Yamaha Pocketrak CX Portable Digital Recorder

Recording

Yamaha

Removable Media Recorders

SKU: YAMPOCKETRAKCX

If your recording needs demand the best possible sonic quality as well as unprecedented portability and convenience, the Yamaha Pocketrak CX may be just what you're looking for. This 92-gram all-in-one recorder will record or play for 50 hours on a single AA penlight battery, and deliver a level of sound quality that you can take to serious post production if necessary (Steinberg(R) Cubase AI4 audio workstation software is supplied). The built-in X-Y stereo microphone assembly is of outstanding quality, offering detailed spatial imaging without phase problems. The Pocketrak CX an ideal tool for recording band rehearsals, live performances, and any type of field recording that requires maximum reproduction quality.

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Reviews

Feature:
Records as it says it does. I didn't need phrase playback but would have appreciated the ability to overdub or jam along.

Quality:
Seemed fine.

Value:
Not especially stellar considering the sound quality offered.

Sound:
See overall comments below. Average using built in mics. Quite good with external plug-in mic.

Ease of Use:
Was cake simple to figure out.

Overall:
I auditioned this unit in comparison to the $100 less expensive Yamaha 2G which is very similar but with lower quality mics built in. Both function very similarly. I found the sound quality for spoken word to be great, and for acoustic jamming, also quite fine. For recording a live band in a practice space (my intended use) I found the cheaper 2G to be a tad compressed and "washed out" sounding with a not very extended high end. The CX sounded clearer but with a reedy high end and poor bass response. Both models sounded FAR better when using a plug-in external stereo mic like a ATM-822. Lastly, the 2G plugs directly into your USB port without a cord. Convenient, but the design makes the USB port support the device, and it feels like it is putting strain on the port floating out of the side of your laptop 6". The CX uses a micro-USB cable to plug-in. At $400, I'm not sure this product is a great deal. I'd expect the mics to be better for the money, otherwise, you can just use the cheaper 2G model with a external mic and get better sound than the CX.