Designed as a professional tool for journalists, the iXm microphone records audio in WAV, BWF and MP2 formats on a removable SD card. Recordings can be transferred to a PC using the SD card or a USB connection, which also charges the internal lithium battery. A battery compartment accommodates a set of non-rechargeable batteries, which can be charged to serve as a backup to the internal battery; the microphone automatically switches between the two power sources. Full configuration options are available when connected to a PC, with two applications provided, one enabling administrative control of all functions, the other offering a reduced feature set that can be configured by the administrator. This is designed to provide limited adjustment of the microphone, including preset modes, for use by less technically skilled personnel. The recorder is available with a range of interchangeable microphone heads. Capsules are available in Yellowtec's own design as well as three Beyerdynamic types. The capsule is detected and DSP parameters are automatically adjusted. The microphone preamplifier has two 20-bit A/D converters, the level is controlled by a slow-acting gain equaliser and a predictive peak limiter. The microphone has a cylindrical body with two distinct control groups. The recording keypad includes record and stop buttons, as well as three LED indicators. The yellow "BAT" indicator flashes during charging until complete. The "REC" indicator displays recording status and flashes on start-up until the microphone is ready and checks the readability of the memory card, with the red "MEM" indicator flashing during the test. When ready to record, the "REC" indicator flashes slowly. A brief press of the stop button triggers a status check; first the "BAT" indicator will flash up to five times, followed by the MEM indicator. Each flash represents one hour of operating time relative to the remaining power and free memory respectively. Pressing the "REC" button starts recording, further presses will add markers. The stop button ends recording and returns the recorder to the ready-to-record state. At the base of the microphone are the SD card slot and two 3.5 mm jack sockets, one for balanced line input, the other for headphones or balanced or unbalanced line output, configured with the software. The playback keypad includes four buttons, which operate differently depending on the state of the microphone. The buttons are labelled with symbols indicating traditional transport controls. If the buttons are pressed when the device is ready to record: RWD moves the locator to the previous file, STOP plays the message from the current locator position, PLAY starts playback of the audio file from the locator position, FWD moves the locator to the next file. When the device is in playback, RWD will skip to the previous marker with a brief press, RWD will rewind when held down, STOP stops playback, PLAY has no action (continues playback), FWD will skip to the next marker with a brief press, FWD will fast-forward when held down. Pressing buttons while the device is recording will have no effect. A miniature USB socket at the base is used to connect to a PC. There are two operating modes. "Flash" mode makes the microphone appear to the computer as an external flash drive. Files can be transferred as usual. A CD with the control software and Windows driver is provided. The software has two parts. The password-protected "admin" application configures the recorder, with settings for microphone gain, line gain, headphone level and line output level. An indicator displays the microphone level. The remaining charge of the rechargeable batteries and dry cells is indicated, as well as the free memory and remaining recording time. Recording profiles can be configured for settings including preferred power source, sample rate, battery type, recording format, compression rate and filename prefix. The user application offers a reduced feature set that can be configured with the administration software. Compatible media types: SD, SDHC cards, formatted in 32-bit FAT. Recording formats: WAV, BWAV files: 16-bit linear PCM, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz. MP2: Bit rates from 64 kbps to 192 kb/s (Mono, equivalent to 128-384 kb/s in stereo). Recording time: Three hours per GB, 16-bit linear PCM. Up to 8 hours of recording with the internal battery, 15 hours with the internal battery and AA batteries. Power source: Internal lithium battery, 2 optional AA batteries. Dimensions: 255 mm total length (YT5030: 275 mm), 50 mm head diameter, 38 mm body diameter. Weight: 375 g, without batteries.