- 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
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.
Buy Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder Now
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.
Read Best Reviews of Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder Here
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.
Want Tascam DR100 Portable Digital Recorder Discount?
I have used digital audio recorders for years, from $17,000 Sony DAT machines, through the Zoom H4 and then a Sony PCM-M10. This little wonder has them all beat for sound quality, ease of use and versatility. The built-in Uni mics are quiet, have good freq. response, and give a very realistic stereo image. Like the Zoom H4 & H4N the XLR mic inputs with 48V phantom power are a great addition, but unlike the Zooms the DR-100 XLR inputs are not designed to accept line levels. This is my only complaint with this recorder. The line input (and the output, also) are unbalanced stereo 3.5mm connectors rated at -10 dBV (-7.78 dBu)(consumer level), while professional line level is +4dBu (1.78 dBV). Not a good match. I found I had to use the XLR mic inputs set at the lowest sensitivity to match up with my field mixer's output (Azden FMX-42), but run the risk of higher noise levels by going through the recorders mic preamps. I could use a pad to match to the line inputs, but then would be unbalanced and can't use a long run. I use it mostly for double system sound with my DSLR for video.
Despite these drawbacks, I highly recommend this unit for field recording, especially nature sounds with the built-in mics. (I have not tested the omni mics don't really have a use for them). The wireless (IR) remote is really handy. Put the recorder on a boom pole, run a long line to your cans, and you can poke it into locations where you can't go while using the remote to control it (as long as you have line-of-sight to the IR pickup). I got a great recording of newborn robin chicks high in a tree without disturbing their feeding. It also has a wired adapter cradle for the remote for shorter distances. The dual battery setup is also a nice touch.
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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. I use a DSLR, and given the limitations they have with audio (AGC, etc), it became clear that if I wanted to achieve clear sound, I'd have to look towards a portable recorder for a solution. The DR-100 is an outstanding heaven-send.
I've been buying the Tascam brand since I was a teenager analog cassette 4 tracks, Dat recorders, reel-to-reel machines, you name it. I've never been disappointed by this company once, so choosing Tascam among the options in portable recorders was a no-brainer for me.
The uni mics on the record are pretty stellar for being so small, and they really do deliver a truly stereoscopic audio presentation. While the omni mics should would well for room interviews and note taking, they're not anything I'd personally want to choose as a recording source for things more important. The XLR inputs are solid and robust, the line in boasts an attenuation of -10 db, and the menu system within the unit is easy to navigate.
Great recordings, flat out. My preferred method is to use an external microphone for more control over the recording, but in a jam, I'd be confident switching over to the uni-mics without a problem.
If you're an indie filmmaker experiencing the sudden realization that DSLR's just don't deliver in the audio department, I highly suggest the DR-100.
Looking for replacement DVD cases for those that you opened in anticipation, only to find the disc frolicking in the case and the teeth from the hub rattling around inside? You know the hubs I am talking about--the five-pointed serpents-head design, where anywhere from one to all five teeth have broken off. The design of the hubs on these replacement cases--three semi-circular tongues--is one that I have never experienced a problem with. What a relief. Now if only the DVD manufacturers would quit sending us that defective crap!
