Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder
The DR-100 from Tascam is a professional-quality portable digital field recorder designed for musicians, journalists, and more. The unit has 4 built-in microphones, 2 cardioid and 2 omnidirectional, with analog limiting and filtering features to provide excellent audio quality. Dual XLR inputs with +48V phantom power allow you to connect your favorite external condenser mics. Line in and out 3.5mm connectors allow you to connect additional sound sources, mixers, or speakers.
The DR-100 can record MP3 or WAV files to SD card flash media for stable and secure storage that's also easy to share. The USB port makes it easy to transfer files to your Mac or PC for editing and sharing on the web. A built-in speaker allows you to play back recordings for a small group, and a 3.5mm stereo headphone jack lets you listen privately.
The DR-100 includes a rechargeable Li-ion battery to provide a long operating life. It can also run on standard AA batteries or an AC adapter (sold separately). An integrated mount allows you to attach the recorder to a standard mic stand: while the included wireless remote lets you start recordings from a distance.
- Compact Design
- The compact and robust design of the DR-100 makes it easy to take virtually anywhere
- High-Quality Audio
- You can record and play high-quality WAV or MP3 files
- Stable Recording Media
- Inexpensive and widely available SD flash memory cards provide a stable recording platform
- Built-in Microphones
- The 4 built-in mics, 2 cardioid and 2 omnidirectional, with analog limiting and filtering, provide crisp, clear audio
- Dual XLR Jacks
- The dual XLR jacks provide +48V phantom power, allowing you to connect your favorite external condenser mics
- Line I/O
- Line-level 3.5mm input and output jacks let you connect additional equipment
- Listening Options
- You can listen to your recordings via the built-in speaker or the 3.5mm stereo headphone jack
- USB Connection
- The USB port makes it easy to upload your recordings to a Mac or PC for editing or sharing on the web
- Power Options
- The recorder includes a rechargeable Li-ion battery, but can also operate on standard AA batteries or an AC adapter 1
- Wireless Remote
- The included wireless remote lets you start recordings from a distance
- Mountable
- The integrated mount allows you to attach the recorder to a standard microphone stand
| Type | Hand-Held Stereo Digital Audio Recorder |
| Recording/Reading Methods | SD or SDHC Card (64MB to 32GB) |
| Recording Bit Rate |
WAV: 16 and 24-bit MP3: 32-320 kbps, VBR |
| Sampling Frequency |
WAV: 44.1 to 96kHz MP3: 44.1 and 48kHz |
| 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) |
| Frequency Response | 20Hz - 20kHz |
| A/D Conversion | 24-bit |
| D/A Conversion | 24-bit |
| Connectors |
1 x Power Input 1 x 3.5mm Line Input 1 x 3.5mm Line Output 2 x XLR Mic Inputs 1 x 3.5mm Headphone Jack 1 x 3.5mm Remote Jack 1 x Mini USB Port |
| Battery Life | Up to 5 Hours (With Li-ion Battery) |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 3.1 x 6 x 1.4" (80 x 153 x 35mm) |
| Weight | 10.2 oz (290g) (Without Batteries) |
| System Requirements | Mac or Windows Computer with Available USB Port (Optional) |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 159 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
90%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Good audio (111)
- Compact (89)
- Reliable (72)
- Long battery life (55)
- Good sound (16)
Cons
- Heavy / bulky (12)
- Poor quality sound (8)
- Picks up background noise (5)
- Short battery life (5)
- Battery life (3)
Best Uses
- Conversation piece (50)
- Lectures (35)
- Concerts (33)
- Interviews (8)
- Home use (4)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Tech savvy (74), Gearhead (31), Technically challenged (12), Filmmaker (4), Practical (3)
Most Liked Positive Review
Good Portable Recorder for the Money
I have to admit that it took me a few days to get to where I really liked this recorder. As is the case with a lot of portable flash recorders in the price range...Read complete review
I have to admit that it took me a few days to get to where I really liked this recorder. As is the case with a lot of portable flash recorders in the price range, it takes some work to get a solid audio level even with some higher output microphones like the Rode NTG2. After some experimentation, though, I'm getting good, clean sound with a variety of mics.
