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What's in the Box
Tascam DR-100mkII - Portable 2-Channel Linear PCM Recorder
- Li-Ion Battery
- Mini USB Cable
- 2GB SD Card
- RC-10 Remote Control
- Windscreen
- Carry Case
- One (1) Year Warranty
The New Tascam DR-100mkII: Markedly Better
The original Tascam DR-100 stood out from the pack for being an extremely well equipped, compact portable digital recorder laden with useful features, like its dual XLR inputs and thumb-friendly level-adjustment dials. Even though it was a popular and well-regarded model, Tascam decided to push things further and make it even better. In a direct response to customer feedback, the DR-100mkII was recently introduced, and it’s loaded with a number of upgrades and additions. The end result is a powerful tool with more inputs that’s capable of recording cleaner and richer-sounding audio.
Outstanding among the improvements are its four built-in microphones and preamps. Both the forward-facing dual cardioid condensers and the pair of front-panel omnidirectional microphones were retooled to capture better-sounding recordings. 
The microphone preamps on the original DR-100 were often favored over competing products. However, Tascam made additional improvements to the preamps in the DR-100mkII, giving them more gain and a lower noise floor.
A digital S/PDIF input was added to the DR-100mkII, which makes it possible to connect external digital signals. This gives you the option of using a higher-quality piece of equipment as the front end of your recording chain. For example, you can connect the optical S/PDIF output on the Sound Devices USBPre 2 to the new S/PDIF input on the DR-100mkII. The analog and digital circuitry on the Sound Devices USBPre 2 (preamps, limiters, converters, etc.) is of the highest caliber. Recording that signal directly into the DR-100mkII gives you all of the quality without any degradation.
The all-important XLR input section of the DR-100mkII received two big updates, also. Locking mechanisms were added, which will prevent the cables from accidentally losing contact with the recorder. In addition, 
a switch was added to the bottom of the DR-100mkII, which enables you to change the XLR input sensitivity from mic level to professional line level. The XLR inputs are balanced, which will help you achieve premium, low-noise recordings.
All of the attributes that made the original DR-100 an attractive portable digital recorder are still intact. The new DR-100mkII can record high resolution 96 kHz 24-bit stereo WAV files, as well as record compressed MP3 files, from 32 to 320kb/s. There are two battery compartments on the DR-100mkII, one for the included Tascam rechargeable Li-ion battery (that can be charged through the built-in high speed USB 2.0 port) and another for AA batteries. The XLR inputs can provide condenser microphones with +48V of phantom power. A speaker is built in for monitoring and there’s an integrated tripod thread on the base for mounting. The housing is still made with rugged aluminum.
Both the DR-100 and the DR-100mkII share a feature that you don’t see on many compact portable recorders: They both have multiple 3.5mm outputs—a dedicated headphone output and a separate line-level output. They’re particularly useful for recording sound on an HDSLR video shoot. The dual outputs make it possible to connect headphones directly to the recorder for monitoring, and to connect the line-level output separately to the camera’s 3.5mm mic input (using an attenuated DSLR line to mic cable). This way you can actively adjust the headphone volume to your liking, while feeding the camera a constant audio level to record.
B&H created a DR-100mkII kit for anyone who wants to exercise this method of recording sound for HDSLR shoots. The Tascam DR-100mkII On-Camera DSLR Audio Kit supplies you with all of the accessories required to mount the recorder to a camera shoe, and to connect its dedicated line-level output to the mic input on a camera. One of the benefits of this method is that you’re recording two copies of the audio: a high-resolution copy in the recorder and a second copy in the camera (albeit at the camera’s lower audio resolution). Another benefit is that it effectively gives your camera two XLR inputs, with headphone monitoring. The kit also includes a fluffy windscreen for outdoor recording, headphones and a 4GB SD card.
The improved inputs, preamps and microphones on the new DR-100mkII will benefit any kind of user, whether you need to record music, sound bites and interviews for journalism, podcasts or sound effects. No matter what your discipline, improved sound quality is always a welcome thing.
| Type | Handheld stereo digital audio recorder |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Recording Bit Rate | WAV: 16- and 24-bit - MP3: 32 to 320 kbps, VBR |
| Sampling Frequency | WAV: 44.1 to 96 kHz - MP3: 44.1 and 48 kHz |
| A/D Conversion | 24-bit |
| D/A Conversion | 24-bit |
| Connecters | 1 x External Power Input, 1 x 3.5mm Line Input, 1 x 3.5mm Line Output, 2 x XLR Microphone/Line Inputs, 1 x 3.5mm Headphone, 1 x 3.5mm Remote Jack, 1 x Mini USB |
| Recording/Reading Methods | SD or SDHC cards (64MB to 32GB) |
| Frequency Response | 20 Hz to 20 kHz |
| Maximum Input Level | +24dBu |
| Power | Lithium-ion rechargeable battery (TASCAM BP-L2, included) - 2 x AA batteries (Alkaline or Ni-MH batteries) - AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520, sold separately) - External battery pack (TASCAM BP-6AA, sold separately) |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 3.2 x 6. x 1.4" (80 x 153 x 35mm) |
| Weight | 10.2 oz (290 g), without batteries |
Thanks for checking out this B&H InDepth article. If you have any questions relating to the Tascam DR-100mkII or field recording in general, we encourage you to submit your queries to the Comments section below.
Comments
This is really useful information here, thank you kindly for this piece. It is particularly insightful to me, a dude who purchased the original model in late '09, and am about to purchase some much-needed kit beefing-up, all B&H selections of course....
The first thing I noticed when shopping was this new "Mark II" model designation--which led me to reading this article--perhaps the only thing on the web that actually told me really just what was happening in the evolution of this recorder. Of course the Biggest Draw to the DR-100 has always been the XLR's, and application of using the recorder in some semblence of a traditional film-style of shooting using two-system sound. It seemed to be nearly a capable replacement for a Nagra 4.1 in my book...! albeit leaving a few things out along the way, but offering--well a whole lot for the loot.
