Tascam Launch DR-40 Handheld Field Recorder
The demand for high quality, hand-held field recorders seems to increase every minute, and, to meet the demands of these users, the Tascam DR-40 has been launched, adding to the company’s already impressive line-up of recorders.
Tascam have been involved in the field of high quality recording for long enough for their earliest designs to become museum pieces. Their Portastudio range was the first experience of multi-track recording for many musicians, and was so immensely popular that, nowadays, the word ‘Portastudio’ carries a similar weight in the world of home recording as the word ‘hoover’ does in the world of, er… sucking up dirt. So, it is safe to assume, if you didn’t already know, that Tascam know a thing-or-two about recording audio. And, among the first companies to produce portable digital recorders, their range in this market is amongst the most comprehensive, reliable and, above all, with the best audio quality. The Tascam DR-40 embodies these three tenets, with a set of professional features currently unavailable on anything else at this price-point.
Adjustable Stereo Microphones
Featuring position-adjustable stereo microphones similar to those of the DR-08, the DR-40’s mics can be, switched between AB and XY configuration. This makes this recorder ideal for a wide range of applications, from interviews to live recordings. And, for situations where closer, or specific mics are required, a stereo XLR/ TRS mic/line input is included, with phantom power for use with condenser mics.
Four-Track Recording
Unlike many units at this price-point, the Tascam DR-40 can record up to four-tracks simultaneously, creating two separate stereo files from the built-in mics and inputs, with different level settings as required. Alternatively, non-destructive overdub can be used to play back an audio file whilst recording another track, meaning that the DR-40 can also function as a songwriter’s ‘sketch-pad’. Alongside the flexible mic/input configuration and multi-track recording, this new Tascam recorder is equipped with a feature that is likely to make it very appealing to professional sound engineers everywhere; on-board mid-side (MS) decoding, for recordings made with MS mic techniques. This feature alone sets the DR-40 apart from every other recorder at this price-point. Multi-track recordings made can also be mixed-down to stereo files on the unit, for convenience.
Key Features
- Built in mics switch-able between XY or AB configuration
- Stereo XLR/TRS mic or line input
- Four tracks (2 x stereo) simultaneous recording
- Mid-Side decoding
- Two-second pre-record buffer
- Built-in reverb, available on input or output
- Chromatic tuner
- File divide, for extracting particular sections from long files
- Up to 24-bit 96kHz operation
In a packed marketplace, the Tascam DR-40 recorder has more than enough features to ensure that it sets itself apart from the competition, and all at a great price (RRP. is currently quoted at £239!). Call our stores or customer service team (01925 582420) for availability. To keep up to date with all major product announcements, sign up to our email newsletter (see above).
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