Tascam DR-40X Review. Worth it or A Waste of Money? Input noise level tests, XY/AB stereo and more.
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- Опубліковано 26 сер 2024
- The Tascam DR-40X is a compact and portable four-channel audio recorder with built-in XY/AB stereo microphones. In this video, I go through the main features I think makes this recorder stand out from its competitors, the preamplifier noise and provide a relatively inexpensive way to improve it, dynamic range, the audio quality of the built-in mics and how to connect 3.5mm microphones.
I uncover some potentially problematic issues that you should be aware of in order in order to get the best audio recording out of this portable sound recorder. I also took it to the streets and tested the XY/AB stereo mics under real-life situations to see how they perform recording audio in stereo. I test whether they pick up interferences just as the DR07X did in my previous review ( • Zoom H1N vs Tascam DR0... ). The results will give you a clear overall view of its strong and weak points and whether it is a recorder that will fit your recording requirements or you should move on to alternative audio recorders.
Klark-Teknik Mic In-Line Booster CT-1 - fave.co/2I5qEYv
FetHead Preamp (Dynamic Mics) - amzn.to/3mBcbT8
FetHead Phantom (Condenser Mics) - amzn.to/33V7P1Z
Cloudlifter CL-1 Mic Booster Activator - amzn.to/3g0WWAr
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Check out my Tascam DR07X vs Zoom H1N Review • Zoom H1N vs Tascam DR0...
Atmospherics and ambient audio samples recorded with the Tascam DR40X
• Relaxing Rain on Leave...
• Relaxing Gentle Rain S...
• Relaxing Wind Blowing ...
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Sound Recorder - Zoom H6 (2020 Version) 6-Track Portable Recorder - amzn.to/2E5XQg0
Tascam DR40X - amzn.to/2MdYgoD
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What a brilliant review! Kudos for not just pointing out one of it's weaknesses but actually offering a an excellent resolution. Subscribed!
Cheers buddy, thanks for the feedback! Welcome to the club!
Hi, Samuel: just one follow-up question. When you attached the Mic booster to the dynamic mic, did you need to switch on phantom power on the TASCAM DR-40xor did you leave that off? Thanks.
Thank you so much, Samuel! The mic booster advice is priceless 👊🏼🔥
Glad you found it helpful!!
Great real world tests. Thanks for the honesty.
Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!
Claro que si, me ayudo bastante. Ya mero compraba el DR-07 y DR-40x talvez no es lo que busco. Dios le bendiga. Saludos de Estados Unidos.
@@paxsincera836 si no necesitas AB stereo recording, i would consider zoom recorders. i feel they have reliable internal components and you won’t have any interference. Eso es lo que yo pienso. Pero todos trabajamos de manera diferente…
Thanks a lot! Just found your video and it answered my 2 questions about the high input noise and the mono 1/4" jack. Really helpful.
Glad it helped!
Excellent. Very helpful. I will try to decide between the H4n PRO and the H5. Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!!!
That booster info is very helpful.. dynamic mics performed better on a zoom so this is a game changer for me
Brilliant, mission accomplished! Glad you found it helpful!
I found this very helpful, and I've subbed. I bought one of these and couldn't figure out why it sounded so "staticy"/din-ny (how I describe the fuzzy noise in my test recordings) but I'm gonna look into getting a Cloudlifter. Thank you so much!
Thanks and glad you enjoyed it!!
Wow Samuel, the Klark- Teknic booster transforms the sound in your demonstration. I haven't seen anyone else suggest this in their reviews. Thank you. New subscriber
You’re welcomed! Glad you found it helpful. Yes,, the mic booster is amazing and I use it all the time. Probably, for the price you pay, one of the best cost/performance ratio you’re ever gonna find.
@@SamuelSotiega Thanks for replying so quickly. What is you favourite portable recorder? I've just bought the Dr 40x, but the noisy internal mics are nagging me to try something like the Zoom H4n or H5. What would you do..? Thanks, Ian
@@guitargriff3490 I love my DR40X and like you, the noise floor is a real bummer. Since I got a couple of the mic boosters, I feel way better about it. I also have a Zoom H6 for when I go on location and need several inputs, for everyday use, I usually find myself using a zoom H1N and the DR40X. But it all depends on a person’s workflow and requirements. What works for me might not necessarily work for you or anyone else. For me having the ability of recording stereo in an AB configuration is really important, and in this price range there is nothing else. If I didn’t need that, well, I could easily rethink and consider a different recorder like the H4N or H5, which I would probable lean more towards.
