iKey M3

When you want to record a sample, a microphone or a line signal without a computer, a direct path from the source to the recording matters. The iKey Recorder M-3 records microphone and line signals in mono or stereo and saves them to an SD card or USB storage device. The colour display and rubberised navigation wheel help you adjust settings and browse files.

For connections, there is a 3.5 mm microphone input and line input, as well as a 3.5 mm headphone/line output. A microphone and line source can be connected at the same time, but only the microphone signal is used for recording. Use the input selector to set the preamp gain to −20 dB, 0 dB or +10 dB; you can also adjust the recording level on the device and monitor it using the digital level display.

Before you start, choose MP3 at 128, 256 or 320 kb/s, or WAV at 44.1 kHz, and select mono or stereo. These recording parameters cannot be changed while recording. If you are using a mono source, select mono; otherwise, only the left stereo channel will be recorded and played back. The display shows the recording mode and level.

Recordings are saved to the supplied SD card; the recorder also supports SDHC cards up to 32 GB. Alternatively, you can connect a USB storage device directly and record to it. If a USB storage device is connected, the unit accesses it instead of the SD card. A dedicated Mini-USB port connects the M-3 to a computer using the included cable, allowing you to transfer files.

You can listen to recordings through the headphone/line output and adjust the headphone volume separately. In Mix mode, you can monitor an existing recording while making a new one. To play files, browse through files and folders using the colour display; the wheel can also be used to search within a track. A threaded mount on the bottom lets you attach the recorder to a tripod, which is not included.

The recorder runs on four AA batteries or a separately available power supply; battery life is approximately four hours and depends on the batteries and storage medium. With its compact dimensions and tripod mount, the M-3 is suited to mobile recordings, rehearsals and simple recording setups where you want to work without a computer and transfer files afterwards.