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Jon Chappell
06-17-2008, 08:49 AM
Someone in the rumors forum asked about the new handheld iPod recording device from Alesis. Here's the photo and press release.

http://jonchappell.com/hc/protrack.jpg

[from the press release]
ProTrack provides convenient, direct-to-iPod stereo digital recording to iPod in a portable, handheld form factor. Users can capture live audio anywhere and anytime with their iPod or iPod nano. ProTrack’s smart design integrates the iPod into the recorder, with included sleds to securely mount supported iPod models to the recorder.

Two high-quality condenser microphones are built-in, fixed in XY stereo configuration for high quality field recording. ProTrack also offers users a pair of combination XLR - 1/4-inch inputs for connection for external microphones and line sources. When running on plug-in power using the included AC adapter, ProTrack supplies 48V phantom power so that it can power condenser microphones.

ProTrack’s exterior contains a Universal Dock for iPod, LED signal indicators, and controls for 48V phantom power, limiter, and volume. Four AAA alkaline batteries provide four to five hours of operation. A threaded mount is integrated for tabletop use on a camera tripod.

Key features of ProTrack include:

• Integrated iPod design
• Records to iPod (Classic or 5th Generation), or iPod nano (2nd or 3rd Generation)
• Professional connectors: two combination XLR - 1/4-inch inputs, 1/8-inch stereo output
• Supplies 48V phantom power to inputs when wall-powered
• Records 16-Bit, 44.1kHz or 22kHz stereo
• Two built-in condenser microphones for detailed recording
• Built-in microphones in XY configuration for optimum stereo image
• Switchable limiter ensures overload-free recordings even in unpredictable aural situations
• AC power adapter included
• Four AAA batteries provide up to five hours of operation
• Tripod stand mount for placing into ideal recording conditions

ProTrack is ideal for capturing sound effects, recitals, jam sessions, speeches, interviews, rehearsals, performances, meetings, lectures, notes-to-self, or any other audio material directly to iPod. It will be available from pro audio dealers Q3-2008.
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MikeRivers
06-20-2008, 08:06 PM
Belkin showed a similar one (it was also at the Winter NAMM show, maybe earlier). I didn't compare them side by side but they have a lot of features in common, notably the XLR combo input connectors.

Phil O'Keefe
06-20-2008, 11:42 PM
Estimated MSRP?

MikeRivers
06-21-2008, 08:45 PM
Estimated MSRP?$199, the price of a Zoom H2. Curiously, it looks almost exactly like the Zoom H4.

I suspect that this will appeal to the folks who like to keep all of their music on an iPod and the rest of us (who don't) won't be interested. The idea of having 80 GB of storage appeals to me (a disk drive rather than flash memory is why I chose the Korg MR-1000 for my own portable recorder) but the idea that it's on an iPod is kind of scary.

Of course since it's using the recording capability of the iPod which is limited to 16-bit, anyone who thinks that 24-bit recording is always worth while will have to skip it.