TASCAM DR-70D 4-Channel Portable Field Audio Recorder

Filmmakers rejoice! The DR-70D features four XLR mic inputs as well as two built-in omni-directional mics, and mounts easily above or below your DSLR camera.

The DR-70D from TASCAM is the ultimate audio recording solution for filmmakers. Four balanced XLR mic inputs meet the requirements of production sound, from professional users to indie DSLR shooters. The compact format can be mounted either above or below a camera, and a pair of built-in microphones can capture sound on-set. The interface is designed for quick adjustment, with additional features to keep recording levels under control.

Four XLR mic inputs with phantom power are included on the DR-70D, enough to cover busy scenes. The High-Quality HDDA(High Definition Discrete Architecture) Mic Preamps include 64dB of gain for quiet performances, and all four inputs have individual gain controls. Each input has a limiter and low cut filter available for controlling volume. Also included is Dual Recording mode, which records a safety copy of your audio at a lower level to prevent distorted takes. Quality components like 5532 op amps are used throughout for the clearest audio possible.

Tracks on the DR-70D are captured to SD card, SDHC or SDXC media - up to 128GB cards are supported. The recorder has tripod mounts on the top and bottom of the unit, allowing it to be mounted on a camera, a follow-focus cage, or used standalone. Other production friendly features include a slate tone, low-noise buttons, a powerful headphone output, and standard AA battery power. Uniquely designed for the needs of filmmakers, television producers, advertisers, and documentarians, the DR-70D packs read more multitrack recording into a package compact enough to use with any camera.

Two built-in omni-directional mics

Two omni-directional microphones allow easy recording of natural stereo sound without using external mics. Used in combination with one or two other mics, the DR-70D becomes a compact setup for recording interviews and ambient sound at the same time.

4 XLR/TRS combo jacks allow a variety of setups

(4) XLR/TRS inputs are built-into the DR-70D. The four-channel design enables combinations of shotgun microphones, lavaliere mics, and the built-in stereo mic to be recorded individually. Channels 1 and 2 can be set to stereo input and channels 3 and 4 can be set to the built-in mics, making a variety of mic configurations possible.

Dual Recording mode can be used to create a backup file that is simultaneously recorded at a different level to prevent clipping when levels exceed the maximum input. The second track is recorded up to 12dB lower as a safety track to prevent distortion - if your input signal overloads, you have a backup that isn't distorted.

Built-in 4-in/2-out Mixer Enables 4-channel and Stereo Recording

Each of the four inputs is sent to a stereo mixer. This allows each input to be recorded individually for post production while a stereo mix is sent to headphones and the camera guide track. In addition to pan and level parameters, each input includes a limiter, a low-cut filter, and a delay to adjust for distances between mics. In addition, a mid-side decoding function enables the use of a MS stereo mics.

HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps

Microphone preamps do a lot of work to convert your mic-level signals to recordable levels, so they have a big impact on the quality of the audio that is recorded. The DR-70D uses TASCAM HDDA microphone preamps - created through careful selection of parts. An NE5532 op-amp was selected for its outstanding effect on audio quality. Through a mix of discrete architecture and hand-picked components, TASCAM has achieved an equivalent input noise level of -120 dBu.

Features:

- Supports SD/SDHC/SDXC cards
- Maximum number of tracks recorded simultaneously: (4)
- Recording modes: MONO, STEREO, 2MIX, DUAL MONO, DUAL ST, DUAL 2MIX
- Recording formats: 16/24-bit, 44.1k/48k/96k Hz (WAV/BWF)
- TASCAM HDDA microphone preamps provide legendary audio performance
- Input levels can be adjusted independently
- XLR/TRS inputs support +4dBu line level and phantom power (24V/48V)
- Supports mics requiring plug-in power, and mics with high output (1-2)
- CAMERA OUT jack enables audio mixed on the DR-70D to be output to the camera
- CAMERA IN jack allows the DSLR camera audio to be monitored through the DR-70D
- High-quality audio output through the line output jack that is independent of the headphones jack
- Headphone jack with 20mW+20mW maximum output
- Tripod mounting threads (bottom), camera screw attachment and a shoe mount that can be attached and removed with a coin (top)
- Handles on the front left and right sides protect the screen and can be used to attach a shoulder strap
- Transport and SLATE buttons are made of rubber to prevent handling noise during use
- HOLD switch prevents accidental operation
- 128x64-pixel graphic LCD with backlight
- High-speed transfer of files to a computer using USB 2.0
- Micro-B USB cable included
- Built-in mixer can be used to adjust Pan and Level to mix output of (4) channels
- Low-cut filter with five settings (40/80/120/180/220 Hz) to be used to reduce unwanted air-conditioning noise and other low-frequency sounds
- Limiter function can automatically adjust excessive input levels (stereo-linking possible for 1/L and 2/R)
- Delay function to adjust for distances between mics (+/-150 ms)
- Mid-side decoding function enables the use of mid-side stereo mics
- Slate tone functions (automatic/manual)
- Selectable slate tone insertion points
- File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or date
- Dual recording function allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels
- Can start a new file automatically when a maximum file size set in advance is reached to continue recording
- Track incrementing function allows a file to be split by creating a new file during recording when desired
- Resume function remembers the playback position when the unit is turned off
- Mark function allows up to 99 points to be added to a single recording
WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm - www.p65Warnings.ca.gov.
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- Recording media: SD card (64MB to 2GB), SDHC card(4GB to 32GB), SDXC card(48GB to 128GB)
- Recording format:
- WAV: 44.1k / 48k / 96k Hz, 16bit / 24bit
- BWF: 44.1k / 48k / 96k Hz, 16bit / 24bit
- Number of channels: 4-channel (stereo 2, mono 4)
- Distortion: 0.02% or less(LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT Fs44.1k/48k/96k Hz, JEITA)
- S/N ratio: 92dB or more(LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT Fs44.1k/48k/96k Hz, JEITA)
- Equivalent input noise: -120dBu or less