First the GOOD: I absolutely love the fact that there are hardware switches all over the recorder for setting nearly everything I need without poking around through a system menu. I can quickly set the gain (High, Medium and Low), turn Phantom Power on and off or engage the limiter or auto gain with a set of sturdy switches on the back of the unit. Even when you do have to delve into the menus, I've found them a lot easier and quicker to navigate than many other recorders, including my Fostex FR2-LE. And speaking of the Fostex, I'm getting just as good levels now with the Tascam and it's significantly easier to use... and not mention half the price.
Regarding levels, you can easily get some levels you'd like by switching the Gain to High and upping the input knob on the side of the unit (much better than up and down buttons), but I try not to because after the five or six point on the input you start to get a significant level of noise from the pre-amps. That said, I'm getting some very clean levels now using only the medium gain with my Rode shotgun mic. Things sound even better with the Sony UWP Wireless Lav system I just picked up. I'm even able to use my old, reliable Shure SM-58s and while the levels with the SM-58 really is kind of low, it comes in clean so it can be easily boosted in post without much trouble. Everything plugs right into the XLR mic inputs with separate level dials, so I can easily route them both onto the same track. The other best advice I got for getting a good level with little background noise is making sure I'm recording in 24bit. The unit comes preset to record 16bit, but is easily switched through one of the menus.
I'm very pleased with the battery setup too. I travel a lot and don't always have the opportunity to continuously charge a proprietary battery. The Tascam allows me to take advantage of the long usage of it's proprietary battery, but also runs on a pair of AAs that fit into a separate compartment. It's even supposed to be able to automatically transition from one to the other when the primary runs out of juice, even if you're already recording.
Another great feature that I didn't find on many others in this price range is the variety of input and output options. In addition to the L/R XLR inputs and a headphone out, you have a LINE IN and a LINE OUT. That means I can be recording, monitoring with headphones and pump my audio line out into my video recorder via a 50db pad.
The BAD: I think the internal mics are pretty much useless. Maybe you could use the L/R directionals for NAT or background sound, but not much else. The internal Omni mics are absolutely useless, but it's not much of a big deal because I'm always using an external mic anyway. Another issue is the headphone amp. It could really use a little more juice, but it does the job. Also, it would be nice if there was a place to connect a clip or a strap for carrying. It does include a screw mount for connecting it to a camera tripod.
In conclusion, a lot of people compare the Tascam DR-100 to the Zoom H4n. I have to say the Tascam is head and shoulders above the Zoom as a professional recording device, even though the two are in the same price range. The only benefits the Zoom possibly offers are 4-track recording (though WITHOUT individual level controls) and slightly better internal microphones. In every other category, the Tascam excels.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Just short of the mark
I use this for documentary film recording in conjunction with a digital SLR.
The sound quality was great. The ease of use, great. The option to set the file name proces...Read complete review
I use this for documentary film recording in conjunction with a digital SLR.
The sound quality was great. The ease of use, great. The option to set the file name process with the date really helped the sync-ing in post.
But there were a few serious cons:
I guess I've been spoiled by the sound options offered by my old Sony PD-170 camera, and new Sony z5. When I took this into the field, I was disappointed to find it was missing two key functions I'd so counted on in the past.
1) the ability to duplicate one mono xlr input into two mono channels and record each channel at a different level. (This is possible with the built-in mics, so why not with an aux mic?).
2) the ability to have only one xlr input receive phantom power (+48). This seriously hurt. I couldn't use my boom mic, which needs the +48, at the same time as a wireless lapel, which doesn't.
I've looked at this product's competitors, and really, I don't see any that address these two issues.
My only other complaint is one I've seen a lot here: Tascam was pretty sly not to include their a/c charger. Don't forget to compute that cost.
Another odd thing happened during our 15-day shoot:
Two pairs of headphones blew there left channels while using this product. One was a pair of seinheiser earbuds, and another was a large pair of bose studio. Not sure if it was a coincidence or if the recorder was the culprit.
