR100MKII) deck to my list without thinking. It DOES accept S/PDIF and I really like it a great deal. But as Rodeen said, not from all S/PDIF signals, which is a shame, but my statement was (accidentally) misleading, so I appreciate both the correction and the additonal info. (DR100MKII -S/PDIF with and asterisk  ) The MT2496 is robust as a bit bucket. And I for sure cannot think of why the light goes out on the MT2 when the hold button is engaged. My bet would be a firmware error that never got fixed, as there is no upside to  this feature as it currently works and it does go off, even when set to "always on". I really like the MT2496 better, BUT the lack of a seamless split can be a big factor or deal killer. I usually go at 24/48, so there is almost always a break or intermission before I would need to worry.

[spyder9]

Microtrack - will burst into flames

Microtrack II - will NOT burst into flames

That was the major improvement.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Microtrack - will burst into flames

Microtrack II - will NOT burst into flames

That was the major improvement.

In a death match between recorders, the Microtrack blows them all away!

BrianS will be along momentarily to deride us for our cultural insensitivity toward the protected class of exploding recorders, which contains only the Microtrack

Any purchase of a microtrack should come with the knowledge that the original battery is likely worn out.  I replaced mine, which was a bit of effort.  Still haven't sold it yet, so continued ownership gives me the moral authority to make fun of it... even if I don't worry about it exploding.  Much.

[chitaper]

In a death match between recorders, the Microtrack blows them all away!

BrianS will be along momentarily to deride us for our cultural insensitivity toward the protected class of exploding recorders, which contains only the Microtrack

Any purchase of a microtrack should come with the knowledge that the original battery is likely worn out.  I replaced mine, which was a bit of effort.  Still haven't sold it yet, so continued ownership gives me the moral authority to make fun of it... even if I don't worry about it exploding.  Much.

I'm pretty sure the one I just bought was rarely if ever used, not a scratch on it and the cables were still factory tied. And the included 4GB CF card contained no music... it did contain 260mb of interesting pictures though! 

And my 24/96 never once burst into flames!