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Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder
- Price: $99.99
- Free Shipping (USA)
- In Stock
- B&H # TADR05
- Mfr# DR-05
Product Highlights
- Lightweight and Compact
- WAV and MP3 Recording
- Records up to 24-bit/96kHz
- Uses microSD and microSDHC Cards
- Integrated Microphones and Speaker
- Intuitive Controls
- 3.5mm Stereo Mic/Line Input
- Peak Reduction and Limiter
- USB 2.0 Port
- Battery or USB Power
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The DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder from Tascam offers high-quality recording in a lightweight and compact design that anyone can use, perfect for musicians, teachers, journalists, and more. The DR-05 records WAV or MP3 files at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz to microSD or microSDHC cards for reliable, skip-free storage. A 2GB card is included so you can get started right away. Integrated microphones capture clear stereo audio, while a 3.5mm stereo mic/line input lets you connect external mics and sound sources. The jack even provides plug-in power for mics that require it.
An integrated speaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack make it easy to listen to your recordings to make sure everything was captured perfectly. The large display screen shows vital information during recording and playback, while the intuitive controls provide quick and easy single-handed operation. The Peak Reduction feature will automatically set your recording level by listening to the audio input and adjusting for the best level. When used alongside the built-in limiter, unwanted distortion becomes a thing of the past.
The DR-05 includes other classic Tascam features, such as Variable Speed Audition, a level align function, loop and repeat playback, self-timer recording, integrated editing, a chromatic tuner, and more. A USB 2.0 port allows you to connect the recorder to a computer to quickly transfer files. The DR-05 operates on a pair of standard AA batteries or via the included USB cable. A threaded socket provides convenient tripod mounting.
- Compact Design
- The lightweight and compact design allows you to bring the recorder anywhere, perfect for musicians, teachers, journalists, and more
- Versatile Recording
- The DR-05 records WAV files at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 files at rates up to 320kbps to provide you with a wealth of high-quality options to meet your needs
- microSD
- The recorder writes to microSD or microSDHC cards for reliable, skip-free storage. A 2GB card is included so you can get started right away
- Integrated Microphones
- Integrated omnidirectional condenser microphones capture clear stereo audio with a sensitivity rating up to 125dB to withstand loud sound sources, while also capturing the nuance and detail of a subtle performance
- Mic/Line Input
- The 3.5mm stereo mic/line input lets you connect external mics and sound sources. The jack even provides plug-in power for mics that require it
- Integrated Speaker and Headphone Jack
- An integrated speaker and a 3.5mm headphone jack make it easy to listen to your recordings to make sure everything was captured perfectly
- Large Display
- The large display screen shows vital information during recording and playback
- Intuitive Controls
- The intuitive controls provide quick and easy single-handed operation
- Level Control Options
- The DR-05 offers automatic and manual level setting, as well as a Peak Reduction feature that will automatically set your recording level by listening to the audio input and adjusting for the best level. Unlike auto gain functions, Peak Reduction only goes down to prevent accidental distortion after a period of low level, like a break. Peak Recording works in rehearsal mode or while recording, so if the performance is louder than the sound check, you're still safe
- Limiter and Low-Cut Filter
- An integrated limiter and low-cut filter help to prevent distortion and low frequency rumble and hum
- Self-Timer Recording
- This feature will start the recorder 5 or 10 seconds after you hit the record button, giving you time to get ready when recording yourself. Alternately, you can enable a 2-second pre recording buffer, which will capture audio from 2 seconds before you hit the record button
- Playback Options
- The recorder has variable speed playback, letting you adjust recordings from 50-150% without affecting the pitch. It also offers loop and repeat playback, auto and manual track increment, playback EQ settings, and a level align feature that prevents uneven volume levels during playback
- Editing
- Onboard editing capabilities let you divide and delete tracks and sections of tracks, an assign up to 99 mark points on each file. A jump back function will return to your previous point with one action
- Tuner
- A built-in chromatic tuner ensures that you're on-key and sounding your best
- USB Port
- The USB 2.0 port makes it easy to connect the recorder to a computer to transfer your files for editing and sharing. The port also provides power to the DR-05
