Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder
- Price: $170.67
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Remember the Essentials
Batteries and the external power supply are not included. Make sure you get the batteries or power supply you need.
The DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder from Tascam provides professional-level features and flexibility in a compact and durable design that's ideal for use in the field. The unit can record high-quality WAV/BWF or MP3 files to readily-available SD or SDHC flash memory cards, allowing you to record hours of material and share it easily. A 2GB card is included so you can get started recording right away.
The recorder features built-in adjustable condenser microphones, allowing you to choose an X/Y or A/B recording pattern to meet the needs of your environment and application. A built-in limiter and switchable low cut filter reduce peaks and rumble for cleaner recordings. There are a pair of Neutrik combo inputs that accept XLR and 1/4" connections for terrific flexibility. Built-in mic preamps provide phantom power so you can use external condenser mics. A 3.5mm headphone/line output allows you to connect additional equipment such as headphones or small speakers. The high-speed USB 2.0 port allows you to transfer your recordings to a Mac or PC for editing or sharing.
A built-in speaker allows you to play back your recordings immediately for review. Other features include a dual recording mode, and overdub mode, and a peak reduction feature. There is a 2-second pre-recording buffer to ensure that you never miss a priceless moment due to pressing the record button too late. There is also a chromatic tuner and a stereo reverb effect. A threaded mounting hole lets you mount the recorder on a tripod for terrific stability. The DR-40 can operate for up to 15 hours from 3 standard AA batteries. It can also use USB bus power via the included cable. An optional AC adapter and external battery pack (sold separately) provide additional powering options.
- Compact Design
- The small size of the recorder makes it easy to use in the field for a variety of applications
- High-Quality Recording
- Record WAV/BWF files at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz and MP3 files up to 320kbps
- Reliable Media
- The DR-40 records to widely-available SD or SDHC flash memory cards with capacities up to 32GB for stable, reliable recordings. A 2GB card is included
- Adjustable Mics
- The built-in adjustable condenser mics provide X/Y and A/B stereo patterns for tight imaging or opening up for more room sound
- Integrated Speaker
- A built-in speaker lets you review your recordings instantly
- Limiter and Low Cut Filter
- The built-in limiter and switchable low cut filter (40/80/120Hz) reduce peaks and rumble for crisp, clear audio. A peak reduction feature will set the input level automatically without turning it back up later. You can also choose automatic or manual level setting
- Combo Inputs
- The locking Neutrik combo jack inputs accept XLR and 1/4" connections for wide compatibility with a variety of mic and line level devices for 4-track recording
- Built-in Preamps
- The integrated mic preamps provide phantom power for external condenser microphones
- 3.5mm Output
- A 3.5mm headphone/line output lets you connect headphones, small speakers, and other devices
- USB 2.0
- The high-speed USB 2.0 port allows you to quickly and easily transfer your recordings to a Mac or PC
- Power Options
- The recorder can operate for up to 15 hours on 3 standard AA batteries. It can also operation by USB bus power from a computer, or from an optional AC wall adapter (PS-P515U). An optional external battery pack (BP-6AA) is also available
- Dual Recording Mode
- The dual recording mode will capture a safety track at a lower volume level than your primary track to prevent peaking and distortion
- Easy Navigation
- The quick menu options and clear LCD screen let you set functions with a minimum of menus
- 2-Button Record
- Start your recordings quickly and easily by hitting the record button twice
- Effects
- The recorder has a stereo reverb effect and a VSA feature to adjust playback speed from 50-150%
