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Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder
 
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Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder

by Tascam
4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)

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Frequently Bought Together

Customers buy this item with Tascam PSP520 AC Adapter/Power Supply For Mpgt1 $22.10

Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder + Tascam PSP520 AC  Adapter/Power Supply For Mpgt1
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Product Features

  • Four microphones - Stereo Cardioid and Omni Condenser Mics
  • MP3 and WAVE file Recording and Playback
  • XLR Mic Inputs with Phantom Power
  • 3.5mm Line Inputs and Outputs
  • Low Cut Filter, Analog Limiter and Auto Gain Control

Product Details

  • Product Dimensions: 10.5 x 8 x 4 inches ; 1.5 pounds
  • Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
  • Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
  • ASIN: B001R65MFO
  • Item model number: DR100
  • Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #8,872 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

A great choice for recordists--from musicians to podcasters--who need a reliable handheld recorder with advanced recording features, the rugged Tascam DR100 portable recorder offers four built-in electret condenser mics (two cardioid and two omni) as well as a pair of XLR mic ins with phantom power for adding pro condenser microphones.



The rugged Tascam DR100 digital recorder.
The DR-100 includes a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, but can also be powered by AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. A built-in speaker allows for instant playback, and the metal enclosure includes a tripod mounting hole for recording flexibility. A wireless remote control is also included for remotely starting the recording.

Playback can be looped or slowed down without changing the pitch, and locate points can be added while recording. The DR-100 records to SD or SDHC cards, and a 2 GB card is included with the unit.

Key Features



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  • Four microphones -- stereo cardioid and omni condenser mics
  • 44.1k to 96k sampling rates for WAV file recording
  • MP3 and WAV file recording and playback
  • XLR Mic Inputs with Phantom Power
  • High-performance microphone preamp with 60dB of gain
  • Premium AKM Audio4Pro A/D converters with over 100dB signal to noise ratio
  • 3.5mm line inputs and outputs
  • Low cut filter, analog limiter and auto gain control
  • Built-in speaker
  • Integrated microphone stand mount
  • Runs on rechargeable Li-Ion battery or AA batteries
  • Optional PS-P520 AC power adapter
  • Dimensions: 3.2 x 1.4 x 6 inches (WxHxD)

Specifications

XLR MIC IN (L,R) inputs
  • Input impedance: 1.2 kΩ
  • GAIN HIGH setting
    • Standard input level: -58 dBu
    • Maximum input level: -42 dBu
  • GAIN MID setting
    • Standard input level: -36 dBu
    • Maximum input level: -30 dBu
  • GAIN LOW setting
    • Standard input level: -14 dBu
    • Maximum input level: +2 dBu
LINE IN input
  • Connector: 3.5mm stereo minijack
  • Input impedance: 1.2 kΩ
  • Standard input level: -10 dBu
  • Maximum input level: +6 dBu
LINE OUT input
  • Connector: 3.5mm stereo minijack
  • Standard input level: -10 dBu
  • Maximum input level: +6 dBu
Recording media
  • SD cards (64 MB - 2 GB) and SDHC cards (4 GB - 32 GB)
File system
  • FAT partition: FAT 16/32

Product Description

The Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder offers high-end recording features to musicians and engineers who demand more from their portable recorder. It features four built-in microphones, two cardioid and two omnidirectional, with analog limiting and filtering for great-sounding recordings. A pair of XLR microphone inputs with phantom power welcomes pro-grade condenser microphones, and line in and out connectors are also provided. The DR100 includes a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, but can also be powered by AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. A built-in speaker allows for instant playback, and the metal enclosure includes a tripod mounting hole for recording flexibility. A wireless remote control is also included for remotely starting the recording. Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder Features Four microphones - Stereo Cardioid and Omni Condenser Mics MP3 and WAVE file Recording and Playback XLR Mic Inputs with Phantom Power 3.5mm Line Inputs and Outputs Low Cut Filter, Analog Limiter and Auto Gain Control Built-in Speaker Integrated microphone stand mount.


Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews
116 of 116 people found the following review helpful
Good but could be better January 6, 2010
Amazon Verified Purchase
I purchased the DR100 to record classical musicians on-location as a smaller and lighter replacement for a much larger hard disk recorder and a pair of external mic preamps. I was hoping that the built-in XLR inputs and +48 V phantom power would be all I'd need for quality 2-channel recordings. After some live recordings of professional musicians as well as a bit of bench testing, I have mixed feelings about the unit.