@@SamuelSotiega Thanks again for your quick reply. I've been looking into the EIN values for the 40x, H4n pro and H5 models. And the noise floor is lowest on the H5 model (by a lot!). I think maybe the H5 is the recorder for me...
You could also use a 3.5mm to XLR adapter for things like lav mics with a 3.5mm plug.
True, and I do use that. Even last night when I was recording a presentation from a laptop…
I assume one could simply get a small stereo 3.5mm female to 1/4" male dual mono splitter to record in stereo... Great video. Thanks. Especially loved the outdoors stuff.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
Hi samuel! Very good your videos! The one with the Tascam 07x and this one. I was about to buy 07 and thanks to your references I didn't! A shame the great noise it makes with interference ...
I need: 1-A portable recorder that can record one track over another. 2- That I can serve as an audio interface to use with Ableton. 3- If it has xlr inputs better, in case I ever connect external microphones (condenser or dynamic) for a better recording.
Now I am in doubt with the dr40x.
The stereo pattern is useful to me for live acoustic recordings. And I have not seen it on other recorders! Thank you in advance! Sorry my English, I helped myself with the google translator.
I have the DR40X and I am quite happy with it. I got it because I really wanted and needed the AB stereo recording, which is hard to find. If AB is not needed, you can still get the DR40X or a zoom H6 or even a H5. Have you considered any of those?
@@SamuelSotiega Thanks! Due to the budget I am between the Tascam DR40x or the Zoom H4N pro ... For budget the Tascam is cheaper but I like the Zoom better. The only disadvantage of the Zoom is that it does not have AB recording and that it is not balanced in line input! And the Tascam that does not have good inputs for dynamic mic, minimal signal interference and I have read that perhaps as an audio interface it can stay something ...
@@jesuspereiro i use a mic booster which is relatively inexpensive compared to a fethead or similar and works amazing. Would that help you?
@@SamuelSotiegaYes! I think it would do! I would use both condenser and dynamic microphones! And I am evaluating the issue of the line entry ... something that the zoom does not have. You would only need to have references of the Tascam as an audio interface in programs like Ableton Live, Pro Tools or FL Studio. Thank you very much for answering: It helps me a lot in the purchase decision!
@@SamuelSotiega The exclusive use will be to record acoustic instruments and sounds in multitracks and also to sample. I would do it on the same recorder away from home, as on the Ableton already at home, which is the program I use the most.
Great Review and video
Thanks!!
To be honest I found the Zoom H5 a bit noisy, I have the original Tascam DR40 which is great, very low self noise. Obviously I cannot comment on the DR40X but the original is nice and quiet as is the DR701D. The DR60D MKII was a bit noisy as was the DR70D.
It’s always hard to test several ones because once you get one that works, they will last for years… it’s not like cameras or phones that every couple of years something amazing comes along… Audio tends to be lore stable…. i think…
The in line boosters sound like a bargain TBH. A clip to hook it into a chest shirt or jacket pocket would be a great accessory , to screw into the 1/4 thread , making it useful if using ext mics for street interviews etc. Can you make one Q? , Certainly Bond , here you are !
The boosters are a total bargain when you compare it to the cost of a fethead or cloud lifter.
These are just great while not very expensive. You just need to set it up properly. I use the 4 channel mode for events and I have 2 units.
I use mine every week and so far it has proven very reliable!
maaaan I like you channel very good! are u french? where u from?
Spaniard by birth. Glad you liked it!
Your vids r really helpful. Between zoom h5 and tascam Dr 40 which one is great in terms of noise reduction, and better preamp
I reckon that it all comes down to whether you want or need stereo recording in AB or not. This is key because if you need to record stereo in AB configuration, then the Tascam is the way to go. However, if that is not the case and you don’t mind and are happy with XY recording, then I would probably go with the H5. With the H5 you get analogue wheels for setting up audio levels, and essentially better internal preamps, which is what matters. The H5 has also a 3.5mm stereo input jack, which is something you don’t have in the Tascam (honestly, I can’t understand why they left that out, it makes no sense). I hope this helps.
