TASCAM is expanding its lineup of portable audio recorders with a new model aimed at videographers, the FR-AV2. This compact and comprehensive audio recording solution offers 32-bit float recording and a built-in timecode generator to ensure your audio and video sync perfectly in post. And to accompany it, TASCAM is also releasing the AK-BT2 Bluetooth Adapter, which allows for remote control, timecode sync, and wireless audio monitoring.
Look Ma, No Clipping!
Busy videographers have a lot to deal with on set, so the last thing they want to worry about is the audio. The FR-AV2’s enhanced 32-bit float recording technology with dual A/D converters provides plenty of headroom to ensure loud signals won’t overload the recorder and cause clipping and distortion, while low-level recordings can be normalized without adding noise and artifacts. No more perfect videos ruined by poor audio levels; if it sounds good at the mic, the FR-AV2 can handle it.
Connection-wise, the unit offers a pair of XLR/TRS combo inputs with ULTRA ADDA preamps sporting an impressively quiet EIN of -127 dB, along with a stereo 3.5mm for wireless microphones, lavaliers, and other audio sources. In addition, you can fine-tune your sound before capture with the onboard low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, and noise gate. Audio is recorded to SDXC cards of up to 512GB at rates up to 192 kHz.
The unit can also function as a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for Mac/Windows computers and iOS devices. That’s right, the FR-AV2 allows you to track professional grade audio with timecode to your iPhone rig using a USB-C cable with the unit.
Timecode Galore!
Feel like wasting time trying to sync your audio and video in post? Yeah, we didn’t think so. Let the FR-AV2’s built-in timecode generator take care of that problem as it generates and reads timecode via the 3.5mm In/Out for DSLR cameras and supports Jam Sync for any external timecode devices. What’s more, using the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter, you can also wirelessly sync timecode with supported Atomos UltraSync BLUE devices.
Let’s Add Bluetooth!
The FR-AV2 offers intuitive controls and a vivid 2” color LCD screen, but by adding the AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter, you can remotely control multiple FR-AV2 units from your iOS or Android device using the free TASCAM Recorder Connect app. Another ultra-convenient feature the adapter supports is wireless audio monitoring. Depending on your recording environment, choose one of three modes to confirm you are receiving the best signal possible including connectivity, monitoring quality, and latency settings. Dual wired and wireless monitoring work in parallel, which means two users can monitor the audio simultaneously.
The AK-BT2 also works with TASCAM’s DR-10L Pro, Portacapture X6, and Portacapture X8 recorders, but only remote control and timecode sync are supported—wireless audio monitoring is not available on those models.
Talk to Us!
So hopefully that gives you some idea of what TASCAM has on offer with the FR-AV2 recorder and AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter. For more information including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product page for both products. Or drop us a line below, and we’ll do our best to answer all of your comments and questions.
