Specifications

M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 Review
file:///D|/Sonicweb%20Dreamweaver%20Edition_Recent/mt2496rv.htm[4/3/2010 1:08:52 PM]
slow. Is Microtrack's one feature
needing improvement. With firmware
version 1.2.0 and later (latest is v1.4.5),
there's far less feeling of being 'out-of-
touch' with recording dynamics.
The peak indicator response has been
improved to to show faster peaks, and
holds the peak reading for sufficiently
long time for easy reading. However,
average 'filled bar' indication while
slightly improved, still seems too slow. VU indications still need to update at least 3 times faster for a
more professional VU 'feel'.
Add dB scale
to the MT 24/96
VU
Yes, it's disappointing
M-Audio omitted a dB
VU scale. While not
fatal, most find dB
marked VU scale is at
least helpful to gage
needed headroom for
avoiding clipping, and
adjusting for adequate recording levels.
(NEXT TIP
)
Practical adhesive label showing the
missing dB scale markings is FREE if
lucky and/or having courage for accepting
challenges requiring hand-eye-brain
coordination.
If lucky to have Brother 300dpi USB connected TZ label
printer, and want to print this label yourself and for others,
then HERE
is the design file for free download, compliments
of Sonic Studios.
For those not so lucky with having the printer, but
in US or Canada, and still wanting the challenge of applying
a much needed very tiny label, get the
FREE 3-line
printed label (as shown on the right) by
sending #10 or smaller self-addressed -postage paid envelope, to: Sonic Studios,
DB LABEL OFFER, 1311 Sunny CT., Sutherlin, OR 97479 (USA)
NOTE: Label requests arriving without addressed envelope and/or full 1st Class postage will be vaporized!
The MicroTrack 24/96/96 deck has two types of microphone inputs, with one serving also as LINE input.
The first input is consumer 'mini-deck-typical' 3.5mm stereo jack, limited with ONLY two mic gain settings ("L" and
"M or H").
The second input is for professional dual 1/4" balanced TRS plugs serving up one LINE level setting ("L"), and 5 mic
gain selections ("M", "H", and +27 dB boosted "L","M", "H").
Chart is analog gain settings; 8-10 dB gain jumps with each successive combination; rebooting may be necessary after switch adjustments or until firmware fixes faults
INPUT
L/M/H
SWITCH
SETTING
REC LEVEL
ADJUSTMENT
SETTING (1)
dBv
DECIBELS
INPUT
RMS
VOLTS
INPUT
The MicroTrack 24/96 has two REC Level adjustment up-down buttons that can be
selected to independently, or ganged together (stereo mode) adjust the recording level as
displayed on the VU indication bar. However, the REC level adjustment is different from
the usual, it is actually a GAIN control with ONLY 12 dB of adjustment range.
In other words, the recording LEVEL adjustment is actually a 'fine gain adjustment' with
unexpected limited range adding 12 dB adjustment to choice of (L/M/H) gain switch. There
is NO ZERO (full down)or 'no-signal-adjust-to-setting' like usually found in recorders
with real mechanical type knob or digital up-down buttons.
However, although at first awkward, this scheme does work, and allows a continuous( -54 to
+3 dB) input signal range ability.,
The limited 12 dB up-down REC level adjustment in concert with the 8-10 dB stepped
L/M/H switch does give the MicroTrack a continuous wide (TRS) input range and seems a
definite plus or strength to balance the more complex gain selection process for controlling
REC levels.
In contrast, the minijack input is simply gain limited to mostly work with higher signal
output electret condenser microphones mics, but not as compatible with dynamic or lower
output DSM mics.
The Microtrack's low/medium/boosted dual TRS inputs are adequate for most types of
microphones, and is clean for moderate 1-2 volt RMS professional type LINE input levels.
An attenuation pad may be needed for professional mixing boards, external preamplifiers,
and directly connected externally powered 48-100 volt condenser mics.
Newest, firmware 1.2.0 eliminates the need for stopping the recording in any way with
every change of the L/M/H switch setting! So unless the HOLD is actuated, recordists can
switch input sensitivity on-the-fly while recording. MicroTrack now has ability to allow
REC level VU indications while in REC Pause mode.
For 0 dB VU full
scale
3.5mm
JACK
L
MINIMUM
SETTING*
-13.3 166 mv
M, H -25.2 42.5 mv
DUAL
1/4"
TRS
JACKS
L (Line) MINIMUM
SETTING*
(full at left
indication)
+3.2 1.12 v
M -5.6 410 mv
H -14.3 150 mv
1/4"
TRS
with +27
dB
boost
L
MINIMUM
SETTING*
(full at left
indication)
-23 52.6 mv
M -32 18.5 mv
H -41 6.6 mv
*(1) NOTES: dBv = dBm = 0.775 volt RMS = 0 dB
reference level.. REC level adjustment is set full left
(at minimum). The signal now has 12 dB less
(recording) gain than if the REC level adjustment is
set 'full-up' where 12 dB MORE signal sensitivity
than shown in the chart is possible.
Example: Chart indicates 3.5mm jack's most sensitive setting is
"M (or H") with -25.2 dB (42.5 mv) needed to produce full
scale VU. Since REC Level adjustment is at minimum for this
measurement, anything LESS than 42.5 mv is OK to input and
NOT OVERLOAD CLIP DISTORT. A STRONGER signal will
require setting change to "L" for 8-10 dB of required headroom
margin. REC adjustment may then increase up to 12 dB of
additional gain as often necessary when VU indication
(recording audio signal) shows too low.
Microtrack 24/96 topside
controls buttons are a good
size, and easy to find and
When Microtrack 24/96 topside button
controls are pressed (actuated), they also
produce a (pure mechanical) LOUD click
Many of the better mics used for
stereo-surround recording are
very good at documenting 'click-