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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: edtyre on March 05, 2009, 01:30:27 PM

Title: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: edtyre on March 05, 2009, 01:30:27 PM
Who runs a Microtrack II with high end gear?

I wanna run a very high quality slim setup for some shows this summer
and plan to leave the ACM V3 and R-44 at home.

This is the plan:
4023's>aerco>ad2k+>MTll

Have used 4023's>aerco>r-09 with great results and
won't mind if thats my rig, but i'm trying to get the ad2k+ into the mix.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: NOLAfishwater on March 05, 2009, 02:19:21 PM
It works great as a bit bucket as long as you are going Digi In
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: edtyre on March 05, 2009, 02:29:26 PM
It works great as a bit bucket as long as you are going Digi In
Thats the plan
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: NOLAfishwater on March 05, 2009, 02:54:54 PM
It works great as a bit bucket as long as you are going Digi In
Thats the plan

sounds like you are set. now to find an MTII
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: anhisr on March 05, 2009, 04:33:18 PM
I use it for a bit bucket and it works just fine.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: taperwheeler on March 05, 2009, 05:10:11 PM
Ditto...as a bit bucket spdif in, have been very happy.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: NOLAfishwater on March 05, 2009, 06:48:11 PM
buy one of these. it will power it for 14+hrs

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855998033
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: greenone on March 05, 2009, 08:06:23 PM
buy one of these. it will power it for 14+hrs

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855998033

Listed as a 'deactivated item'. I had one of these a couple of years ago and it absolutely died on me after a long period of disuse. Left it charging for a few days and it just wouldn't take a charge anymore. Any other good small options like this one?
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: NOLAfishwater on March 05, 2009, 08:12:35 PM
buy one of these. it will power it for 14+hrs

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855998033

Listed as a 'deactivated item'. I had one of these a couple of years ago and it absolutely died on me after a long period of disuse. Left it charging for a few days and it just wouldn't take a charge anymore. Any other good small options like this one?

well mine works just fine. if you leave a rechargeable battery on a charger for too long it will actually adversely affect the battery life. I have used it after period of a few months and it works just as it did the day I opened the box.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: greenone on March 05, 2009, 08:16:14 PM
Hm. I went maybe six months without using it and when I tried hooking it up again it was just dead. Wouldn't take a charge at all. Poking around it looks like a few other sites still have 'em, plus there's a new product called the JBoxMini. Might check that one out...
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: Colin Liston on March 05, 2009, 08:26:00 PM
buy one of these. it will power it for 14+hrs

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16855998033

Mine crapped out on me too.  I've had this one and two others like it turd out on me.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: dactylus on March 06, 2009, 12:18:46 PM
It works great as a bit bucket as long as you are going Digi In
Thats the plan

sounds like you are set. now to find an MTII


^^

Ed - just sent you a PM...

 ;)



 
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: edtyre on May 06, 2009, 01:40:21 PM
Haven't used the MT2 as a main recorder for a show yet like i described
in my first post. I have been running as a back-up for all my open taping shows.

Been having problems.......sometimes when i hit record, i get nothing after three or four
button pushes, then all of a sudden it works. But the biggy is.......after two or even 3 hours of recording
i notice that the unit is locked up, it still looks like its recording.......but the time counter is stopped and
the only way i can restart is pull the card out, then of course when i reboot the files are gone.

This really sucks!! There is no way i would trust this unit to be my main bit bucket.

I usually run V3>analog out>ad2k+>r-44 then i run digi out from the V3 to the MT2 for the back-up.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: taperwheeler on May 06, 2009, 08:12:14 PM
Haven't used the MT2 as a main recorder for a show yet like i described
in my first post. I have been running as a back-up for all my open taping shows.

Been having problems.......sometimes when i hit record, i get nothing after three or four
button pushes, then all of a sudden it works. But the biggy is.......after two or even 3 hours of recording
i notice that the unit is locked up, it still looks like its recording.......but the time counter is stopped and
the only way i can restart is pull the card out, then of course when i reboot the files are gone.

This really sucks!! There is no way i would trust this unit to be my main bit bucket.

