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Product Description
From the Manufacturer
The DR-40’s four-track recording mode gives you several options to record, indicated by LEDs on the front of the unit. The 4-channel recording modes include:
- DUAL – Record a stereo signal with a copy of that stereo signal at a lower level. This gives you a safety track you can use in case the main recording is distorted. (See next section for more info)
- 4CH – Record the built-in microphones along with a pair of external mics, like close-up and ambient microphones. Or record the built-in mics along with a balanced line input, such as the feed from a mixer along with the sound in the room.
- OVERDUB – Play along with a recording you’ve already made to build up a full production or song demo
You can record up to four channels of 96kHz/24-bit audio. Mono and stereo recording is also available. Recording formats include MP3 (from 32 to 320kbps), WAV and Broadcast WAV formats.
Dual Recording Mode
Dual Recording records a second copy of your performance up to -12dB lower as a safety track. This mean if your recording gets accidentally distorted, you'll have a backup copy that isn't distorted. Dual Recording works in addition to the peak limiting and low cut filter features which also prevent distortion.
The Dual Recording mode is perfect for recording your band live. Just set the unit to record and hit the stage without worrying about the recording getting blown out.
Locking XLR Inputs
The DR-40 has a set of Neutrik® locking combination XLR & 1/4" inputs. These external inputs can accept balanced microphone or line inputs. The microphone preamp includes phantom power and plenty of gain for detailed recordings with condenser microphones.
The DR-40 is one of the only handheld recorders with a balanced line input, for recording the output of a console or other pro audio source. In 4-channel recording mode, you can record the output of a live console while capturing the sound of the room with the built-in microphones.
Adjustable Condenser Microphones
Attached to the DR-40 are a pair of cardioid condenser microphones. The stereo microphones can be arranged in an XY recording pattern for tight stereo imaging or in an AB pattern for a more ambient recording.
When flipping the microphone orientation, the left and right channels automatically flip for correct stereo placement.
Useful Playback Features
Like most TASCAM handheld recorders, the DR-40 includes playback modes to loop a section of playback or slow it down without changing the pitch, perfect for learning new music. A built-in speaker is included for checking recording without headphones. The Level Align feature smooths out level jumps during playback to help you monitor your raw, unmastered recordings.
A stereo reverb effect is available during playback or recording. Another handy additions include a chromatic tuner and tripod mount.
Full Feature List
- Handheld 4-track Portable Recorder
- Built-in condenser microphones, adjustable to XY or AB position
- XLR / 1/4” mic/line input with phantom power
- Record the built-in microphones with the XLR mic or line input for a four-track recording
- Dual recording mode captures a safety track at a lower level to avoid distortion
- Overdub mode allows recording along with a previous take
- Peak reduction automatically sets the ideal recording level
- 15-hour battery life from three AA batteries
- Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV/BWF or MP3 recording resolution
- 2-second pre-recording buffer
- Variable speed playback from 50-150% speed without changing the pitch
- Adjustable limiter and low cut filter (40/80/120 Hz)
- Built-in speaker and chromatic tuner
- 1/8” headphone/line output
- Playback EQ and level align
- Stereo Reverb effect
- Tripod mounting hole
- SD/SDHC card slot supports up to 32GB media (2GB card included)
- Locking Neutrik Combi jacks
- USB 2.0 jack and cable for transferring recordings to computer
- Powered by three AA batteries, AC adapter (optional PS-P515U), external battery pack (optional BP-6AA), or USB bus power
Product Description
The adjustable mics, four-track recording and extended battery life of the TASCAM DR-40 give you the flexibility you need to record tracks anywhere. The DR-40 captures up to four tracks from built-in, high-quality condenser microphones, XLR mic or line inputs. The internal mics are adjustable from XY to AB position, helping you to tailor your recording to the sound of the room. A pair of great-sounding TASCAM microphone preamps welcome condenser microphones with phantom power, recording at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution. It accommodates balanced XLR or 1/4" line inputs using locking Neutrik Combo jacks. The DR-40 accepts SD or SDHC cards up to 32GB, and a 2GB card is included.Once recorded, play back your takes with EQ and the optional Level Align feature to avoid volume jumps. A stereo reverb effect is also built-in, as well as a speaker and chromatic tuner. Transfer recordings to computer using the USB 2.0 jack. Other features include overdub mode, variable speed playback, limiting and low cut filter, and much more - all with TASCAM's simple-to-use interface. No other recorder makes home or live recording as simple as the TASCAM DR-40.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
71 of 72 people found the following review helpful
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Length:
7:13
Mins
Finally a recorder under $200 with XLR inputs! We wanted to hear how the all new Tascam DR-40 performed with a variety of popular mics. Guy Cochran from the DVcreators.net DVeStore jumps in the studio to audition this recorder that is sure to become a standard.