Pure ASMR on 4:06 :)
Great review.
True!! Haha
Very useful. That interference is bad. Sticking with h5. Would be nice to have AB but not a must.
I think it is a fair comment. I have to say though, I have been using it for months now and that instance in the video is the only one I have ever experienced... But the H5 is a really good recorder. I own the H6 and you can't fault it, other than not having AB stereo recording...
Hola cual me recomiendas entre la Tascan DR 40X y la ZOOM H1N
Depende de lo que quieras y necesites. H1N is one channel stereo recorder, very compact. The Tascam is an XLR 2/4 channel recorder with no 3.5mm minijack but you get AB stereo recording, which you don’t have with the H1N. Different features for different needs. It all comes down to what you need…
Hi Samuel. This was really helpful to me as someone who is looking to buy his first handheld external recorder. I'm looking for one to allow me to record outside natural scenes by rivers and meadows etc
I'm tempted by the DR40X because I thought the a-b position might be good for countryside recordings, but the pre-amp noise level is putting me off. I'm comparing this to the Zoom H5 and it seems that if I had to buy two of the CT-1s to get to a reasonable noise performance for use with external mics then I would be paying the same amount as for an H5 which already has the lower noise built - in. Also I'm assuming that even using the CT-1s there is no cure for noise for the integral mics. Is this right?
So I''m leaning towards the H5 which I believe also does also have the facility to make a simultaneous lower gain recording though not with as flexible levels.
Does my reasoning make sense?
It does make sense. But the stereo mics on the Tascm DR40X are actually really good. My advise, as I always say if in doubt, is to hire the tascam for a day or a weekend (which it is usually charged as a single day), take it for spin and see if it works for you. It'll probably cost you to rent ti $10 or there abouts and you'll know for sure if the investment is worth it. That's what I would do and have done in the past before forking out the full price. That tiny bit of money you spend is the best investment ever. I hope this helps...
Liked video. But, i have some suspicions by looking at ui, that you recorded shure mic in stereo. By thus combining clean signal with preamp noise from other xlr port.
Thanks for your comment. The shure mic was recorded with the pre-amp attached to it and then an XLR cable from the pre-amp to the mixer. That is all there was to it, and hopefully this clears any confusion. Glad that you found the video helpful!
Great info, thanks! I'm considering getting one to use with my Panasonic G80 camera. The built in mics hopefully are better than the cameras. But the Zoom H5 is the other option. I am not looking to use external mics either. The Tascam has better battery life. Hmmm what should I go for?
Unless you plan to use AB stereo recording, based on my experience, the Zoom is the better option with better internal amps and better noise floor... But then again, this is subjective and only you can decide...
Excellente vides éo, mais finalement je préfère acheter le zoom H4N pro avec un booster klack technik. il feras toujours mieux que le Tascam .
Quel micro xlr recommandez vous pour des prise de son en foret ?
Je ne connais pas votre budget et votre niveau d'expertise. C'est vraiment difficile de recommander quelque chose parce que ce qui pourrait être bon pour moi, pourrait ne pas l'être pour vous. Cependant, consultez ce lien vers un article qui, je pense, vous sera utile. acousticnature.com/journal/lowest-self-noise-microphones-field-recording-comparative-list
great info thankssss a lotttt
Cool! Glad you found it helpful!!!
I know this video is old... so I don't know if I will get a response, but if I wanted to sample or record audio from a record player in stereo. Could I use something like an XLR Male to Dual RCA Female Jacks on the DR-40X, be the RCA coming from a receiver or a turntables built in phono preamp?
Or if trying to get a stereo recording from a 3.5mm line level device like shown in the video (mic, phone, mp3 player, stereo receiver, turntable, etc) could a 3.5mm to XLR adapter instead of a 1/4 inch one from the line out or headphone jack of said device be a work around to the 1/4 jacks mono limitations?
I believe so, as long a you get the adaptor, the signal should pass through! You just need to make sure you get a stereo adaptor and not a mono, which would make or brak your stereo signal before it makes it into the recorder... single black ring on the phone jacks is mono, double is stereo. You might already know this but I have found that many people are not aware of this...