I usually run V3>analog out>ad2k+>r-44 then i run digi out from the V3 to the MT2 for the back-up.

Are you running updated firmware?  If so, sounds like a buggy unit.  I've had no problems after 1 1/2 years running mine.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: dactylus on May 07, 2009, 06:23:15 PM
Haven't used the MT2 as a main recorder for a show yet like i described
in my first post. I have been running as a back-up for all my open taping shows.

Been having problems.......sometimes when i hit record, i get nothing after three or four
button pushes, then all of a sudden it works. But the biggy is.......after two or even 3 hours of recording
i notice that the unit is locked up, it still looks like its recording.......but the time counter is stopped and
the only way i can restart is pull the card out, then of course when i reboot the files are gone.

This really sucks!! There is no way i would trust this unit to be my main bit bucket.

I usually run V3>analog out>ad2k+>r-44 then i run digi out from the V3 to the MT2 for the back-up.

Are you running updated firmware?  If so, sounds like a buggy unit.  I've had no problems after 1 1/2 years running mine.


Ed,

What brand/model of CF card are you using and are you running the latest firmware?



Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: edtyre on May 07, 2009, 07:47:15 PM
Yep, version 1.07

and Transcend Compact Flash 8 gig cards
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: Chris K on May 07, 2009, 07:59:10 PM
Been having problems.......sometimes when i hit record, i get nothing after three or four
button pushes, then all of a sudden it works.

don't do that. press the record button once. it will take 5 or 6 seconds for the recording to start. this is normal and just takes a bit getting used to. think of it like a  d8 dat, press record and it takes a few seconds for the tape to load and start the reels rolling.

pressing the record button multiple times WILL cause problems.

as for the unit locking up after 3-4 hours, is this at 24bit? at 24/48 you have about 1hr55min before a new file is created, at 24/96 its more like 1hr. do you have the auto split function set to on? I'm not sure why it would lock up on you if you have auto split on unless your firmware is not the most recent. it would also be that you are reaching the end of your battery life. are you using an external power source?

Quote
the only way i can restart is pull the card out, then of course when i reboot the files are gone.

again...don't do that, at least not with the power on!!!! hold the power button down for 8 seconds or so and it will power down.


Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: edtyre on May 07, 2009, 08:23:23 PM
Maybe i just need a course on how to use it correctly.
The first 3 times i used it, everything went smoothly.


Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: Chris K on May 07, 2009, 08:45:22 PM
once you get the hang of it it is a reliable unit. some other things to consider:

1) make sure you have a decent external battery pack I can make you one if you like
2) reformat the card before a new recording session, but only after transferring your audio files of the MT and onto your computer, and after making a backup copy (dvd/cd etc)
3) make sure your preamp is on and feeding a spdif signal PRIOR to turning on your MT
4) if you need to change the bit rate on the device (from 16 to 24) then you should reboot the MT
5) use the HOLD button while recording, hit the volume button to turn on the backlight
6) have fun (most important)



Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: it-goes-to-eleven on May 07, 2009, 08:46:04 PM
don't do that. press the record button once. it will take 5 or 6 seconds for the recording to start. this is normal and just takes a bit getting used to. think of it like a  d8 dat, press record and it takes a few seconds for the tape to load and start the reels rolling.

Gotta love a recorder where you hit record and *nothing happens by (poor) design*.     And to think this is Version 2 of the device.

I hate m-audio.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: edtyre on May 08, 2009, 10:22:11 AM
Did a 5 hour test recording last night. Formatted card, kept unit off until preamp is on
put the hold on. Ran off external battery pack.

NO problems whatsoever!!

Thanks Chris for the advise, i guess i expected it to work just like my
other recorders.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: popskull on May 21, 2009, 01:12:56 PM
once you get the hang of it it is a reliable unit. some other things to consider:

1) make sure you have a decent external battery pack I can make you one if you like
2) reformat the card before a new recording session, but only after transferring your audio files of the MT and onto your computer, and after making a backup copy (dvd/cd etc)
3) make sure your preamp is on and feeding a spdif signal PRIOR to turning on your MT
4) if you need to change the bit rate on the device (from 16 to 24) then you should reboot the MT
5) use the HOLD button while recording, hit the volume button to turn on the backlight
6) have fun (most important)





One other tip

Turn DMA off in the options.