- Power Options
- The recorder can operate on a pair of standard AA batteries or via USB bus power with the included cable
- Tripod Socket
- A threaded socket provides convenient tripod mounting
| Recording Media |
microSD/SDHC Flash Memory Cards (64MB to 32GB)
1
Please Note:2GB Card Included close |
| Supported File Types |
WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24-bit MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 32/64/96/128/192/256/320kbps |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Recording Time |
All times are for a 1GB memory card Stereo Mode: MP3: 17 hours 21 mins (128kbps), 6 hours 56 mins (320kbps) WAV: 1 hour 34 mins (16-bit/44.1kHz), 1 hour 26 mins (16-bit/48kHz), 28 mins (24-bit/96kHz) |
| Connectors |
1 x 3.5mm Mic/Line Stereo Input 1 x 3.5mm Headphone/Line Out Jack 1 x USB 2.0 Mini Port |
| Display | LCD Display |
| Speaker | 0.3W Mono |
| Frequency Response |
20Hz - 20kHz +1/-3dB (44.1kHz Ext In to Line Out, JEITA) 20Hz - 22kHz +1/-3dB (48kHz Ext In to Line Out, JEITA) 20Hz - 40kHz +1/-3dB (96kHz Ext In to Line Out, JEITA) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | 0.05% or Lower (EXt In to Line Out, Fs 44.1/48.96kHz JEITA) |
| Signal to Noise Ratio | 92dB or Higher (Ext In to Line Out, Fs 44.1/48/96kHz JEITA) |
| Power |
2 x AA Batteries USB Bus Power 1.7W Maximum Consumption |
| Operating Temperature | 32-104°F (0-40°C) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.4 x 5.6 x 1" (61 x 141 x 26mm) |
| Weight | 4.1 oz (116g) (Without Batteries) |
| System Requirements |
Windows: Pentium 300MHz or Faster 128MB or More Memory USB Port (USB 2.0 Recommended) Windows 7, Vista, or XP Mac: Power PC, iMac, G3, G4 266MHz or Faster 64MB or More Memory USB Port (USB 2.0 Recommended) Mac OS X 10.2 or Later |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 141 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
99%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (123)
- Excellent sound (114)
- Versatile (75)
- Low distortion (72)
- Compact (69)
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (95)
- Outdoor events / games (74)
- Performances (54)
- Home studio (46)
- Professional recording (36)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (84), Novice (38), Professional musician (13)
Most Liked Positive Review
A Decent Audio Recorder for the Money
As a self contained multimedia journalist, I wanted to step up from the limitations of the Zoom H1 for the audio slideshow and video projects I produce/create. I went with the Tascam DR-...Read complete review
As a self contained multimedia journalist, I wanted to step up from the limitations of the Zoom H1 for the audio slideshow and video projects I produce/create. I went with the Tascam DR-05 due to it's smallish size and additional capabilities.
The audio quality of the built in stereo mics works well with capturing ambient audio and even for voice recording if using baffling to minimize any room echo.
For using an external mic, I initially went with the Pearstone LMT-100 3.5mm to XLR adapter, but had issues with it. I then ordered the Comprehensive 3.5mm to XLR cable and found it to be of higher audio quality than the Pearstone cable.
A serious issue I discovered is if you're going to use an external mic with the DR-05, you NEED to use a battery powered mic such as the AKG C-1000S, Rode M3 or NTG-2 (and similar mics) due to the noisy mic preamps. There's a fair amount of pre-amp line noise if used with dynamic mics like the Audio Technica AT8004 or Shure SM58 - both of which I tested and found to be of no use with this recorder.
When I tested with a loaned AKG-C1000S from a colleague, the audio quality was flat out lovely (I ended up purchasing an AKG-C1000S as a result). I recommend this recorder/mic combination for NPR style voice recordings both in studio and in the field.
Bottom line: This is a much better audio recorder compared to the Zoom H1 for the money IMO. The overall build and ease of use of the Tascam DR-05 is superior and as long as you understand its limitations for external mics options, you'll be happy with this unit.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
No line-level input - a non-starter, in
In at least 3 places in Tascam's website, they claim the DR-05 has a "line in", this is NOT the case, the only input jack can only accept a minu...Read complete review
In at least 3 places in Tascam's website, they claim the DR-05 has a "line in", this is NOT the case, the only input jack can only accept a minuscule -20 dBV (nominal) input signal, way below the normal -10dBV output from a "recorder out" jack from a stereo or mixer and WAY< WAY below the +4 dBV output of a normal mixer standard output. It may be great recording from the built in mics or external mics (I don't know), but it really misses the mark for recording from other sources because of the lack of a line in (even though Tascam keeps saying it has one.) By the way, the new DR-07 mkII has no line level input either (but the old DR-07 did).