Reviewed by 159 customers
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Displaying reviews 1-20
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Pros
- Compact Design
- Long Battery Life
Cons
- AC adapter not included
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I have some older video equipment (yes I know, I need to upgrade) and because of this I have not always had reliable sound recordings. I create content for non-profits and community service work. The sound has been an easy fix in the past because I've added music and some prerecorded conversations. We are now completing conferences and I needed to ensure that the sound quality is acceptable. This product saved me a lot of heartache and was worth the purchase. I used the XLR input and am completely pleased with the audio quality. The controls are straight forward and easy to use. Just one slight negative – the AC adapter is an additional cost. I guess I failed to read about that during the initial purchase. Over all, it's worth every penny.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Run and gun doco style
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I don't know why DSLR shooters so often seem to default to the Zoom but from everything I've read the Tascam is superior in build quality, ease of use, much better battery life and at least equal in sound quality but probably better. Mine has worked beautifully on many run-and-gun shoots.
I love that when the internal battery runs out it switches to the AA batteries. You can also charge the unit with its USB cable.
There is an MKII version now. I'm not sure of the differences execept that the MKII has locking XLR jacks which would be very nice to have.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Meetings and conferences
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I used the DR-100 with my Behringer XENYX X1222USB in meetings and conferences and it works flawlessly. The audio have a high quality. Excellent Solution for Sound Recording
Pros
Cons
- Poor Quality Sound
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I returned the product today because I could never get anyone from Service to return my calls. I was on hold four times and no one ever came on the line. One time I did get someone on the phone, he told me to sit down with "a cup of coffee" and read the manual which I and others in my office had already done and tried to do what it said with no success.
We were unable to get the volume loud enough to hear anyone speaking and our meeting was to have about 15 people attending.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Concerts
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I recently purchased this, and it has been a great tool to use with DSLR video shooting. I have used the built in mics for live band recording, the XLR and The Line inputs to record from a sound board, and the XLR inputs to record 2 Wireless lav mics. The results have been great. I also like the redundant battery system - you can use 2 AA batteries as backup in case the standard rechargeable battery runs low on power. It switches over automatically.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
Cons
- Short Battery Life on AA
Best Uses
- ADR
- Location Sound
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I got this bad boy instead of the Zoom H4N. I've used the H4N for about a year before this (borrowing it from friends) and I really liked it. This product, the DR-100, is almost the same. The difference is that you can't record with the onboard microphone and xlr microphones at the same time. But knowing that I was never going to use that feature, I went with this product as it's a little cheaper. The volume controls are much more accessible on the DR-100 and the sound quality is just as good!
My only complaint is that it EATS up battery. I've been using AA batteries. With phantom power on, the batteries get drained in LITERALLY 2 minutes. I've gone through packs and packs of AA batteries just to get one take. And worse, once you have low battery warning, you cannot record anything and it gives you a high pitched buzz in your recording. HOWEVER, the product does come with a re-chargable lithium ion battery pack that lasts much much longer! The only drawback is that you have to buy the charger separately!
Pros
- High Quality Sound
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
As a professional videographer I have just made the transition to shooting with DSLR and love this product for its ability to mount to a hot shoe adapter and fit above my Canon T3i. The sound quality is great and the versatility of the multiple inputs provides the opportunity to use it for many situations. Great product!
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Concerts
- Conversations
- Lectures
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I used this recorder in meetings and conferences.
The quality is amazing. Very user friendly.
I even recorded some live music instruments .
The quality is great. The mics are really powerful.
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Simple design, 2 XLR inputs, most functions available without entering the menu, readily accessible volume control. No timecode, but for indie filmmaking or VO recording, this is an excellent choice for the money.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I'm using this to record church services. I was able to replace a mic preamp and media recorder with this one device. I have hours of recording time on one SD card. I insert the SD card into my computer and the files are instantly available for editing ... Works Great!!
Pros
- High Quality Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Started using it to transfer from phono records to CD. Works beautifully. Excellent sound quality. Very easy to use. I added the plug adaptor so did not have to rely on battery power.
Plan to use it to record meeting with XLR inputs in a few months.
Pros
- High Quality Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Lectures
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
we use recording message at church. easy to make CD.
high quality sound and everywhere we can use. we love much.
Pros
- Compact Design
- Headphone Lineout
- Reliable
Cons
- Low battery life
Best Uses
- Conversations
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I use this with 5d etc and I'm swapping batteries three times a day. Takes 2 AA batteries and has it's own internal. I wish they made an external charger so you didn't have to have your recorder tied up to charge the internal.
TIPS:
Get an extra battery.