I had it on after the last firmware upgrade, and it locked up when connected spdif to the Apogee Minime

As a bit bucket, this is the only time it has ever failed me.

The analog inputs are not hateful.......not optimal, but not bad when run in front of a preamp
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: taperwheeler on May 21, 2009, 03:05:58 PM
once you get the hang of it it is a reliable unit. some other things to consider:

1) make sure you have a decent external battery pack I can make you one if you like
2) reformat the card before a new recording session, but only after transferring your audio files of the MT and onto your computer, and after making a backup copy (dvd/cd etc)
3) make sure your preamp is on and feeding a spdif signal PRIOR to turning on your MT
4) if you need to change the bit rate on the device (from 16 to 24) then you should reboot the MT
5) use the HOLD button while recording, hit the volume button to turn on the backlight
6) have fun (most important)





One other tip

Turn DMA off in the options.

I had it on after the last firmware upgrade, and it locked up when connected spdif to the Apogee Minime

As a bit bucket, this is the only time it has ever failed me.

The analog inputs are not hateful.......not optimal, but not bad when run in front of a preamp


I agree.  It seems that the MT2 gets some overly due criticism.  Why is that?  I've run analog in quite a bit.  Internal pres can be noisy but as mentioned an external pre overcomes this.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: willndmb on June 27, 2009, 08:21:19 AM
fwiw i have had a mt1 for a while and NEVER had a single issue
running it mostly digi in
but some line in w/ 1/4
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: edtyre on June 28, 2009, 03:19:16 PM
Since i started this thread i have learned how to run my MT2 the right way.
Refer back to Chris K's post (thanks Chris)

Actually built up enough confidence to run with it solo and not just as a back-up.
My use has been only as a bit bucket and works fine. I'll report back when i use
it line in.
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: rsimms3 on June 29, 2009, 09:27:00 AM
Since i started this thread i have learned how to run my MT2 the right way.
Refer back to Chris K's post (thanks Chris)

Actually built up enough confidence to run with it solo and not just as a back-up.
My use has been only as a bit bucket and works fine. I'll report back when i use
it line in.

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: NOLAfishwater on June 29, 2009, 10:17:34 AM
Since i started this thread i have learned how to run my MT2 the right way.
Refer back to Chris K's post (thanks Chris)

Actually built up enough confidence to run with it solo and not just as a back-up.
My use has been only as a bit bucket and works fine. I'll report back when i use
it line in.

nice work. I have had success going 2 x 1/4 trs male to mini 1/8 male into the mic in. this was off of a board that I think had balanced outputs
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: Carlos E. Martinez on July 09, 2009, 10:03:31 AM
It works great as a bit bucket as long as you are going Digi In

Does that mean it's not a good choice if it's not to be used as a bit bucket?

I am not planning to use it as such, thinking of going in through line in and eventually on balanced mic in.

The problemms the MT II had were solved or not with the latest firmware?
Title: Re: Microtrack II Opinions
Post by: Chuck on July 10, 2009, 01:00:25 AM
Been having problems.......sometimes when i hit record, i get nothing after three or four
button pushes, then all of a sudden it works.

don't do that. press the record button once. it will take 5 or 6 seconds for the recording to start. this is normal and just takes a bit getting used to. think of it like a  d8 dat, press record and it takes a few seconds for the tape to load and start the reels rolling.

pressing the record button multiple times WILL cause problems.

as for the unit locking up after 3-4 hours, is this at 24bit? at 24/48 you have about 1hr55min before a new file is created, at 24/96 its more like 1hr. do you have the auto split function set to on? I'm not sure why it would lock up on you if you have auto split on unless your firmware is not the most recent. it would also be that you are reaching the end of your battery life. are you using an external power source?

Quote
the only way i can restart is pull the card out, then of course when i reboot the files are gone.

again...don't do that, at least not with the power on!!!! hold the power button down for 8 seconds or so and it will power down.




How do you set the auto split option?
I thought it was automatic...