Thanks for the review Samuel, pretty useful. Out of curiosity, are you aware of anything in a similar price and size range to the zoom Nh1, which allows to split recordings on the device? My first choice, for that reason and for the AB/XY flexibility, would have been the DR07X, but your review highlighted the interference problem, which seems to affect the DR-40X too to some extent. The reason for wanting splitting on the device itself is that I would mainly use it for recording myself improvising music in work breaks. The result would often be 15 minutes of recording for which I would occasionally want to keep maybe a few minutes if I came up with something interesting. And it is way quicker to split that on the moment, when it is stil fresh in my mind where the segment is, then just leaving the whole thing on the recorder and do that on a computer, maybe after weeks. By any chance, did you review anything which might work well for that? The DR-40X seems good, but it is a bit too expensive for my needs and I do not like that it might pick up interferences, because where I work there arr lots of electronics which might trigger that and I would not be monitoring when improvising. Sorry for the long message and thanks for any advice!
I have used the DR40X since that review you watched and I have only ever had the issue in that particular spot you saw in the video. In this price range, it is the only recorder that will give you AB. The H1N is brilliant but it is a single minijack channel. The DR40X is great and AB works great.... I believe zoom has now an AB adaptor for the H4N and above recorders...
@@SamuelSotiega Thanks so much for the advice, appreciated!
thanks for the video , im sorry if im late but is the AB microphone good for field recordings of nature (with wind shield on) and is the noise level low enough for a professional recording?
If you use the internal stereo AB mics that audio is really good and I use it for outdoor nature recording all the time. Very good quality!
about the audio interference... I bought the dr 40x and I get a really high audio interference noise, the sound is exactly as the one you show in the video. I thought the mic was faulty but it might be my room... Is there a way to avoid that? Do all mics get this interference or do tascam mics have this problem? I will probably return it, the noise is really bad.
Unfortunately it is the internal components. Tascam probably went for the cheapest they could possibly get away with, and in doing so they ruined not only the entire range of recorders (the DRO5X and DR07X are exponentially worse in terms of interferences) but also their brand and reputation. If you don’t need AB stereo recording, which to be honest most people don’t, get yourself a zoom H4N pro or H5. They are reliable and within a similar budget range. I also own a zoom H6 and has never failed me, not once, but that is because I sometimes use 6 mic inputs and the H6 allows for that. Otherwise a H5 or H4N pro would be just as good.
@@SamuelSotiega Yes, it's weird because I borrowed the older mic version from my school (DR40) and it didn't have this audio interference problem so all this time I was thinking the mic I got was faulty. But maybe there is something with the new version that's causing that. I guess the zoom mics are the better option. I'll look into those. Btw thank you so much! I really liked the video, your channel is awesome!
if i want to record the noise upstairs neighbours footsteps is it good enough for that purpose or waste of money?
Hard to say. I would say it should be good enough because it will definitely pick up the ambient noise in any room. i actually use it tor record ambience. How much it all depends on how loud the noise is and how close to the "source" you can get. that is impossible for me to assess, I am sure you can understand...
Thanks for sharing. Amazing reviews. What is the point of buying an expensice audio recorder, if we have to purchase an external preamp to reduce noise?
I am using Rode NT1A with Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface and monitor it with sennheiser Headphones. If I crank the volume up to 50-60%, there is a lot of noise which comes in monitor and recordings, and it is simply junk, can't use the audio. Can I use this preamp with Rode NT1-A mic as well, to reduce noise?
These mic boosters are usully for dynamic or passive ribbon microphones so if your mic falls in that category, yes, and the improvement is significant. Your mic is a condenser mic, so I am not sure it will. Usually, condenser mics are louder than dynamic, hence the need for a booster. I can't really say it will as normally you wouldn't use a booster with a condenser mic. Do you have a music shop or instrument shop near where you live that you can take your mic and ask them whether you can plug it into their mic booster (I am guessing they'll have one) and test it before you buy? Just a thought...
@@SamuelSotiega thanks very much for your kind reply. Great idea. God bless you!
So, given I would like to use external mics when recording my concerts (my wife and I play organ and other instruments), should I spend 275 euro on one of these and 2 mic boosters, or just go for the Zoom F3 at 320 eur? I loose the internal mics in that case, but gain 32bit float recording.
I come from a video/ film background so I am not really the best person to answer that question...
