Zoom have announced the launch of the MicTrak series, a new range of devices that each combine a stereo microphone with a 32-bit floating point field recorder, allowing users to capture audio in any situation without needing to worry about clipping.
M2 MicTrak
The M2 MicTrack employs an X/Y stereo pair of microphones suspended within a standard handheld microphone body. In addition to built-in shockmount functionality, the device also sports a high-gloss finish which serves to reduce handling noise.
Both stereo and mono recording modes are available, allowing the M2 to be deployed on a range of field recording tasks from capturing performances through to simple dialogue or interview duties. a monochrome display allows users to keep an eye on the device’s recording status, and it’s also possible to take listen to captured recordings thanks to a headphone output and built-in speaker.
The device records to 32-bit floating point BWF or iXML files, and supports 44.1, 48, and 96kHz sample rates. It is also capable of acting as an audio interface for PC, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, and when used in this manner will operate at 24-bit with a fixed 48kHz sample rate.
The M2 is powered by a pair of Aa batteries, which provide up to 11 hours of operation, and there is also an optional power supply. The device supports the use of microSDHC cards with a capacity of 4 to 32GB, as well as 64GB to 1TB microSDXC cards.
M3 MicTrak
Designed to be mounted on a camera, the M3 is a stereo shotgun microphone fitted in an elastic mount that helps to minimise the transmission of mechanical noise. a mono mode is available along with both 90 and 120° stereo modes, and in addition to standard left-right operation the device also offers support for mid-side recording, providing users with the flexibility of adjusting the stereo width of their recordings during post-production.
Helpfully, in addition to its built-in recording functionality, a 3.5mm TRS output allows the M3’s stereo output to be recorded to a camera as a backup.
The M3 is powered by a pair of Aa batteries, which allow the device to provide up to 12 hours of recording time. Once again, microSDHC cards with a capacity of 4 to 32GB are supported, as well as 64GB to 1TB microSDXC cards.
As with the M2, the M3 is also capable of acting as an audio interface for a PC or Mac, and will retain its 32-bit functionality, although still with a fixed sample rate of 48kHz.
M4 MicTrak
The largest device in the range, the M4, once again features an X/Y stereo pair of microphones suspended within a handheld body, but adds a second pair of inputs presented on XLR/TRS combo sockets, as well as a timecode generator which provides synchronisation capabilities when working with video equipment. The unit also features a Pre-record function, which will capture and store audio from six seconds prior to the Record button being pressed.
The two inputs utilise the same microphone preamps found in Zoom’s F-Series recorders, and a pair of 3.5mm TRS sockets offer both a headphone output as well as a line-level output to send a feed to either a camera or backup recording device. As with the M2, a built-in speaker is provided for quick listening checks.
The M4 can be powered by an optional power supply, or by four Aa batteries which will provide 18 hours of recording time. As with the other models in the range, microSDHC cards with a capacity of 4 to 32GB are supported, as well as 64GB to 1TB microSDXC cards.
The device records to 32-bit floating point files, but offers a wider range of sample rates than the M2 and M3, with 44.1 47.952, 48, 48.048, 96, and 192kHz options all available. When acting as an audio interface for a PC or Mac, the M4 will retain its 32-bit functionality, and will operate at a fixed sample rate of 48kHz.
Pricing & Availability
All three MicTrak models will be available in December 2022, with pricing as follows:
- M2 MicTrak - £234 including VAT / €272.51
- M3 MicTrak - £234 including VAT / €272.51
- M4 MicTrak - £468 including VAT / €546.21
