Tascam DR-40X 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder and USB Interface

OVERVIEW:

The DR-40X is a versatile four-track audio recorder for music, podcasting, cinema and any other application requiring high-quality audio. Building on the highly successful Tascam DR-40, this recorder adds several new functions to the already comprehensive feature set.

A pair of cardioid condenser microphones handles high sound pressure levels and can be set up in AB or XY orientation for a wide stereo field or extra-clear reproduction with reduced phase displacement between both channels. Users can also use their own microphones or line-level source through dual Neutrik XLR/TRS combo jacks that support both mic level and +4 dBu line level from mixers or the FOH console. The microphone preamps include 48-volt phantom power and plenty of gain to capture everything from small whispers to loud live sounds. Using the stereo built-in microphones, you can capture ambient sound of the audience while recording directly from an external console, which is ideal for live performances. Like its predecessor, the DR-40X also offers dual-level recording, a feature that helps to avoid distortion by providing a second recording file created with a lower level setting.

KEY FEATURES:

- Portable, high-quality handheld recording

- Compact size and easy operation

- SD/SDHC/SDXC cards can be used as recording media (up to 128 GB)

- Supported audio formats: Linear PCM (WAV/BWF format) at 44.1/48/96 kHz and 16/24-bit | Compressed (MP3 format): 32–320 kbit/s at 44.1/48 kHz (VBR files can be played but not recorded)

- Can be used as a USB audio interface with Mac and Windows computers (two inputs, two outputs)

Recording

- Built-in cardioid stereo condenser microphone: Accepts high sound pressure level up to 125 dB | Easy setup (AB and XY configuration supported) | XY configuration allows mono compatible recordings and high sound localization acuity (lively interviews or field recordings with ambience) | Good directivity and channel separation | Ideal for live music and field recording, news gathering, music training etc. | MS decoder for recordings created with mid/side microphone configuration

- Stereo XLR/TRS mic/line input with phantom power (supports +4 dB line level input)

- 4-track recording: Create two stereo recordings from the built-in microphones and the external mic/line input at the same time | Create two stereo recordings with different level settings from the built-in microphones or external mic/line input at the same time | Non-destructive overdub: Record a mix of one or two stereo playback files and a stereo input signal to a new stereo file or record only the input signal while playing back one stereo file | Mixdown feature with level, pan and effect controls for each track (creates a stereo track from a 4-track recording)

- Overwrite function for punch-in recording with one level of Undo

- MS decoder for recordings created with mid/side microphone configuration

- Switchable low-cut filter (40 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 220 Hz)

- Manual or automatic recording level setting

- Three Options of automatic level control during recording: Peak Reduction, Auto Level, Limiter

- Pre-recording buffer (2 seconds) allows a recording to start before the record key is pressed

- Auto recording start and stop by input level

- Self-timer allows a recording to start 5 or 10 seconds after pressing the RECORD button

- Create a new file during recording (manually or by file size)

- Mark function (manual or automatic, up to 99 marks for each file)

Playback

- Automatic level align allows to increase the perceived overall sound pressure during playback

- Variable speed audition to change the playback tempo without affecting the key (50–200 %)

- Repeat function (repeat one track or all tracks)

- Loop function (repeat a marked section)

- Playlist feature to play files in a certain order

- Resume function (start playback from the audio position where the unit was last stopped)

- Jump back function to instantly review playback (1–10, 20, 30 seconds)

- Equalizer for tone control during playback

- MP3 ID3 tag display (up to version 2.4)

- Built-in monitor loudspeaker

- Headphones/Line output

Other features

- Built-in reverb effect (6 presets, can be applied to input or output signal)

- Chromatic tuner function to tune your instrument

- File divide function to cut unwanted noise or to extract parts from long recordings

- Folder management to organize your files

- Hold function to avoid inadvertent operation

- QUICK menu button for easy access to various functions

- Menu language can be selected between English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese

- Clear, backlit LC display

- USB 2.0 port for file transfer to/from computer

- Power supply by 3 AA size Alkaline or NiMH batteries (up to 15 hours continuous operation with phantom power off), USB bus power or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U)

- Long-time operation of over 20 hours is possible using just the internal batteries

- Rubber feet included for improving the acoustic properties during desktop recordings

- Stand adapter (¼ inch) on bottom side to attach the unit to a tripod or microphone stand

- Optional footswitch (RC-3F) and wired remote control (RC-10)