markrags

M-Audio has introduced the very small handheld Microtracker, that besides SPDIF input and output, provides phantom power and bit rates up to 24/96 at around $350.00. http://www.m-audio.com/index.php? Early testing has shown problems with SPDIF bit rates and voltages on phantom power coming up to spec, although M-audio has been made aware of these issues and has openly asked for feedback on the problems. This strategy is where I feel Sony has been missing the consumer on some of their products. The consumer/pro recording industry is getting smaller and much more competitive. Best, Mark R.

Japanese companies are notorius for their detailed staff and department meetings, especially Sony. I have heard that the companies meetings last for days on things such as what gauge wire to employ within circutry. In my opinion this has resulted in some of the most amazing small and reliable electronic products ever made. It might be this cultural trait that has lost an important aspect of commercial product development, and that is will people be able to use it easily and comfortably. Sonic Stage is a perfect example of this oversight, and I can't think of any other Sony developed software that stands out as user friendly. I think the HiMD is currently the most original and best thing they are currently doing. I just wish they would have tapered it off a little more and developed products that ran along side it, although they are probably right in the long run to be switching gears to a more etheral product line. Pervasive WIFI and streaming high fidelity audio are not that far off and we will see independent music and video production take a bite right out of Rupert Murdoch's a$$hole as well as Sony's record division. Best, Mark R. gnmark@gmail.com