For demanding sound design and live music recording applications, the Tascam DR-100mkIII portable handheld recorder is capable of capturing two tracks of audio at up to 192 kHz with no external microphones required. Its onboard 4-mic array features omnidirectional and shock-mounted unidirectional microphones for optimal reproduction of ambience-heavy or dry sound sources. Equally adept as a handheld device and in stand- or camera-mounted setups, the DR-100mkIII can handle anything from tracking live concerts to recording audio for sound effects libraries and video.
Flexible powering methods—batteries, USB bus power, or an AC adapter—make the DR-100mkIII well suited to on-the-go recording and all-day video shoots. Its dual-battery structure utilizes an internal rechargeable 12-hour battery and two AA batteries (available separately) to deliver prolonged operating time. Need to patch in external mics or an outboard mixer? The DR-100mkIII's two balanced XLR-1/4" inputs accommodate mic- or line-level signals (even +4 dBu from professional consoles) and can supply phantom power if needed. Plus, there are two 3.5mm input jacks (one analog and one digital) that allow you to route signal from a lavalier mic or a digital media player. Whether you use the built-in mics or an external source, dual high-performance A/D converters, low-noise preamps, and a variety of selectable modes and settings empower you with options for achieving pristine, detailed, and undistorted recordings.What's New on the DR-100mkIII
- Redesigned user interface with a large backlit LCD screen (double the size of the screen on the DR-100mkII), dedicated status LEDs, and dedicated hardware controls for immediate access to common functions
- Support for 192 kHz recording and playback
- Improved conversion quality and audio clock accuracy
- Support for SDXC cards (up to 128GB)
- Amphenol XLR-1/4” TRS combo inputs
- Advanced recording functions
- Shock-mounted unidirectional microphones
- Increased headphone output power
- Built-in tone generator for syncing files
- Comprehensive settings memory via XRI recording
Onboard 4-Microphone Array
The DR-100mkIII's onboard mic array includes four electret condenser microphones—two omnidirectional and two unidirectional—carefully positioned with each pair in a fixed A/B configuration. The omni set picks up sound waves from all directions and tolerates sound pressure levels up to 125 dB, so loud concerts and environmental noises won't be a problem. The unidirectional mics minimize pickup of sound entering from the rear of the capsules, resulting in a more focused tone with fewer reflections. Each directional mic is housed in an integrated shockmount to suppress unwanted vibration and handling noise, and is protected against bumps by a sturdy head case.
Dual XLR-1/4" Mic/Line Inputs with Phantom Power
Dual Amphenol 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 mixer or FOH console. With switchable 24V or 48V phantom power and ample gain, the mic preamps can serve a variety of microphones such as dynamic, ribbon, or condenser types. HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps grant the lowest noise of any Tascam handheld digital recorder.
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-100mkIII'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-100mkIII. 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.
3.5mm Digital Input
Using the supplied digital input conversion cable, you can route a stereo digital source such as a media player or DJ mixer into the 3.5mm digital input jack. Once the digital source is selected in the menu, the DR-100mkIII will clock externally to the incoming digital signal and bypass the internal A/D converters.
Dual A/D Converters for High Signal-to-Noise Performance
Used in a variety of combinations, depending upon the selected function, the DR-100mkIII features dual AKM AK4558 converters with VELVET SOUND architecture, providing high sound quality, low power consumption, and 102 dB signal-to-noise ratio. Alteration of the A/D conversion is possible via four different filter types.
In dual ADC mode, the AK4558 converters are used in parallel to further enhance audio fidelity and push the signal-to-noise ratio to 109 dB. Data recorded in dual ADC mode will be limited to a 102 dB S/N ratio when played back on the DR-100mkIII, but the S/N ratio of the actual file is maintained at 109 dB.
In dual ADC mode, the AK4558 converters are used in parallel to further enhance audio fidelity and push the signal-to-noise ratio to 109 dB. Data recorded in dual ADC mode will be limited to a 102 dB S/N ratio when played back on the DR-100mkIII, but the S/N ratio of the actual file is maintained at 109 dB.
High-Precision Clock
To ensure stable digital operations, the DR-100mkIII utilizes the same TCXO (Temperature-Compensated Crystal Oscillator) used in professional studio master recorders. Moreover, the TCXO is not affected by the temperature of the environment, critical for a portable device that must maintain its precision in support of high-quality recording.
