Tascam DR-40 Linear PCM Recorder
I am always looking for more affordable alternatives, if they can be found. I found one to the Zoom H4N, that suits me fine. The Tascam DR-40 is a great little Linear PCM recorder. Like the H4N the DR-40 has 24 bit quantization and 96kHz sampling frequency.
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| Tascam DR-40 Linear PCM Recorder |
The DR-40 can be recorder to better than CD quality with WAV files down to MP3 file for longer recording times. Also like the H4N you can upgrade your card to 32GB for extended recording time. The DR-40 has a Lowcut filter to reduce any background noise from 80-120Hz.
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| Inputs for 1/4"phone and XLR cables |
With inputs like the H4N you can plug in standard 1/4" phone connectors or XLR cables. I like this feature for weddings as I can just ask the DJ to plug into his mixing board to record anything happening from music to the speeches given by the best man. The DR-40 also offers phantom power if you need a little power running to an external mic you might plug in. I also like the X-Y and A-B stereo condenser mics which are similar to the H4N. They allow for recording of a single subject to a stereo sound.
Also like the H4N the Tascam has an auto record feature to allow you to record when signals are above a set levels, with auto pause feature and time marks.
I also like that you can record at two different levels at the same time to reduce for sound peaks. You can record a second channel at up to -12 db in Dual channel mode. If you are a musician and you have a choice between the H4N and the Tascam, I would say there are some more features for the Musician with the H4N. However I have found that using the recorder for Video and film work this unit fills all my needs in a digital linear PCM recorder. I am very happy with the quality of sound and the price tag of about $199 compared to that of the Zoom H4N at $299.
For a super in depth review of the DR-40 vs the H4N and the DR-100MkII Check out this blog from E.M. Taboada at No Film School: http://nofilmschool.com/2012/04/audio-recorder-roundup-h4n-zoom-vs-tascam/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nofilmschool+%28NoFilmSchool%29
For a super in depth review of the DR-40 vs the H4N and the DR-100MkII Check out this blog from E.M. Taboada at No Film School: http://nofilmschool.com/2012/04/audio-recorder-roundup-h4n-zoom-vs-tascam/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+nofilmschool+%28NoFilmSchool%29
Have you got a recording of the noise levels of the internal microphones without you speaking? Kind regards Tim
ReplyDeleteTim, I have not done that, but I will see about doing that soon and adding that to this post. I will try to do some comparisons for the tascam's built in mics vs a plugged into the tascam vs a rode mic on camera. - thanks!
DeleteCan you record the 2 XLR inputs as separate tracks? I saw a video demo that made it appear as if the 2 XLR inputs are recorded as one track.
ReplyDeleteThanks
Yes, they can be used as separate tracks, with multiple sources. I tend to use one on most cases and have it record at two levels to ensure quality audio without peaking. But most of the time I use the higher db track as Peaking is rare when you pay attention to you input settings.
ReplyDeleteThanks! I appreciate you answering.
DeleteHello hello, just wondering if you still have this recorder and how it's going? I'm in the market for a recorder and was hoping to get your advice on what to get...
ReplyDeleteSorry about the very late reply. If you have gotten a recorder Great!. I still have mine and when I do use it for Video work I really like it. I think it was a good investment and would recommend it as a alternative to the Zoom if you are looking are a lower cost alternative.
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