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TASCAM DR-701D 4-Channel / 6-Track Multitrack Field Recorder with Onboard Omni Microphones

BH #TADR701D • MFR #DR-701D
TASCAM
TASCAM DR-701D 4-Channel / 6-Track Multitrack Field Recorder with Onboard Omni Microphones
Key Features
  • Filmmaking, TV, VR, and Web Broadcast
  • Optimized for DSLR Shooters
  • Dual Onboard Omnidirectional Microphones
  • 4 x XLR-1/4" Inputs with Phantom Power
For filmmaking, television, audio-for-VR, and web broadcast applications where you want to record direct sound, ambience, and your real-time mix, the Tascam DR-701D multitrack field recorder is an ideal companion for your DSLR. Capture up to four tracks of high-resolution audio from external sources and the onboard omnidirectional microphones plus a stereo mix, route audio to and from your camera, and conveniently monitor through headphones. With versatile mounting possibilities, timecode support, and tight camera sync via HDMI I/O, the DR-701D integrates seamlessly into your video production setup.
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TASCAM DR-701D Overview

  • 1Description
  • 2Simultaneous 6-Track Recording
  • 3Onboard Omnidirectional Microphones
  • 4Four XLR-1/4" Mic/Line Inputs with Independent Phantom Power
  • 53.5mm Mic/Line Input with Plug-In Power
  • 63.5mm Camera, Line, and Headphone Outputs
  • 7Supports SDXC Cards up to 128GB
  • 8Ambisonics Support for VR Audio
  • 9HDMI I/O for Tight Camera Synchronization
  • 10Timecode Generator and Input
  • 11Powered via AA Batteries, USB, or AC Adapter
  • 12Ideal for Tripod- or Camera-Mounted Use
  • 13Soft-Touch Controls
  • 14Stereo Safety Track Recording
  • 15Built-In Mixer
  • 16Tone Generator for Synchronizing Files
  • 17Supports External Remote Control
  • 18Additional Features

For filmmaking, television, audio-for-VR, and web broadcast applications where you want to record direct sound, ambience, and your real-time mix, the Tascam DR-701D multitrack field recorder is an ideal companion for your DSLR. Capture up to four tracks of high-resolution audio from external sources and the onboard omnidirectional microphones plus a stereo mix, route audio to and from your camera, and conveniently monitor through headphones. With versatile mounting possibilities, timecode support, and tight camera sync via HDMI I/O, the DR-701D integrates seamlessly into your video production setup.

Versatile powering methods and remote-control options make the DR-701D ideal for location recording and extended video shoots. Its four balanced XLR-1/4" combo inputs handle mic- or line-level signals (even +4 dBu from high-end sound mixers) and can independently supply phantom power. A 3.5mm mic/line input with selectable plug-in power is provided for situations that require you to record a lavalier microphone or the output of a wireless receiver. Utilize settings such as stereo safety track recording, automatic level control, limiting, and low-cut filtering to achieve a clean, undistorted recording. Thanks to its available Ambisonics A-/B-format recording with real-time stereo monitoring, the DR-701D is ready to produce audio for your next AR or VR project.

