Line 6 BackTrack + Mic Guitar Riff Recorder Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)Why is easy so hard? What is it about electrical engineers that they have to stuff their bells and whistles full of more bells and whistles? And with on-board computing, this practice of `mine is more ginormous than yours' is out of control. I know MDs and PhDs who have a variety of handheld devices that absorb months of their lives in a frustrating learning curve.

For a long time I recorded my own personal jams on a stereo recorder that I got for 5 bucks at a yard sale. Two mics against the amp and all I had to do was press record. But my friend who lives in the far off land of New Jersey wanted to hear my stuff so I had to do the laborious transfer from analog to digital...hassle-o-rama dude. So I wanted something that would basically do the same thing: hit record, play, listen...but that was digital so I could bring it to the PC and email it off. Kinda like the PC cameras that they have where you shoot, bring it to the PC and send it off. No such luck. Everything was multi-track onboard technology with the dot matrix window and the 2 million options and a headache in a box.

I'd like to say that there was no learning curve with the Backtrack (w/mic) but I can't. The hardest part was just figuring out what to push if you just wanted to, uh, what do you call it...?...oh yeah, RECORD. This thing is designed to record when you play and stop when you don't. Which I don't get. I can push a button.

I did figure out which two buttons to push to immediately and continuously record. Once you bring it to a PC it opens like a flash drive and it has everything you recorded. Cool. The only other problem is that to set the levels you have to download the software that allows for you to set the parameters. The software is, thankfully, on the recorder so there's no separate CD that can get lost. However, you then have to set the parameters (like record volume) at the PC. This was not a big problem with me because I'm a one man show. But if you have a full band and your running back and forth to the PC to get correct volume, well, that would--I think the technical word is--suck. On the other hand...had they put the record level interface on the unit I woulda complained that the unit interface was too complicated. So I take it all back. I like that parameter setting is on a large well-lit PC monitor, rather than the unit. Never satisfied.

My suggestions to Line 6 are:
*Make it even simpler. Make it so you can push a button which says record and that will, uh, record with no fuss.
*Make it so the software has a "do you want an icon on the desktop?" option, like every other application in the Universe. I had to search to find the software once it was downloaded.
*Make the writing larger. Why is it that manufacturers have all the words that you'll use to operate the machine in .0006 font, but the name of the company is in 48 point font?

I did have to call Line 6 for technical help. It turns out that my awesomely loud jams had stuck the thing in record mode and I couldn't get it to turn off. After ~ 5 minutes of wait time being told that I was "the next in line" I got a rep who told me that there is a button in a hole that uses a paper clip to get at. Nice enough guy and I appreciated it.

I like the Line 6 stuff--I have an amp of theirs as well. Their products are pretty simple and inexpensive and clean looking and functional. I give the Backtrack w/mic five stars partially because they have succeeded, maybe not perfectly, but well enough to beat the crap out the competition. Simplicity in a box. That's what we all want.

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Product Description:
Inspiration is spontaneous, and BackTrack™ + Mic is your guitar's instant replay button. Easy to use, BackTrack + Mic captures everything you play without ever hitting record.

Always on, BackTrack + Mic begins recording as soon as it detects a signal through the sensitive mic or the quiet 1/4-inch input. Use the 1/4-inch output or headphone output for immediate playback. Just set it and forget it for total inspiration control.

Pressing the "Mark" button designates what you just played as special and separates it for easy review. The Forward and Reverse buttons provide instant recall of marked and non-marked ideas.

BackTrack + Mic can capture up to 24 hours of audio. Saved as .WAV files to a rugged 2-GB flash memory, the audio is easily transferred via USB 2.0 to your computer or recording software for further recording, editing or mixing. The USB connection also recharges the internal battery to its full capacity of over 8 hours.

Sleek and low-profile, BackTrack + Mic fits in your gig bag as easily as it fits into your setup. At rehearsal, at the gig or at home, BackTrack + Mic is fully dedicated to capturing everything you play.

• Up to stunning 24-bit, 48 kHz audio
• Up to 24 hours of audio capture
• 1/4-inch guitar input
• 1/4-inch output
• Microphone with gain control
• 1/8-inch headphone/Line out
• Drag .WAV files to your computer via USB 2.0
• Rechargeable via USB
• Over 8 hours of battery life
• Looped playback

Frequently Asked Questions


What are some of the differences between BackTrack™ and BackTrack™ + Mic?

The biggest differences: BackTrack + Mic features a microphone and a 1/8-inch headphone output, BackTrack does not. Both feature similar features, though, including variable sample rates and bit depth, which are shown here:
BackTrack + Mic
BackTrackSample Rate

Bit Depth 24 hours of
audio capture

12 hours of
audio capture11 kHz16 bit*12 hours

6 hours22 kHz16 bit*8 hours

4 hours32 kHz16 bit6 hours

3 hours44.1 kHz16 bit(Standard
CD audio)5 hours

2.5 hours48 kHz16 bit4 hours

2 hours44.1 kHz24 bit4 hours
2 hours48 kHz24 bit

*These settings are not recommended for mic'ed full-range audio but may be sufficient for direct guitar.



How much audio can I record?At their capacities, BackTrack + Mic can capture up to 24 hours of audio and BackTrack can capture up to 12 hours but it depends on the sample rate and bit depth you've chosen. At 16-bit/44.1 kHz (standard CD audio), BackTrack + Mic can capture six hours of audio whereas BackTrack can capture only three hours.
What's the big button on top?That's the "Mark" button and it's a great feature. After playing something really special, press "Mark". Your marked ideas are stored in a separate folder on the flash drive so when you go to drag your ideas off your BackTrack to import them into your recording software, your best ideas will be there waiting for you.
What's with the USB connection?BackTrack and BackTrack + Mic each have a USB connection for two main reasons: • To transfer your ideas to your recording software.

• To recharge the battery.

What's the best way to use BackTrack?There's no best way to use BackTrack. It's equally effective at home, on stage, at rehearsal or anywhere else you're playing.
What kind of file is the recorded audio?Everything you record is saved as .WAV files. These high-quality audio files will sound great when imported into your recording software.
What's automatic gain control in BackTrack + Mic?Automatic gain control guards against clipping and overloading, and helps maintain an even level when you're recording using the microphone.
How do I import files from my BackTrack into my recording software?It can vary so we recommend that you read your software's manual but, with most applications, it's as easy as dragging an audio file right onto a track.
Can I ditch school and record lectures with BackTrack + Mic?Of course! BackTrack + Mic features an 8-hour battery and a flash drive that can capture up to 24 hours of audio-plenty of power to record lectures that seem to go on forever. But we can't guarantee that you'll pass your class.
Does this thing have models?Nope, no models. It's a recording device.

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