The results are very good - especially in this price range. Listen to the very end of the video when a Mackie mixer is added. The Tascam DR-40 offers true line level input for ultra clean recordings. The mics used in the examples are the RODE NT2-A large diaphragm condenser, RODE NTG-1 shotgun, the MXL 355 omni lav, and the Sennheiser E835s dynamic handheld. The mixer is the Mackie 1402-VLZ.
The feature we love the most is the dual recording - having a safety track at a lower dB is great peace of mind. Battery life is also extended over other popular recorders by using three AA batteries for up to 15 hours of operation! Of course this will vary depending on if +48v Phantom power is enabled. Note that there is also an expanded battery pack BP-6AA for longer recordings and an optional remote control called the RC-3F footswitch. Handy for starting and stopping recordings if you're playing an instrument.
Overall a solid value at the $199 price point. The Zoom H4n now has some serious competition. Also note that the Tascam DR-100 is still worth looking at - especially if you're a DSLR shooter and need the separate Line Level out to use with the DVcreator Line to Mic padded cable for input into a camera's Mic level input. The DR-100 also has nice big knobs with separate level controls for Left and Right channels. Note that the DR-40 input level controls both L&R.
The results are very good - especially in this price range. Listen to the very end of the video when a Mackie mixer is added. The Tascam DR-40 offers true line level input for ultra clean recordings. The mics used in the examples are the RODE NT2-A large diaphragm condenser, RODE NTG-1 shotgun, the MXL 355 omni lav, and the Sennheiser E835s dynamic handheld. The mixer is the Mackie 1402-VLZ.
The feature we love the most is the dual recording - having a safety track at a lower dB is great peace of mind. Battery life is also extended over other popular recorders by using three AA batteries for up to 15 hours of operation! Of course this will vary depending on if +48v Phantom power is enabled. Note that there is also an expanded battery pack BP-6AA for longer recordings and an optional remote control called the RC-3F footswitch. Handy for starting and stopping recordings if you're playing an instrument.
Overall a solid value at the $199 price point. The Zoom H4n now has some serious competition. Also note that the Tascam DR-100 is still worth looking at - especially if you're a DSLR shooter and need the separate Line Level out to use with the DVcreator Line to Mic padded cable for input into a camera's Mic level input. The DR-100 also has nice big knobs with separate level controls for Left and Right channels. Note that the DR-40 input level controls both L&R.
22 of 23 people found the following review helpful
Amazon Verified Purchase
This is certainly a good recorder. I would call it a scaled down Tascam DR-100. It's certainly priced well and is full featured. I'm using this to record sound attached to my DSLR. It's smaller and lighter than the DR-100 which is good when you're shooting hand-held.
One feature that's great is the ability to record a second track at a lower input to avoid suddenly loud noises causing distortion.
The on-board mics of the DR-40 sound better than the ones on the DR-100.
Cons:
- What the DR-100 has going for it over the DR-40 is buttons all over to quickly change a setting. Especially a wheel for L&R input level. Everything but the independent L/R input level however can be set in the DR-40s menu.
- As far as I know you can't adjust L & R XLR inputs independently. This is bad if you hook up 2 separate mics and need independent adjustment. However, the trick of using one mic and an XLR splitter to record 2 separate inputs in case of audio spikes is covered with the DR-40s setting that lets you record one track at a lower input.
- It does not have separate headphone and line-out jack. But a splitter will solve that.
- The DR-40 runs on 3 AA batteries vs the Li-Ion battery pack AND 2 AA batteries of the DR-100. Once you turn phantom power on neither of these units last more than 5 hours so you'd better bring spare batteries.
If you own a Rode Videomic Pro or a Rode Stereo Videomic you can NOT plug them into the Line-Ins on either of these units and get a usable signal. That's one thing the Zoom H4N has over either of the Tascam's is a dedicated 3.5mm mic jack. So that's the deducted star for me.
However, I just bought a 3.5mm to XLR adapter made by Rode. This worked great with the Rode Videomic Pro set on +20db gain. However, the Rode Stereo Videomic connected to the DR-40 via this XLR adapter still did not provide enough signal to be recorded.
One feature that's great is the ability to record a second track at a lower input to avoid suddenly loud noises causing distortion.
The on-board mics of the DR-40 sound better than the ones on the DR-100.
Cons:
- What the DR-100 has going for it over the DR-40 is buttons all over to quickly change a setting. Especially a wheel for L&R input level. Everything but the independent L/R input level however can be set in the DR-40s menu.
- As far as I know you can't adjust L & R XLR inputs independently. This is bad if you hook up 2 separate mics and need independent adjustment. However, the trick of using one mic and an XLR splitter to record 2 separate inputs in case of audio spikes is covered with the DR-40s setting that lets you record one track at a lower input.
- It does not have separate headphone and line-out jack. But a splitter will solve that.
- The DR-40 runs on 3 AA batteries vs the Li-Ion battery pack AND 2 AA batteries of the DR-100. Once you turn phantom power on neither of these units last more than 5 hours so you'd better bring spare batteries.
