m-audio microtrack 24/96 question

I have been following this thread and have another microtrack question. I don't own one, and have been looking at the diagrams on their website to try to figure out a very basic question. the "L" and "R" 1/4 in inputs confused me. I attached a diagram I did in photoshop to illustrate my question which is:

If I get an XLR to 1/4 stereo adaptor and plug into either the Mic/Line will I get stereo audio?
diagram.jpg
 
Very good detail there buddy.

To your question, No.
The reason why you cannot stick in a stereo TRS 1/4" into one and get a stereo recording is because each of the inserts are mono. The Microtrack is a 2-channel recorder. So each of the 1/4" inserts are mono. If you do want stereo recording, you either start with a stereo microphone or have 2 separate microphones. Each of the microphone channels are then inserted into the individual 1/4" inserts.
 
notthere,

The TRS 1/4" jacks are balanced, and have 3 conductors. They are mono, not stereo.

Additionally a "stereo" recording is only useful if you have at least 2 discrete sources. No matter how many tracks you record on with a single microphone, it is mono.

To whomever is using this, if you have a mic with XLR you should be using the 1/4' TRS. There is no need for any sort of adapter, you can just wire yourself a cable.
 
For what it's worth too, the microcrapper doesn't even put out a true 48v phantom on the TRS inputs, it's something like 30v. That should be fine for most mics, but not all mics. Also, the minijack puts out 5v of plugin power, which is more than your typical 1.5v, but it sure ain't phantom levels, nor is it wired appropriately for that use. It is pretty much certain that this problem relates to using the minijack in. Just go get a F-XLR to 1/4" TRS and it'll probably work fine.
 
Love the diagram. More people should use those when asking questions. Makes it so much easier, and enjoyable, to answer :) Your subject looks drunk or stoned or something.

The Microtrack has several issue that makes it a huge disappointment to many. The new Edirol R-9 OTOH has been getting very positive feedback. It does not have any phantom power but you velcro to a Mixpre and you have yourself a pretty sweet ultra compact stereo recorder with great pre-amps. Throw in replaceable batteries (rechargable nimh AA getting around 7 hours continuous recording) and a $50 less price tag makes it a far better deal then the Microtrack IMHO.

Something to consider if you are in the market

Cheers
 
wabbit said:
The Microtrack has several issue that makes it a huge disappointment to many.

Cheers
Click to expand...

I own the M-Audio and the only real downsides I have found is I can't monitor the audio without actually recording. I have to press record to test my levels. Other than that it would be nice if they put it in an aluminum jacket and had 48 volts phantom.

What are the major benefits the Edoral has over the Microtrack in your eyes wabbit?

Also is this the way he is getting bad audio? If so what is the purpose of this cable? If not disregaurd my questions below.
SP-XLRF3-MINI-2.jpg


Reason I ask is because I have the Sennheiser wireless XLR transmitter plugged directly into the back of the same Audio Technica mic and my G2 receiver plugged into the Microtrack and I get a clean signal. So what is the difference with just taking out the wireless setup and going straight from the XLR to the 1/8" plug on the Microtrack. What does the wireless setup do to the signal that makes my setup with the XLR -to- Wireless -to- Microtrack work? Note: I have not tested the cable above, my question is hypothetical since it sounds like this is the way the thread owner has his setup.

-Kevin (Audio Noob)

Tainted thanks for the link...
 
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Usable meters and replaceable batteries.

Professional gear needs power that quit on you after several hours. What is the lifespan on the Microtracks batteries, like 4 to 5 hours with phantom power. What do you do then?

For other purposes the Microtrack could work just fine. If someone gave me one I could certainly find a use for it but otherwise I see the Edirol as a better choice but even Edirol could be way better but maybe not for that price.

Cheers
 
Thanks Ty,

I have been reading quite a bit since I posted my question. It seems as though it has peaking issues as well...something about attenuation...still reading...

Yeah, the battery life just sucks. I use the microtrack for a backup audio source for weddings where they don't allow me to use my wireless setup and some foley work on other projects. I have yet to invest in a good mixer or really good mics. The cool thing about buying good audio gear is it keeps it's value way longer than any video camera.

I was weighing my options and It was either Sony's I-river MD recorders(crap) the Edirol or the Microtrack. In retrospect I think you get what you pay for and to me the most important thing was the best quality I could get in a device that would fit in a back pocket.

Thanks for the response

-Kevin

...looks like you are local. If I need any prof audio before I get setup myself I'll look you up.
 
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