Note: Below, I checked "experienced" - had there been a category between 'novice" and "experienced" I would have selected that, but I'm closer to experienced than novice.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 141 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I purchased this as an external audio source for my Hero 3 Black camera. So far, I'm quite happy. The unit is a little bulky but build quality is excellent. Menu navigation is intuitive and it boots very quickly. The built-in mics are not bad but I find I use my Rode VideoMic almost exclusively with good results. The internal speaker is fairly poor and really not usable. Headphones work well. No complaints with the battery life and I like the Limiter and Peak Reduction functions. Overall, very pleased particularly for the price.
Pros
- Good sound quality
Cons
- Bad Quality Warranty
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I bought one of these, and on first use could not get the files out of it over the USB. The plug in the recorder was bad –– I had to press it up with my finger so that computer could recognize it. Replaced it at bandh.
Second copy did not have a usb problem, and I used it for a few times. And then suddenly it would not turn on, would not be recognized by the computer, just plain dead.
As it turns out, the warranty for labor is only 3 months. I called a local service provider, and at the current price of about 80 dollars, that recommended just to get a new one. Labor cost of the repair does not make it viable.
Bottom line: not a bad product in terms of sound quality, bad manufacturing combined with a worst warranty on the market suggests: stay away from it!
Pros
- Compact
- Cost
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Interviewing
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I bought this recorder to do interviews. It is perfect for my needs: it is relatively light and compact, has great aural quality, is easy for a non-technical guy like me, and does not scare the interviewees. And the price can't be beat! No doubt this recorder can be used for many other purposes like recording music, etc., but I haven't yet explored those possibilities. It seems so user-friendly that I will no doubt be tempted to use it for purposes other than interviewing.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
- No phantom power
- No XLR inputs
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I wish I would have put a little more research into my sound before I purchased this. The build and sound are great but it lacks by not having XLR inputs or phantom power. It is fine if you are the casual user or just starting out. I by no means am a pro but I wish I would have sprung for the dr-40 or something along those lines. I use a Rode Videomic with this and get pretty good sound but know I will need to upgrade soon. It should be fine for learning on and if you are on a budget. If you have the extra cash I would suggest putting it toward the better longterm investment if you are serious about shooting indie films.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I use it for many applications, including miking the groom when your wireless won't work. This little gem is easy to use and the sound quality is pretty darn good. You will not be sorry. I also have a DR-40. It is 1 step up from this one with XLR inputs and 4 channels.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I have only used this once so far. I recorded directly from a sound board, and the results were quite good. The y pattern mics have a great sound quality, but i feel as is an xy pattern would pick up sounds better
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Use for interviews with a Wired Microphone. Sound quality is much better than my shotgun mic. There isn't any noticeable buzz or humming. It's very directional when connected to a wired mic. Great buy.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
This unit could hardly be better for its intended purpose, that is, field recording. The mics are fine, ergonomics fine. Wouldn't want to listen to the speaker very often though. My only real problem is with the "line in." It overloads, even at 1db input. Is there an attenuator out there somewhere that can make it useful for recording from an amp line out?
