M-Audio's new handheld digital audio recorder

M-Audio today unveiled the MicroTrack II, a handheld 24/96 digital audio recorder. The device records to CompactFlash cards and Microdrives, providing 48V of phantom power to condenser microphones so that musicians can make use of the device while writing songs, playing practice sessions, and gigs. The MicroTrack II records in 24-bit/96KHz format, and can take signals from the quarter-inch TRS inputs, or the S/PDIF input, with sound monitoring available through the RCA or eighth-inch headphone jack. M-Audio is selling the MicroTrack II for $400, which includes an electret T-shaped microphone, software, a carrying pouch, an eighth-inch stereo extension cable with lapel clip, a power supply and USB cable.

The MicroTrack II can be powered through a variety of methods: an internal battery, USB, or the included power supply. It can record in WAV and MP3 formats (MP3 has a peak sampling rate of 48KHz), and is capable of creating files larger than 2GB in size. The unit can also add markers to WAV files, and can organize files into a series of customizable folders.

M-Audio also extended the input gain range from the product's first incarnation, and implemented an analogue input limiter with a built-in bypass. The device uses USB 2.0 to connect to computers, and can perform speed tests on CompactFlash media. In terms of power saving features, the MicroTrack II features a backlight dimmer and hibernation mode.