Lectrosonics Launches MTCR Mini

New from Lectrosonics is a tiny digital recorder – the MTCR (Miniature Time Code Recorder) for professional use.

When the distance is extreme or using a wireless microphone is not practical, the MTCR recorder can travel with the subject and capture professional quality audio, synchronised with timecode. The MTCR’s small size and rounded shape make it unobtrusive and easy to place in garments and costumes, and even to conceal when used as a ‘plant’ microphone to capture environmental or location sound.

Measuring 2.3x2.1x.7in (60x54x17mm) and weighing 2.5oz (71 grams) with battery, the MTCR records in 24 bit, 48kHz digital onto a microSD card (HC type, Class 10) in the industry-standard .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 the industry standard TA5M jack, that accepts any mic or line level signal and provides bias voltage to power a wide variety of electret lavalier microphones. The input connection and wiring are compatible with microphones pre-wired for use with Lectrosonics’ professional wireless microphone transmitters with servo bias type inputs.

Setup and adjustment are made through an interface provided by the keypad and LCD, while the MTCR’s housing is manufactured from aluminum alloy, which is then hard anodised.

The MTCR runs for over six hours on a single lithium AAA battery, has a 20-20 kHz frequency response, and a 105dB(A) signal to noise (in HD mono mode) <0.035% distortion.

The MTCR comes with an M152/5P low-noise omni lav microphone, microSD memory card, belt clip, and AAA lithium battery.

“The MTCR has been a much-requested product,” comments Karl Winkler, VP of marketing and sales at Lectrosonics. “The combination of features, size and audio quality should appeal to a wide range of users for a variety of applications.”

MSRP for the MTCR is $990, and it is shipping now.