Hi Samuel! thank you for great video! I'm planning to buy the DR40x and use its built-in AB mics but with iPad/Garageband to record guitar. Do you think it is good enough as an interface connected to iPad using the built-in microphones? Thank you!
I have never tried anything like that and I have a filmmaker background, so I might jot be the best person to give advice… but as a recorder, it is solid and I use it all the time. Just remember, no 3.5mm mini jack…
@@SamuelSotiega Thank you!
Hi Samuel, thanks for the review. I just wanted to get your opinion. I’m a Jazz musician and I’m looking for a field recorder just to get decent live recordings and recordings of practicing sessions. I’m not looking for professional level recordings. Do you think this Tascam would be good for that or maybe the H4n pro?
I think either one will do. The one thing you need to answer yourself is, do you need XY or AB stereo recording, or does that even matter at all to you? If AB, the tascam is the way to go, if XY I think the H4N is hard to beat. It also has better internal noise floor....
@@SamuelSotiega Thank you! I will certainly consider that.
Oye! Hopefully you can give some input. Im a photographer looking to add some video content and Im legit overwhelmed . So, I have a Rode Videomic Go 2 on the way, since I couldn’t find much in the way of reliable reviews and Im so done looking at reviews. How do you think the built in mics on the DR40x would stack up when compared to the budget Rode mics . The primary use of the mic would be for vlogging and run & gun documentary/ BT’s work. The DR40 looks appealing as it could pull duty as both a multi-channel recorder and dedicated mic, without having to limit myself to recording using the camera’s line input (and poor preamps). Would you recommend a different setup or rig like the Zooms? I have a lav mic, which further makes these units appealing. Ultimately I want something portable, around 100-150€, and with the flexibility of internal recording and rigging up external mics (phantom is not a must). I’m trying to figure out where I’m going to have to compromise. If I can get audio quality similar to what Neistat gets (think he used a Shure VP83) I’d be happy. I just need something good enough that does the job without breaking the bank, but with the ability to have a failsafe and using a wired lav . Is this crazy talk or can it be done for under 200€?
the DR40X does not have a 3.5mm input jack, so that might be a bummer for you. Personally, when `i record audio when filming on my own, I use 2 things, either a wireless kit can Lark 150 or, and this is what I often use, a lapel mic connected to a zoom H1N, and then sync audio in post. Now, if you want to record audio into a recorder, or through a recorder to loop to a camera/ phone, my question is, is AB stereo recording important for you. If not, then I would go with the Zoom H4N or H4N pro. Now, the H4 type of recorders from zoom are small, but not compact. This is where the H1N comes in handy because you can either carry it in your pocket or attach it to the camera and it is small. It has a 3.5mm input jack and audio out. It all depends on whether you need multi channel recording or a single recordign channel. Let me know...
@@SamuelSotiega Sam, thanks! I'm starting to think lav mics are the way to go in more situations than marketing departments and youtube would have us think. Have you noticed much of a difference (other than reliability) between cheap and expensive lav mics? As far as audio recording is concerned, is there much of an advantage using the Zoom vs a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a line-in function? My initial idea was just to rig up a cheap lav mic (for dialogue or interviews) to a second phone or other recording device and sync in post (and using a budget mic to do the same for ambient capture) but I thought maybe I was missing out on something critical. TBH the XY and AB mics are not really a major must for me. I just did a side by side with the Rode VideoMic Go 2 and the Boya MM1. Very subtle differences when it came to music from my speakers but otherwise .. nada.
Hey
I have a Tascam 03sd and have been wondering if I can transfer recordings between my Tascam DR-40x. I haven’t bought a portable recorder yet (DR-40x or DR-05x) I would like to know this first. I play guitar and keyboards and do songs. Therefore, I would like to buy a small portable recorder. thank you. Hannu from Finland
I am into video content creation, not music so I won't even try to gove you an answer as the best I can say is I don't know enough about music production;/ recording to give you a useful or accurate answer. However, as long as the recording are on .wav or mp3, I can imagine an issue because you just transfered files in that the recorder can read. Is this what you want? If you say yes, I can quickly do a test mysefl recording something with a different recorder, like a zoom H1N, which will have a different name filing, and see if it plays in the DR40X... I wait to hear from you!