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
This thing is great. Love love love it. I use it for weddings and couldn't be happier.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Church audio
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
We use this to record our weekly sermons. Really easy to use and use and enjoy the marker functions.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Great sound quality when used with a wireless mic. Be sure to set levels on mic and receiver before setting levels on recorder.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
The device has good build quality, but not great - it's about what I'd expect for what I paid, which isn't to say you won't be happy, just don't expect it to built like the H4N.Audio is clear, and hiss free. It's easy to get a level, and I find that even with the XY mics, I can still get good audio during interviews if it's close enough to the speaker, and there will be minimal background audio interference.The GUI is acceptable - it works, but it's not polished. Battery life is good, although I'd keep spares for anything longer than 3 days of work.I tested the DR-05 at several concerts, right on stage in between two bass amplifiers and found that the mics aren't good at picking up treble, and that the bass tends to have more presense than I'd like. I had another device with an external mic that did a good job picking up clear highs, so I'm inclined to think this is an issue with the DR-05 mics, and not the device itself. Also, my recordings picked-up bad vibrations from the bass amplifiers during some sets, but again, it could just be the mics. My one big complaint is that after several hours of recording, I found that if I turned off the device, it wouldn't immediately start-up after activing it. It would sit on the loading screen and do nothing. I had to reseat the batteries, then the device would work. Overall, it's takes some work, but you can get good audio from this device. If you take the time to learn it's strengths and weaknesses, I believe you'll be happy.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Have only been able to use a few times to record some live gigs I've played on. Simple to use and captures the sound very accurately. VERY slight noise to the preamp if there is very very low volume, but unnoticeable once decent levels are being produced.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I use this with my Canon t3i camera and it works very well so far. And also it's very easy to use. Love it, really worth the money.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Ready To Use
- User friendly
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
This is a simple,easy to use stereo recorder. I was recording myself playing acoustic gutiar and singing in minutes after receiving this product. Read some key parts of the instructions and I was off to the races. A lot of good features; a pause, auto level, shortcut keys, min-SD, usb powering, format choices, the list goes on... I am very happy with this product. I can use USB wire provided to copy onto my laptop or if your laptop is Micro-SD friendly you can plug the SD in and copy onto your laptop. The USB connection can also provide power to the unit, saves on batteries. Overall, I am very pleased with the ease of operation and quality of the recordings.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Great price
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- No Built In Rech Battery
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
As an Audio Engineer for Railsimulator and its Train Simulator 2012, I don't always have the time to lug around my shotgun mics and booms, so I keep this little guy with me at almost all times. I own several locomotive horns that blow well over 150dB and the microphone levels are thankfully adjustable, so I never experience clipping. The stereo capabilities make recording inside of a locomotive cabin much more immersive while wearing my headset as monitors, The quality of recordings this thing is capable is incredible, able to record in decompressed .wav 24bit formats at a 96k recording sample. The only thing I felt could've been a great implementation for this was a built in rechargeable battery, but since this thing uses so very little power anyways, it isn't that large of a problem.
- Recommended:
- Get the windscreen for environmental recordings.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Idiot Proof
- Low Distortion
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
It is exactly what it says it is, nothing more, nothing less. It is an inexpensive digital recorder that will not clip out on you. How I use it: Band (Rock) practice.1) It's handy. We are lazy and we used to just use someones Iphone or Andriod to record our practices and new ideas. This is just as handy and does not require us to drain our phone battery if we want to get an idea down without a bunch of hassel. Problem Solved.2) It doesn't clip (if you use it properly). The problem with the phones that we were having was that the mic sucked and could not handle much of a frequency. This thing solved the problem. It is designed to handle the low end of the bass and drums, and all the cymbal crashes you could imagine without clipping. Problem solved.3) Easy to transfer ideas. Moving from the phone to the computer was a bit of a hassle as we had to email ourselves this big long 550 MB file or upload it to a file sharing site, download it, and put it into the proper form. This thing has an included 2gb micro SD card which makes transferring songs as simple as taking the card out and putting it onto the computer. Problem Solved. Bad Things: None really. If you are looking to purchase something like this you know you are not getting a full studio recording set up, just something quick and easy to capture practice ideas without it sounding terrible. It does what it is supposed to do and does it well, but it will not wash your clothes for you, make you dinner, or make you sound any better if you suck. It simply and accurately records what you play. What it sounds like in your rehearsal space is what it will sound like when you play it back. it is great if you do not expect too much, and awesome if you expect it to accurately record your ideas.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Weak
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
To record interviews
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
good price and good features
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-05 Portable Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Easy to use. A go-to affordable product for our sound collecting contributors.
Accessory Packages
- Price: $159.99
Batteries & Power
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- Price: $19.98
- Price: $1.23
Cables
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- Price: $14.29
Wind Protection
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- Price: $30.97
Media
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- Price: $6.95
Headphones
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- Price: $99.00
- Price: $15.54
Cases & Protection
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- Price: $29.99
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