Microtrack is updating its popular hand-held recorder, the Microtrack
Message: 2496.
Subject: The new model will be called the Microtrack II.
Delivery of the Microtrack II is expected to start this Fall, possibly
by end of October. Pre-release pricing on the Markertek and Full
Compass web sites is below $300, but we won't know for sure until
delivery of the new model starts.
The Microtrack II offers improvements in several areas:
Auto-starts a new file when file size reaches 2GB
....original just stopped at 2GB
Adds BWF file format
....others are WAV and MP3
Includes ability to add markers to BWF files
Provides 48V phantom power
....earlier version could provide ~30V
Adds "extended" input gain range
....no other claims are made about the preamp
New analog input limiter with bypass
....no details provided
New "hibernation" mode to save power
Adds a built-in CompactFlash card speed test
The Microtrack II retains the features that made the original model
popular. The Microtrack II still records WAV up to 24/96, still uses
Compactflash as storage medium, and continues to use the same physical
layout as the original Microtrack 2496.
Not as popular, the Microtrack II continues to employ a lithium-ion
battery that is not field replaceable. The battery powers the
Microtrack for 3-4 hours before it's depleted. External power can be
provided through the Microtrack's USB port using a device like the $20
Energizer Energi-to-Go with USB cable.
For a hand-held device, the Microtrack is unusually flexible. It
offers two balanced 1/4" jacks for mic or line level input, a 1/8" TRS
input with 5V plug-in power, an RCA coaxial input for SPDIF digital
input, and a pair of analog RCA coax outputs.
--oryoki
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