Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

This equipment is so happy with how you could record. Personal opinion, do not stand up when compared to 744t. If you are using the 788t or the sub-deva This equipment is recommended.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

It is very good audio recorder.

Except only one thing.

I can't handle the recording level on realtime.

Strictly speaking, it could be handled but you need to search the control menu.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

I work in documentaries and television spots and this device has been
practice, the only thing is that when using fantom power batteries wear out very fast. Comparing the prices of mixers that perform the same work, the dr-680 is the best option. when using a microphone with phantom power and a lavalier on the same pair (1.2) or (3.4) produces noise.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

When it worked, it provided very clean sound. However, I had the same problems that other reviewers have noted. I would turn the unit on and for some reason levels would not register. Then, the next day, it would work fine.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

I bought this unit as a replacement for a Korg D888 that died. The recording quality is way, way above the Korg. I have several multitrack recorders that range from $300 to several thousands of dollars. Most of what we do is live concert recordings. The DR-680 is easy to use, sounds great and is worth every penny. Is it perfect? No. Does it get the job done? YES!

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

Awesome product & price, can't go wrong

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

Use this for up to 8 channels of multitracking.
Feature loaded including recording a mix track of other inputs.
Not built like a tank, but if you care for it, there's no other recorder that does what this does for the price

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

- How you use the product

Since I bought my DR-680 in summer 2010 for my own personal use, I have used it with all of my mics, including Rode NTG-3, NT4, NT2000, AT 4053b, Shure SM58, and others. I have also used it as the audio interface for recording voice directly into audio software via the audio in ports on my computers. I typically pair it with a Tekkeon battery 3450 (or that plus an extension battery combined), and leave them all in my camera bag. Though I didn't test so extensively (as continuous recording beyond 4-6 hours is very unlikely), I believe this is true: with 2 Tekkeon batteries combined, it should be able to continuously run at least 6 hours doing 6 track recording, supplying phantom power to all mics, driving a pair of monitor headphones, and keeping the LCD screen always on. With just 1 or 2 mics, one battery should be enough to keep it running a full work day. If you don't have more than 2 mics, 8x 2500mA rechargeable AA's should be enough to let it record at least 1-2 hour audio.

Tips: If you only have AA's to use, just shut it down if you don't need to record, and turn it on when you do - there's just 1 button to press, and everything resumes when it's back on. Be sure to upgrade its firmware to the latest.

- Things that are great about it

6 XLR inputs
low noise preamp
built-in limiter per channel
high enough gain
portable size/weight
good price

- Things that aren't so great about it

Headphone out has a ton of hissing once I turn the volume past about 60% up. However, the recorded audio is quiet. If I use the build in speaker, there isn't that much hissing.

There aren't XLR outputs. And gain control is largely menu driven.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

I use thr dr680 for capturing sound in video production. The pre amps are excellent, low self noise and have plenty of gain. This is definitely is the best field recorder out there for the price. Only wished it had some sort of user preset settings, you have to manually unarm any tracks you don't want to capture everytime you turn on and off the device which I find annoying. Other than that I am very pleased.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

Avoid this piece of garbage like the plague. There is a reason that it offers 4 more channels than the Edirol R-44 (for example) yet costs less. Cheap, "plastic-y" craftsmanship, relatively confusing menu system, and unnecessary complications (mic/line switch - gain should be continuous; no reason to need this AND have P48 on/off).

I used my unit less than 5 times. The digital input never worked, including with the output of an R-44 and with a Sound Devices USBpre2 with the current firmware. Then the device stopped turning on regularly. Then I started getting "SYSTEM ROM ERROR - Power Down" as a message upon some startups. Last night, it just stopped working at all. I know several other people within a small group of hobbyist recording enthusiasts who have had similar issues.

Also, if for any reason you have it set to receive a digital signal, and something is wrong with that signal, it simply locks the deck entirely, causing you to have to cut power to it in order to be able to continue to use it.

Sadly, if you want 8 channels in a reliable and decent machine, your current options are 2x4 channel machines or going up considerably in price. Based on this product I would never consider buying any TASCAM or TEAC product again.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

Records great quality audio. Now with the 1.2 firmware you can even group stereo mic inputs, so you can adjust the gain of several channels with the one nob at the same time.