The good: Using the stereo line input, the DR100 is capable of creating very clean, low noise, low distortion recordings. The DR100 uses Asahi Kasei delta-sigma "Audio4Pro" digital converters which are excellent sounding and have a very low inherent noise spectrum and a S/N ratio of better than 100 dB. The Tascam v1.10 firmware upgrade allows for 96kHz-24bit recording using those converters and the resulting .wav files are superb. The recorder can use SDHC cards up to 32GB, with single files of up to 2GB, so long recordings are no problem. The line input matches any nominal -10 dBv preamp or mixer output. The menus are easy to navigate and the file structure is straightforward. The fast USB2 interface makes it easy to transfer WAV files to any DAW. When backlit, the LCD display is quite readable and the peak signal LED is fast and bright. The peak LED lights at -2dB and the bargraph meters cover a range of -49dB to -1dB where the device clips. The display never reads "0dB".

The "not-so-good": Having built-in, phantom powered preamps was one of the reasons I choose the DR100 over the many other available flash-memory recorders. I own a 24-channel, 96k-24 bit "portable" rack HD system as well as a laptop-based 8-channel recorder and wanted a high quality, but small and light system for 2-track recordings that could be used with high-end external mics. The DR-100's built-in unidirectional mics are probably OK for "snapshot" recordings, but are not acceptable for any serious professional use. During my initial testing using both an external small mixer and external mic preamps, (going in through the 3.5 mm line input) the DR100 worked very well. However, the internal mic preamps are not all that great. Although the V1.10 firmware update does provide for 24 bit, 96kHz sampling as well as 44.1kHz and 48kHz, it does not allow for 88.2 kHz recording, which generally is a better choice for final conversion to 44.1/16 bit for publication on CDs. Tascam should seriously consider adding 88.2kHz sampling, even if it means dropping 48kHz.

The preamp gain is adequate for most any modern condenser microphone and many, but not all dynamic mics. At higher gain settings the preamps do have a fairly high internal noise, which becomes audible when the preamp is switched to the "H" (high) setting and the recording level control is advanced into a usable range. This is when the unit is used for classical music recording with a fairly wide dynamic range of 40-50 dB. For compressed pop, and rock recording this is a non-issue. However, I've encountered a much more serious problem (for my use). So far, I've had problems when using the DR100's internal +48V phantom power with several sets of widely available phantom powered mics. I connected a pair medium-output (-70dBV/Pa) ribbon mics and was not surprised that the DR100 did not have enough gain. I then tried a set of "active ribbons" (with phantom powered internal amplifiers and found that everything worked fine if only one mic was connected, but connecting both mics caused a very audible (-30dB) high-pitched buzzing noise in both inputs. This only occurred when running on the fully charged internal Li-ion battery. When running on the PS-520 external power supply/charger, the noise disappeared, even with both mics connected. To me this indicates a weak +48V phantom supply. I tried another set of mics, a pair of very popular small diaphragm omni condensers and even running on the external power supply I had serious noise generated when both mics were drawing current from the DR100's phantom power source.

Please note that all of the mics I tried all work fine using any of my Mackie, SECK, Yamaha, True and Presonus mixers and preamps with absolutely no problems.

Bottom line: I'm keeping the Tascam, but will be carrying a couple of external mic pres or a small mixer with it.

For reference, I did document the recording levels at various gain settings using the internal mic pres.
The signal source was a balanced mic simulator signal generator. Output -41.5dB, one channel driven, phantom power OFF, limiter OFF. Signal = 700 Hz sine wave.
Levels listed are the indicated recording levels on the LCD display:
1. Coarse Gain Switch set to "L"
Gain dial setting vs (LCD displayed recording level)
dial 10 (-42 dB)
dial 9 (-42 dB)
dial 8 (-44 dB)
dial 7 (-47 dB)

2. Coarse Gain Switch set to "M"
dial 10 (-20 dB)
dial 9 (-20 dB)
dial 8 (-21 dB)
dial 7 (-24 dB)
dial 6 (-30 dB)
dial 5 (-34 dB)
dial 4 (-40 dB)
dial 3 (-45 dB)

