TASCAM DR-70D

Product overview

The TASCAM DR-70D is a 4-track audio field recorder and mixer for filmmakers, with four XLR/TRS inputs, built-in stereo mics and a compact body that mounts above or below a camera.

Four balanced XLR/TRS combo inputs with TASCAM HDDA mic preamps meet the needs of production sound, from professional users to independent shooters. A pair of built-in omnidirectional mics captures sound on set, and each input feeds a 4-in / 2-out mixer, so every channel is recorded individually for post-production while a stereo mix goes to headphones and to the camera as a guide track. The interface is designed for quick adjustment, with a limiter, low-cut filter, delay and dual recording to keep levels under control, and slate tones make syncing picture and sound simple.

Key features

• Up to 4 tracks recorded simultaneously: WAV / BWF at 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz, 16 / 24-bit
• 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs for mics or +4 dBu line level, with 24 V or 48 V phantom power
• HDDA mic preamps (High Definition Discrete Architecture) with −120 dBu EIN
• Built-in omnidirectional stereo microphones
• 3.5 mm EXT IN 1/2 jack with plug-in power for video camera mics
• CAMERA OUT (attenuated to mic level) and CAMERA IN for monitoring the camera
• Dual recording: a safety file 1 to 12 dB lower
• Limiter, low-cut filter (40 / 80 / 120 / 180 / 220 Hz), delay, phase and mid-side decoding
• Automatic and manual slate tones
• Mounts under a camera or on top with the shoe; tripod thread; 4 x AA, USB bus power, AC adapter or BP-6AA

Four XLR/TRS inputs for any setup

The four-channel design records combinations of shotgun mics, lavalier mics and the built-in stereo mic individually. Channels 1 and 2 can be a stereo input and channels 3 and 4 can use the built-in mics. Choose MONO or DUAL MONO for a single performer, STEREO or DUAL STEREO for the built-in mics or a stereo mic, and 2MIX or DUAL 2MIX for a stereo file of mixed inputs.

Built-in 4-in / 2-out mixer

Each input is sent to a stereo mixer with level and pan, so you record separate tracks for post-production while a stereo mix goes to headphones and the camera. Every input has a limiter, a low-cut filter and a delay of up to ±150 ms to compensate for different mic distances, and a mid-side decoder supports MS stereo mics.

HDDA mic preamps

TASCAM HDDA microphone preamps, built from a discrete architecture and carefully selected components, reach an equivalent input noise of −120 dBu, with a high-quality AD converter for quiet, clean audio up to 96 kHz / 24-bit.

Made to work with your camera

The camera output sends a stereo mix to the camera for later synchronisation in editing software, attenuated to mic level to prevent overloading the camera's input. Slate tones, added automatically at the head and tail of a recording or with the SLATE button, line up the waveforms. The camera input lets you play back from the camera to evaluate a take, and a REMOTE jack accepts the TASCAM RC-3F footswitch or RC-10 wired remote.

In the box

• TASCAM DR-70D
• USB cable
• Camera attachment bracket screw hole covers (x 6)
• Owner's Manual (including warranty)

An SD, SDHC or SDXC card and 4 AA batteries are sold separately. The AK-DR70C shoe mount adapter is needed to mount the DR-70D on top of a camera.

TASCAM DR-70D: frequently asked questions

How many tracks can the DR-70D record at once?

Up to four channels at once (stereo x 2 or mono x 4), as WAV or BWF files at 44.1, 48 or 96 kHz and 16 or 24-bit.

Does it supply phantom power?

Yes. The four XLR/TRS inputs can supply 24 V or 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones, and the EXT IN 1/2 mini jack provides plug-in power.

How do I sync the DR-70D's audio with my video?

Send the stereo mix to the camera through CAMERA OUT as a guide track and add slate tones at the start and end of recordings or with the SLATE button. Line the waveforms up in your editing software.

How can I mount it on my camera?

Mount it under the camera with the camera attachment screw on top, on a tripod with the 1/4-inch thread underneath, or on top of the camera with the shoe mount adapter of the AK-DR70C.

Where can I buy the TASCAM DR-70D in India?

The TASCAM DR-70D is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Short film with a camera rig

Record production sound on separate tracks with a guide track on the camera.

Connections

Setup

1. Mount the DR-70D under the camera with the camera attachment screw, or on a tripod.
2. Set INPUT 1/2 to XLR/TRS, choose the GAIN step and set the levels with the knobs.
3. Set AUTO TONE to HEAD+TAIL so each take is marked on both recordings.
4. Press record on the DR-70D and the camera; sync in editing using the tones.

Tip: Turn on DUAL REC for a safety file up to 12 dB lower.

Workflow 2: Interview with ambient sound

Two mics for the speakers plus the built-in mics for the room, in one compact unit.

Connections

Setup

1. Set INPUT 3/4 to MIC to use the built-in stereo microphones.
2. Set file type to MONO to get a separate file for each channel.
3. Use DELAY to compensate for the distance between the built-in and external mics.
4. Set the limiter to MONO or LINK to control sudden peaks.

Workflow 3: Run-and-gun with a video camera mic

TASCAM's example: a camera mic for ambience and shotgun mics for the subject.

Connections

Setup

1. Set INPUT 1/2 to EXT POWER for a mic that needs plug-in power, or EXT STEREO otherwise.
2. Set INPUT 3/4 to XLR/TRS and turn phantom power on if the shotgun mics need it.
3. Balance the channels with the four knobs while watching the PEAK indicators.
4. Record and press SLATE at any point to mark a moment.

Tip: Use a low-cut setting to reduce air-conditioning noise and other low-frequency sounds.

Workflow 4: Mid-side stereo recording

Record a mid-side mic and decode it in the DR-70D.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the mid mic to 1/L and the side mic to 2/R.
2. In the MIC menu set MS MODE 1/2 to REC to record decoded stereo.
3. Or choose PLAY to record undecoded and decode on playback.
4. Monitor on headphones and adjust the levels.

Workflow 5: Checking a take from the camera

Play back from the camera to evaluate a take without leaving the rig.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the camera's audio output to CAMERA IN with a stereo mini cable.
2. Press and hold the DATA dial when stopped to switch the monitored signal.
3. Play the clip on the camera and listen on headphones.
4. Switch back to monitor the DR-70D for the next take.

Workflow 6: Hands-free operation with a remote

Start and stop recording, increment tracks or add slates from a footswitch or remote.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the remote to the REMOTE jack.
2. In OTHERS, REMOTE choose RC-3F or RC-10 as the controller.
3. For the RC-3F choose PLAY, RECORD1 or RECORD2 mode.
4. Operate transport, recording, track incrementing or slate from the remote.

Tip: For long shoots, add the BP-6AA external battery pack.