Zoom Announces MicTrak M2, M3, and M4 32-Bit Float Recorder/Microphones

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The holiday season is off to a great start for content creators, with the introduction of Zoom’s latest innovation in portable recording, the MicTrak line of microphones/recorders for filmmaking, run-and-gun video, livestreaming, and podcasting. Three recorders/mics are available: Borrowing from the ultimate, take-anywhere Handy H1n recorder, the M2 MicTrak 2-track recorder and M4 MicTrak 4-track recorder (each with X/Y microphones) retain the sleek, pocket-size form factor of the original but with an updated design resembling a handheld microphone. Meanwhile, the M3 MicTrak is a mono/stereo shotgun-mic/recorder that offers a brand new, lightweight, on-camera design.

The exciting part is that all three units integrate professional features found on F-Series field recorders, including 32-bit float recording, high SPL up to 135 dB, and dual AD converters so you can forget about clipping and be free from the responsibility of adjusting gain.

M4 MicTrak 4-Track Portable Recorder with Onboard X/Y Microphone, Two XLR-1/4" Inputs, and Timecode Generator

With its all-new mic-capsule design and 32-bit float technology, this innovative, compact recorder provides 4 tracks of pristine, clip-free audio (X/Y capsule + two XLR inputs). A large, full-color LCD display makes the M4 easy to operate, even under bright sunlight. The recorder also comes with two XLR-combo mic/line inputs (with 48v phantom power) and a built-in timecode generator for easy syncing to video—great for filmmakers and musicians alike. Notable features include:

  • High 135 dB SPL to capture the loudest sounds

  • Dual AD converters

  • Two XLR-1/4" TRS combo mic/line inputs with 48V phantom power

  • 3.5mm TRS external-mic input for lavalier

  • 3.5mm timecode I/O—23.976ND to 30D frame rates, ±0.2 ppm precision

  • Recording at up to 192 kHz /32-bit resolution

  • Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 4

  • BWF and iXML files

  • Record from 64 GB to 1 TB on a microSDXC card

  • 4-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface: 24-bit/32-bit float, 48 kHz

  • 1.54" full-color, backlit LCD

  • Headphone jack

  • Built-in speaker

  • Power options: 4 AA batteries (up to 18 hours), AC adapter, USB power

M2 MicTrak 2-Track Portable Recorder with Onboard X/Y Microphone

Also featuring an all-new mic-capsule design and 32-bit float technology, the M2 MicTrak makes it possible for videographers of any skill to capture clean-sounding recordings in one take. The recorder provides two tracks of high-quality, distortion-free audio from the cardioid X/Y capsule. Other features include:

  • High 135 dB SPL

  • Dual AD converters

  • Recording at up to 96 kHz /32-bit resolution

  • Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 2

  • BWF and iXML files

  • Record from 64 GB to 1 TB on a microSDXC card

  • 2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface: 24-bit/32-bit float, 48 kHz

  • Backlit LCD display

  • Headphone jack

  • Built-in speaker

  • Power options: 2 AA batteries (up to 11 hours), AC adapter, USB power

M3 MicTrak 4-Track Camera-Mount Recorder with Shotgun Microphone

The M3 MicTrak on-camera, shotgun microphone/recorder also records in 32-bit float, ensuring you capture clean audio every shoot. The M3 features a supercardioid capsule and has a selectable mono/mid-side stereo pickup pattern that allows you to control the precision and ambiance of your recording. The unit is equipped with a line out to send audio directly to your camera’s 3.5mm input. A rugged shockmount enables you to securely attach the M3 to your camera. Additional features include:

  • Up to 132 dB SPL

  • Dual AD converters

  • Recording at up to 48 kHz /32-bit resolution

  • Maximum simultaneous recording tracks: 4 (Stereo + MS RAW)

  • BWF files

  • Record from 64 GB to 1 TB on a microSDXC card

  • 2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface: 24-bit/48 kHz

  • 3.5mm output to camera

  • Headphone jack

  • Power options: 2 AA batteries (up to 12 hours), AC adapter, USB power

  • Shockmount

  • Foam windscreen

If you think these feature-packed, portable recorders belong in your gear bag, let us know in the Comments section, below. And, if you have any questions, please call us, chat with us online, read more on our website, or be sure to come visit us at our B&H SuperStore.

4 Comments

Super interesting.  You really don’t set levels with these? That is difficult for me to grasp. 

 

if I wanted to mail one of these to a remote interview subject which would be easier for them to use? The M2 or M3?

I'd suggest the Zoom H1n as compact and affordable.

Hi Steve - 



I recommend the Zoom M2 MicTrak Stereo Microphone and Recorder B&H # ZOZM2 

Key Features:

  • All-in-One X/Y Microphone and Recorder
  • For Reporting, Podcasts, Audio for Video
  • 2-Channel Stereo Recording
  • 44.1/48/96 kHz / 32-Bit Floating Point
  • Cardioid Pickup Pattern
  • 3.5mm Headphone Output, Mono Speaker
  • microSDHC/microSDXC Compatible
  • Built-In Backlit LCD Display
  • AA Battery Power or USB-C Bus Power

Hi Steve, thanks for commenting, and yes, no gain adjustment is needed (or even possible), no matter how loud or soft the sound you're recording is. With 32-bit float recording, high SPL up to 135 dB, and dual AD converters the recorder won't/can't clip - you've got to hear it to believe it! This is not new for Zoom. The company has already used that technology on their F-Series line of professional field recorders. 

If it's in your budget, I suggest you get the M2 because it offers huge improvements both in sound quality and ease of use over the excellent and more budget-friendly H1n. The M3 is designed for situations when you want your mic/audio recorder mounted on your camera. Remember that the closer to the the person speaking you are able to position your mic/recorder, the clearer the sound!