M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder
The M-Audio MicroTrack II is a professional two-channel, 24-bit/96kHz digital recorder that uses Compact Flash cards or Microdrives as storage media. The unit is feature-rich, easily operated, and surprisingly affordable, making it ideal for use by location sound recordists, journalists, students, and more.
The MicroTrack II supports WAV (BWF) and MP3 file formats for recording and drag-and-drop transfer to your Mac or PC via USB 2.0. The unit offers dual mic preamps with 48V phantom power for using professional microphones connected to the 1/4" TRS inputs. A 3.5mm TRS input with 5V of power allows you to use the included electret mic. A S/PDIF digital input, RCA stereo line outputs, and a stereo 3.5mm mini headphone output are built-in, and the versatile powering options for the recorder include USB, the built-in rechargeable battery, or the included AC power supply.
- Two-channel portable WAV (BWF) and MP3 recorder
- Records to easily found CompactFlash or Microdrive media
- Capable of recording at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz for WAV files, and up to 320kbps at 48kHz for MP3 files
- Drag-and-drop file transfer to Mac or PC via fast USB 2.0 port
- Can be powered by USB connection, with the built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery, or with the included AC power supply
- Separate left and right input level controls with dedicated signal and peak indicators, stereo output level control
- Dual microphone preamps with 48V phantom power for use with studio-quality condenser mics
- 1/4" TRS inputs for mic or line-level input
- 3.5mm stereo mic input with 5V of power for the supplied stereo electret microphone
- S/PDIF coaxial digital input
- RCA stereo line outputs and 3.5mm stereo mini headphone out for monitoring
- Large backlit LCD display with backlight dimmer
- Intuitive dedicated button complement includes Navigation, Record, Hold, Pause, Delete, Menu and Power
- Analog input limiter with bypass
- Add markers to BWF recordings easily
- S/PDIF input can be monitored via headphones while recording
- Seamlessly records files over 2GB in size
- Easy organization with customizable folders
- Hibernation mode
| Type | 2-Channel Portable Audio Recorder |
| Recording/Reading Methods | MP3 or WAV (BWF) |
| Recording Bit Rate |
WAV: 16 or 24 bit MP3: 96 to 320kbps |
| Sampling Frequency |
WAV: 44.1/48/88.2/96kHz MP3: 44.1/48kHz |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Frequency Response | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Dynamic Range | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Inputs |
2 x 1/4" TRS Phone Jacks (Mic/Line, Balanced) 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Mini 5V Electret Mic In 1 x Coaxial S/PDIF Digital In |
| Output |
2 x RCA Phono Jacks (L/R, Line) 1 x 3.5mm Stereo Mini Headphone Out 1 x USB Port |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 7.4 x 6.9 x 2.2" (187 x 175 x 55mm)(Boxed) |
| Weight | 1.1 lbs (0.5kg)(Boxed) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 35 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
82%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (28)
- Versatile (20)
- Excellent sound (19)
- Low distortion (13)
- Good power output (8)
Cons
- Poor quality construction (3)
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (24)
- Outdoor events / games (16)
- Performances (15)
- Professional recording (14)
- Home studio (10)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (27), Novice (4)
Most Liked Positive Review
Nice, straghtforward product
I appreciate the simple menu layout and easy-to-use buttons and controls on this recorder. I recorded using the supplied "T" microphone and found the results acceptable. I also experimented with an Audio...Read complete review
I appreciate the simple menu layout and easy-to-use buttons and controls on this recorder. I recorded using the supplied "T" microphone and found the results acceptable. I also experimented with an Audio Technica ATM31, a Rode Videomic, and a Sennheiser e835. The Audio Technica and Sennheiser did not have enough output on their own to provide a good recording. However, matched with the M-Audio Audio Buddy preamp, the results with these mics were excellent. I then tried the Rode Videomic. The Rode Videomic plugs directly into the 1/8" input on the Microtrack II and sounds wonderful as is with no preamp needed. So, the Microtrack II gives very good results depending on the mic and preamp configuration that is used with it. Using low-output mics and no preamp, the results may be disappointing.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Good overall BUT VERY NOISY PREAMPS !