Don't use phantom power unless you have a battery tree in your backyard.
Otherwise I love it that I can monitor 5d recordings while feeding the camera with a line out. Make sure you get the 3rd party cable that goes to the camera. It needs to have a -35dB Pad at Mic Connection. I have the Sescom.
Pros
- High Quality Sound
- Reliable
Cons
- Bulky
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I used the DR-100 with my Rode NTG-2 and Canon 550D, and it works flawlessly. The audio is fantastic and can be captured by itself or with the NTG-2.
Bottom Line Yes, I would recommend this to a friend
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Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
Cons
- Comfutable to use
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
DR-100 Really a Professional Product and will recomend to my collegues to use it in their daily business.
Pros
- Compact Design
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Reliable
Cons
Best Uses
- Concerts
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
Expensive but worth lot more than money
Pros
- Balanced inputs
- Compact Design
Cons
Best Uses
- A good back up
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
The biggest drawback is noise generated while holding the device and using the built in mics. The balanced inputs are an excellent feature that can be used to get around it. The chassis construction is fairly flimsy which makes it lightweight, but I wonder how rugged the innards are? Numerous features a pro would like, but definitely not a pro device, of course you are not paying a pro price either.
Pros
- High Quality Sound
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I love it... but I'd like to have a 'shoulder' around the RECORD button so it inadvertantly doesn't get pressed to PAUSE by accident. As a DSLR video shooter.... this recorder usually ends up in someone's pocket.... and we have lost some material because we didn't realize the button had been pushed. I am planning to double stick a nylon washer... or small bit of black ABS plastic around the button .... so that will be solved. Also... I'd love to see the 1/4x20 mounting threads in a couple other places. On the side... top, bottom etc. Love it, love it, love it. (Thanks for the internal and external batts). You can always shove additional batts in ..... even when it is recording!
Pros
- Compact Design
- Easy to use
- High Quality Sound
- Long Battery Life
- Multiple inputs
- Reliable
Cons
- No battery charger incl
Best Uses
- Conversations
- Lectures
- Panel Discussions
- Room sound
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
After researching the competition, I found this to be a pro level recorder for just a bit more than the pro-sumer versions.
We just finished a 5 day shoot covering an event and found our wireless mike system was killed by RF interference on all bands. This handy recorder saved the day because we could plug it into the soundboard and capture outstanding fidelity. Saved the keynote speech for us.
Easy to use, clear simple instructions. Menu sounds complicated but it's a snap, almost intuitive once you use this a couple of times.
The unit uses 2 AA batteries along with the internal replaceable LiOn battery to record for hours. Auto swaps batteries so you can hot-change them so you can go on for hours. Records up to 96000 so it is excellent sound if you want to go that high.
Love it, XLR and line inputs and output with a headphone jack too.
Only downside is having to buy the 5V 2A charger extra, if you have one that pumps out 2A, use it instead or simply forget the LiOn charging and use two AA's that will record for hours.
Buy the kit, I got a cool foam wind screen that is great for light wind. I bought a dead cat for higher wind for field recording since I do a lot of nature work too. Haven't tried it yet but it looks like it will work great.
We also used the inputs in XLR, line and Omni and all recorded great sound.
Pleased as we can be with this one.
Pros
- Compact Design
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-100 Professional Portable Digital Audio Recorder:
I have never had one of these devices before, but i did a whole lot of research before purchasing and this model kept coming up as the one for me, so now its the benchmark which all others will be measured. I intend to improve the audio quality of my video productions
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Accessory Packages
- Price: $159.99
- GBP 102.15
Batteries & Power
- Price: $22.20
- GBP 14.17
Needed to charge the rechargable battery without a computer.
- Price: $1.23
- GBP 0.79
Cables
-
- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
- GBP 9.19
Media
-
- Original: $6.95
- Save: $0.69
- Price: $6.26
- GBP 4.00
Headphones
- Price: $19.99
- GBP 12.76
Wind Protection
- Price: $24.95
- GBP 15.93
Cases & Protection
- Price: $47.95
- GBP 30.61
What's in the Box
- Rechargeable Battery
- SD Card
- Soft Case
- Windscreen
- USB Cable
- Wireless Remote
- 1-Year Parts, 90-Days Labor Warranty
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