Note:
For a full list of tested cameras and the most current firmware, please visit manufacturer's website.
Simultaneous 6-Track Recording
Using the built-in mixer, four tracks and their stereo mix can be simultaneously recorded at up to 24-bit / 96 kHz resolution. Alternatively, record two channels at 192 kHz for truly detailed stereo capture.
Onboard Omnidirectional Microphones
The DR-701D's two onboard condenser microphones empower you to capture stereo sound without external mics. The omnidirectional mics respond to sound from all directions and are permanently spaced apart in an A/B configuration, yielding a broad, sphere-like pickup pattern. Use them in combination with a shotgun, handheld, or lav mic to record direct sound and ambience at the same time.
Four XLR-1/4" Mic/Line Inputs with Independent Phantom Power
Four locking XLR-1/4" TRS combo jacks support mic level and +4 dBu line level, allowing you to record external microphones or balanced outputs from a professional multichannel mixer. With individually switchable phantom power (24V or 48V) and up to 64 dB of gain, the low-noise HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps can serve a variety of microphones such as dynamic, ribbon, or condenser types.
3.5mm Mic/Line Input with Plug-In Power
For maximum intelligibility and optimal vocal tone, recordists often prefer to use lavalier microphones that can be attached to their subject's clothing. The DR-701D's 3.5mm mini-jack input is designed for precisely that situation; clip a lav mic (available separately) to the talent, then plug it into the 3.5mm input on the DR-701D. Knowing that many lav mics require a small amount of voltage called plug-in power, Tascam offers a selectable setting to supply plug-in power to the 3.5mm input. If you need to record the output of a wireless microphone receiver or an audio mixer, the 3.5mm input can accommodate it because it supports line-level signal and handles a maximum input level of +10 dBV.
3.5mm Camera, Line, and Headphone Outputs
The DR-701D boasts three 3.5mm outputs for simultaneous hookup to your camera, a secondary recorder, and headphones. The headphone output offers a dedicated volume control next to the jack, while levels for the camera and line outputs can be changed in the menu system. Plus, the side-panel 3.5mm camera input is ideal for simple monitoring of playback from your camera.
Supports SDXC Cards up to 128GB
To maximize compactness and portability, the DR-701D records directly to media cards (available separately). It supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (up to 128GB capacity) for long recording times in standard or high resolution. With an 8GB card, the DR-701D can record in stereo for over 12.5 hours at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz using the uncompressed, BWF-compliant WAV format.
Ambisonics Support for VR Audio
Version 2.00 firmware brings support for Ambisonics recording by enabling encoding both A and B formats and providing a real-time stereo monitor mix of B-format content. Additional features specialized for Ambisonics audio production include AmbiX and FuMa B formats, simultaneous 4-channel gain control, and selectable Ambisonics mic positioning.
HDMI I/O for Tight Camera Synchronization
The HDMI I/O ports allow the DR-701D's internal clock and your camera to be digitally synchronized. Even when shooting long events, the video files recorded by the camera and audio files recorded by the DR-701D will not drift out of sync.

Simply pressing the record button on your compatible camera sends a trigger to the DR-701D to start audio recording. Unlike other systems that force you to press record on both devices, the HDMI start system prevents missed takes, syncs the two recording starts together, and makes single-operator shoots much easier.
Timecode Generator and Input
The built-in SMPTE generator allows your camera and DR-701D to store the same location reference. Several options are available to integrate SMPTE timecode into your camera system. The BNC timecode input can follow a source signal, or can be jam-synced a few times per day for independent freewheel operation.

Cameras that send timecode through their HDMI output can be followed by the DR-701D's timecode input. Alternatively, the internal generator can be started without an external reference for a simple time-of-day stamp on recorded BWF files.
Powered via AA Batteries, USB, or AC Adapter
Using four AA alkaline batteries (available separately), you can power the DR-701D for up to 3.75 hours of stereo recording time at 16-bit / 48 kHz resolution with the onboard mics. For long-duration sessions that require extended recording time, the DR-701D may be powered via a USB connection to a computer, mobile battery, or optional BP-6AA battery pack, or through the Tascam PS-P515U AC adapter (available separately).
Ideal for Tripod- or Camera-Mounted Use
With a lightweight and solid magnesium alloy chassis, the DR-701D can be placed between a DSLR camera and a tripod, or mounted to a cage or follow-focus rig. A tripod socket is on the bottom of the unit, and a removable tripod bracket is mounted on the top. Remove the tripod bracket to access the integrated hot shoe. Also, handles on the front left and right sides protect the screen, and permit the attachment of a shoulder belt. All batteries can be replaced without removing the DR-701D from the camera or tripod/rig.
Soft-Touch Controls
In the likely event that you need to use the transport and slate buttons while shooting, you don't need to worry about picking up clicks in the recording. The DR-701D's soft-touch rubber keys are designed for quiet operation to eliminate handling noise.
Stereo Safety Track Recording
Filmmakers and videographers often experience sudden audio volume spikes during filming. An actor could suddenly scream, or a documentary subject could do almost anything. The DR-701D has a dual-recording mode that captures a copy of your take (from a selectable mono or stereo input) up to 12 dB lower (adjustable in -1 dB increments) as a safety track in case of sudden distortion.
Built-In Mixer
Enhance the sonic impact of your audio with the DR-701D's built-in mixer. Each input features adjustable panning, level, limiting, polarity, and up to 300ms of delay. A multiband limiter is employed to affect only the frequency ranges that have excessive input signal levels. Mitigate wind noise and low-frequency rumble by selecting the low-cut filter, which can be set at 50, 80, 120, 180, or 220 Hz.
Tone Generator for Synchronizing Files
An internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on the DR-701D and your camera. When the DR-701D is connected to a camera, the adjustable slate tone may be sent to the camera and recorded to the DR-701D. The resulting tones can be used as guides when synchronizing the files in video editing software. Generate slate tones automatically at the head (or head and tail) of each clip, or manually via the slate button. Playback can be skipped to the slate tone insert position using the data dial.
Supports External Remote Control
Hand- or foot-operated remote control is possible via the RC-3F footswitch or RC-10 wired remote (both available separately); start/stop recording, make marks, increment tracks, and more without having to touch the DR-701D.
Additional Features
  • Angled 128 x 64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight for easy viewing
  • Simple, efficient file transfer via USB 2.0 connection to a computer
  • Asahi Kasei A/D converters and low-noise Texas Instruments OPA1652 opamps
  • High-precision TCXO (temperature-compensated crystal oscillator) and PLL (phase-locked loop) with a discrete filter reduce jitter and clock errors
  • Adjustable delay function eliminates time lags caused by differences in the distances of two sets of inputs from the sound source
  • Hold switch prevents accidental operation
  • MS decoding function allows proper stereo monitoring of a mid-side mic configuration
  • Cascade multiple DR-701D recorders via HDMI for unified record start/stop control from one master unit
  • Automatically creates a new file when the maximum file size is reached
  • Resume function retains the last stop point even when the DR-701D is powered off/on
  • Up to 99 marks (locate points) per track
  • Track incrementing function allows a recording to be split by creating a new file when desired
  • File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date
  • The first six characters of the file name for recording can be set freely