I intended to use it to record lectures.
Had a lot of experience in lecture Recordings, by various models of Sony MDs/Hi-MDs.
Had good experience with M-Audio gear: soun...Read complete review
I intended to use it to record lectures.
Had a lot of experience in lecture Recordings, by various models of Sony MDs/Hi-MDs.
Had good experience with M-Audio gear: sound cards and dmp-3 preamp.
Read good reviews on the previous model (MT2496).
Hoped to achieve by MicroTrack2 vs old MDs:
*The much easier transfers 2 PC via file drag & drop.
*The extended flash card capacity.
*Didn't expect quality drop in comparison to MD.
MicroTrack2 has nice looks and good handle, to my taste.
But at my first entrance to record mode, I was quite shocked by the very noticeable loud 'Hiss', 50%-100% at the mic gain level scale.
Tried to switch mics (dynamic/condenser)
Tried to switch cables,
Tried both 1/8" and 1/4" inputs,
With/without phantom,
Tested another MicroTrack2 unit,
nothing helped.
Sorry, but this loud 'hiss' makes un-acceptable recordings, Especially if you're going to compress the WAV later (like I do with most my stuff).
This is not just some little 'glitch' or firmware fix problem,
but a major flaw in record quality.
Maybe an outboard Preamp would help get quieter mic signal,
but I've bought the MicroTrack2 as a descent standalone.
It's NOT ! ...
I hope someone from M-Audio tech sees this...
I'm disappointed, and would like to return it...
The sad thing is that another 4 people bought it according to my recommendation. Got same criticizm from them too...
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 35 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
Don't touch with a bargepole. Poor construction with intermittent faults and very poor battery life assuming you get the charger to work - mine only does once in every three attempts. Off/on fails regularly then mysteriously starts working again for another 3 or four attempts.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Battery life not so good
- Occasionally freezes up
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
Clean sound, EASY to transfer into computer, and easy to figure out.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
Amazing!!! it works perfectly. Thanks B&H. You made my Christmas Day!!!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I used this for radio work - the inputs are good, there's phantom power to run condenser mics, it's very easy to use. My only caveat is the internal battery - I've never run out of juice, but it would be a drag if I did. (You can still plug it into an outlet, if need be.)
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
- Battery replacement
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
The Micro Track II is professional quality, low noise, handles professional microphones needing 48 volt phantom power and even the little stereo mic that comes with it is quite good. You can go up to 24 bit recording and it has a limiter you can turn on to keep it out of clipping. The circuitry seems to have very low noise. The unit is quiet. I have used one for several years now and have not had to send it in for a new battery yet. The rechargeable batter is not consumer replaceable.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I bought one and the internal battery never did well. The battery was never able to take full charge. If you live in Brazil and buy one in USA there is no possibility to change the internal battery to a cheap cost in Brazil. Avoid. Avoid. Avoid. Product made in China is unreliable.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- Needs cable attachements
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I needed a good simple audio recording device for film and video shoots. I bought it because it had good audio sample rates and it looked like it kept its operations easy to use. It is living up to what I expected from it. Easy, simple to use, with good audio. Though I wish it had a tripod attachment and/or cable clips so that it didn't put a lot of strain on the 1/4" mic inputs.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
i like it. i wish it had fiber optic. [...]
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Hard 2 control distortion
- Small screen
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Interviews
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I am a Dj and I use this device to record my live mixes. So far I am very happy with it and I have no complaains whatsoever. I have a 2gb card and I can record more that 3hrs in .wav format and more than 14 hrs in 320kbps .mp3 format. The setup is fairly easy if you read the instructions which are very clear. Can't say anything about battery since i use it plugged into an outlet. The only thing is that the screen is small but that doesn't bother me...I recommend it highly.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- Unreliable
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
This recorder is beautifully designed for use in the field. Learning how to use it is a no- brainer and the included external mic makes a fantastic recording (in relatively low- volume situations, that is). Internally, it is very finicky and tends to freeze up while recording. Of course, once it freezes, everything you were recording at the time is lost forever.