- Timer Recording
- The timed recording feature begins the track 5-10 seconds after you hit the button, allowing time for get-ready when self-recording
- Overdub Mode
- The overdub mode will record over your previous take, but still keep a copy of the original, just in case
- Level Align and EQ
- Level align and EQ settings prevent uneven volume levels during playback and allow you to customize your sound
- Pre-Recording
- The pre-recording feature will capture up to 2 seconds of audio from before you hit the record button, allowing you to capture unexpected audio moments
- Tuner
- A chromatic tuner makes sure you play or sing perfectly in key
- Tripod Mount
- A threaded tripod mount socket lets you place the recorder on a stand for convenient tabletop recording
- Optional Remotes
- Optional RC-10 and RC-3F remotes are available for wired or footswitch operation
| Type | Hand-Held 4-Track 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, 48, or 96kHz MP3: 44.1 and 48kHz |
| Number of Channels | 4 (2 Stereo) |
| 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 +1/-3dB (44.1kHz, EXT IN-LINE OUT, JEITA) 20Hz~22kHz +1/-3dB (48kHz, EXT IN-LINE OUT, JEITA) 20Hz~40kHz +1/-3dB (96kHz, EXT IN-LINE OUT) |
| Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) | < 0.05% (44.1/48/96kHz, EXT IN-LINE OUT) |
| S/N Ratio | > 92dB (44.1/48/96kHz, EXT IN-LINE OUT) |
| A/D Conversion | 24-bit |
| D/A Conversion | 24-bit |
| Speed Adjustment |
50-150% Without Affecting Pitch
1
Please Note:Only with 44.1/48kHz close |
| Connectors |
2 x XLR/TRS Combo Inputs 1 x 3.5mm Headphone/Line Out 1 x High-Speed Mini-B USB 2.0 Port 1 x Remote Jack |
| Input Impedance |
Mic: 2.2 kOhms Line: 10 kOhms |
| Input Level |
Nominal: -19dBV Mic, +4dBu Line Max: -3dBV Mic, +20dBu Line |
| Output Impedance | 12 Ohms |
| Output Level |
Nominal: -14dBV (10 kOhms) Max: +2dBV (10 kOhms) |
| Microphone | Adjustable Stereo Condenser (X/Y and A/B) |
| Headphone Output | 20mW + 20mW (32 Ohms) |
| Speaker | 0.3W, Mono |
| Filter | 40/80/120Hz Low Cut |
| Battery Type/Life |
3 x AA (Alkaline or NiMH) Up to 15 Hours of Continuous Operation, Phantom Power Off |
| Power | 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz (via Optional AC Adapter) |
| Power Consumption | 2.5W Max |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) |
Mics Open: 3.54 x 6.1 x 1.38" (90 x 155 x 35mm) Mics Closed: 2.76 x 6.1 x 1.38" (70 x 155 x 35mm) |
| Weight | 7.5 oz (213g) (Without Batteries) |
| System Requirements |
Windows XP, Vista, or 7, Pentium 300MHz, 128MB RAM, USB 2.0 Recommended Mac OS X v10.2 or Later, Power PC G3, G4, or G5 266MHz Min, 64MB RAM, USB 2.0 Recommended |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 111 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
94%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Easy to use (93)
- Excellent sound (81)
- Versatile (75)
- Low distortion (46)
- Compact (32)
Cons
- Unnecessary functions (6)
- Poor quality construction (5)
- Difficult to use (3)
- Poor sound quality (3)
Best Uses
- Amateur recording (60)
- Professional recording (53)
- Outdoor events / games (46)
- Home studio (36)
- Performances (34)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Experienced (75), Novice (19), Professional musician (12)
Most Liked Positive Review
Very good recorder!
I have only spent a couple of weeks playing with the DR-40 but the unit is well worth the money you pay for it and can do more than your money's worth. I have...Read complete review
I have only spent a couple of weeks playing with the DR-40 but the unit is well worth the money you pay for it and can do more than your money's worth. I have used it for triggered recording of wildlife sounds at night and it is sensitive enough (internal preamp gain of 45-50) with two external XLR phantom powered mics (I used AT2035 and Rode NTG-1) to trigger at a -24dB threshhold and start recording from the sound of a rabbit jumping on the snow. I used it with a USB power adapter, the AAs can't be expected to run for many hours like this (and it works just fine with a iPhone USB adapter, despite the dire warnings in the manual; the DR-40 is rated at 1.6W max and the iPhone adapter is rated at 1A 5V - good to 5W).
