TASCAM TASCAM DR-07MKII Portable Digital Recorder

by Tascam

Product Features

• Adjustable Stereo Condenser Microphones (XY or AB)
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV (BWF) linear PCM recording. Stereo MP3 recording from 32-320 kbps bit rate. Reverb effect. Overdub recording mode
• Auto Record and Auto Mark functions. Peak Reduction function, optimized for music recording, automatically sets the gain of while recording. Limiter and low-cut filter to help prevent distortion
• Variable speed playback (50%-150%) without changing the pitch. Loop and repeat playback. Level Align feature prevents uneven volume levels during playback
• Playback EQ setting. Editing function (Divide and delete). Chromatic tuner 1/8 Inches stereo mic/line input. Powered by 2 AA batteries, AC adapter (optional: PS-P515U), or USB bus power. MicroSD 2GB card included

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.5 x 2.8 inches ; 13.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B004TE5HBU
• Item model number: DR-07MKII
• Batteries: 2 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #306 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)
  • #8 in Musical Instruments > Recording Equipment > Portable Recorders

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

TASCAM's DR-07mkII puts premium recording quality in the palm of your hand. Up to 96kHz/24-bit Broadcast WAV film recording provides better than CD quality to capture every detail. Record WAV or MP3 files to the included 2GB microSD Card, or expand with your own microSD & SDHC media.

Like all TASCAM products, the DR-07mkII is simple to use with functions like two-button record and the Quick Menu for fast setting changes.

Adjustable Condenser Microphones

Attached to the DR-07mkII 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.

The built-in microphones capture a wide, natural frequency range suitable for any type of voice or musical recording. A 1/8" microphone input is also available for adding your own stereo microphone or recording a line-level source.

When flipping the microphone orientation, the left and right channels automatically flip for correct stereo placement.

Overdub Recording

Perfect for songwriters, the DR-07mkII allows you to build up an arrangement part by part for a full production. Record a guitar demo, then try out a melody by singing along with your previous take. Your original recording is kept, and a second, mixed file is created. The DR-07mkII includes stereo reverb you can use on playback, or use it during recording for a pro, polished sound.

Peak Limiter Prevents Clipping

A built-in stereo peak limiter prevents unexpected loud sounds from distorting your recording. Just flip it on to keep sudden jumps from ruining your takes.

Another recording mode is the Auto Level setting, which sets the level based on the sound level in the room. Other settings include a low cut filter, useful for removing rumble or wind noise when outdoors. (A windscreen is also sold seperately.)

Useful Playback Features

Like most TASCAM handheld recorders, the DR-07mkII 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 Portable Recorder
• Adjustable Stereo Condenser Microphones (XY or AB)
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV (BWF) linear PCM recording
• Stereo MP3 recording from 32-320 kbps bit rate
• Reverb effect
• Overdub recording mode
• Auto Record and Auto Mark functions
• Peak Reduction function, optimized for music recording, automatically sets the gain of while recording
• Limiter and low-cut filter to help prevent distortion
• Automatic or manual level setting
• Self timer recording starts recording 5 or 10 sec. after pressing the record button for waiting until you are ready
• Auto and manual track increment
• Variable speed playback (50%-150%) without changing the pitch
• Loop and repeat playback
• Level Align feature prevents uneven volume levels during playback
• Playback EQ settings
• Editing function (Divide and delete)
• Up to 99 mark points on each file
• Chromatic tuner
• 1/8" stereo mic/line input
• USB 2.0 port for transfer to PC and external power
• Up to 2-second pre recording buffer
• Jump back function returns to previous point with one action (1-10, 20, 30 sec.)
• 1/8" headphone/line output
• Built-in speaker
• microSD (64MB - 2GB)/microSDHC (4GB - 32GB) card slot (2GB card included)
• Powered by 2 AA batteries, AC adapter (optional: PS-P515U), or USB bus power
• Tripod socket hole
• Dimensions: 2.2" W x 5.5" H x 1" D (55mm x 141mm x 26mm)
• Weight: 4.4 oz (125g)

Product Description

TASCAM's DR-07mkII improves on one of the best-selling portable recorders ever with adjustable microphones, clear sound quality and a great new design. The stereo recorder features a pair of adjustable condenser microphones. The built-in cardioid pattern mics can be moved from an XY position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a wider ambient sound. Choose the best sound depending on the source and environment. Superior Sound Quality. The DR-07mkII records to microSD or microSDHC media, recording in MP3 or WAV (BWF) file format at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution. The Level Align function prevents uneven volume levels during playback through the 1/8 Inches headphone output or built-in speaker. Variable-Speed Audition - which changes playback speed without affecting pitch - and looping are also available during playback for transcription or learning new music. 17.5 hours of longer battery life at 44.1kHz/16-bit, WAV (BWF) is long enough for any recording situation. Advanced Recording Features The Peak reduction function sets the optimum recording level even in recording to avoid the over level. Quick Menu selects commonly used parameters in playback or record like auto level setting or limiting, while deeper settings are available through a full-featured setup menu. Other DR-07mkII features include Overdub mode, which records over your previous take but keeps a copy of the original. The portable recorder also includes Auto Record and Auto Mark settings for hands-off operation. A reverb effect is also provided to give your recordings that mastered polish. Getting great-quality stereo recordings has never been easier than TASCAM'sDR-07mkII.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