TASCAM DR-701D Specs

Portable Recorder
Number of Tracks
6 (4 Inputs + Stereo Mix)
Maximum Sampling Rate
192 kHz / 24-Bit
Microphone
Built-In Omnidirectional Electret Condenser Stereo Pair, A/B Configuration
Built-In Speaker
No
Display
Monochrome LCD (Backlit)
Memory Card Support
SD (64 MB to 2 GB)
SDHC (4 GB to 32 GB)
SDXC (48 GB to 128 GB)
Internal Storage
No
Recording
Audio File Formats
BWF, WAV
Sample Rates
WAV:
44.1 / 48 / 96 / 192 kHz
Bit Depth
16 / 24-Bit
Signal Processing & FX
Delay, Limiter, Low-Cut Filter
Timecode Support
Yes
Clock Accuracy
2 ppm
Recording Time
WAV 44.1 kHz/16-Bit:
1 Hr 34 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 48 kHz/16-Bit:
1 Hr 27 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 96 kHz/16-Bit:
43 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 192 kHz/16-Bit:
22 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 44.1 kHz/24-Bit:
1 Hr 3 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 48 kHz/24-Bit:
58 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 96 kHz/24-Bit:
29 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 192 kHz/24-Bit:
14 Mins per GB (Stereo)
Connectivity
Analog I/O
4x Combo XLR-1/4" TRS Female Balanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable)
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Mic Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Camera Input
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Camera Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Line Output
1x 1/8" / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Headphone Output
1x 2.5 mm TRS Female Remote Input
Digital I/O
1x HDMI Input
1x HDMI Cascade/Timecode/Video Output
Phantom Power
+24 / 48 V ± 4 V (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
Phantom Power Current
10 mA per Channel
Plug-In Power
Yes
System Connection
1x Micro-USB (2.0)
Performance
Frequency Response
Line Inputs, Line Outputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5/-1 dB (at 48 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz to 40 kHz +0.5/-1 dB (at 96 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz to 80 kHz +0.5/-5 dB (at 192 kHz, JEITA)
Gain/Trim Range
Balanced Inputs:
+20 dB to +64 dB
Unbalanced Inputs:
+3 dB to +38 dB
Max Input Level
Mic Inputs:
+4 dBu
Line Inputs:
+24 dBu
1/8" Inputs:
+10 dBV
Camera Inputs:
+6 dBV
Max Output Level
Camera Outputs, Line Outputs:
+6 dBV
Headphone Output Power
50 mW per Channel
Impedance
Mic Inputs:
2 Kilohms
Line Inputs:
≥10 Kilohms
1/8" / 3.5 mm Inputs:
10 Kilohms
Camera Outputs:
200 Ohms
Line Outputs:
200 Ohms
SNR
≥100 dB
THD
≤0.007%
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN)
-124 dBu
Power
Power Options
Batteries, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type
4x AA (Not Included)
Approximate Battery Life
WAV 48 kHz/16-Bit:
3.75 Hours (AA Alkaline, Phantom Off, Recording, Built-In Mic)
2 Hours (AA Alkaline, 2 Channels, Phantom On, Recording)
4 Hours (AA NiMH, Phantom Off, Recording, Built-In Mic)
2.5 Hours (AA NiMH, 2 Channels, Phantom On, Recording)
7.5 Hours (AA Lithium, Phantom Off, Recording, Built-In Mic)
6.5 Hours (AA Lithium, 2 Channels, Phantom On, Recording)
AC/DC Power Adapter
5 VDC at 1.3 A (Not Included)
Physical
Mounting Options
1/4"-20 Female, Shoe Mount
Operating Temperature
32 to 140°F / 0 to 40°C
Dimensions
6.7 x 2.3 x 4.5" / 169 x 57.3 x 113.5 mm (with Adapter Attached)
Weight
1.2 lb / 561 g (without Batteries)
1.4 lb / 654 g (with Batteries)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
2 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
9.9 x 7.2 x 4.2"