Supports SDXC Cards up to 128GB
To maximize compactness and portability, the DR-100mkIII records directly to media cards (available separately). It supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (up to 128GB capacity) for long recording times even at high audio resolutions. With a 32GB card, the DR-100mkIII can record in stereo for over 50 hours at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz using the uncompressed, BWF-compliant WAV format.
3.5mm Line and Headphone Outputs
When you want to record to your camera and the DR-100mkIII, just connect the 3.5mm mini-jack output from the DR-100mkIII into your camera's input, then use the menu-based output attenuation to reduce the line output level by 30 dB and avoid clipping your camera's input. Additionally, there is a dedicated 3.5mm headphone jack with its own level control for critical listening through your preferred headphones. Quick monitor checks can be done through the DR-100mkIII's built-in mono speaker.
Powered via Batteries, USB, or AC Adapter
With a dual-battery structure that allows the internal high-capacity battery to be used with AA batteries (available separately), operation is possible for extended periods of time, ensuring that the DR-100mkIII is always ready to go. The internal lithium-ion battery can power the DR-100mkIII for up to 12 hours of stereo recording time at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution. For long-duration sessions that require extended recording time, the DR-100mkIII may be powered or recharged via a USB connection to an external battery pack, or through the Tascam PS-P520E AC adapter (available separately). Charging time via USB is approximately 10 hours, or about 4.5 hours via the optional PS-P520E AC adapter.
Ideal for Handheld or Tripod-Mounted Use
Designed for portability and durability, the DR-100mkIII features a tough aluminum body that weighs under a pound. To foil unplanned button presses during handheld operation, engage the side-panel hold switch, which can disable all buttons and the input level knob, or just the input level knob. Utilize the 1/4"-20 threaded hole on the underside of the DR-100mkIII to mount it on a mic stand or tripod for stable, stationary positioning.
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-100mkIII has a dual-recording mode that captures a copy of your take from the onboard mics or external analog inputs at a lower level (-12 dB) as a safety track in case of sudden distortion.
Built-In Level Modes and Signal Processing Enhance Audio Quality
Enhance the sonic impact of your audio with the DR-100mkIII's built-in level modes and signal processing. Engage automatic level control to increase or decrease the recording volume when the input sound is too quiet or loud, and switch on the limiter to compress the signal before it reaches the point of distortion. In rehearsal mode or while recording, the peak reduction function automatically reduces the input gain to a suitable level. Mitigate wind noise and low-frequency rumble by selecting the low-cut filter, which can be set at 40, 80, 120, or 220 Hz.
Selectable Recording Functions
The DR-100mkIII offers several recording functions that simplify your workflow and save you from missing the beginning of a performance. Once enabled, the pre-record setting keeps the DR-100mkIII in standby mode, which allows it to capture up to two seconds of signal before you press the record button. The DR-100mkIII is also capable of recording in response to input signal; its auto-record function can begin recording at a user-selectable decibel threshold of -6, -12, -24, or -48.
Tone Generator for Synchronizing Files
An internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on the DR-100mkIII and your camera. When the DR-100mkIII is connected to a camera, the adjustable auto tone will be sent to the camera and recorded to the DR-100mkIII. The resulting tones can be used as guides when synchronizing the files in video editing software.
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-100mkIII.
XRI Function Keeps Track of All Settings
The XRI (eXtended Recording Information) function stores and keeps track of all recording settings as part of the file. This powerful feature allows the user to easily double-check the details of the original recording for logging or replication of recording conditions at a later date. This information includes date and time of recording, input source selection and levels, ADC mode on/off status, and more. XRI information is stored as part of the BWF data block.
Additional Features
- Menu and functions button for menu-based access to various settings and functions
- Six menu languages
- Simple, efficient file transfer via USB
- Dual-format mode for simultaneous recording of WAV and MP3 files
- Selectable pad reduces input level for the onboard mics or external mic inputs to mitigate clipping
- Adjustable playback speed (independent of pitch) from 0.5 to 2.0 times at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
- MS decoding function allows proper stereo monitoring of a mid-side mic configuration
- Automatic or manual file incrementing
- File divide/delete functions
- Loop/repeat playback
- Resume function retains the last stop point even when the DR-100mkIII is powered off/on
- Up to 99 marks (locate points) per track
- 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