The POCKETRAK W24 (left) & POCKETRAK C24 (right)

ANAHEIM, Calif.—Yamaha will introduce two new convenient, reliable and unique portable recording devices, the POCKETRAK C24 and POCKETRAK W24, at Winter NAMM 2010.

"A lot of thought has gone into the design of the new POCKETRAK models," said Athan Billias, marketing manager, Music Production. "People were surprised at how small, but useful, the original POCKETRAK 2G and POCKETRAK CX were, but there are so many features in these new models that they will bring out the 'wow factor' again."

The C24 is unique in many ways. It is the only portable recorder to include an omnidirectional microphone, which is the best choice for most applications in schools, houses of worship and all-in-one recording needs. The C24, the smallest 24 bit/96KHz recorder on the market, includes a mounting adaptor and is the only portable recorder that is light enough to attach to a mic or music stand. It is also the only portable recorder that plugs directly into a USB port, eliminating the need for an extra cable. These features make the C24 the most convenient professional quality stereo digital recorder available.

The W24 comes with a wireless remote controller, an essential feature in certain situations, and a Scene Memory function, which automatically recalls the settings for a particular recording session or location. It also records for 27 hours in MP3 mode.

Both models come with a host of convenient, easy to use value-added features, including a metronome, an instrument tuner, 2GB of internal memory (with the ability to expand the memory with min SD memory cards), a Peak Limiter to avoid distortion on sudden loud passages a High Pass Filter that eliminates low frequency noise on recordings. The Speed Change function speeds up or slows down MP3 playback without changing pitch, similar to high-priced guitar training machines to let guitarists practice a demanding barrage of notes or chord changes at a slower pace.

From its inception, the POCKETRAK has featured a Voice Activated System, which starts the recording process as soon as the audio level reaches a certain level, and it stops when the audio level drops below the threshold. In a band situation, for example, when the function is set, the recording will include only the music, not the banter between songs for easier file management.

Both models also include a Set Timer function, which specifies the duration between the time the record button is pressed and the moment recording begins, so users can get ready to perform. It also eliminates noise from pressing the record button. They also come with Cubase AI5, a streamlined sibling of Steinberg's Cubase 5 Advanced Music Production System, the world's most popular Digital Audio Workstation. Cubase helps users see their recordings as wave data on their computers so they can get rid of unwanted parts of the recording, export data on WAV and MP3 files, burn CD's, ad effects and equalize the sound.

For more information on the POCKETRAK C24 and W24, visit Yamaha Corporation of America at Winter NAMM 2010 in The Marriott Hotel Marquis Ballroom, Anaheim, Calif.; write Yamaha Corporation of America, Pro Audio & Combo Division, Music Production, P.O. Box 6600, Buena Park, CA 90622; telephone (714) 522-9011; e-mail infostation@yamaha.com; visit www.yamaha.com/musicproduction.