42 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Crispy. Perfect for throwing down at a jam session., April 18, 2011

By 

S. Blossom "sb" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: TASCAM TASCAM DR-07MKII Portable Digital Recorder (Electronics)

Having never ventured into the world of audio recorders, I really have no credibility as a reviewer. Now that I have that out of the way, I am already getting plenty of miles out of the DR-07 Mark II. I purchased this recorder mainly to record jam sessions, as most of the time we play for hours and only remember certain parts and may be forgetting those hidden gems. I plopped this recorder down and strummed out a few tunes on my acoustic guitar. While listening to the playback, I was astounded at the quality; it sounded like I was right there in the room. The fidelity is breathtaking. Later on in the week, my wife had her senior thesis reading, so I thought I would take the Tascam along to record her reading. Once again, I was thoroughly satisfied with the performance of this unit. I haven't as of yet tried all of the features, but I am excited to try out the overdub feature among others.
The built-in mics are very sensitive, so when recording, I did notice that every little movement of the unit or button presses can be heard. The overall construction feels solid...the mics have a satisfying click when you swing them out into the wide stereo position. The battery life is decent. I have recorded over two and a half hours at the maximum recording capabilities using the batteries that came with the unit. My new child has also survived its first drop test--From the top of a booth at a bar onto a fairly hard floor (I decided to record some of my friends' drunken karaoke moments), a fall that it seemingly laughed off.
I have no short-term ambition to do any multitrack recording and just needed something extremely portable with decent audio reproduction. If you find yourself in the same boat, the DR-07 mkII will meet and--more than likely--exceed your expectations.

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Way better than I was expecting, June 24, 2011

By 

johnny "rocketman" - See all my reviews

This review is from: TASCAM TASCAM DR-07MKII Portable Digital Recorder (Electronics)

After spending hours reading through the manual which is about 100 pages I was ready to do my first recording. I went to go see a couple of bands at the Nutty Irishman in Long Island. I got a 8 gb card and recorded the entire performance in 24 bit resolution (each song came out to be around a 100 megabytes). When I got home I copied them over to my computer and played them through my computer. I was pleasantly surprised with the audio quality. Very detailed sound and with no noise. I wasn't expecting it to be this good since it is a fairly small package and only costs $149. I guess the microphones are really good. One of the best features is it has a built in in auto leveling. The one I used reduces input levels (temporarilly) if there is a sudden spike in sound (so you don't get distortion). With some practice I might not even need it since the screen has input meters and there is also a peak indicator light that flashes when the input levels are too high (if the levels are set too high you will get distortion). Some of the other features include 1)marking - during recording you press a button that marks a location during a recording 2) division- You can break up a recording into muliple files 3)auto file naming- adds a number to the end of the file so you know the order of the recodings 4) small size- it is a little thick but it fits into a pocket and is easy to hold 5) Buttons- the buttons are well placed and easy to use in low light settings 6)memory - accepts up to a 32 gb card 6)resolution -Will record up to 320 bitrate mpegs files and 24 bit .wav files 7)USB - comes with a usb cable that allows you to transfer files and also power the unit so you don't have to waste batteries if you are recording near a computer 8)battery life-uses 2 AA batteries and after recording for over 3 hours I still had a full level of battery life (if you read the reviews of the smaller units using 2 AAA batteries you will find those have much shorter battery life) 9)manual-It is really good and clearly written 10)screen - easy to read and has an orange backlight 11)Recording - While you are recording you can press the record button to pause, press the stop button to end recording and close the file, press the record button before recording to go into standby and make input level changes, press a quick button to start a new file without stopping and starting the recording. 11)build quality- Nothing feels or looks cheap and it is well engineered. I just can't say enough good things about this. So far I have only used this in a very loud concert setting so if that is what you need it for I would highly recommend this product and for $149 it is a steal.

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great!, May 28, 2011

By 

Steinburnz - See all my reviews

This review is from: TASCAM TASCAM DR-07MKII Portable Digital Recorder (Electronics)

I am very impressed with the DR-07mkII. This is the first digital recorder I've added to my now growing list of audio equipment, and I can say after a full day of traveling NYC and recording several on-location ambiances and sound effects, the mkII certainly has proven a worthy purchase. The choice of either stereo recording (A/B) or a more concentrated and central recording (X/Y) is a great advantage for recording with a different perspective. The mkII has a very clear and crisp response with a very exceptional dynamic range capability (proved worthy in the center of Times Square on a Saturday afternoon and next to an idling motor of a truck). Also captured very intricate sounds efficiently (picked up all ambiance of birds/bikes/people/cars/horses in Central Park). Only complaint about the recorder is it's fairly low tolerance for wind, as you can imagine the city being the windy place that it is presented an obstacle. So I made some makeshift wind screens like the head of a microphone, and although it did not cure the sensitivity 100%, it certainly helped. Overall, this is a quality product for the price you're paying, and it will definitely help in years to come.