The M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 is a handheld 24-Bit, 96 KHz two-channel digital audio recorder that records WAV and MP3 files to CompactFlash or microdrives. The MicroTrack records using balanced line inputs or built-in high-fidelity microphone preamps complete with phantom power.

Connect the MicroTrack 24/96 to a PC or Mac using USB and you can drag and drop recordings to your computer for immediate editing. MicroTrack is powered by lithium-ion batteries. You can record for around four to five hours on a single charge (or about three hours using phantom power). The cool thing is you can recharge the battery by connecting it to a PC or Mac via USB, or you can use an optional power supply.

M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 Features:

• 2-channel WAV and MP3 recording and playback
• Storage on CompactFlash or micro drives
• Immediate drag-and-drop file transfer to PC and Mac thru USB
• Separate left and right input level controls with signal and peak indicators
• Professional balanced 1/4" TRS inputs with mic/line switch
• Dual microphone preamps with phantom power
• 1/8" TRS input with 5V power for use with stereo electret microphone (microphone included)
• S/PDIF coaxial input for digital transfers
• Monitoring via RCA line outputs or 1/8" stereo headphone output
• Stereo output level control
• LCD for navigation and statistics
• Dedicated buttons for navigation, record, hold, pause, delete, menu, and power

The M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 can record high-resolution, uncompressed WAV files in both 16 and 24 bit formats at sample rates from 32 to 96 KS/s. It can also record MP3 files at 96 to 320 kbps.

The M-Audio MicroTrack 24/96 does have some issues. The interface is not so good. The tiny blue LCD screen is hard to read under any lighting, with tiny black type in very low contrast against a blue background. You also cannot monitor the input level before actually beginning recording; the only way to check the level is to press record and start recording a new track.

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