Alesis ProTrack photos

The Alesis ProTrack brings high-quality stereo recording to your iPod and includes full-size microphone connections that support phantom power.

The ProTrack's independent gain-setting dials for the left and right channels are a little touchy. They often produced off-balance stereo recordings if the dials weren't precisely aligned. For podcast-style recording using external mics, however, the independent dials came in handy for quick adjustments.

The Alesis ProTrack features one of the holy grails of mobile-audio recorders, phantom-powered XLR inputs. These same jacks also accept 0.25-inch instrument cables.

The right side of the Alesis ProTack includes headphone volume, a switch for an integrated audio limiter, a mono/stereo switch, and a slot for a Kensington lock.

Included with the Alesis ProTrack are two plastic guards for protecting and securing your iPod, a foam windscreen, and a power adapter.

Like any iPod accessory, the ProTrack's capabilities are hampered by the recording limitations of the iPod. The maximum recording resolution, as dictated by the iPod, is 16-bit/44KHz. A lower-quality 16-bit/22KHz option is available using the iPod's settings, but you won't find any options for recording directly to MP3.

The ProTrack isn't small. In fact, its dimensions (7.25 inches tall by 3 inches wide by 1.75 inch deep) are best described as "brick-like."

Alesis rates the ProTrack's battery life at 3 hours, or 2 hours while using phantom power. Those numbers aren't great, but the inclusion of an AC adapter may help smooth things over.

The left side of the Alesis ProTrack includes switches for power, iPod charging, and phantom-microphone power. There's also a latch for releasing the included plastic faceplate, and a power adapter input.

One of the more impressive features on the ProTrack is the pair of stereo-condenser microphones poking out from the top. These mics are permanently arranged in an X-Y recording position, and are protected by a metal wire brace.