Samuel - thank you so much for this: appreciated! May I abuse you by asking....I bought it to use it in recording at home, a small room, playing my studio-upright piano. Is there a link, or reference, where I could define the settings I need to use? I haven't found one yet, and the menu possibilities are ...overwhelming! I would really appreciate
that. Thank you, thank you!
you mena, like a preset?
@@SamuelSotiega I imagine so...I mean, what settings do I use to record in a small room, my piano? Thank you Samuel - gracias!
Found help, regarding this?
Thanks, is the mic booster really $20-30? I can't find it for that price.
I provide a link in the description to B&H in the USA. But it is really popular so it goes out of stock regularly... are you US based or in other country?
@@SamuelSotiega So sorry I missed that link. Thanks.
Try Amazon UK, its just over £20 , you might get free shipping.
Great video my friend. However I'm about to buy this model but now don't know. Whats about the model Dr100-MkIII ? Also, a friend recommended me Shure MV88 for Iphone, could be better instead of these classic handle recorder ? or which other brands and models you would go? Thanks
Hi Camilo, thanks for the comment. The DR100 MK3 is, depending on where you buy from, over twice the price than the DR40X. I have never used it so I can’t give you an informed opinion, but I have read that it has good internal preamps, which is the most important thing. Overall looks like a rather good recorder, but at twice the price or more than a DR40X. I would suggest, if you can, to buy the dr40x through amazon or other supplier and then test it thoroughly to make sure it works for what you do. If you come across an issue, you can return it and then buy the dr100, knowing that you made the right purchase. Because if the dr40x does the job for you, you’ll be saving a fair bit of money. The same applies to the shure mic. Shure is a good brand, but their mic is twice the cost of let’s say a rode videomic. Again, I would buy the rode mic and test it and make sure you are happy with it. Overall, if both dr40x and rode videomic work for you, with the money you save you could buy some decent LED lights, and that would make a huge difference to your videos. And if again the rode mic doesn’t meet your requirements, you return it, amazon is very good with that and the process super easy, buy the shure and you will never have second thoughts back in your mind of, “what if I had bought this one instead”... but remember that recording directly to iphone is never going to be as good as looping the audio from a mic through a recorder and then send the signal into your mobile, because the preamps in a sound recorder are always better than in a smartphone. If you buy only the recorder, you will have to have it close to your mouth so it will always be in the frame. If you buy a small mic like a rode mic (not necessarily a video mic) like the video micro, you can then use a stand and mount it just off frame, close to your mouth, and then connect it to the recorder, and then send the signal to your mobile for recording. The signal will always sound cleaner and louder than if you record directly into the phone. That is if you are in a studio, home environment. For run and gun filming outdoors, the video mic or shure mic that connects directly to the phone is a good solution as you are “cables-free”. I hope I have answer some questions and not made your decision more difficult.
Camilo, I had a thought. If you plan to use this recorder with a mic that has a 3.5mm jack, do not buy the tascam dr40x, or any tascam. Do yourself a favour and buy a zoom H1N. Only buy these type of recorders if you plan to use XLR mics at some point. If not, you’ll be wasting your money. Check out my review of the h1n compared to the tascam dr07x and you will know why I tell you this. I hope this is helpful.
@@SamuelSotiega Thanks for your reply ! More light to make a decision. Literally, I'm gonna use the device or microphone to record samples, environment sounds, and then put into my songs. I love to do that.
@@camilosanchez24 if that is the case I think this recorder would be great for you. If you use the link in my description, it will take you to amazon and you get a number if weeks to return the item, should you find that it doesn’t suit your needs. Anyway, whatever your decision, let me know when you do and how you get on. I’d love to know.
Can the Klark-Teknic in-line booster be used with condenser mics or is it just for dynamic microphones?
No, it won’t work. The klark-teknik requires phantom power to work, but it does not pass it through to the condenser mic. It stops at the booster itself. Condenser mics need phantom so it is not a compatible combination. And anyway, you wouldn't even want that: condenser mics are plenty loud; adding that much boost to their signal would probably overdrive the input you' re connecting with. This is only for dynamic or passive ribbon mics.
Hello . I'm into music recording as a hobby.. I have cassette recording , DAT recording and MiniDisk . Is this thing can Add to my Music recording or I Have to look something else .... thanks
Thanks for your comment. I would like t help. Could you explain better what you mean by "Is this thing can Add to my Music recording" so I can give you the correct answer that you want rather than something that might not be exactly what you want?