Analog audio input:
- Connector: XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) / 6.3mm (1/4") TRS standard jack

MIC / MIC+PHANTOM:
- Input impedance: 2k ohms
- Phantom power: 48V +/-4V (10mA/CH), 24V +/-4V (10mA/CH)
- Maximum input level: 0dBu
- Minimum input level: -72dBu
- MIC input gain: TRIM MAX
- LOW: +11dB
- HIGH: +51dB
- HI + PLUS: +63dB

LINE:
- Input impedance: 10k ohms or more
- Standard input level: +4dBu
- Maximum input level: +20dBu

1/2 connector:
- Connector: 3.5mm (1/8")stereo mini jack (this connector can be supplied plug-in power)
- Input impedance: 10k ohms
- Maximum input level: +10dBV
- Minimum input level: -50dBV

CAMERA IN connector:
- Connector: 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini jack
- Input impedance: 10k ohms
- Standard input level: -10dBV
- Maximum input level: +6dBV

Analog audio output
LINE OUT connector :
- Connector: 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini jack
- Output impedance: 200 ohms
- Standard output level: -10dBV
- Maximum output level: +6dBV

CAMERA OUT connector:
- Connector: 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini jack
- Output impedance: 200 ohms
- Standard output level: -40dBV
- Maximum output level: +24dBV

PHONES connector:
- Connector: 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini jack
- Maximum output level: 20mW + 20mW

- USB Connector: Micro-B type
- USB Format: USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
- Dimensions: (W x H x D) 6.65 x 2.2 x 4.2" (169 x 55.2 x 106.5mm)
- Weight: 1.37lb
- Standard accessories: USB cable, Camera attachment bracket screw hole covers 6 Owner's Manual
Dimensions and Weight in Packaging
Base Item
Shipping Weight: 2 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 11 x 8 x 4 in
Manufacturer Part Number (MPN): TAS DR70D

For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-726-0303
Web: https://tascam.com/us/support/contact

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted May 11, 2017 by Shaun S in Saint George, UT

"Amazing unit, excellent build quality, highly portable."

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
Overall: I purchased this product to capture audio from my DSLR camera as well as to capture the audio from my live training workshops. It's highly portable and it has numerous inputs and functions. I'm impressed with the overall build quality. Although it is lightweight, it feels like it's built to withstand alot of abuse. It supports a full metal chassis with rubberized base and aluminum support arms that extrude to protect the dials and display. Features: This device is full of features. While the menu can be a bit cumbersome to navigate, recent firmware updates have made it more robust and user friendly. It has independent adjustments for each of the 4 separate inputs, as well as can record ambient sounds through dual built-in microphones. This is especially nice when you want to separate your audio from your focused recording while still capturing the noises happening around you. I especially like the idea of being able to record two different sound levels simultaneously. We have several different audio sources; some much louder than others. This makes it very likely that we will "peak out" at some point. We can always refer to the lower level recording as necessary to capture a better recording. Quality: The knobs are well built and clearly made to last. The display screen is brightly lit and easy to read even in bright daylight. The chassis is nearly bulletproof. I've had no issues with the various inputs and connectors. The rear battery panel has a plastic outer cover read more (looks sturdy, but could potentially snap off), but it is double-protected with a full metal inner-panel that encloses the batteries. Support: I've not had to use the Tascam support, but zZounds has always been great to help. Sound: We patch the sound directly through our speaker inputs and the sound is absolutely crystal clear. No buzzing or background noise whatsoever from this unit. Ease of Use: As stated before, the menu system can be a bit cumbersome, as each input requires separate customization; however at the same time, it's a huge benefit to have so many options. I've found that sometime when the batteries die, the system is reset to default; making it necessary to reset all of my variables. I also like the fact that it recognizes a USB connection and asks if it's for data transfer or for power. USB power is highly recommended here, as this thing eats batteries like zombies eat brains. I'll go through 4AA batteries (alkaline) in about 4 hours. I wouldn't recommend going beyond that safely. Also, important to note that I DID have an issue with one of my SD cards reading properly. It kept generating errors and failing to record after a few short minutes. I reformatted the card and didn't have any issues thereafter; however I did refer to their 'approved' media list and found that this card was not on the approved list. I purchased a card from that list and it has been completely error free since. Value: I feel I got a great recorder for the price. The quality is top notch and it is highly portable. Bring extra batteries if you plan to be away from a power source. Wow Factor: This is a really impressive little unit. It's very handy and has plenty of inputs for my particular need. 4 channel simultaneous recording is more than enough for my needs. I'll also add that I purchased the TASCAM TM-2X - X-Y Pattern Stereo Cardioid Mic for other recording situations. It sits nicely on its extension arm directly atop the shoe-mount of the tascam Dr-70D. I'd highly recommend it for anyone who wants a high-end stereo recorder to compliment this unit. It's under $100.

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I've written over 40 songs and trying to compile them into a broadway I'm writing on my spare time. I'm a professional investor
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