Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Sorry Librado, I couldn't wait for your follow-up...
I bought the ProTrack for use exclusively with my 3G iPhone, and it works like a charm! As the previous reviewer indicated, yes, you will need to buy a recorder app, since the iPod application that comes with iPhone OS does not have the automatic voice memo feature that previous click-wheel iPods do. I'm using AudioFile Engineering's FiRe app (short for "Field Recorder", I guess), and it works with none of the hassles that the previous reviewer identified in the BIAS app. In addition to two more graphical sound level meters (which are better than the LED's on the actual unit, IMO), FiRe also gives you a real time waveform display, three sample rates, and the ability to reposition the playhead. In fact, I actually learned about the Alesis ProTrack from AudioFile Engineering's recommendation.
***THERE IS A CATCH, HOWEVER*** if you're going to use this device with an iPhone: Alesis did not include a cover that will fit the iPhone. Besides protecting it from scratches, the cover serves to secure the iPod in the sled, and locks in place. Without the cover, your iPhone is held in place only by the strength of the dock connector. It may not be everyone's aesthetic cup of tea, but a rubber band wrapped around the top of the phone and the ProTrack solves this perfectly. Just be aware of that before you buy.
As for build quality, the chassis is all plastic, and mostly hollow, transmitting a fair amount of handling noise while recording at higher gain settings. Otherwise, I have no complaints about the placement of switches.
Next, I'm going to score some XLR shotgun mics and see how well it does with phantom power.
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Alesis ProTrack Handheld Stereo Recorder for iPodCapture live sound directly on your Apple iPod anywhere and anytime without a single cable with the Alesis ProTrack. Just dock your iPod and cover it with the protective clear shield, and you're ready to roll. You can record detailed, 16-bit, 44.1kHz or 22kHz stereo digital audio without connecting any additional equipment using ProTrack's onboard pair of cardioid condenser microphones. The on-board mics are fixed in XY configuration for optimal stereo imaging.
The ProTrack also has a pair of combo XLR-1/4-inch inputs enabling you to connect any professional sound source, including condenser and dynamic microphones and mixer outputs. Whether you are running on plug-in or battery power, ProTrack supplies 48V phantom power to its inputs for operation with external condenser microphones.
You can monitor or play back recordings on the 1/8-inch stereo-headphone output and check the LED-level metering for instant visual indication, even in a dark club. ProTrack records on four AAA batteries or AC power using the included adapter. A 1/4-inch/20-threaded mounting point enables you to mount ProTrack on a mic stand with the optional ProTrack Adapter, on a table with the optional ProTrack Tripod table stand, or on a camera tripod for hands-free tracking.
If you have an iPod touch, you can purchase and download the iProRecorder app from the iTunes App Store.
Key Features
Sleek design with clear, protective covers, integrates iPod
Combo XLR-1/4-inch inputs for connecting mics, mixers, and more
Stereo 1/8" headphone output
48V phantom power for use with external condenser mics
Records 16-bit, 44.1kHz or 22kHz stereo digital audio
Onboard stereo condenser microphones for detailed pickup
Built-in mics in XY configuration for accurate stereo image
Switchable limiter ensures overload-free recordings
AC/DC operation on 4 AAA batteries or AC adapter (included)
Threaded mounting point for tabletop and floor-stand applications
Specifications
Analog Inputs: Two combination XLR-1/4-inch
Gain:
Internal Mic Inputs: +6dB to 49.3dB
External Inputs (XLR): +6dB to 49.3dB
External Inputs (1/4-inch): -11.3dB to +32dB
THD+N
2nd & 3rd Gen. iPod nano: 0.01% @ 92dB SNR A-weighted (charge off, min. gain)
5th Gen. iPod / iPod Classic: 0.014% @ 88dB SNR A-weighted (charge off, min. gain)
Digital Circuitry
Bit Depth: 16-bit
Sample Rates: 44.1kHz (high); 22.05kHz (low)
Main Outputs
Max Level: +0.3dBu Maximum
THD+N: < 0.01% @ 1kHz
Headphone Outputs: Max Level: 75∞ output impedance, 40mW into 32∞
Battery Life:
Without phantom power: > 3 hours
Using phantom power: > 2 hours
External Battery Pack Requirements:
6V DC 1A
2mm diameter (center pin); 5.5mm outside diameter
Wired as center positive
Weight (ProTrack only, without batteries or iPod): 8 ounces
Compatibility Notes* When a 3rd generation iPod is used with this product, the iPod will not charge. Although 3rd generation iPods feature dock connectors, these iPods communicate via FireWire, not USB (which is used on all newer iPods), making it impossible for many products with dock connectors to provide a charge to 3rd Generation iPods.
** You can record using a third-party recording application for iPod touch, such as iProRecorder.
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