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TASCAM DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder

BH #TADR680 • MFR #DR-680
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TASCAM DR-680 8-Track Portable Field Audio Recorder
Key Features
  • Records 8 Tracks at up to 24-bit/96kHz
  • Records to SD/SDHC Flash Cards
  • 6 Mic Inputs with Phantom Power
  • Digital S/PDIF Input
The DR-680 from Tascam is a professional-quality portable field recorder that allows you to record and edit multiple tracks of audio, ideal for musicians, filmmakers, journalists, and more. The DR-680 allows you to record up to 8 tracks onto widely-available SD/SDHC flash memory cards at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. It also allows you to record a stereo track at up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as up to 4 channels of MP3 audio for web-ready recording.
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TASCAM DR-680 Overview

The DR-680 from Tascam is a professional-quality portable field recorder that allows you to record and edit multiple tracks of audio, ideal for musicians, filmmakers, journalists, and more. The DR-680 allows you to record up to 8 tracks onto widely-available SD/SDHC flash memory cards at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. It also allows you to record a stereo track at up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as up to 4 channels of MP3 audio for web-ready recording.

The DR-680 has 4 XLR/TRS mic/line combo inputs, along with a pair of 1/4" mic line inputs. The 6 mic preamps provide phantom power and 60dB of gain. Each input also offers a low cut filter and a limiter, to ensure clean recordings. There are 6 RCA unbalanced outputs, plus digital S/PDIF input and output connectors. A USB 2.0 connector makes it easy to connect the recorder directly to your computer for file transfer. A cascade function lets you connect a pair of recorders for capturing up to 16 tracks.

Onboard mixing features let you mark, divide, and delete files, while pre-record and auto record modes ensure that you never miss a priceless audio moment. Digital monitor mixing with level and pan controls and a recordable stereo mixdown is provided, along with a 1/4" headphone jack and built-in speakers for monitoring. A backlit LCD shows important operating information. The recorder can operate on a set of 8 AA batteries, or on AC power for terrific versatility.

Lightweight and portable design
Record up to 8 tracks onto widely-available SD/SDHC flash memory cards at rates up to 24-bit/96kHz
Record a stereo track at up to 24-bit/192kHz, as well as up to 4 channels of MP3 audio for web-ready recording
4 XLR/TRS mic/line combo inputs, along with a pair of 1/4" mic line inputs, each with phantom power, 60dB of gain, a low cut filter, and a limiter
6 RCA unbalanced outputs
Digital S/PDIF input and output connectors
USB 2.0 connector makes it easy to connect the recorder directly to your computer for file transfer
Cascade function lets you connect a pair of recorders for capturing up to 16 tracks
Onboard mixing features let you mark, divide, and delete files
Pre-record and auto record modes ensure that you never miss a priceless audio moment
Digital monitor mixing with level and pan controls, as well as a recordable stereo mixdown
1/4" headphone jack and built-in speakers for convenient monitoring and file playback
Backlit LCD shows important operating information
Operates on a set of 8 AA batteries or on AC power for terrific versatility

TASCAM DR-680 Specs

Type
Portable Multitrack Digital Audio Recorder
Recording/Reading Methods
SD/SDHC Cards
Recording Bit Rate
Up to 24-bit
Sampling Frequency
Up to 96kHz (8 Tracks)
Up to 192kHz (2 Tracks)
Number of Channels
8
Connectors
4 x XLR/TRS Mic/Line Inputs
2 x 1/4" Mic/Line Inputs
6 x RCA Unbalanced Outputs
1 x S/PDIF Digital Input
1 x S/PDIF Digital Output
1 x USB 2.0 Port
1 x 1/4" Headphone Output
1 x Cascade Connector
Speakers
Integrated
Display
128 x 64 Backlit LCD
Power
8 x AA Batteries
AC Power
Dimensions
7.95 x 2.12 x 6.93" (202 x 54 x 176mm)
Weight
2.65 lbs (1.2kg) (Without Batteries)
Packaging Info
Package Weight
5.1 lb
Box Dimensions (LxWxH)
11.3 x 10.1 x 7.3"

TASCAM DR-680 Reviews

See any errors on this page?

question

is possible connect the recorder dr-680 to an external lithium ion battery?
Asked by: Anonymous
Now I used 12v Ups batteries...
Answered by: ANURAJ A.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Does this come with a warranty?
Asked by: Anonymous
This product has a one year, limited manufacturer's warranty.
Answered by: Heather S.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

why is my memory card not loading in tascam ft-680?
Asked by: Anonymous
The Tascam DR 680 is compatible with SD cards with a capacity up to 32GB. If your card is having issues you may try reformatting the card in the machine, or checking the format on the card which needs to be FAT32 using cards over 4GB. If you r card is not recognized there may be an issue with the card itself or not compatible with the unit. The Tascam website has a list available of tested cards compatible with this unit on the product page on their site.
Answered by: Jeff P.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Does the DR-680 record in both WAV and MP3 formats?
Asked by: Fred F.
Yes it does.
Answered by: TRISTAN A.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Are the features and performance of the Tascam DR-680 Mk II worth the cost of upgrade for existing DR-680 owners?
Asked by: Danny
I think that's really up to you to say. The stated changes are: -improved audio quality-Support for SDXC cards which provide higher capacities and longer recording times-Take (file) numbers can be reset using the Take No. Init function for easier file management-Improved battery life now makes the unit last 150% longer than the original-Improved clock precision for tighter synchronization with video devices-Dual recording function for simultaneous recording of two files, one at -12 dB lower as a backup-Playback of multitrack recordings, such as those prepared in a DAW-Support for lithium batteries in addition to alkaline and NiMH. Personally, my biggest problem with the original was the battery life. So the fact that it uses less power without sacrificing audio quality is a good thing. The Dual recording with one channel lower by 12 db is an awesome thing also. Right now, I do that with panning, but it would be great to just flip a switch.The clock speed accuracy - I haven't tried synching up really long takes to video, so I haven't noticed this to be an issue, but if it is, that would be a big thing.I won't be upgrading, but if I were buying new, I probably would go for the Mark II instead of the original.
Answered by: spencer s.
Date published: 2018-08-28

question

Hi! I'm not sure what to choose between the Tascam 70D and the DR-680. We used to have a Zoom H6, but we're not very fond of the design for longer productions... (We do documentary work). We have a SD 302 mixer and I'm trying to figure out a good recorder to pair with it. We have 2 ou 3 inputs maximum so the two recorder seems good to my eyes... I'm not a sound guy, but rather the guy that buy the stuff for my productions. I would like the best quality and usability possible for my sound men within the budget of the 680. Is anybody can give me any advice?Thank you!
Asked by: Jonathan T.
The Tascam 70D is more for use as a solo cameraman as it attaches to DSLR's, so that the same camera man can record the audio well. But if what you're doing is more documentary work, you'll be better off having a separate audio guy doing the audio for you, which is the pro way to go. The Tascam DR 680 is great for that use. Pros are: its lightweight easy to use, delivers excellent audio quality, you have four XLR audio inputs ( that can be set to line or mic), with an additional two 1/4 jack inputs, constant monitoring and trimming is available all the time( switchable between channels) etc. Cons: It eats through batteries like A TASMANIAN DEVIL!!. It uses 8 AA batteries and I use the fancy rechargeable ones and still it only gives me only about 3 hours of continuous use. But I have solved that problem using Sony's NP970 a batteries with a slate and I just plug it in the AC power plug. Problem solved. Other than that, I highly recommend this unit. I bought it in a kit that B&H offers that comes with a Shure audio bag.
Answered by: OMAR P.
Date published: 2018-08-28
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