M-Audio introduced a new Compactflash recorder at a German audio show
in April. The device, called the Flash Tracker, is designed as a
hand-held field recorder, not an MP3 player. As a result, the two
channel recorder can provide 48v phantom power, and can digitize at
data rates up to 24/96. Other useful features include SPDIF digital
input (electrical via RCA jack, rather than optical) for connection to
a high quality pre-amp, and USB 2.0 for fast file transfers to a PC.
According to an M-Audio dealer, the Flash Tracker will be available in
July, and the price will be around $400. That price point was
probably chosen to compete with the Edirol R-1, a Compactflash
recorder with similar specs. The price also undercuts the new Marantz
PMD660.
Since nobody has hands-on experience with the Flash Tracker, it's
anyone's guess at this point how well it will perform as a field
recorder. M-Audio has a good track record producing reasonably-priced
audio products of decent quality, so this new device is worth checking
out.
You can see a photo of the M-Audio Flash Tracker here:
http://sonicstate.com/news/shownews.cfm?newsid=2137
Here's the link to Edirol's page about the R-1
http://www.edirol.com/products/info/r1.html
And here is Marantz's description of the PMD660
http://www.d-mpro.com/users/folder.asp?FolderID=3629
--oryoki
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