I can live without a stereo 3.5mm phono input but can I use both XLR inputs to record in stereo? I want to record my guitar amp which has left & right XLR out.
Yes, you can! It has 2x XLR inputs so no problem there.
@@SamuelSotiega Thanks very much for the helpful reply & videos.
@@Cr8z13 good luck!!
Can anyone help....? I've set up Record mode as INT STEREO / DUAL RECORD. Hit 'record' - flashes - set levels - hit record again - solid red. Then....it records for 5 seconds and stops recording and flashes red again. It then counts this 5 sec recording as a ''track'' in the Music Files. It's like there is a setting somewhere which is allowing only for 5 seconds of recording. Same thing happens if I use Ext Line In. PS... I've had this for 2 yrs but only learning to use it the last few days. I wonder if it is a software update issue. Any help much appreciated. Wanted to use it tonight....
If Auto Record is on the recorder, it will stop recording after about five seconds if it doesn’t detect an input signal.
Go to MENU > REC SETTING> AUTO REC and set MODE to OFF.
Does this work for you?
@@SamuelSotiega Thanks Samuel. Brilliant. This works. Much appreciated.
@@acoustically9201 superb!!!
Hi! Thanks for the info. Can I use a Tascam DR40-X to record my digital piano in stereo by plugging it into the dual inputs?
I believe you can. You simply take a feed from your piano and into one of the inputs. And you can select to record either stereo or mono…
@@SamuelSotiega Many thanks, Samuel. There are two jack plug stereo outputs from my keyboard. Do you think I can plug both into the two inputs?
@@SimonYoungOFFICIAL Do you know if each phono jacks are stereo outputs?
@@SamuelSotiegaI think they are stereo, yes. I think I read somewhere the unit will only accept mono. Is that right?
@@SimonYoungOFFICIAL as far as I am aware, both track channels will accept stereo. The recorder has many recording settings but you can definitely record 4 channels (2x channels per track).
I have question about microphone sensitivity in DR-07X and DR-40X, its the same? I dont need 4 channels and I think abouth this 2 models.
Mics r the same?
I don’t have a DR07X to check, sorry…
@@SamuelSotiega I saw your dx-07x review on another video, that's why I'm asking. Now I watch your Zoomh1n review, hard decision what to buy... :)
@@projanusz78 unless you need AB stereo, the H1N or the H4N would be my strong recommendation, depending on how many channels you need and input connections.
Uni or Omni for cityscape field recording? I'm trying to decide between the 05x (Omni) and the 07x (uni)
I wouldn't recommed either, both have the same issues as they share the same internal elements. What did you decide in the end?
@@SamuelSotiega the Sony PCM A-10. I've yet to put it through it's paces but I like the compact size so far. Any advice on preventing noises from my hands rubbing against the unit while running and gunning?
@@evenaicantfigurethisout maybe using a spring loaded mount on a handle grip. The noise stays on the handle and the spring loaded mount helps with any motion or shakiness.
Which recorder do you recommend for a newbie to try out between the 2 brands, tascam & zoom?
What microphones you plan to use and also, how many of them at once?
@@SamuelSotiega rodeo condenser
The built in mic is decent, but plug any XLR Mic into this device and it becomes unacceptable in my view. Which is sad because I was looking forward to using it as a portable audio interface and it just cant handle any kind of 'professional' use. I do still own this unit tho.
I do mention in the video about adding a small mic booster that makes a massive difference... Would that help you?
@@SamuelSotiega I did try but sadly it was still spilling over onto recordings. I opted to get a Focusrite Scarlett I/O for main recordings and just use the Tascam as a field recorder which it works really well with. Maybe they will update the next version with better pre-amps. Either way your video was great at showing the capabilities of it! Thanks :)
If it wasn't for that nasty pre amp noise, it would be a nice piece of equipment. Why won't Tascam do something about it?
One of those mysteries in life…
Is it good for recording live band?
Are you usually recording off the mixing desk or raw from the mics?
@@SamuelSotiega Raw from mic. How is the quality if connect to the mix desk?
