Lectrosonics has introduced the MTCR (Miniature Time Code Recorder), a minuscule digital recorder that can travel with a subject and capture professional quality audio, synchronized with timecode, in situations involving extreme distances or where utilizing a wireless microphone system is not practical.
The tiny size and rounded shape are designed to make the MTCR unobtrusive and easier to place in garments and costumes, and to conceal when used as a “plant” microphone to capture environmental or location sound. It records in 24-bit, 48 kHz digital onto a microSD card (HC type, Class 10) in .wav (Broadcast Wave File) format.
The unit can be jammed to external time code via the standard 5-pin Lemo connector. A headphone output jack allows for monitoring the signal input or listening to previously recorded files but cannot be used to send live audio to another device while recording.
The input connector is an industry standard TA5M jack that accepts any mic or line level signal and provides bias voltage to power a variety of electret lavaliere microphones. The input connection and wiring are compatible with microphones pre-wired for use with Lectrosonics wireless microphone transmitters with servo bias type inputs.
Setup and adjustment are made through an interface with a keypad and LCD. The housing is manufactured from an aluminum alloy then hard anodized to enhance the ruggedness required in field production. The MTCR is stated to run for more than six hours on a single lithium AAA battery. Audio specifications: 20 — 20 kHz frequency response, 105 dB(A) signal to noise (in HD mono mode), <0.035 percent distortion. Time code is SMPTE 12M — 1999 compliant. The MTCR measures 2.3 x 2.1 x .7 inches (60 x 54 x 17 mm) and weighs 2.5 ounces (71 grams) with battery.
“The MTCR has been a much-requested product,” states Karl Winkler, VP of marketing & sales at Lectrosonics. “The combination of features, size, and audio quality should appeal to a wide range of users for a variety of applications.”
The MTCR comes with an M152/5P omni lav microphone, microSD memory card, belt clip, and AAA lithium battery. MSRP is $990, and units are shipping now.
