Description
TASCAM PORTABLE SD, SDHC CARD RECORDER - DR-40
The DR-40 is a versatile and portable tool for recording up to four tracks at up to 96kHz rate and 24-bit depth, in MP3, WAV or BWF format, to SD or SDHC media. Audio can be captured either by using the inbuilt microphones, or by connecting additional sources to its two XLR/6.3mm jack combination inputs, which can provide +24V/+48V phantom power. The 'dual recording' feature and the DR-40's playback functionality make it suitable while writing, rehearsing, recording, and performing alike.
The dual recording feature builds upon the DR-07mkII to provide two extra modes. 'Dual' mode allows the recording of one input source (mono or stereo pair) to create two concurrent files with different input level settings. The '4CH' mode uses both the internal microphones and the external inputs to record two pairs of inputs as two concurrent stereo files. This multi-tracking functionality can then be best exploited with computer editing software, when recordings have been transferred using the recorder's USB 2.0 connection. Alternatively, some editing can be performed with the DR-40's own functionality.
Other recording features are largely shared with the DR-07mkII. The built-in, cardioid-pattern microphones can be adjusted from an XY position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a 'wider ambient sound'. The 'peak reduction' function, 'automatic level control' function, the switched limiter, and the low-cut filter are all present, as are the basic recording aids: an 'overdub' mode, which allows one to record over a previous take, while keeping the original; an 'auto record' feature, which starts and pauses recording when the audio input level crosses a definable threshold; a self-timer for delaying the start of recording; a two-second pre-recording buffer; and manual or automatic track incrementation, which can move recording into a new file without a pause. Furthermore, any of six reverb effects can be applied to the audio either during recording or playback.
Playback is to a 3.5mm stereo jack output on the left side of the unit, or through the switchable internal speaker. Found also on the DR-05 and DR-07mkII are automatic level alignment; a simple 3-band equaliser; the mark, loop, and repeat functions; the playlist, 'playback resume', and adjustable 'jump-back and play' functions; the chromatic musical instrument tuner; and the variable speed control, which can play back recordings at 50% or 150% of the original speed, while preserving pitch.
The DR-40's transport controls are on the front face of the unit, as well as the LCD display, and the buttons which operate many of the menu-based graphic controls. Dedicated incremental controls for input level and output level are found on the left and front faces of the unit, respectively, and the compartment holding the SD or SDHC card is on the right face, alongside the USB 2.0 port. A photographic tripod may be fitted using the 1/4 inch BSW threaded aperture on the rear, between the internal speaker and battery compartment. The XLR/jack combination input sockets are on the bottom face of the unit, as well as the jack input for control of the unit using the optional RC-3F foot-switch or RC-10 wired remote control, which enable remote starting and stopping of playback, and other functions.
Compatible media types:
SD card, 64MB - 2GB;
SDHC card, 4GB - 32GB.
Recording formats:
WAV files: Two-channel, 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96 kHz sample rate.
BWF files: Two-channel, 16/24-bit, 44.1/48/96 kHz sample rate.
MP3: Stereo, seven bit-rates from 32kbps to 320kbps, 44.1/48 kHz sample rate.
Recording times, with included 2GB SD card:
WAV: 3h 22m, at 44.1kHz, 16-bit; 1h 02m, at 96 kHz, 24-bit.
MP3: 37h 16m, at 48kHz, 128kbps; 14h 54m, at 48 kHz, 320 kbps.
Cards with other capacities and other sample/bit rates give pro-rata recording times for each format.
Inputs: XLR/3-pole, 6.35mm jack combination sockets, -19/-3dBV nominal/maximum, 2.2k ohms, microphone level; +4/+20dBu nominal/maximum, 10k ohms, line level. Response: 20Hz-40kHz, +1/-3dB, 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 load. 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; PS-P515U AC adaptor. Internal power source: 2x AA batteries, alkaline or Ni-MH, 20.5 hours maximum recording time. Dimensions: 90 x 155 x 35mm, with microphone pair open. Weight: 213g, excluding batteries.
Included accessories: 2x AA batteries, 2GB SD card, 0.8m USB cable, tilt foot.
Optional accessories: AC adapter, PS-P515U and external battery pack BP-6AA, see 'Tascam BP-6AA External Battery Pack - For Portable Recorders'. A Rycote mini-windjammer offers protection against wind noise in high-wind conditions.