VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[iladelf]

Hello folks,

As I had posted my initial thoughts back in October of 2007 regarding the MicPort Pro, I wanted to update you on the long-term status of the item, and...

I'm not real happy with it. Why? Because, after 3 years of me treating it with kid gloves, it has a nasty static-like sound that has developed if you move the cords attached at the bottom of the unit (which I rarely do, but still...). I haven't been able to determine whether it's the USB plugin or the headphone out causing the issue, but seemingly, if you move either one, you get that noise. To me, to pay $150 for an item and have an issue with it after 3 years, when there are much cheaper alternatives available, does not bode well for this item. I see from CEntrance's website they have made no changes to the original design (see my initial post), and I have read various complaints about the USB port being dodgy, loose, static-y, etc., so I don't believe I'm the only one.

I've talked to the company already, and have tried everything (swapping all cords, etc.). No dice. CEntrance says they can fix it for about $100, or I could buy a new one. Tough call. I do certainly like the sound quality of the item; I have used a Blue Bluebird with it for quite sometime, and while the Bluebird is a little bit "ess-y" and picks up neighbors shutting their car doors, the MicPort Pro is quiet when recording or playing back. Just as long as I don't jostle the unit, or the cables!

So, there ya have it. I've listened to a comparison with several USB Pre-amp Interfaces, including the Shure X2U, and am tempted to buy it. It's not "quite" as good, audio-wise, to my ear (I can pick up the noisefloor easily), but looks more sturdy. Since this is 2010, perhaps there are other USB Pre-amp interfaces that folks could recommend. I don't mind paying good money, as long as the damned thing works.

Here's that comparison:

http://recordinghacks.com/2009/07/04/usb-interface-review-icicle-micportpro-micmate-x2u/

Look forward to your suggestions.

[asnively]

I love the Mic Port Pro. If mine were to mysteriously stop working properly at the three year mark, I'd be ordering a new one and congratulating myself on having paid only $50 a year for the use of such an outstanding device.

Do you have something specific in mind when you say "there are much cheaper alternatives available"? Because I'm not under the impression that there is anything else that sounds this good, and is as trouble-free as the M, for less money. And the guys at CEntrance are awesome.

My .02


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[iladelf]

Just personal opinion, Amy. I knew someone would likely question that comment about other alternatives (the X2U? $80 on Amazon.com, for ex.), and I get the idea that $50/year isn't that much, but if you bought a 47" flat panel TV, you wouldn't be too happy if it died in 3 years, would ya? Apples to oranges, perhaps, and I realize the "3 year" usability life for a computer, but I'd rather see it last as long as my Grado SR125 cans, that finally died after about 12 years.

Again, apples to oranges? Maybe. But I rather see something more reliable. Keep in mind the unit has been virtually unmoved (used attached to my desktop computer) for three years. If the reliability time-frame is 3 years in that setting, what is it like for the "typical" M user who uses it for constant mobile/laptop work?

That's why I posted this; not as a "slam" against the unit or the company, just a long term update. Judge for yourself; YMMV.

[asnively]

If I bought a car, or a flat screen TV, or a refrigerator and it lasted only three years, I would be unhappy.

If I were to buy a pair of shoes, or a blouse, or a Mic Port Pro, I would not blink.

It cost about as much as a nice date for dinner and a show! Really-- if I had to buy a new one every six months, with the amount of trouble and time it has saved me, I'd seriously consider it.
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[Mike Sommer]

It seems to me you got what you paid for.

I'm not a fan of these miniature all-in-one devices, but if you earned more than $50 a year from using it, you got your monies worth out of a device that normally takes components several times its size to do the same job.

As the reviewer in the article states "They provide a low-cost, easy way to begin home recording....... None of these will replace a multi-channel DAW — but they’re not intended to. These are great for web audio (e.g. via Skype or iChat), for mobile or field use (e.g. where AC power for your high-end rackmount preamps is unavailable), and for low-budget, one- or two-track home recording."

So if you want more reliable equipment, you're going to need to open the wallet. You don't need to break the bank, but an investment in quality equipment will give you a better chance of longevity.
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[todd ellis]

not to pile on --- but ---

i don't use mine for primary recording - only travel. i was a first adopter and have been happy with nothing more in my travel rig than my m. like most say - and mike brought up, the m is not intended to replace quality commercial gear - it's (1) a stop-gap tool for beginners who don't want to spend a lot of money (2) a great low-cost, low-weight addition to any pro travel kit and (3) a life-saving backup if something in your studio chain takes a $hit.

adding my 2¢ to amy's for a total of 4¢
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[Tom Test]

[DougVox]

Another vote for the MicPort Pro here. It does exactly what it's designed to do, and does it well. Like Todd's, mine is just for travel/backup use, and it's performed like a champ. It's traveled quite a lot (and had its junk touched by many a TSA agent), and doesn't have any static-y, noisy issues thankfully.

I'd buy another in a second.





Looks like we're up to $.08.
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[Diane Maggipinto]

wow! i have had the very same issue!!! i called todd, he suggested i change usb ports and ... so far, so good. brilliance on this board, honestly!

i, too, was using it only for travel, then ran into some connectivity issues a month ago, still haven't resolved them, and so turned to the mic port pro. my flinging the mic cable and generally forgetting my kid gloves probably led to my static problems. they appear resolved but if it turns out that the mic port pro essed the bed, then i'll get a new one. it has saved my bacon and paid for itself many times over.

i do wonder if this is a common problem that CEntrance is working to resolve in a re-design...if there is a re-design
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[asnively]

[Tom Test]

[captain54]

that little micport kicks the crap out of the Mbox, M-audio, or any of the other sub $300 audio interfaces..I've be hard pressed to find anything out there for $150 that sounds any better. Only drawback being its mono, which is a meaningless restriction for mono vo recording.

[Diane Maggipinto]

well,i've still got static. so i've not resolved the problem.

what happened just now is this: i switched mics, but in doing so, the connector cable from computer to mic port pro came disconnected. the mogami cable from mic to port pro is brand new so that's not the problem. seems to be a loose connection on one end or other of usb cable connector.

i am nonplussed, yet vexed as to what is actually occurring!
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[bobbinbeamo]

My M is awesome. As to the static issue- I had it too... try downloading their free Universal Driver and see it this helps.

http://www.centrance.com/downloads/
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[whalewtchr]

Love the M. Use it for Back-Up on my pc platform laptop-recently used to complete an audiobook project while I was switching over to MAC. Two items of note from my experience with M. USB connections can get loose-they are somewhat fragile. The M can get warm if using for an hour-not sure if there is anything connected to that in a negative manner. On the Radio side we used M to send on location breaks in lieu of a MARTI or even a tie-line-far superior in quality.

and...what Amy said.
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