Topic: New recorder advice needed- Microtrack II failure again- time to give up

[Rockinman59]

I've had a Microtrack II for 18 months and each time I think I've solved it, something else happens.  Last night I taped one set of a show no problem, 24/48, SPDIF into a UA5.  I reboot the MTII to start the 2nd set and it goes to exactly .99gb and stops.  It always goes 1.86gb and switches to a new file so why would it stop at .99gb?  I used the same CF card, RiData 16gb and reformatted before using it tonight.   I had the hold button on and it seems to have problems when you put the hold button on.  Is that the issue of the CF card which has worked fine for months?

I'm really tired of the unpredictability of this unit and want to get another recorder that can record in 24 bit with SPDIF in.  I think the Marantz PMD661 is one idea but is there a recorder that can be used with a UA5 which I use with phantom power?   I've actually had to use my JB3 as a backup using optical in while I record with the MTII, that's how much I trust the MTII.

It can go months with no problems and suddenly it bites you in the ass when you least expect it.  Tonight was the first time I hadn't used the JB3 along with the MTII and it stopped and wrote the file at .99gb.

Any help is appreciated.

[jbell]

If you want a dig coax in then the 661 is the way to go!  If it is in your price range you could grab an oade 661 and have the option to not use the UA5 and run the your mics into the 661.  I never liked my MTII and sold it soon after purchase. 

[Rockinman59]

Thanks JM for the input.  I had talked to a taper (Focker) at a show last spring and he had just gotten one, but I didn't have a lot of time to ask him more about it.  I'm not sure about any flaws or limitations with the Marantz 661 but it's gotta be better than what I'm currently experiencing with the MT II.

I'll have to find the best deal on this somewhere.  Thanks again




Tom

[ArchivalAudio]

Have you tried other CF cards?
if it is always issued with the same card then I'd say its the card.
not knowing much about the MTII
I don't know much about them, have you read all the other MT threads?
good luck
--Ian

[yltfan]

I've been through a dozen different recorders, several with their share of problems. But I'm glad I skipped over the Microtrack, sounds like a nightmare.

As far as spdif 24 bit recorders, I love the R-44 and DR-680--and you could skip the ua-5. But if you want to stay small, or 2-track, those aren't options.

[Big Perm]

I dont know what your budget is, but you can find used marantz pmd-671's for good prices.  they are great units. I ran one for a long time
a

let me know if your interested, i got a buddy who has 2 of them and might be willin to come off one

[sunjan]

I dont know what your budget is, but you can find used marantz pmd-671's for good prices.

Good suggestion, if the OP is willing to carry the weight. the 67x series are hard to stealth. 
Going rate for used 671's seems to be around $550 on ebay, about the same price as a new 661.
If the OP would reconsider his specs and go for a 16bit unit, the 670 are occasionally sold for less than $200 on ebay.