3. Coarse Gain Switch set to "H"
dial 7.5 (-1 dB) clipping
dial 7 (-3 dB)
dial 6.5 (-6 dB)
dial 6 (-8 dB)
dial 5 (-12 dB)
dial 4 (-17 dB)
dial 3 (-22 dB)
dial 2 (-27 dB)
dial 1 (-29 dB)
dial 0 (-29 dB)

As noted above, the actual usable range of the attenuator dials is from "1" to "9" representing a maximum range of 29 dB. Changing the dial settings between "0" and "1" , and between "9" and "10" has no effect at all.

For actual acoustic recordings using a pair of sensitive, high output external cardioid mics, recording classical music with a peak acoustic level hitting around 85 dB SPL, I needed to set the coarse switch to "H" and the attenuator to "7.5" to get good recordings that peaked at around -4 dB or -3 dB on the DR 100 meters.

Other than the "wimpy" phantom power supply, I do like this recorder. It's capable of making fine, professional level recordings as long as you are aware of its limitations.
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86 of 91 people found the following review helpful
Edit 6-2010 Be sure to check the selling price - this is becomming a great value compared to other digital recorders.

Tascam has always been at the forefront of technology with their first compact flash rackmount digital recorder. Although its style was more along the lines of a touring case, it made a clear leap that said digital recording is the way of the future and audio journalists should take note. Complete with adjustable gain, xlr jacks, and VU meters its only real setback was the oversize formfactor and the power consumption.

Later came Tascam's redesigned user interface with the ipod like wheel. The DR-1 and DR-07 were certainly optimized for specific uses such as acoustical guitar, and both included built in exceptional quality stereo microphones. The DR1 included a lithium ion rechargable battery while the DR-07 ran on AA cells.

With the introduction of the DR-100 Tascam answers almost everyone's needs. 96 kbps recording is now standard, as are xlr inputs (mic level only - I'm bothered by not having line level XLR because you can gain 20+ dB of s/n in recording line level signals using a quality mic preamp. This is why all home audio hookups eg, dvd, cd, bluray, etc, are done at line level and not mic - see switchable line/mic xlr recorders like the marantz pmd661Marantz PMD661 Handheld SD Recorder MP3/WAV 96 kHz/24-Bit or the slightly noiser but quad channel in mic mode only, and inexpensive, zoom h4n Zoom H4n Handy Portable Digital Recorder) and two battery types, both lithium ion and AA. You get to specify which battery is "primary" and which is "backup" to get through long recordings. That feature alone can save you on an overtime job where you need 8 hours of battery power without interruption. The XLR mics have a switchable filter for environmental noise and also a switchable 48 VDC phantom power. The reason I am bummed about no line level XLR is the extra noise of the recorder's mic amps vs connecting it to a recording board XLR line output. and while it does have a line level in, it is only an unbalanced TRS 3.5 mm jack, same for the line out. Most recording boards are not going to have unbalanced 3.5 mm stereo plugs, favoring dual XLRs, and occasionally 4 pin stereo XLRs though I seldom encounter that pinout as much as I used to. Being a differential input, XLR cuts noise over a single ended input.

Sad note here on such a great machine - if you have a mixture of microphones, both TRS 3.5mm mono or stereo and XLR mics you will only be able to use the XLR mics with this recorder. While you can buy transformers to convert unbalanced TRS mics to XLR format, that increases the size and decreases the quality somewhat. I would have rather had a 3.5mm mic level input for existing mics I own and used the XLR jacks for switchable mic/line in/out. If all your mics are XLR this will not be a problem, but the first time you need to run an old 3.5mm mic with this recorder you will be into adapters.

Memory comes with a 2GB SD card and can be used with up to a 32GB SDHC c4 card if you want to record for a week. Tascam has been reasonably generous with cases and microphone options, but seems to omit the DC power supply to run the unit off battery or to charge the li-ion cell. Figure another $25 for the charger and you are set to go. I see what they are doing - keeping the street price around $300 for this model by omitting the power supply, but hey guys, realistically everyone needs a power suppy. Steps up (linked above) include power supplies, and the zoom has a nice case.

