Topic: M-Audio Microtrack II + CM4

[zatanax]

Hi. I have a recorder stored away and wanted to see what the best option is. I had an old M-Audio Microtrack II, which has two 1/4" TRS microphone inputs that, according to its manual, have "PHANTOM POWER. If you are using condenser microphones that require phantom power, turn on the [+48V]." It's a good option for recording since it's more practical to transport. I also wanted to make some low-profile XLR cables.

[goodcooker]

I had a "Microcrapper" around 2007. It was a hunk of junk even then. There are many, many better options for an all in one phantom powered recorder.

You would be WAY better off buying something like a cheap second hand Tascam DR40.

Those things have a reputation for swelling up and failing spectacularly when they get old.

EDIT to say - not trying to be insensitive if you are planning to use it because it's what you have and maybe can't afford anything else. A crappy MT recording is better than no recording.

[Billy Mumphrey]

I am a huge advocate for using old recorders / audio gear. You don't need the latest stuff to make good recordings. Use what you got.

However goodcooker is right; from what I remember Microtracks (both versions) were some of the buggiest recorders around. Glitches and issues galore.

Feel free to try it out (preferrably on something non-important) while checking marketplace or ebay for any of the Tascam or Zoom recorders from the last 12 years or so.

A lot of people here feel CM4's are the best "budget mics" for taping, if you can get a pair I don't think you'll be dissapointed. Don't hesitate to just pick up any condensors on the used market for cheap.

[morst]

I thought the MT2 was perfectly cromulent except that the battery life was not sufficient to do anything serious after they age a bit.


Plan to use external USB power, and give it a go.


Edit
Oh yeah I only ever used it line in, mostly to take board feeds.
Never even tried mic mode.


I did use its digital input for some DAT transfers I think though.

[VibrationOfLife]

How do you send 48v through a TRS?  Doesn't seem possible.