@@booshipvideo5513 quality is great. It’s hard to give advice because I am
More of a video/ film person but I can’t imagine not getting great audio. Have you considered renting one in for a day to test it before buying one? It might be the most cost effective thing to do…
👍
Glad you liked it!
Hi Samuel, thanks for the video, this and the one on the DR 07. I make a premise, I am not an expert.
I used the DR 05 to record sounds/interviews at demonstrations for my community radio. The result was ok the sound peaked when I got too close to the mic and got bad interference when I inserted an external mic, so didn't use one.
I have 3 questions if you have time:
- What would you recommend if I could only purchase one recorder that would work flexibly for external interviews in the community, group conversations in less noisy places, and one-to-one.
- I saw you use binaural - do you think that something like Roland CS 10EM would work in a community interview setting to provide a feeling of being there, and in practice could I have just one of those plugged into the recorder for it to work?
Thanks in advance
All the best, C
Thanks for the comment! I hope I can give you some ideas.
1- Recommended recorder: In this price range, the Zoom H4N is a rock-solid option but will only record stereo in XY, not AB. If this is not important or relevant to you, the H4N would be great. Plus it has a 3.5mm input jack for those type of mics, something the DR40X doesn't have. The H5 is also great but a little bulkier.
2- Just remember that binaural is great for atmospherics. To create the feeling that you are there. If the interview is in a small room with very good sound isolation you'd probably be ok. However,m if it is an open space, you will get echo, because that is what your ears will hear. It also depends on how close you are to the person. Personally. I would record both in binaural and also with a standard mic and then you have the option to get the voice in the middle, and the atmospherics in binaural. Just a thought. It is so subjective to your idea/ concept, etc.
@@SamuelSotiega Thank you for replying. I like the idea of recording with both binaural and normal and see what comes out. I think something like the Roland has a 3.5 mm jack. If I insert that in the zoom, would that override the main mike or would I be able to record from both?
If it overrides, how would I record both?
Thanks! Chiara
@@SamuelSotiega forgot to ask too to be able to work out if I need AB mic option or not: what use does one have over the other?
For example if I had it on a table in an interview with, say, 3 people, would I be better off with one over the other?
@@ChiaraMuzzi The H1N only records in stereo either the onboard mic or the external mic. You can’t record both signals at the same time. You’d need a bigger recorder with multi-track recording.
@@ChiaraMuzzi it depends on how you want to record the stereo signal. Usually AB is great for atmospherics, outdoor recording in a forest, etc: because you sort of mimic the way the human ear hears. But because of the mic configuration, there is a bit of a void in the middle, where neither mic is pointing to. In XY you capture great middle stereo, brilliant for talking, conversations, etc but the sides might not be as fuller as with AB. Watch this video and you’ll understand ua-cam.com/video/8kpythmet-0/v-deo.html
Incorrect. MS Decode is for mid/side recording.
I stand corrected then!
So this Tascam has interference too. That's disappointing 😔
If it helps, I have only ever had inteference on that particular spot in the video, that one clip. Never had it happen to me again. So maybe in those particular 10 square.meters there is something weird going on. Other than that, it has proven to be very reliable and never had an issue with the recorded sound....
To record both left and right channels on a lav mic using the DR-40X's XLR inputs, can I use a trick like this breakout splitter cable? I would have the splitter coming out of a XLR to 3.5mm adapter such as the RØDE VXLR+. Here's a video explaining what I mean ua-cam.com/video/1H7EWd0hreA/v-deo.html
Technically, you could, But I have never tested myself so I can’t say 100%. Or you could get yourself 2 xlr adaptors and record each mic in their respective channel as you can input 2x XLR…
@@SamuelSotiega thanks. Yes, I intend to use both XLR inputs for the lavs, but I'm thinking if I wanted to use a shotgun mic at the same time as a backup I'd need to keep one XLR input available
@@AfroGelXT that makes sense. I knew there was a reason for your question. If you decide to go with that cable, could you let me know if it works as you and I think it will? Just so that I know too! I would really appreciate that.
@@SamuelSotiega okay:)
@@SamuelSotiega it didn't work:/ sadly could only hear through one of the lav mics. Tried a couple of different modes on the tascam aswell but to no avail
Sorry hard to understand
What did you find hard to understand?
@@SamuelSotiega i'm not english and i understand well