If the internal preamp gain is set to 10-15, the preamps are dead quiet. At 40-50 or below, the preamp noise is comparable to that of a dedicated preamp in the $100 range. Once in the 60+ range the preamps become noisier and in the 80-90 range the noise is at -30dB or so. I have not done any quantitative measurements of the internal mics, only with the AT2035 XLR mic, wrapped in towels and under pillows in a quiet room to help attenuate ambient noise as much as possible (unless this is done, the mics pick up all kinds of random noise, and I don't have a pad to test without a mic). MP3 can be recorded with -90dB of noise up to the gain level of 50 but this is where the compression kills all the noise it seems like; I didn't try to quantify the noise in uncompressed files yet; once I do that I will write a detailed review with dB levels and graphs.
The output headset amplifier is noisy, noisier than the preamp. I would not measure anything from mic in - line out. Recorded files sound cleaner to me than the monitored sound, which is both deceptive and acceptable for a portable recorder. This is why I think the recorder is great for the money: even though you may hear noise while monitoring the recording, there is much less noise in the actual recording if you play it back on a quieter system. I didin't buy the DR-40 for playback, and as a recorder it is great. Capabilities such as the safety track give it more credit than the modest price would imply. I am sure a Sound Devices with a ultra-quiet preamps can really take advantage of the 24 bit recording at 192 kHz but it is simply wrong to compare units that differ in price by a factor of 20 and in size and weight by a factor of 10. I think that if you are looking at the recorder in this price range, the DR-40 will not disappoint you, and if you want an even higher SNR at a 60dB gain than the internal preamps will do, add a good preamp and keep the internal gain at low level, and the DR-40 will exceed your ability to place the mics to maximize performance.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Functional, a bit noisy.
Let me start by saying my expectations for this product were set high from everything I'd read. Probably too high given the very affordable [$] price. It meets my expectations 100% except for ...Read complete review
Let me start by saying my expectations for this product were set high from everything I'd read. Probably too high given the very affordable [$] price. It meets my expectations 100% except for the amount of noise it induces. I got Tascam support on the phone and verified that what I was seeing is normal. To make a long story short . . . with the input gain all the way up (had to do this for several mics I own) the noise floor is around -40Db. With no mics even plugged into the unit the meters and Db display show a -40DB, un-steady, signal. The noise comes out easily using post-processing (Adobe Audition in my case) but I did not expect to have to do this.
Reviewed by 111 customers
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Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
By purchasing the DR-40 4-TRACK is one of the best decisions as it is a very important tool in my work, improves the quality of my final product and my customer is satisfied Thanks
Pros
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
The DR40 is great, it's the only 4 channel recorder with mics in an AB pattern.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
The Tascam DR-40 is quick to get started and highly versatile and can be used in numerous combinations of inputs and environments. Powerful package indeed!
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I use to have a Zoom...but the DR-40 is a MUCH better and user friendly unit....I have recommended it to many of my audio friends.....Can't say enough great things about how easy this is to use...
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Great price and features!
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Weak
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Lots of Quality
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Need to Come with a Bag
Best Uses
- Film and Video
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Great recorder. Great quality!
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
Cons
Best Uses
- Quick easy portable
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
As an alternative to the Zoom this is holding up pretty well and is around $ cheaper.
Pros
- Easy To Use
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
Best Uses
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
The unit works well, but it feels very cheap. I was expecting more of a pro-gear build. Guess that's one way to get the price down.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Mobile DJ
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Right out of the box I was able to figure out how to use it very easily. The user interface is great and easy to learn. With a firmware update it becomes even better, and installing the firmware update is really really easy.
