Topic: How reliable is the microtracker?

[dnsacks]

if you have any real use for a windows mobile pda, the dell axim x51v, a (gasp) core sounds pdaudio card coupled with the excellent live2496 software has been a VERY reliable bitbucket setup for me.  I'm able to do seamless autosplits on 4gb sd media at 24/96 too

The axim has proven to be quite sturdy so far too.  I don't use any special case (though there are plenty) and I've read of field testers repeatedly dropping axims from 10'+ onto concrete floors without damage.

[anhisr]

Using it as a bit dump, only user error. 

[Nick's Picks]

i had trouble w/mine, but after some firmware upgrades to 1.4.3 everything worked out fine and dandy at that point.
dont own it anymore though.

[Brian Skalinder]

i had trouble w/mine, but after some firmware upgrades to 1.4.3 everything worked out fine and dandy at that point.
dont own it anymore though.

You must've hosed it, Nick, b/c it worked fine for me on the old firmware. 

[Nick's Picks]

yup.  it worked great w/the 1.2.3 firmware.  then I had to go and upgrade it and fudged it all up.  the 1.4.x software fixed its wagon though.

[coloartist]

yup.  it worked great w/the 1.2.3 firmware.  then I had to go and upgrade it and fudged it all up.  the 1.4.x software fixed its wagon though.

Exactly, It worked fine with 1.2.3, and then it started working fine with 1.4.3 .

I had some problems with 1.3.X, and went back to 1.2.3 until everyone ok'd the 1.4.3 .

I didn't feel like being the firmware tester anymore.

I always run 24/48.

Once again, I run a JB3 backup, and have never lost any data. Maybe just 8 bits here and there, when I had to go with my backup.

I am also suprised that I really can't tell any difference between the truncated 16 bit copy and a dithered and resampled 16 bit copy.

[deadheaded]

Once again, I run a JB3 backup, and have never lost any data. Maybe just 8 bits here and there, when I had to go with my backup.

I am also suprised that I really can't tell any difference between the truncated 16 bit copy and a dithered and resampled 16 bit copy.

I really don't think any of us can hear a difference.

[Simp-Dawg]

it's pretty solid for me on the new firmware.  i've had more issues with the v3 battery running down than the MT crapping out.

my only complaints are:
1) no true lossless auto-split...you still lose a couple seconds automatically starting a new file, which admittedly is only relevant to running at 24-bit...due to this, and the price of CF media, i also only run at 24/48 and haven't even attempted 24/96.
2) no way around 2GB limit

[it-goes-to-eleven]

Once again, I run a JB3 backup, and have never lost any data. Maybe just 8 bits here and there, when I had to go with my backup.

I am also suprised that I really can't tell any difference between the truncated 16 bit copy and a dithered and resampled 16 bit copy.

I really don't think any of us can hear a difference.

Really?  I've always found my 24 > 16 bit truncation accidents awful sounding.

[dallman]

I have not any real problems in the year plus I had the MT. The original firmware was terrible compared to the latest, but for the most part the last few firmware's were fixing small things.

It is important to find a CF card that the MT likes, and there are threads on that, and I always record at 16 bit, since that is how I play the file too, so I don't really have the 2gb filesplit issue.

I have used the deck as a bit bucket and as a stealth recorder, and found both ways fine. I have not lost any recordings, but of course I have missed a few seconds of the beginning of a show here and there...

Currently I am back to just using the MT as a stealth recorder. I do slap on a battery pack, because I have a 5gb microdrive and it eats power. At some point I'll change when I find a good reliable 4gb card that is cheap. I also recently added the SP powered battery box that snaps right on top of the MT, I like that a lot too, it takes up much less room than my home made 1/4trs>1/8 dongle. I recently got a Tascam HD P2,for wide open recording and that is simpler than using the MT along with a UA-5 which I used for many months with no problems at all and great results.

I don't think you can get anything better for stealth or portability. That deck is amazing for it's size, and whether with the t-mic or a little better set of small mics, it is fantastic, a whole world away from the cassette shows I made in the last 3 decades.

[deadheaded]

I think most of the people that use microdrives do so because they are cool! not because they perform better then Flash ram.

I use Schoeps MK-41's because they are cool, i use a v-3 because they are cool.
I use microdrives in my mt 24/96 because they were 1/2 the price of flash cards!

[svenkid]

V3 bc Im cool 

[phatDats4u]

I had a lot of problems with the MT- it lost about half the sets I taped with it.  On paper you can't beat it though.  When it comes down to it, it is what it is, a recorder made by m-audio to be cheap and do it's job- just barely

[guysonic]

I had a lot of problems with the MT- it lost about half the sets I taped with it.  On paper you can't beat it though.  When it comes down to it, it is what it is, a recorder made by m-audio to be cheap and do it's job- just barely

Can you be more specific in describing the problems you experienced? 

Sometimes a deck is only working as well as user settings, battery capacity, and quality of connected devices allows.

[Nick's Picks]

"eh"
sure, it works for 24/48, but remember to start that new file!!, and if a set runs longer than 2 hours, be prepared to do a quick stop/start or have a gap in the new file if it starts by itself in the middle of a song.
not good.  not acceptable, imo.

its analog inputs sound like ass comparred to the R9.
Unless you are running a V3/Mm3 or some other outboard DAC..., I think 99% of the people here would be VERY satisfied running "line in" and letting the little deck handle the A/D.  Its not SD 7xx quality, but it sounds really nice.
imo.

Bit buckets are dead to me, once these Korgs come out.