M-Audio II manual Encoder, Options WAV, Options MP3

MicroTrack II User Guide

10

<Rec Time Available: This is not an adjustable parameter—it merely shows the space available on the media in MicroTrack II. When you select this option, it may take a moment to calculate the available time and display it on the screen. This information is provided to help you verify you will have enough recording space before recording, and make a choice of which recording parameters to use. If you see that you’re getting low on CF card or Microdrive space, you can choose to use MP3 encoding instead of WAV to yield recordings with smaller file sizes. Keep in mind that this feature only accounts for recording space when determining record time—it does not account for battery life.

<Encoder:

WAV Chooses WAV as the recording format. This format is uncompressed and will yield the highest quality recordings. Be aware that the files created in this format can be quite large. Also select this option to create BWF compatible files with position markers.

MP3 Selects MP3 as the recording format. This format compresses the audio data to yield smaller file sizes.

<Sample Rate: The options available in this menu will depend on the Encoder selected above. Keep in mind that file sizes will increase as the sample rate is increased.

•Options (WAV):

44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96: These are the available sample rates when WAV is selected as the Encoder.

Tip:

44.1 kHz: This is the standard Audio CD sample rate.

96 kHz: This yields the best sound quality by improving high frequency response.

•Options (MP3):

44.1 / 48: These are the available sample rates when MP3 has been selected as the Encoder.

<Bits: Like Sample Rate, the options shown in this menu will depend on the Encoder selected above. Keep in mind that file sizes will increase as this setting is increased.

•Options (WAV):

16 / 24: When WAV is selected as the Encoder, this menu allows you to set the bit-depth of your recording.

Tip:

16-bit WAV: This is the standard audio CD bit depth.

24-bit WAV: This yields the best sound quality by maximizing the dynamic range.

•Options (MP3):

96 / 112 / 120 / 160 / 192 / 224 / 320: When MP3 is selected as the Encoder, this value will determine the bit-rate of the file.

Tip:

96kbps MP3: This will effectively capture voice dictations.

160kbps MP3: This offers reasonable quality for popular music.