Tascam DR-40
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| Tascam DR-40 | |
|---|---|
| Model | Tascam DR-40 |
| Manufacturer | Tascam |
| Release date | 2012 |
| Input | XLR microphone, line level |
| Storage | SD card, SDHC card |
Tascam DR-40 is a portable digital audio recorder designed by Tascam, a division of TEAC Corporation, and released in 2012. The device is known for its high-quality audio recording capabilities, making it a popular choice among audio engineers, sound designers, and musicians, including Brian Eno, Thom Yorke, and Hans Zimmer. The Tascam DR-40 has been used in various applications, including film production, live music recording, and podcasting, with notable users such as NPR, BBC, and The New York Times. The device has also been compared to other portable recorders, such as the Zoom H4n and Sony PCM-M10, in terms of its features and audio quality.
Introduction
The Tascam DR-40 is a handheld digital audio recorder that allows users to capture high-quality audio in various environments, from concert halls to outdoor locations. The device is designed to be compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry around, and is often used by journalists, documentary filmmakers, and ethnographers, such as Dennis Hopper and Martin Scorsese. The Tascam DR-40 has been used to record audio for various projects, including documentaries, podcasts, and music albums, with notable examples such as The Beatles' Abbey Road and Michael Jackson's Thriller. The device has also been used in field recording applications, such as capturing the sounds of wildlife conservation efforts, as seen in BBC Nature and National Geographic productions.
Features
The Tascam DR-40 features a range of inputs, including XLR connectors and a line level input, allowing users to connect a variety of microphones and other audio sources, such as Shure SM57 and Sennheiser MKH 416. The device also includes a built-in limiter and low-cut filter, which help to prevent distortion and reduce background noise, as seen in recordings by The Rolling Stones and Queen. The Tascam DR-40 also features a SD card slot, allowing users to record and store audio files, which can then be transferred to a computer via USB connection, using software such as Pro Tools and Logic Pro. The device is powered by a set of batteries, including AA batteries and rechargeable batteries, and can also be powered via USB bus power, making it a convenient option for remote recording applications, as used by CNN and Al Jazeera.
Specifications
The Tascam DR-40 has a range of specifications that make it suitable for high-quality audio recording, including a frequency response of 20 Hz to 20 kHz and a signal-to-noise ratio of 92 dB, comparable to other professional audio equipment, such as Neumann microphones and API Audio consoles. The device can record audio in a range of formats, including WAV and MP3, and can also record in stereo and mono modes, making it a versatile option for various applications, such as music production and post-production. The Tascam DR-40 also features a backlit LCD display, which provides users with information about the recording status, battery life, and other settings, similar to other professional audio devices, such as Yamaha mixing consoles and Genelec monitors.
Operation
Operating the Tascam DR-40 is relatively straightforward, with a range of buttons and controls that allow users to navigate the device's menus and settings, similar to other portable recorders, such as the Zoom H5 and Sony PCM-D100. The device includes a record button, playback button, and stop button, as well as buttons for adjusting the gain and monitoring levels, making it easy to use in various recording situations, such as live concerts and interviews. The Tascam DR-40 also features a hold switch, which prevents accidental button presses, and a lock switch, which prevents the device from being turned off during recording, ensuring reliable operation in critical recording applications, such as film scoring and sound design.
Applications
The Tascam DR-40 has a range of applications, including music recording, film production, and podcasting, with notable users such as HBO, Netflix, and Spotify. The device is often used by musicians, sound engineers, and producers, such as Quincy Jones and George Martin, to capture high-quality audio in a variety of environments, from recording studios to live venues. The Tascam DR-40 is also used in field recording applications, such as capturing the sounds of nature and urban environments, as seen in productions by Discovery Channel and PBS. Additionally, the device is used in educational settings, such as universities and music schools, to teach students about audio recording and production, with institutions such as Berklee College of Music and University of Southern California using the device in their curricula.
History
The Tascam DR-40 was released in 2012, as part of Tascam's range of portable digital audio recorders, which also includes the Tascam DR-05 and Tascam DR-07. The device was designed to provide a high-quality, portable recording solution for musicians, sound engineers, and producers, and has since become a popular choice among audio professionals, including Grammy Award winners such as Kendrick Lamar and Adele. The Tascam DR-40 has undergone several updates and revisions since its release, with new features and improvements being added to the device, such as Wi-Fi connectivity and Bluetooth connectivity, making it a reliable and versatile option for various audio recording applications, with a legacy similar to other iconic audio equipment, such as Neve consoles and Lexicon reverbs.