In reading this piece, of course I would like to get a new Mark II (when did it go to Mark II anyway!?!), but I will just have to live with the original model ('cause it's paid for) but someday would like to move to the newer model. The biggest obvious upgrade at first seemed those xlr locks, it is indeed unnerving to not have them when shooting with xlr inputs, that's for sure. But the spdif I/O is also great idea (no a-to-d conversion--sure makes sense!!), and of course the line level xlr input setting is like a no-brainer and was identified as a real shortcoming when I first got it way back when.
And the mic pre-amp retooling sure seems a good idea, as the original unit is always wanting more gain, that's for sure. A good shotgun plugged-in makes you see (ok, hear) that immediately, just so much more to work with.
But otherwise this piece has been pretty much a digital dream, so I'll just have to suffer on for the time being. Have since picked up a DR-2d as well (and about to get another given recent price plummets), and both recorders work well together, swapping cards like some 70's key party or something.
The accessories I am now targeting include: 1) Strut STR-DR100 Audio Case for Tascam DR-100, a beautiful and protective idea for such a great device, looking better than the Porta-Brace versioin in my mind; 2) Rycote Portable Recorder Audio Kit for Tascam DR-100, what a setup! Stupidly overpriced but hey it's Rycote, all just so darn good.... 3) Tascam BP-6AA External Battery Pack for Handheld Recorders, another great OEM idea, this thing on phantom sucks the juice like crazy.
So thanks again for the discussion, and yes, better audio just never hurts...
Bob, in Columbia, MO
Mark S from B&H made an earlier comment about the "built-in limiter always being on." Could you go into a little more detail about that, Mark? The manual does not say anything about it that I noticed.
In my testing, I turned off the limiter with the toggle switch on the back of the DR-100 MKII, and I expected to have no limiting going on. However, when I purposedly tried to clip with a hot signal, the recorder seems to automatically limit the level to -6 dB — and it sounds terrible, very overmodulated, even though the level does not hit 0 dB. And, again, this happens with the limiter turned off with the toggle switch on the back.
So am I understanding correctly, that even if you turn the limiter "off" with this switch, the limiter is still working (and sounding very bad)?
What if you do not want any limiting in your signal path? Is that possible?
Or, is it truly impossible to reach a signal level of -5 or -3 or -1 dB? Does this mean that we need to treat a level of -6 dB as the new 0 dB?
If that is the case, could Tascam give us a firmware update that would actually disengage the limiter, or make it more subtle? It seems to work like an ugly brick wall at -6 dB. (My firmware says "ver. 1.0" on the startup screen.)
Hello -
My remarks were taken from information provided by Tascam in the owner's manual. Are you able control the cassette deck's output level? That may provide an easy solution. If all attempts to remedy are stymied - please e-mail us at audio@bandh.com so we can follow up with you.
Very good article.
I have a question regarding the possibility of using the two units along (Tascam DR-100mkII and Sound Devices USBpre): Isn't the Sound Devices powered up by USB only?
Thank you
Hello -
Yes - the Sound Devices USBPre2 is USB powered only. Using this combination with a laptop would be the best method of maintaining portablity for mobile use.
I see no mention of timecode and how it is handled by the Tascam. Is timecode part of the WAV or MP3 format that is exported with audio?
There is no embedded timecode offered on this recorder. It is a feature found on the higher end pro audio recorders. For example the Tascam HD-P2 . That recorder will have timecode capability.
Is the housing really aluminum? Somone told me that it was plastic, he owns one and is convinced it is plastic.
Hello -
The case is indeed aluminum. The lightness of plastic for sure, but the durability of metal. Please click on Tascam to view their confirming speciication.
Hi there. I'm considering buying the new DR-100mkII but I would like to know if it's possible to connect analog sources as a Tascam 112mkII Cassette deck to the DR-100 to convert analog sources (tapes) to Mp3 format? if so, I would need RCA out of the cassette deck going to dual XLR? into the Tascam DR-100, right? I know that tape gives me a line level of -10dbu-and the new Tascam has a switch at the bottom to change the XLR from mic to line but would -10dbu be too low for the line level since I read that it now takes professional line level +4dbu? or would I be better off using the mini jack line in on the side?
thanks
Erick in Toronto
Hello -
The Line 2 IN jack (mini 3.5mm, 1/8") does offer a nominal input level of -10 dbV - but the automatic built-in limiter, which is always active, can raise the signal as high as +6 dbV as well. You should be able to make a good digital copy using the Line 2 input.
Excellent! This recorder has a lot to offer to everyone! Thanks!
Thanks so much for all of the info. There's not a lot out there about this new recorder!
Can you tell me how the external mic preamps in the DR-100 MKII compare to the Roland R-26, and also to the Marantz PMD-661? I know they are all different price points, but I'm willing to pay more for the Roland, or even the Marantz if they are significantly better. If this recorder is just as good, or just ever so slightly noisier, then choosing this one would be a no brainer. Thanks!
Hello -
I think this is a case of "you get what you pay for". All three recorders you have selected are excellent machines that are "best in class" devices at their respective price points. As far as their mic preamps are concerned, I would group the Tascam and Roland as similar, with Marantz being the clear winner. The Roland is a good choice over the Tascam if you desire 6 track capability. For a more premium price, Marantz is offering the best combination of features, functionality and robust build and design.
Thanks so much! That's what I suspected, but I just haven't been able to find any comparisons or confirmation. The better preamps are my priority, as is the rugged design, so I will definitely shell out the extra cash for the Marantz. Desicion made! Whew! Thanks again!