The last bit on the -100 model - because it does support so many asked for features the package has grown just a bit. It's still exceptionally smaller than their rackmount recorder! Feature wise, it has grown considerably and is half the price now.

The only real competition for the Tascam dr100 is the Marantz PMD661 which was recently announced. [Edit - old review - PMD661 is replacing 660 w/ nicer case and old 660 remote control is fully compatible with the 661, with a much nicer display] I've compared the PMD's internal mics and they do not stand up to the tascam - you'll be using remote mics for music on the PMD661 although its speech pickup with automatic leveling is one of the best on the market. On the other hand the PMD661 DOES have line level XLR jacks which means you can pop it on the end of the mixing board and run with it. The PMD661 also has half the runtime of the tascam dual battery design. If tascam hadn't used the 3.5mm TRS jack for line in (they have a higher self-noise level compared to XLR especially if rotated-you pickup scratchy sounds) I'd say beyond a doubt stick with this unit, but if you work the mixing board, or have axcess to the mixdown outputs, the PMD661 will make better 8 hour recordings with 20dB (min) better signal to noise. The PMD-661 has a low power mode that in making a long recording with the LED Vu meter turned off, LED signal lights turned off, and only the OLED display shrunk to the bottom line will last 11 Hr straight through before it shuts down, it just needs to be told it is using NiMH cells and operated in the 661's low power mode.

If you sit in the audience or front stage the Tascam will be best, if you sit in the booth the Marantz will be best.
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17 of 20 people found the following review helpful
Nice design October 18, 2009
By MiMi
Amazon Verified Purchase
It's too soon to give a full review (as I've used it less than a dozen times), but so far, so good! I haven't had any problems with it, and it seems fairly easy to use. I need to become a bit more familiar with some of the controls and build my savvy on the usage of the mics, settings, etc. However, to me it was a a great purchase. I did a lot of research and I have no complaints! Purchase a power adaptor and a larger SD card (I bought at 16gb), which you'll eventually need if you plan to use this device while traveling and time will pass in-between file downloads. Another thing - it's well-built! I dropped it (wihle in it's soft, protective case that comes along wtih the purchase), and not a single ding. Not flimsy at all, so it'll take me a long way. I only wish it had some sort of carrying case/pouch with a shoulder/body strap. While "on location", I need it to be recording and not forced to carry it as it is a bit bulky in-hand. I'll come back with more info as my experiences grow.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Love it
Recorded about 10 live blues shows , was amazed at quality and very easy to use , highly recomend it !! scotty , Dallas Blues Society
Published 5 months ago by Scott Ferris
Good but limited battery life
I used this to record audio for an independent film, using the XLR inputs. The quality is good, but I ran into severe problems with the battery. Read more
Published 6 months ago by Gary W
A little pricey but works well
I bought this as a gift for my brother who does a lot of multi-track, electronic recordings and he loves it.
Published 10 months ago by Robert H. Brown
Tascam DR-100 Portable Recorder
I have used digital audio recorders for years, from $17,000 Sony DAT machines, through the Zoom H4 and then a Sony PCM-M10. Read more
Published 10 months ago by J. Lippencott
Tascam DR-100
I bought the DR-100 to record my music and selected it over others because it had a speaker. The speaker was poor quality and recording volume was also low. Read more
Published 13 months ago by Marion Cole
It's OK. Just OK.
It's a good option for the price, but there are a great opportunity to do more for it in the future. Weak construction in general, weak precision pieces (e. Read more
Published 15 months ago by jugarte
A Stellar, All-In-One Portable Solution
The Tascam DR-100 is an impressive unit. I'm a independent filmmaker and needed a portable solution for recording audio seperate from the camera. Read more
Published 15 months ago by J. Larson
Great design and concept, with a couple serious flaws
Let's start with the good: this device makes an awesome recording, and with so many controls on the body (as opposed to buried in menus), it gives both flexibility and speed. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Stopdown
Nice recorder
The recorder uni mics sound very nice, but the omni mics are not any good. I plugged in a rode NTG and it sounded pretty good close up to about a foot and a half away. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Inform
Tascam Almost Delivers
I was excited to receive the DR100, but after testing it out with my XLR mics that I will mostly use it with, I decided to return the unit. Read more
Published 18 months ago by Michael G.
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