Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

The device so far is great. However, I can't use it because the Touch app that is required, or so far is required, is not available for download on iTunes. It shows up when searched for, but unless they're updating it, there is no file attached to the download button. Just a heads up.

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

It's a cool gadget but i don't recommend it for professional use. Functionality is not very workflow friendly, considering that you have to use wifi in order to extract audio (I used an ipod touch). Listening to the headphones connected to the device i heard alot of noise. It does not come with it's own recording app for the itouch, you have to buy it separately. Also, if you haven't upgraded your itouch to the latest software you will need to do so. Took me awhile just to get the device up and running.

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

I have used the Alesis ProTrack almost daily. I make sound libraries and record bands at live events. I love the sound quality and portability. I use this with my iPhone, let me say this, not having to bring a laptop to handle the motions of the interface is a dream. I also can't recommend enough the iProRecorder Premier Voice and Music recording app (a price tag of $3.99 at the time of this posting created by Bias, Inc from the iTunes app store) is the best all around tool for pairing with this device and is even recommended by Bias, Inc for use with the Alesis Protrack. Now, a little of the bad: I was disappointed in the quality of the plastic, especially when putting new batteries in, feels very fragile. The gain adjustment knobs are a little temperamental to get right but a minor setback. Another gripe, I think it should have come with the iPod touch protective cover and $14 to buy it is ridiculous to me, so I used some oversized black O-rings to wrap around it at the top and bottom, and it allows me to keep my iPhone in it's protective case. One last thing, always keep your iPhone in airplane mode while recording and turn off wi-fi on the iPod touch or you will get bad interference. I have used both devices and it will happen if you don't. This is a great product for the field and I would still buy it again. note (Spend the extra money for Energizer Lithium batteries or a good triple set of rechargeable batteries.

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

I use it for on-location sound effects and b-roll. I use Iprorecorder on a 3g Ipod touch with the Alesis Protrack Recorder on phantom Pwr. with both a shotgun and lavalier running simulateously into the unit. I edit on-location with a Macbook Pro 2.26GDCP. I get phenomenally clear sound.
I hear many consumers complain that they hear inclusions or distortions in the high quality settings. This happens because the wireless system on the ipod causes a slight interference with attached equipment, such as professional mics and mixers. This only happens when the ipod attempts to access a new network during recording. Users should turn off wireless functions when recording Professional sound.

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

I bought this but wasn't quite sure it would work with my iPhone 3G. Alesis makes no mention of it on their website, and the B&H technical review only mentions 3G at the end almost as an afterthought. So I gambled and I'm glad I did. This works great with the iPhone 3G. Yes, you need a recorder app, and I use "Recorder" which is $.99 cents. This allows for high quality, uncompressed, 16-bit 44.1khz sound recordings. In other words, CD-quality audio.

You will probably want to purchase, separately, the iPhone plastic sled which protects your iPhone while its in place, but its not absolutely necessary. You can purchase this from Alesis direct, I don't think B&H carries it.

The buttons on this unit are a little wobbly. They're cheap plastic, but at the <$150 price point, that's OK. I needed XLR inputs into my iPhone, and now I got it! The unit also does input-level metering (iPhone does not support input level metering on its own) and without this feature the unit would be worthless.

Sound quality is fantastic! I hooked it up to my Azden shotgun microphone and the sound quality is indistinguishable from using the mic in on my video camera.

I'm using this with my D90 DSLR and run dual-system sound; I sync in post.

It has an AC adapter so I can plug in if I want to (on set) and they offer a wealth of switches on both sides:

Phantom power
iPhone charger
Mic limiter (was not happy with this)
Mono/Stereo recording
On/Off switch (to save battery life)

There are two on-unit microphones arranged in a XY pattern, but I don't plan on using these, so I won't comment.

This unit is light, cheap, portable and does everything I need it to do. Pop in 4AAA batteries, slot in your iPhone, hook it up to a shotgun or lav mic and you are in business!

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

Great device. Although the built in mikes are a tad noisy, the ProTrack works as advertised. I took it into a concert and made decent recordings of the performance. External mikes make very good recordings. There's a bit of manipulation in itunes afterward to rename the voice files, but there's no other device for recording directly to an iPod that's so portable. The price at B&H was $50 less than other sites and included a $20 rebate for a total cost of [$]--great--danny

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

The unit that was supposed to work with my Ipod Touch produced crackling noises in the recording. Alesis replaced it with another that had the same problem. The unit was shipped without the cover for the Ipod Touch pictured on the Alesis website. When I called them about it they tried to charge me for it. I spoke with many people at Alesis and the right hand did not know what the left hand was doing. Too many conflicting stories. Not enough testing. I sent the unit back for a refund and never want to deal with Alesis again!

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

Works great and the quality of the sound is excellent. Has saved the day with a back up of a lost song many a time.

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

I use this to record my personal practice sessions. It is easy to use and the recordings are high quality. It takes advantage of you iPod (check to make sure your model is supported) so you are not paying for storage making this an excellent deal

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

I have returned to my musical roots, so I was looking for a recording system to tape my licks. About the same time, I won an iPod Classic in a lottery. I spotted this in a music gear catalog and decided to try it.
I've used it to record myself and others live through the built in mics, my guitar and voice through my pre-amp and external mic, and even done a little mixing and dubbing. It all sounds great; I wish my voice did!
Until this weekend, I thought the limitations of the wave file recording/playback were going to be a handicap, but I discovered how to preset the conversion (with volume improvement) in the iTunes software, so that's no longer a problem for me. There is a bit of hiss when I use only one jack and forget to switch to mono, so I guess there is no internal override. And of course, in portable mode, it eats batteries, so I mostly use it plugged in.
With it, my "free" iPod, and my cheapo mixer, I have my own home recording studio for nearly nothing. And my family is blessed with my unique song stylings.

Comments about Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Audio Recorder for iPod:

I bought this for a trip to Sierra Leone because it gave me XLR inputs and uncompressed recording in a compact package. The problem comes when you try to use it with an iPod Touch, which can't operate in disk mode. It requires a WiFi connection to transfer files to the computer. I ended up buying a Nano, which gives me drag-and-drop capabilities, but I'd really rather use the Touch. There are several good recorder apps with more flexibility than the Nano's Voice Memos.

As far as build quality, it's pretty decent; on par with the Marantz PDM660.

The interface isn't elegant, but the controls are easy to figure out and easy to use.

Battery life seems average for this kind of device, and being able to charge the iPod is good in a pinch. I just wish there was a little bit more documentation with the unit.