Tascam DR-70D

The DR-70D is a compact audio recorder that allows the aspiring DSLR user to create audio recordings in very high quality in parallel to their film or video shots. The recorder can be mounted directly between a tripod and the camera or on top of the camera, resulting in a compact package.

With its two built-in microphones, the DR-70D is instantly ready for use in standard situations. In addition, it provides four XLR/TRS combo jacks which can be used to record four channels of audio with excellent sound quality using professional microphones. Thanks to a camera output the recorder's stereo signal can be recorded also on the camera to ease subsequent editing of the material in combination with the slate tone function of the recorder. On the other hand you can use the camera input to monitor the audio of the camera using the recorder.

Features of the DR-70D include overload-resistant, great-sounding preamps with switchable low-cut filter and limiter, handling of microphone signals in mid/side format, 24- or 48-volts phantom power for condenser mics, as well as many common and not so common functions that facilitate capturing, monitoring and subsequent processing of the audio tracks.

• Compact, professional-grade audio recorder designed to be used in combination with a DSLR camera

• Uses an SD/SDHC/SDXC card as recording medium (up to 128 GB)

• High-quality recording inputs through Tascam original High Definition Discrete Architecture (HDDA) microphone preamps

• NE5532 operational amplifiers for even higher audio performance (also used on DA-3000)

• In addition to ordinary stereo recording, simultaneous recording of up to four channels is possible

• Four channels can be mixed down to a stereo signal

• Recording levels can be adjusted independently for inputs 1-4

• Dual recording function allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels

• Recording at 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, linear PCM (WAV format)

• Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) supported as WAV recording format

• Two built-in omnidirectional microphones

• Four XLR/TRS combo inputs can provide phantom power (+24V/+48V)

• +24 dBu maximum input level (20 dB headroom)

• Additional unbalanced input for channels 1 and 2 (stereo mini jack) supports mics that require plug-in power, allowing the input of video mics and other high-output mics

• Switchable low-cut filter conveniently reduces low-frequency noise (40/80/120/180/220 Hz)

• Switchable limiter to prevent clipping

• Audio can be output to a DSLR camera for recording

• Camera input enables convenient monitoring of audio from a DSLR camera

• Selectable mid-side decoding for use with MS microphone setups

• Slate tone functions (automatic/manual) to simplify synchronization of video files when editing

• A new file can be created during recording

• Selectable delay to eliminate time lags caused by differences in the distances of two input sources

• QUICK button allows easy access to various functions

• Slate tones can also be used for moving to specific locations

• Equalizers for playback, and level alignment function to enhance the perceived overall sound pressure

• File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date

• Resume function to memorize the playback position before the unit is turned off

• Line output and headphones output with individual level controls (3.5-mm jack)

• Dedicated remote control jack for use with RC-10 and RC-3F (sold separately)

• Hold switch to prevent accidental operation

• Low-noise buttons

• 128 x 64 pixel LC display with backlight

• USB 2.0 port

• Stand adapter (¼ inch) on bottom side to attach the unit to a tripod

• DSLR bracket for easy camera attachment and removal

• Hot shoe mount (accessible when not using the DSLR bracket)

• Handles on the front left and right sides protect the screen and can be used to attach a shoulder belt

• Operates on four AA batteries, an optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U), optional external battery pack (Tascam BP-6AA) or USB bus power

GENERAL:

Recording media : SD cards (64 MB - 2 GB) / SDHC cards (4-32 GB) / SDXC cards (48-128 GB)

Recording/playback formats : WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24-bit / BWF: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24-bit

Number of channels : 4 maximum (stereo x 2)

ANALOGUE AUDIO INPUTS AND OUTPUTS:

1/L, 2/R, 3/L, 4/R : XLR-3-31, 6.3-mm standard TRS jack (can provide phantom power)

EXT IN 1/2 : 3.5-mm stereo mini jack (can provide plug-in power)

IN : 3.5-mm stereo mini jack

PHONES : 3.5-mm stereo mini jack

OUT/LINE OUT : 3.5-mm stereo mini jack

OTHER INPUTS AND OUTPUTS:

USB port : Micro-B connector

Format : USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class

REMOTE input : 2.5-mm TRS jack

AUDIO PERFORMANCE:

Frequency response (LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT, JEITA) : 20 Hz - 20 kHz +0.5/2 dB (Fs 44.1/48 kHz) / 20 Hz - 20 kHz +0.5/3 dB (Fs 96 kHz)

Distortion (LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT, JEITA) : 0.02 % or less (Fs 44.1/48/96kHz)

S/N ratio (LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT, JEITA) : 92 dB or more (Fs 44.1/48/96kHz)

Equivalent input noise (EIN) : 120 dBu or less

Figures are based on JEITA CP-2150

RECORDING TIMES (4-GB SDHC CARD, HOURS MINUTES):

WAV/BWF 16 bit/44.1 kHz (stereo) : 6:44

WAV/BWF 24 bit/96 kHz (stereo) : 2:04

The recording times shown above are estimates. They might differ depending on the SD/SDHC/SDXC card in use. The figures reflect the total possible recording time for the specified card. If recorded in mono WAV format, the maximum recording time will be double the figures above. When using dual/4-channel recording in WAV/BWF format, the maximum recording time will be about half the figures above.

REQUIREMENTS FOR CONNECTED COMPUTERS:

Supported operating systems : Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8 (including 8.1) Mac OS X 10.2 or newer

POWER SUPPLY AND OTHER SPECIFICATIONS:

Power : 4 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH) / USB bus power from a computer / AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520U, sold separately) / External battery pack (TASCAM BP-6AA, sold separately)

Power consumption : 5 W (maximum)

Dimensions (W x H x D) - 169 mm x 55 mm x 107 mm (with top adapter attached)

Weight : 625 g (including batteries) - 530 g (excluding batteries)

Operating temperature range : 0-40 C

APPROXIMATE BATTERY OPERATION TIME (CONTINUOUS OPERATION, HOURSMINUTES):

Alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)

2-ch recording, WAV format, 44.1kHz/16-bit : 6:00 (XLR/TRS input selected, phantom power not used) - 11:00 (MIC input 3/4 selected)

-

NiMH rechargeables (eneloop)

2-ch recording, WAV format, 44.1kHz/16-bit : 6:15 (XLR/TRS input selected, phantom power not used) - 10:30 (MIC input 3/4 selected)

NOTE:

When using phantom power, the operation time might be reduced depending on the mic being used.