Pros
- Powerful
Cons
- Poor Quality Construction
Best Uses
- DSLR video journalistics
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I take DR-40 only yesterday evening, but my first feeling was almost a complete frustration! Firstly, that upset its quality of housing plastic. Then I try to record sample and hear in it, i thing, so loud noise. But all of this is nothigh in comparison with the fact that I can't use all 4 channels to recordig from external devices and I can't set up input levels differently for each channel! I still say that automatic level control works bad - i have more overloads when speak close to the microphone, i think, that my Canon EOS 5D mk II makes better auto levels control, that specialized audio recorder. But later I install new firmware with possible to work with external audio sources in independet mode and set levels different at left and right channel, and the main problem was resolved. But for comparison, as I understood that Zoom H4n has 4 independet channels and additional stereo minijack input, that gives me that gives me the opportunity to connect 3 extarnal mics such as Wireless System. Also Zoom H4n powered from 2 AA bats that much better than Tascam's 3 batts (I needs to break the battery packs, that usually uses in pairs 2/4). As well, Zoom H4n USB can works as a USB audio interface (in Tascam its works only for power or in transfer mode such as card reader), zoom as I think, uses a more successful design of microphones and its housing made more accurately. So in the end, Zoom H4n comes with wind screen, mic clip adapter, AC adapter, and protective case. I would have bought a zoom, if I had more money to purchase!
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Versatile
Cons
- Short battery life
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Got this audio recorder for outdoor field interviews. Disappointed that a windscreen did not come with the unit because the mics are very sensitive to any breeze. Very easy to use. Internal mics are quite precise with a decent frequency response that is on the bright side. Good for voice recording. Really like being able to record with both the internal mics and external mics at one time. Battery life is only about three hours.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I'm an audio documentarian and use this mainly to gather ambi and as a back-up to my Tascam HD-P2 for interviews. The XLR inputs are the big plus for this small inexpensive recorder. These inputs work very well with condenser mics like the Sennheiser ME66 that use their own phantom power. The built in stereo mics are suprisingly good for this price point and have served my needs very well (ambi like sounds in a pub, live music, street sounds). Handling noise is definitely an issue when using the built in mics so some sort of shockmount (Rycote makes the best one for this model) and a wind screen are absolutely necessary. In my opinion, you can't find a better recorder at this price with XLR inputs and that records at this quality.
- Recommended:
- Rycote - 041119 Portable Recorder Suspension, Rycote - Rycote Mini Windjammer for Tascam DR-40
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Events
- Home Studio
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I use this device to record lectures, meetings and other such occasions. I also use it with my DSLR with external microphones when doing video. As an academic researcher, this inexpensive recorder gives me a powerful set of options for the kind of recordings I want to make (MP3 and WAV) and the configuration of microphones I can use. Four tracks in a hand-held machine is great (though I don't recommend holding it when using the onboard microphones). All in all, a great tool that performs exceptionally well.
Pros
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Home Studio
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
You have all you need to record. If you need more, you are very sophisticated.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Unnecessary Functions
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Performances
- Professional Recording
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I am just getting my hands on it. But it seems to be a great piece for the price. I like the dual and 4 channel recording facility as well as the overdub. This is one handy piece for on-location sound and pilot tracks as well as interviews that I hope to conduct shortly.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
Wow, I am amazed at this thing. I was gonna buy the Zoom device but this one is so much cheaper -- and yet has the same features.
It is all plastic, so don't go dropping it.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
The product works well. The sound recordings are pretty good. The dual level recording option comes in handy.
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Excellent Sound
- Low Distortion
- Powerful
- Versatile
Cons
- Better instructions
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
I have used it three times now at my band's last gigs. It worked great. There is some background noise but it didn't stop it from great recording. The only thing I would have liked is simpler instructions for operation. I down loaded the update firmware and the split recording works great. I highly recommend.
- Recommended:
- remote foot pedal, A/C adapter
Pros
- Compact
- Easy To Use
- Versatile
Cons
Best Uses
- Amateur Recording
- Events
- Performances
Comments about Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder:
After comparing prices I was not expecting much out of this recorder. I was happily surprised to find it easy to use, and of suffiecent quality for my needs.
Displaying reviews 1-20
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Batteries & Power
Required item:
- Price: $20.77
- Price: $1.23
Cables
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- Original: $15.99
- Save: $1.60
- Price: $14.39
Media
-
- Original: $6.95
- Save: $0.69
- Price: $6.26
Headphones
- Price: $19.99
Remote Controls
- Price: $29.08
Wind Protection
- Price: $49.00
Cases & Protection
- Price: $42.41
What's in the Box
- Mini USB Cable
- 2GB SD Card
- 3 x AA Batteries
- 1-Year Limited Warranty
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