I've been doing some research on podcasting gear over the past month. I wanted to get something which was lightweight, portable, that would allow me to be able to podcast on the go. I didn't want to be tied to my laptop or need electricity to power up the gear.
Last week Roland Tanglao suggested that check out the M-AUDIO MicroTrack 24/96.
The MicroTrack is a rugged high-fidelity mobile 2-channel digital recorder that records WAV and MP3 files to CompactFlash or microdrives—perfect for everything from professional field recording to corporate meetings, training, education and worship. Record via balanced line inputs or built-in high-fidelity microphone preamps complete with phantom power for studio-quality microphones. Connect MicroTrack to a PC or Mac via USB and simply drag and drop recordings to your computer for immediate editing or Web posting. Power derives from a lithium-ion battery, and the unit can recharge via the computer’s USB connection or USB power adapter. The MicroTrack combines quality beyond that of DAT recording with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of personal digital recorders for the ultimate solution in mobile recording.
Our friend Dave Olsen also has one (He claim to have purchased the first one in Canada), and I got to try it today while I was visiting the Bryght boys and was sold on it instantly.
The device is well made, small, portable, uses CF cards and the sound quality is pretty good. Specially when combined with a good mic! I'm currently using a Shure SM 57.
Anyway, I have attached my first podcast of 2006, recorded using the new toy, I wont edit it, so you can judge the quality for yourself.
[Audio file originally attached here.]
I'll post a full review of the M-AUDIO MicroTrack 24/96 Professional Digital Recorder in a few weeks, once I've had a chance to play with it properly.