Didn't get MS-Stereo decoding to work yet that is supported since 1.2.

The drawback is the high power consumption. Eight rechargeable batteries that power a sennheiser wireless system for 10 hours, runs the tascam dr-680 for about one hour. you have to bring quiet a lot of batteries to a full day of shooting.

The adjustment of the gain requires to enter into the trim menue. But in the trim menue you get only a small representation of the level-bars. To monitor the sound properly you therefore have to leave the trim menue. Everytime you want to adjust the gain, you have to enter the trim menue again. I wish, you could adjust gain in normal view. Maybe even with the level-bars horizontally over the screen to gain some size for them.

The phone know already has a slack joint after about 5 days of shooting.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

The product came to me missing the shoulder strap. The headphone volume didn't work until it was turned up half way and 8 AA batteries only lasted 1 hour recording two tracks of audio. The pre's were noisy as well. I returned it promptly.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

We use this for documentary filmmaking. It replaces a Fostex FR2-LE.

Phantom power, lower power consumption, and limiters for each channel are it's best features. Nice build, low noise, easy to use interface. We pair this up with a Portabrace Case for easy production.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

Only has used it once however it worked like a champ. Good audio quality, reasonably easy to operate, and excellent value for the money.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

The Tascam DR-680 it's IMHO the best portable recorder for the price that you can get. The versatility of this product simply amaze more and more ppl.

I just can't feel more happier with the buy. Thx Tascam for this.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

I use this recorder together with wireless mics and hi def condenser mics for wildlife field recording, and the sound quality is very good when capturing the most delicate and finest sounds. Very comfortable to use, with my 5D mkII DSLR camera. Plastic construction is not a problem when in the Tascam carrying case, which gives me all needed access to settings and cables, including battery compartment.
A very good value for the money, impossible to beat !

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

The pre's sound nice and the navigating is a quick learn. I do of course wish they made a true 8 track or were at least straight up about the 680's description; this is really a six rack recorder + a stereo mixdown track.That being said, I have used it on one shoot and a music video with very nice results. The leather case is nice a well. Petrol bag going back!

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

A very well thought-out portable multitrack recorder for the price. With 8-track 24-bit 96 KHz recording through six balanced inputs (allowing analog input with internal stereo mix or analog input with digital stereo input) or 2-track 24-bit 192 KHz recording, very quiet mic pres and excellent audio quality, and a cascade function that provides multiple DR-680s to be linked and controlled by a master, this portable multitrack recorder is going to be hard to beat as a versatile field and studio solution for under $1000.

My principal application is independent and documentary filmmaking with both pro-level SD and HD camcorders (Canon XL series and Panasonics) and Canon 5D MkII HDSLRs in field and studio contexts. However, I believe that the versatility of this recorder would find favor with those managing audio for small venues and houses of worship, radio field broadcasters, and musicians. The unit does have several limitations (e.g., menu-driven interface can slow some field operations, such as arming tracks, etc.; unbalanced Line Outs), and even though it is serviceable for mixing/tracking on location, it's a bit clunky in this respect (I was hoping that I could avoid having to haul around a mixer, but it appears that having a dedicated mixing unit on hand will make life in the field much easier).

I've also read several reviews in which concerns were raised about the plastic outer casing, but after having it in my hands for several field sessions, my doubts have been dispelled. Unless the unit will be treated like it's a hockey puck, it will fare well under heavy use if protected in a carrying case. I got the kit that includes the Tascam carrying bag, which provides a snug, protected fit, and features velcro-lined flaps that allow easy and quick access to every control as well as the internal battery compartment. The bag is as well though-out as the recorder.

Bottom-line: At under $1000, it's going to be next to impossible to find such versatility and quality in a portable multitrack recorder for field and studio use.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

Can't comment on the mic pres because I come in from an external board, but the A/Ds sound very good to my ears. Biggest drawback for anyone who wants to capture at high fs and bit depth but with repurpose option for Red Book CD is the lack of 88.2 kHz sampling rate. This is a HUGE oversight in my opinion.

Comments about Tascam DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder:

Records great, clean audio. Easy to use. Only complaint is the plastic recording case, but if you get the leather case for it, this won't be an issue.