Tascam is refreshing its well known DR portable recorders series with a new DR-X series which consists of three affordable recorders: DR-05X, DR-07X, and the DR-40X. Although there is not much difference between the new series and the old one, there are some advantages to the DR-X line.
A dedicated audio recorder for filmmakers
The main advantage of using a portable recorder is the clean high-quality sound that it produces. In spite of the extra efforts needed to synch the sound in post, there is some methodology and discipline of getting quality sounds captured by a dedicated recorder.
The portability of that kind of recorders like Tascam (and its equals like Zoom which are also great) allows the privilege of being a production friendly. Those recorders are mobile, light and can be attached straight to the camera rig.
Bright white backlit display
The major strength of the DR-X is the bright white backlit display that’s easy to see even in the brightest sunlight. This is a significant improvement over the older series (DR) which is hard to read outdoors. Also, the DR-X Series’ Auto-Recording function can be set to begin recording when a sound is detected, and its Pre-Recording function delivers fail-safe recordings with up to 2 seconds of pre-record time.
The portability of that kind of recorders like Tascam (and its equals like Zoom which are also great) allows the privilege of being a production friendly. Those recorders are mobile, light and can be attached straight to the camera rig.
Tascam DR-05X – the cheapest in the group
The Tascam DR-05X is the cheapest one in the group. It features a pair of high-quality omnidirectional stereo microphones that can be used to capture audio for voice recordings, dictations, meetings, and music recording applications.
Product Highlights
- For Voice, Music, and Lecture Recording
- Stereo Omnidirectional Condenser Mics
- 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface
- Overwrite Function for Punch-Ins
- Dictation Mode with Speed Control and EQ
- Multi-Language Menus
- Auto-Recording Function
- One-Touch User Interface
- 17.5 Hours with Standard AA Batteries
- High-Capacity microSDXC Card Capacity
Price: $120.
Tascam DR-07X – unidirectional stereo microphones
The Tascam DR-07X model is unique by featuring a pair of high-quality unidirectional stereo microphones with variable X/Y or A/B configuration that can be used to capture audio for voice recordings, dictations, meetings, and in live music recording applications. All other features are the same as the DR-05X.
Price: $150.
Tascam DR-40X- an improved version of the DR-40
The DR-40X consists of more features than other models. It owns a versatile A/B-X/Y mic array, the ability to record more tracks, and support for external balanced mic/line sources.
Product Highlights
- For DSLRs, Musicians, and Filmmakers
- 2 x Unidirectional Stereo Condenser Mics
- XLR/TRS Combo Inputs
- Built-In +48 Phantom Power
- 4-Channel Multi-Track Recording
- 2-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface
- Overwrite Function for Punch-Ins
- Dictation Mode with Speed Control and EQ
- One-Touch User Interface
- High-Capacity microSDXC Card Capacity
Price: $200.
What are your favorite devices for capturing quality audio? Do you see yourself taking advantage of this kind of portable recorders? Let’s know.
