The DR-07mkII is a versatile and portable tool for making stereo recordings at up to 96kHz rate and 24-bit depth, in MP3 or WAV format, to micro-SD or micro-SDHC media, either using inbuilt microphones, or by connecting another source to its 3.5mm stereo jack input. The recorder improves on its predecessor with a pair of adjustable condenser microphones, improvements to recording quality, and a new design, while sharing much with the DR-05, making it again appealing to musicians as well as journalists and recordists in the field.
The built-in, cardioid-pattern microphones can be moved from an XY position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a 'wider ambient sound', while the DR-07mkII also outstrips the DR-05 in recording functionality; an 'overdub' mode allows the user to record over a previous take, while keeping the original; the 'Auto Record' and 'Auto Mark' features either start and pause recording, or place a mark, respectively, when the audio input level crosses a definable threshold. Furthermore, any of five reverb effects can be applied to the audio either during recording or playback.
Otherwise, the DR-07mkII is very similar to the DR-05 in design and functionality. The 'peak reduction' function, which dynamically alters the recording level in the event of loud noises; the switched limiter and low-cut filter, which can also be used for the prevention of distortion, are all present, as are the basic recording aids: the self-timer, which inserts a five or ten second delay between pressing the 'record' button, and the recording starting and the 2-second pre-recording buffer, which aids the recording of unpredictable sources, such as at press conferences, by capturing two seconds of audio prior to the 'record' button being pressed. Musicians might rejoice at the inclusion of the chromatic tuner; the variable speed control, with pitch preserved; and the mark, loop, and repeat functions. Playback is similarly to a 3.5mm stereo jack output on the left side of the unit, or through the internal speaker, and recordings can be transferred to a computer by USB, or edited using the recorder.
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, 320 kbps.
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/-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. Internal power source: 2x AA batteries, alkaline or Ni-MH, 17.5 hours maximum recording time. Dimensions: 90 x 158 x 26mm, with microphone pair open. Weight: 127g, 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.