I'm on my second Microtrack II. The first one, which I purchased last year, lasted 9 months before it completely died. I'm hoping that this one lasts longer, but just to be safe I purchased an replacement warranty for it. That's what prevented me from taking a financial bath with my last unit.
I'd have no problem giving the Microtrack II a full 5 stars if I were confident that it had a long lifespan.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
This is a simple plug and play recorder. Anybody with any use for a easy, true sounding voice recording needs this unit.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- Need CF card
Best Uses
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
Easy to use, clear sound, just wish it came with a CF card or an internal hard drive
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I bought this specifically because it had an S/PDIF input and I am working with a Sony mixer with an S/PDIF output, so I don't have to go back and forth between analog and digital. It is the only recorder that I could find in it's size and price range with a digital input. It sounds great and is intuitive, functionally. My only real complaint is that the battery pack isn't removable. That is a major design flaw if you want to do long recording sessions in the field, but the work around is to but a USB battery pack as well and just remember to charge both up. I would also have been happier if it had XLR inputs.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
easy to use, headphone monitor and visual monitors were good.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
- Very Affordable
Cons
Best Uses
- Performances
- Professional Recording
- Video or Film tracks
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
The MicroTrack II is the most amazing 2 track Stereo Recorder on the market today. It is easy to figure out right away and it sounds Great. even with the Stereo condenser mic that came with it.
You can also plug your favorite mics in if you want but no need. The Tiny Stereo Mic rivals the best mikes you could plug in to this jewel. I just want to record every gig I do, in Broadcast Quality. This is what has taken the place of a $10,000.00 Nagras we used in the 80's.
The fact that it can record 24 bit-96khz is Awesome. I think M-Audio is the best micro pro recorder made, no doubt. It's an exiting piece of technology! Right on M-Audio. I am a fan of all thir stuff but this blows my mind,, at a price you can't pass up. a Must Have!!! 5 star!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I used 2 MicroTrack IIs while filming a documentary in South Korea. They were invaluable tools -- lightweight, they could be set up right next to the camera to get separate audio tracks. They performed well, had reasonable battery life, and the replaceable CF cards mean they're always ready to go.
Missing is a tripod mount which would have made things hugely more convenient. They have a durable carry case but it is not the same. They sustained several drops from 3-4 feet without serious injury.
Lack of a replaceable battery is sometimes problematic. They require either the AC charger or USB cable connected to a computer, or an external battery pack for any longer use than a few hours.
Overall, this is an excellent product and the sound recording is extremely good. It is easy to use, reliable, and very lightweight. Despite the small issues listed above, the MicroTrack II is a great tool for amateurs and professionals and I would recommend it without hesitation.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- No batteries must charge
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Field recording
- Home Studio
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I've used this recorder in my electronic music class and decided to buy one for myself. This was the best price that I found. It's a little bit of a bummer that you have to plug it in to charge it, but Energizer sells a mini-USB charger that takes to AA batteries that you can use if you're in the field and run out of juice. Overall, it's a handy little piece of equipment at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
it's perfect for field recording
the biggest surprise is how light weight it is
I don't like that the CF card is exposed but the case is nice
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I would have not given any stars if I could. Ours is a little over a year old. We have had to send it back to manufacturer after using it for only four days, as it just locked up and stopped working. They took forever to return it to us. Now it is locked up again. I would not recommend this to anyone.
Pros
Cons
- It's doesn't work
Best Uses
- Never
Comments about M-Audio MicroTrack II - Professional 2-Channel Mobile Digital Audio Recorder:
I bought this for pro-recordings. So now i would like return it to seller. Because it was freeze every time when i try to make record. I found a big thread about this problem in M-Audio forum: [@] problem with firmware never fixed...
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Media
Required item:
- Price: $16.99
Cables
- Price: $10.39
Headphones
- Price: $119.88
Software
- Price: $149.00
This item must be downloaded from the manufacturer's website. An authorization code will be emailed to you within 48 hours after purchase.
What's in the Box
- Stereo Electret Condenser Microphone
- Power Supply
- Editing and File Conversion Software
- 3.5mm Stereo Extension Cable with Lapel Clip
- USB Cable
- Carrying Pouch
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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