The Tascam DR-40 is the least expensive portable audio recorder on the market that has the XLR mike inputs so coveted by independent film makers using these recorders in conjunction with their DSLR cameras. XLR inputs allow a much higher quality signal to be recorded from external microphones, without the noise problems that plague lesser recorders with only consumer 1/8 inch input jacks.
The DR-40 uses standard size SD and SDHC cards to record, and includes a 2 gig SD card already installed to get you started. You can fit about three hours of wav files, or 24 hours of mp3 files on a 2 gig card.
The DR-40 records in WAV formats at 44.1, 48 and 96 KHZ sample rates. Since WAV files are not compressed, all of the WAV file modes record perfectly with no audible difference between the live input audio and the recorded audio. The Tascam also records Mp3 formats at data rates from 32K to 320K. It should be noted that the 32K and 64K data rates are useless because there are so many audio artifacts, even for voice. 96K and 128K still have these artifacts, but they are low enough to be acceptable for non professional voice recordings. This is unusual, because most other brand recorders can use the 128K rate for music with almost no audible artifacts. Tascam's encoders must be less efficient at the lower data rates. At the 256K and 320K data rates, the artifacts are insignificant and inaudible, making this a useful device for professional use.
The XLR mike inputs provide balanced connections to any XLR mike. They provide clean audio pre-amps and have 48v phantom power that can be turned off when using battery powered XLR mikes. The phantom powered mikes usually provide cleaner audio than the battery powered mikes. It should be noted that even when phantom power is turned on, there is a menu prompt each time you power up the unit that asks you to confirm your selection by pressing a button. This is to prevent accidentally using the phantom power on a mike that doesn't need it. Non-phantom powered mikes can be damaged if phantom power is selected. But this does add one extra step every time you use the device.
The DR-40 also has 1/4 inch jacks located in the center of the XLR jacks. There is a side mounted switch to select line or mike level input. This is useful for recording directly from a guitar. When connecting a guitar, I noticed some computer generated noise from the Tascam device itself coming through on the audio input. The input is not equalized for guitars even though they can work using this input. This noise does not happen with line level sources or with low impedance mikes using the same 1/4 inch input.
Selection from the internal mikes to the external mikes is made using the menu control as opposed to a dedicated switch as on the Tascam DR-100. I find this time consuming when switching between the internal and external mikes. It should be noted that the internal mikes record audio with much more low end response than the internal mikes of the DR-100, and the mikes can be arranged in an A-B or X-Y configuration simply by moving them inward or outward of center. The internal mikes do need windscreens, which are not included in the purchase price. Without them, even indoors, it's difficult not to record the popping noise from your breath against the mikes. Other than that, the internal mikes do a fantastic job sound wise for recording an announcer's vocal close up, or a musical instrument placed a few feet away.
The DR-40 operates from three standard AA batteries or from an external power source; either an AC adapter or from the USB port of a computer. The AC adapter is not included, but the USB cable is. You can not charge the batteries in the unit.
The Tascam comes from the factory at the default settings of 44.1K WAV file, and the mike setting is defaulted to internal, stereo. Install the batteries, set the date, and press the record button twice to get started recording. It's that easy to use. Once you set the date, the input and your other custom settings, recording with this device is as easy as it gets. Alkaline batteries last eight to ten hours.
Setting the level is easy with the up-down buttons located on the side of the unit. Changes can be made while recording. There is no high-medium-low switch as with the DR-100, but it is not needed. there is a lot of audio headroom before distortion occurs, as the the default setting provides clean audio with no AGC or limiting. You can set AGC or limiting in the menu. Both of these settings work well for their intended purposes, with the limiting being exceptionally smooth and distortion free, while eliminating the dreaded audio pumping action.
A nice feature of this model is the ability to record four audio tracks at the same time; two through the internal mikes and two through the XLR inputs. Two separate, synchronized files are created, allowing you to process them independently in post production. This lets you have two main actor's voices on two tracks while at the same time recording the ambient sound apart from the actors. Or, you can play two channels at the same time while recording the other two. This allows a musician to record a music track, then go back and add the vocals later. It also allows a music track to be played back on set while the actors lip sync to it, which is useful for making music videos. The recording from the other set of tracks is recorded to a separate file, but it is automatically synced to the first when played back, allowing you to process them independently in post production.
The DR-40 has a few audio effects that can be recorded. These are mostly various echo and reverb effects, and can be mixed in variable intensities. I think it's always better to record clean, and then add the effects later in post production.
In conclusion, the DR-40 is the best bargain at under 200 dollars for any recorder with XLR inputs and high quality sound. It is perfect for use with a high quality shotgun mike for independent film work, and also with a high end desk mike for voice over work. When the DR-40 is used at the higher data rates, there is no other audio recorder under 600 dollars that makes a better recording. My only three nit picks are having to use the menu to select the input, having to manually confirm the phantom power setting, and not having a way to recharge lithium batteries in the unit. My five stars reflect the performance of the device, not my nitpicks with the operation.