TASCAM DR-701D Reviews

Decent Recorder with Some Reliability Issues

By Michael
Rated 3 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-15

I bought this recorder primarily for a single-shooter video rig primarily because it has an HDMI pass-through that will sync to the camera clock. I was able to pass video from my Nikon Z6 to the Tascam and on to a BlackMagic Video Assist 12g, but I found that there were some HDMI connectivity issues, though it was nice to be able to just pass all four audio channels to the BMVA via HDMI and record them with the video. I also tried running the HDMI out from the BMVA to the Tascam, which worked to trigger the Tascam to start and stop recording, but I encountered reliability issues, primarily with the Tascam stopping a recording when the BMVA switches from one SD card to the other. I had a few clips where the Tascam only recorded part of the audio. Ultimately, I went with a Zoom F6--in part because I needed more than four inputs--so that I could just set the audio recording to run freely while outputting the timecode to an audio channel via HDMI through the camera's microphone input. (I run one stereo channel as timecode and the other as a mono reference audio channel.) I use Tentacle Sync Studio to sync the audio and video, which is quick and imports easily into Final Cut Pro X. You should be able to run the timecode to the BMVA via one of the mini-XLR inputs, but the XLR inputs on my BMVA don't work, which isn't really a problem because it is better to run the audio to the BMVA via HDMI because of the HDMI latency on the Z6.

Love it!

By Will
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-03-02

great design, great sound, everything I need, where I need it ... right in front of me. Still new but so far, so good. I am eBaying my zoom units.

Tascam DR-701D

By Juan
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-08-20

I am not an expert in sound but I am a cameraman for a long time, I have tried this mixer and it seems to me that it is a good equipment and at a low price, at the beginning of using it I had many doubts regarding the recording of separate audios on different channels since it shows all But my doubt disappeared once I put the files in FCPX. This creates several files which from there is where you choose the channel you want to use. I'm still learning how to use this. Hopefully my comment will help.Juan

be careful what order you daisy chain your HDMI with Z6/7 &

By Steven
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-26

In case any of you are using the above combination, I found out that OS ver. 10.4 for the Atomos Ninja makes the Tascam unit stop and start over HDMI trigger, where it didn't before. Just daisy chain your HDMI as follows: Z6 out to Ninja V HDMI in, HDMI out to the DR-701D. If you have the Tascam  in the middle, 2 things will happen: #1 Your Ninja V will NOT record in 4k (it will quietly record in 1080p without any warnings whatsoever and #2 the DR-701D will not start automatically.

Excellent mic preamps + solid build

By Robert
Rated 4 out of 5
Date: 2020-05-20

Very pleased with the feature set and audio quality of the DR-701D. Ergonomics could be improved as the preamp encoders are so closely spaced they are difficult to adjust without inadvertently moving the adjacent encoder knob. Also, I would like to be able to not only record thru back to the camera, but also selectively record certain channels ONLY to the SD card on the unit.

I upgraded from my DR-70D

By Steven
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2020-02-22

This is a huge step up, with a lot of well thought out new features. I also now need the HDMI and word clock, so this was an easy decision...

BNC Timecode Input for under $500!

By Mark
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2022-03-09

Fantastic value. A very important upgrade from the original. Nice preamps.

Love this recorder

By Alain
Rated 5 out of 5
Date: 2021-11-26

I really love this. Upgraded from the Zoom H4n and this is a game-changer for my productions.

