Tascam DR-40 Review
With the Tascam DR-40 finally on the market for consumers, there isn’t too much out there yet breaking down its specs and functions. At the low price point, is this audio recorder worth purchasing? A lot of you are also asking how it differs from the Tascam DR-100?
Here is what I’ve found on the Tascam DR-40:
Tech Specs
Adjustable Condenser Mics
XLR and 1/4″ Combo Inputs
WAV/BWF and MP3 Recording
Records to SD/SDHC Media
Phantom Power
USB 2.0 Connector
Integrated Speaker
3.5mm Headphone/Line Output
Battery, AC, or USB Power
Operating Specs
Overdub Mode in mix and separate:
Mix- mixes the playback sound and input sound to create a new file.
Separate- creates a new recording file with only the input sound.
Dual recording records high and low levels separately but on the same file.
Recording 4 Channels Records 4 independent channels as two stereo recording files (channels 1 & 2 and 3 & 4). This means the built in mics record as one file and the XLR inputs record as one file. You cannot adjust the levels of Left and Right separately for recording. You must split the file in post and adjust there.
Manually or automatically split a recording by creating a new file in post.
Auto Record Mode allows the unit to automatically record and pause in response to input sound levels. It can also create new files automatically.
In the clip above, I also like how YouTube user, damianicus shows us through the Tascam’s menu interface and options.
Here is a rundown of some of the additional features you get with spending $100 more on the DR-100:
* Separate line-level & headphone outputs (monitor audio without affecting line level output)
* Analog input level adjustment knobs
* Independent levels adjustment (XLR inputs)
* Rechargeable battery backup (but DR-40 has longer runtime anyway)
* Remote control (sold separately for DR-40)
Tascam DR-40 Portable Audio Recorder
Tascam DR-100 Portable Audio Recorder
I’ve been eyeing this since it’s the cheapest digital portable with XLR inputs. How are the preamps? That’s pretty much what will matter most. Haven’t been too impressed with the Zoom pre’s.
Buy a preamp.. dont thinks it is going to be anyways different from the H4n..
The preamps are excellent theres a new video on youtube showing just how great the preamps are compared to the preamps of a much more costly Mackie Mixer
anybody knows about matching impedance? I personally feels aways that these tine things are made to work with their internal mikes… nothing about preamps, but the deal is with a high quality line input, 600 ohms, to a flat freq response and no distortion at all…
is there a way to record audio with the tascam dr-40 without having to plug your headphone to the line output. every times i try it makes a weird sound i can even hear what i recorded..help plz
You can record audio from the Tascam DR-40 w/o plugging in your headphones. You just will not have the ability to monitor your recording. What you are describing sounds like a defective unit.