Tascam DR-X Series of Audio Recorders Launched

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by Jeff LochJanuary 29^th, 2019

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Tascam has introduced three new products as an update to their famous DR series of portable audio recorders: the DR-X series. Already packed with many features, let’s take a look at these new recorders with filmmakers in mind.

What’s New

Tascam introduced three recorders in the new DR-X line: the Tascam DR-05X, the Tascam DR-07X, and the Tascam DR-40X.

All three DR-X recorders drain power through two AA batteries that should power your recorder for around 17.5 hours. Recordings are stored on a microSDXC card (maximum capacity: 128Gb ) which should be enough to record plenty of sounds.

Also, you can use a DR-X recorder as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface when plugged to your computer. Then, the built-in microphones are used as USB microphones.

In a nice addition, all three DR-X recorders feature an auto-tone function, providing an audio cue tone identifying each recording take.

Finally, the DR-X Series of recorders include a new bright white backlit display that should be easier to see when working in direct sunlight, and a pre-recording function delivers fail-safe recordings with up to 2 seconds of pre-record time.

Tascam DR-05X

The Tascam DR-05X is the cheapest and smallest portable recorder of the DR-X line.

It features a pair of A/B omnidirectional condenser mics, making it the ideal tool for recording on-the-go. Also, you can easily mount it on top of your DSLR/Mirrorless camera, thanks to the 1/4 20″ mount under the unit. That way, you can use it to record ambiance sound – at up to 24-bit/96 kHz stereo – with much better quality than the integrated microphone of your camera.

Tascam DR-07X

The DR-07X is a new addition to the Tascam DR-X line of recorders.

It is nearly the same body as the DR-05X, and all the features are the same between the two. The only thing that is different is that you can change the integrated microphones orientation from X/Y to A/B.

Tascam DR-40X

Last but not least, the Tascam DR-40X is a nice upgrade of the popular DR-40. It features the same type of built-in microphones as the DR-07X: onboard X/Y microphones that you can switch in an A/B configuration.

Also, there are two XLR/TRS combo inputs at the bottom of the recorder, with mic preamps and 48V phantom power. The DR-40X is larger than the DR-05/07X, but it is reasonably small at around 70 x 155 x 35 mm.

You can select the recording mode that best suits your shoot. For example, you can do a traditional stereo recording with the two built-in microphones. Alternatively, you can go up to 4 channels recording with the two built-in microphones and the two XLR/TRS inputs.

A dual recording function is also present that captures one track at the level you selected, and one track as a safety track at a lower level to avoid clipping, just in case something went wrong during your shoot.

Accessories and Pricing

A couple of new accessories are out to accommodate the new recorders, including:

• The AK-DR11C is a kit that includes a hot-shoe adapter, an attenuator cable to optimize the audio signal level to your camera, a splitter cable, a furry windscreen, and a soft carrying case.
• The AK-DR11G is a kit that includes a pistol grip, a power adapter, a furry windscreen, and a soft carrying case.
• Only compatible with the DR-40X: RC-3F footswitch and RC-10 wired remote.

All three DR-X Series recorders are available now.

The DR-05X carries a retail price of $119.99, the DR-07X $149.99, and the big brother, the DR-40X, is $199.99.

Regarding comparisons, the Zoom H1n is similar to the Tascam DR-05X, except the audio interface possibilities, and is cheaper at $79.99. Otherwise, the Zoom H4n Pro that you can compare to the Tascam DR-40X is slightly more expensive at $219.99.

What do you think of these new recorders from Tascam? How do you record sound on-the-go? Let us know in the comments down below!