Description
TASCAM PORTABLE MICRO SD, SDHC CARD RECORDER - DR-05
The DR-05 is a simple and portable tool for making stereo field recordings at up to 96kHz rate and 24-bit depth, in MP3 or PCM (.WAV) format to Micro SD or Micro SDHC media. The inbuilt microphones handle an impressive 125dB SPL, making them suitable for capturing jet engines and heavy metal bands alike, or another source may be connected to the 3.5mm stereo jack input. The recorder has facilities appealing to musicians, as well as journalists.
Recording by either method can be enhanced by a 'peak reduction' function, which dynamically alters the recording level in the event of loud noises. A limiter and low-cut filter, switched using the device's menu-based controls, can also be used for the prevention of distortion. For those attempting to juggle the recorder and a guitar, the self-timer function inserts a five or ten second delay between pressing the 'record' button, and the recording starting. For those dealing with unpredictable sources - during press conferences, for example - a pre-recording buffer of up to two seconds helps to capture the intended recordings. A pleasant surprise is provided in the form of a chromatic tuner, with variable reference frequency, displaying on the recorder's LCD screen the deviance in the pitch of the source.
Once made, recordings can be transferred to a computer via USB, using the mini-USB socket on the right side of the unit, though recording division and deletion functions are just a button-press away, as with much of the DR-05's functionality, and so are operable with one hand and a thumb - no plectrums in mouths!
Playback is to a 3.5mm stereo jack output on the left side of the unit, or through the internal speaker, while functionality is of special interest to musicians: a variable speed control - from 50% to 150% of original, with pitch preserved - can assist in the learning and transcription of music, especially when used with the mark, loop and repeat functions. Transport controls are on the front face of the unit; a sliding 'hold' control is on the left side; and the compartment holding the microSD or microSDHC card is on the right side. A photographic tripod may be fitted using the 1/4 inch BSW threaded aperture on the rear.
Compatible media types:
Micro SD card, 64MB - 2GB.
Micro SDHC card, 4GB - 32GB.
Recording formats:
WAV files: Two-channel, 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96kHz sample rate.
MP3: Stereo, eight bit-rates from 32kbps to 320kbps, 44.1/48kHz sample rate.
Recording times, with included 2GB microSD card:
WAV: 3h 22m, at 44.1kHz, 16-bit; 1h 02m, at 96kHz, 24-bit.
MP3: 37h 16m, at 48kHz, 128kbps; 14h 54m, at 48kHz, 320kbps.
Cards with other capacities and other sample/bit rates give pro-rata recording times for each format.
Microphone input: 3.5mm stereo jack, -20/-4dBV nominal/maximum, 25k ohms. Response: 20Hz-40kHz, +1/-3 dB, 96kHz. Distortion: 0.05%.THD. Noise: -92dB, external input to line output. Line/headphone output: 3.5mm stereo jack, -14/+2dBV nominal/maximum, 12 ohms, 10k ohms load; 20mW maximum, 32 ohms headphones. Speaker: 0.3W, mono. USB transfer/power interface: Mini-B type, USB 2.0 high speed mass storage class. External power source: USB bus power. Internal power source: 2x AA batteries, alkaline or Ni-MH, 17.5 hours maximum recording time. Dimensions: 61 x 141 x 26mm. Weight: 116g, excluding batteries.
Included accessories: 2x AA batteries, 2GB microSD card.
Optional accessories: PS-P515U AC power supply. A Rycote mini-windjammer offers protection against wind noise in high-wind conditions.