Our third in the series of reviews focussed on the Portable Audio Recorder. We tend to have a great interest in these devices due to our own use for the video work that we do, so we always jump at the chance to take a look at 'em.

Here's the new Yamaha Pocketrak CX
It's marketed as the pro version of the 2G (see earlier review). With larger microphones, it's supposed to give superior recording.

Pros

• It's still pretty small, though not as small as the 2G.
  
• Replaceable ENELOOP battery with fantastic battery life.
• More user friendly with dedicated front panel controls to navigate
• Decent sound quality, quick to record on 'Auto Levels'
• Holds synch very well with Video, even at 44.1kHz
• Built in speaker for confidence monitoring

Cons

• Handling noise - and this one is a biggy really. In the video you can see how it performs when hand-held, its really only suited to desktop or stand mounted use

Summary - although the larger form and better mics are a plus and make the CX easier to use, for hand-held journalistic duties or on the move music recording, the CX is not suitable. It does however sound pretty good in loud sound environments and may be usefull for recording gigs or rehearsals using the onboard mics.

Andy McCreeth

• Yamaha's CX Page

Links
• The Blessing - band featured in recordings
• Rob Chapman guitar dude

Pocket Recorder Video Reviews:
• M-Audio Microtrack 2

Check the Price - at these online stores.

$399.00 Yamaha POCKETRAK CX Pocket Recorder MusiciansFriend.com $399.00 Yamaha Pocketrak CX Portable Digital Recorder zZounds.com $399.00 Yamaha POCKETRAK CX Pocket Recorder Music123.com

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