See any errors on this page? Let us know

question

Limiter and Auto-gain question. Overall: how are you setting gain for live (amplified) music events?Yesterday I tested Auto-gain and limiter controls (had been only setting gain manually before). I found the auto-gain really poor. Peak light goes on a lot, results sounded distorted, more background noise than before, and audience noise (using an XY condensor) seemed even louder while loud solos sounded muted. Does anyone succesfully use Auto-gain in this unit? Does it work better on other devices (like the Sound Design Pre series)?I had better luck with the limiters with good sounding results. What seems to work was to turn on the limiters and turn gain from maybe halfway on the knobs to about 3/4 - so compressing dynamics somewhat. So question: how are people using limiters? And how do you choose the gain level to set when using limiters?Thank you for any advice!
Asked by: Eric
In a live musical setting, it is best to operate in manual, and use the limiter if need be. The limiter is a peak limiter, and will engage once the signal is ready to clip. Auto-gain is designed for speech environments and will not work well for live events. Adjusting gain on the input entirely depends on the input source level. There is no predefined setting. Ultimately, you want to have enough headroom to avoid distortion and limiter if at all possible.
Answered by: Andrea O.
Date published: 2018-08-26

Has anyone been able to get a $k signal in via ...

Has anyone been able to get a $k signal in via HDMI, and output that same 4k signal with the audio from the Tascam out to a recorder? I'm looking to confirm that this works? I'm trying to make sure that I'll be able to connect an A7MKIII to the 701d, have all of my mics into the 701d, and then send the audio and video of all of these devices to a ninja 5 or shogun inferno inferno, which would be in 4k.
Asked by: Felix
The HDMI goes from the camera out into the HDMI 701D input. You can connect your monitor to the HDMI output from the 701D. Then the 3.5mm audio out from the 701D goes to the camera external mic input. Then the audio out can be routed back out of the camera 3.5mm into the 701D input for headphone monitoring.
Answered by: John
Date published: 2019-08-06

can anyone verify if "HDMI Time code and record ...

can anyone verify if "HDMI Time code and record trigger at 4K HDMI resolution" as Richard noted in the review section? He said it was only working at 1080p
Asked by: jacob
It only supports 1080. This was a great product for its price when I bought it it a few years ago, but I wouldn't recommend it now, especially if you want to work in 4k. Check out newer offerings from Sound Devices
Answered by: Sean
Date published: 2021-07-16

question

Not sure what this is called, but if I'm recording a 2 person interview, is it possible to have 2 microphones attached to 2 XLR inputs on the DR-701D, but record 2 different audio levels on 2 different channels for each microphone, so that I can switch (in post) between the different levels if one channel goes in the red???
Asked by: Ken F.
Yes - gain may be set independently for each of the XLR mic inputs.
Answered by: Mark S.
Date published: 2018-08-26

question

Has anyone tried using this recorder with a Atoms Recorder (Shogun)?Are there any issues with using the HDMI feature while recording in 4k to a Shogun?How can you connect this to a Shogun/A7s so all three start recording when using the camera record button?
Asked by: Akshay S.
I tested it (1080p) and Tascam 701d (firmware 1.03) works with Atomos Shogun (firmware 6.51). Start/Stop Trigger works fine. Only the recorded audio by Atomos Shogun is bad. The sound is not to be used: audio dips/distorts.
Answered by: Ramn G.
Date published: 2018-08-26

I have a Canon EOS 6D MarkII, I have problem ...

I have a Canon EOS 6D MarkII, I have problem making work the start/stop trigger, Does this Canon supports the Tascam DR-701D? Anybody can help with this problem, please?
Asked by: Ezequiel
Unfortunately, Tascam does not list the Canon EOS 6D MKII as being supported for trigger start/stop through the HDMI connection.
Answered by: Steve
Date published: 2021-02-25

Does the Tascam 701d also work/function as a usb ...

Does the Tascam 701d also work/function as a usb computer audio interface?
Asked by: Peter Alexander
This unit is only for recording and playback. The USB function will ony transfer filed to and from your computer that have already been recorded. Not in real time, as an interface.
Answered by: James Cruz
Date published: 2020-11-02

question

Will this unit work with the new Canon 1Dx Mark ll ?
Asked by: Denton C.
The Tascam 701D will work with the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II.
Answered by: Jeff P.
Date published: 2018-08-26
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