If you own a Rode Videomic Pro or a Rode Stereo Videomic you can NOT plug them into the Line-Ins on either of these units and get a usable signal. That's one thing the Zoom H4N has over either of the Tascam's is a dedicated 3.5mm mic jack. So that's the deducted star for me.
However, I just bought a 3.5mm to XLR adapter made by Rode. This worked great with the Rode Videomic Pro set on +20db gain. However, the Rode Stereo Videomic connected to the DR-40 via this XLR adapter still did not provide enough signal to be recorded.
24 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Review Tascam DR40: This was purchased to go along with my Zoom H4N.
The unit is simply excellent imo and esp for the money looks like it's a purchase that can not be beaten!
Recording in multiple modes, 4 Tracks, xlr facility and dual recording with one track at a set db below is a priceless function. Self noise is 100% nil in most set ups and absolutely minimal in set ups where there is some self noise.
The ability to select any input level you require is great, most units have selectable input levels, with this unit you can gradually move the input up and down till your just on the level you want.
Cant say enough positive things for this recorder.
Brilliant recording quality: The following Podcast was recorded direct into the DR40 [...] Listen to the first three recordings of Dyslexia Thinking Positive and also the short intro for Mac in Business for the recorders recording sound quality.
The cons are: High handling noise when using internal mics, you WILL need to take this onto account and possibly use a hand grip of some sort as I do...Then handling noise is nil.
As with most all field recorders used outside, the inbuilt mics will pick up wind and breeze across the top of the mic creating noise. You WILL need a Dead Cat or some other form of wind protection for the mics if your planning on using this unit outside, they are very sensitive indeed!
To end it provides faultless recording quality, is easy to use, very clear to view settings and recording levels and has excellent functions others do not have. You will not be disappointed with the purchase...At this price point IMO its simply awesome.
The unit is simply excellent imo and esp for the money looks like it's a purchase that can not be beaten!
Recording in multiple modes, 4 Tracks, xlr facility and dual recording with one track at a set db below is a priceless function. Self noise is 100% nil in most set ups and absolutely minimal in set ups where there is some self noise.
The ability to select any input level you require is great, most units have selectable input levels, with this unit you can gradually move the input up and down till your just on the level you want.
Cant say enough positive things for this recorder.
Brilliant recording quality: The following Podcast was recorded direct into the DR40 [...] Listen to the first three recordings of Dyslexia Thinking Positive and also the short intro for Mac in Business for the recorders recording sound quality.
The cons are: High handling noise when using internal mics, you WILL need to take this onto account and possibly use a hand grip of some sort as I do...Then handling noise is nil.
As with most all field recorders used outside, the inbuilt mics will pick up wind and breeze across the top of the mic creating noise. You WILL need a Dead Cat or some other form of wind protection for the mics if your planning on using this unit outside, they are very sensitive indeed!
To end it provides faultless recording quality, is easy to use, very clear to view settings and recording levels and has excellent functions others do not have. You will not be disappointed with the purchase...At this price point IMO its simply awesome.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Great field recoder | Do not use the included batteries!
I purchased this item to run audio for a low budget film. I am using 2 condenser mic's with the built in mics and have not been disappointed so far. Read more
Published 5 days ago by Dmurph
Excellent sound quality, LCD screen hard to see
The Tascam DR 40 has many features for it's small size. The sound quality is very good but the LCD screen is very small and consequently is hard to see. Read more
Published 7 days ago by Joseph Allen
problem formatting SD cards
I bought this recorder to use to judge music groups at various performing festivals. However, the recorder would not format the SD cards which had to be used to record comments... Read more
Published 12 days ago by dmfr47
well-designed & highly versatile
The impressive specs of this device are pretty well known, like the very nice mics, full-size XLR inputs, stereo, dual stereo, and 4-track recording. Read more
Published 14 days ago by amazoner
Great recorder, dual recording, excellent price point.
I love this recorder. I'm a student filmmaker (videographer I suppose if you want to get technical), and I use this mic to record conversation from a shotgun microphone. Read more
Published 19 days ago by Eldoradobro
good for budding musicians
simple to use and great quality sound. I will put it on stand by record just to listen to my guitar playing in real time. Read more
Published 21 days ago by P. VANDERKUYL
EXCELLENT recorder
I bought this recorder to capture live audience audio for a live video project. I can say that it worked amazingly well for this and did an excellent job at recording the bands... Read more
Published 25 days ago by TheTerrorBeyond
Disappointing recorder
I am a professional classical musician who was looking for a recorder which could capture recording of both piano and voice. Read more
Published 1 month ago by im
Amazing
I first got this because i wanted a cheaper version of the H4-N.
and i totally got just that.
the mics on this are amazing, and noiseless (meaning there is no background... Read more
and i totally got just that.
the mics on this are amazing, and noiseless (meaning there is no background... Read more
Published 1 month ago by 4SevenFilms
Amazing recorder--especially for an old timer
I have not bought a recorder for about 30 years. My last one was a Teac 3340, 4 track which was a 10 1/2 inch reel to reel. It cost about $1500 new in the 1970's. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Eric Anderson
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