TASCAM DR-05XP

Product overview

The TASCAM DR-05XP is a 2-channel handheld recorder with 32-bit float recording, omnidirectional condenser microphones and a 2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface.

Made for music, audio for video, meetings, dictation and field recording, the DR-05XP captures clear, distortion-free audio without the worry of setting input levels: 32-bit float keeps quiet and loud sounds intact so levels can be set later in editing. The built-in omnidirectional condenser mics handle up to 125 dB SPL, the backlit display and one-handed operation keep things simple, and a 3.5 mm input takes external mics with plug-in power or line sources. Connect it to a computer over USB-C and it becomes an audio interface or USB microphone. Two AA batteries last up to 17.5 hours and microSDXC cards up to 512 GB hold hours of recordings.

Key features

• 32-bit float recording: no need to set input levels, no clipping in normal use
• WAV (BWF) at 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz in 16-bit, 24-bit or 32-bit float, and MP3 from 32 to 320 kbps
• Omnidirectional stereo condenser mics for loud sources up to 125 dB SPL
• 2-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface and USB microphone for Windows, Mac and iOS
• 3.5 mm MIC/EXT IN with plug-in power for external stereo mics or line sources
• Limiter, peak reduction, auto level and four low-cut filter settings (40 / 80 / 120 / 220 Hz)
• Auto recording, pre-recording, self-timer and timer recording
• Overdubbing, reverb effect and a built-in chromatic tuner
• Auto Tone output for lining up recordings with camera audio
• RF noise shielding, built-in 0.3 W reference speaker and menus in ten languages

Capture pro-level recordings every time

In 32-bit float mode the DR-05XP records sounds from a whisper to a loud performance clearly and without distortion, so you can concentrate on the performance instead of the meters. Levels are set afterwards in editing software, and TASCAM's free Audio File Manager makes balancing 32-bit float files simple. For 16 and 24-bit recording, choose manual level, limiter, peak reduction or auto level.

Your portable recording studio

Over USB-C the DR-05XP works as a 2-in / 2-out audio interface at 44.1 or 48 kHz, 24-bit, recording straight into your software on a Windows or Mac computer, and it can serve as a USB microphone. Direct monitoring mixes the mic with the computer playback without delay. The same port powers the recorder and turns it into a card reader for copying files.

Ideal for musicians

High-quality mics, 32-bit float, a chromatic tuner, six reverb presets and overdubbing make the DR-05XP a portable recorder and song sketchpad. Practise with VSA, which changes playback speed from 0.5 to 2.0 times without changing pitch, and loop a section between IN and OUT points.

On location and on camera

Compact enough to go anywhere, the DR-05XP attaches to any standard tripod or a camera or smartphone rig. Auto Tone marks the start and end of each take on the camera's audio track to make post-production easy, and RF shielding cuts interference from radio frequency, Wi-Fi and other digital signals.

In the box

• TASCAM DR-05XP
• Safety guide (including warranty)
• TASCAM ID registration guide

A microSD card, 2 AA batteries and a USB Type-C cable are sold separately. The Owner's Manual can be downloaded from the TASCAM website.

TASCAM DR-05XP: frequently asked questions

Do I need to set recording levels?

Not in 32-bit float mode. The DR-05XP records quiet and loud sounds without clipping as long as the mic section is not overloaded, and you set the final level when editing.

Can the DR-05XP be used as a USB microphone or audio interface?

Yes. Connected over USB-C it works as a 2-in / 2-out audio interface at 44.1 or 48 kHz, 24-bit, with Windows (TASCAM ASIO driver), Mac and iOS devices.

Can I connect an external microphone?

Yes. The 3.5 mm MIC/EXT IN jack accepts external stereo mics, with plug-in power for mics that need it, as well as line-level sources.

How long do the batteries last?

Up to about 17.5 hours recording WAV 44.1 kHz / 16-bit with the built-in mics on two AA alkaline batteries. The unit also runs on USB bus power or the optional TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter.

Where can I buy the TASCAM DR-05XP in India?

The TASCAM DR-05XP is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Recording a song idea or rehearsal

Capture a band rehearsal, a practice session or a new song sketch with the built-in mics.

Connections

Setup

1. Point the built-in mics at the performers from a few metres away.
2. Leave FORMAT at WAV 32-bit float so levels never need to be set in advance.
3. Press RECORD for standby, check the meters, then press RECORD again to start.
4. Play back on the built-in speaker or headphones, using VSA to slow down tricky passages.

Tip: Mount the recorder on a small tripod using the 1/4-inch thread to avoid handling noise.

Workflow 2: Overdubbing a second part

Layer a harmony or a second instrument over a part you recorded earlier.

Connections

Setup

1. Select the earlier recording on the Browse Screen.
2. Turn on overdubbing mode in the OVERDUBBING menu and set the playback level.
3. Press RECORD and play along: the playback and your new part are mixed into a new file.
4. Listen back and keep the take you like best; the original file is left unchanged.

Tip: Tune up first with the built-in chromatic tuner (A = 435 to 445 Hz).

Workflow 3: Audio for video on a camera rig

Record clean sound for vlogs and short films alongside a camera or smartphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the recorder on the rig with its 1/4-inch tripod thread.
2. Set AUTO TONE to HEAD or HEAD+TAIL so a tone marks each take.
3. Start the camera, then start recording on the recorder.
4. In editing, line the recorder's file up with the camera audio using the tone.

Tip: Choose a low-cut setting of 80 or 120 Hz outdoors to reduce wind and traffic rumble.

Workflow 4: Podcasts, meetings and interviews

Record conversations, lectures and meetings for later listening or transcription.

Connections

Setup

1. Set LEVEL MODE to AUTO LEVEL when recording in 16 or 24-bit, or use 32-bit float.
2. Choose MP3 for very long recordings or WAV for the best quality.
3. Turn on PRE REC so the first two seconds are never lost.
4. Use DICTATION PLAY with jump back for transcription afterwards.

Tip: AUTO REC can start a new file or add a mark whenever someone starts speaking.

Workflow 5: USB audio interface and USB microphone

Record straight into your recording software or use the recorder as a USB mic for online calls.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the recorder to the computer directly, not through a USB hub.
2. On the USB Screen choose AUDIO I/F and set CONNECT TO to PC/Mac (or iOS).
3. On Windows install the TASCAM ASIO driver; on Mac no driver is needed.
4. Select the recorder in your software; set MONITOR to DIRECT for zero-delay monitoring.

Tip: MIC POWER, LOW CUT and the reverb effect stay available in audio interface mode.

Workflow 6: Field and nature recording

Take the recorder outdoors for ambience, wildlife and sound design.

Connections

Setup

1. Fit a windscreen and set LOW CUT to suit the location.
2. Record in WAV 32-bit float at 96 kHz for maximum detail and headroom.
3. Use the self-timer or timer recording to start without handling noise.
4. Copy the files to a computer in card reader mode over USB.

Tip: Two AA alkaline batteries give up to 17.5 hours, and USB bus power can extend a session.