TASCAM FR-AV4

Product overview

The TASCAM FR-AV4 is a 4-channel 32-bit float field recorder with a built-in mixer, timecode generator and HDMI sync, made for videographers, content creators and audio professionals.

Dual AD converters, TASCAM Ultra HDDA low-noise mic preamps and 32-bit float recording capture everything from the quietest whisper to the loudest explosion with 133 dB of dynamic range and no fear of clipping. Four XLR/TRS combo inputs feed a 4-in / 2-out mixer, and the FR-AV4 records all four channels plus a stereo mix, six tracks in all, to SD cards up to 512 GB. A TCXO-based timecode generator, timecode in and out on 3.5 mm jacks, HDMI and USB, and HDMI clock sync with record trigger and 4K / 8K pass-through lock audio firmly to video. It also works as a 6-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface, and its lightweight aluminium chassis is ready for the studio, location or field.

Key features

• 32-bit float recording with dual AD converters at 48, 96 or 192 kHz, or 24-bit, as WAV (BWF), with MP3 mix files as an option
• 4 XLR/TRS combo inputs with Ultra HDDA preamps (EIN -127 dBu) and +24 V / +48 V phantom power
• Built-in mixer: four inputs to two outputs, with Auto Mix gain sharing for dialogue (firmware V1.10 or later)
• 6-track recording (four inputs + stereo mix) to SD, SDHC or SDXC cards up to 512 GB
• Timecode generator with high-accuracy TCXO; timecode via HDMI, 3.5 mm TC IN/OUT, camera/TC/LINE OUT and USB, with jam sync
• HDMI sync: camera clock sync, record trigger, cascade of several units, 4K / 8K video pass-through with embedded audio
• 6-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android, 24-bit or 32-bit float
• 1.9-inch colour touchscreen, jog dial and an assignable Fn key
• Low-cut filter, EQ, limiter and noise gate; input and output delay 0-300 ms
• Ambisonic recording in A-format and B-format (AmbiX, FuMa)
• Auto File Save every 20 seconds; locking HDMI and USB connections
• Powered by four AA batteries in the included BH-4AA holder, USB bus power or the optional PS-P520U AC adapter

Recording and mixing

Record a full multi-mic set-up with confidence. The built-in mixer gives each channel a fader and pan, and Auto Mix automatically prioritises the active microphone and lowers unused channels for a cleaner, more consistent dialogue mix. The monitor select screen routes any channel, or a mix of several, to the headphones. Files can be mono or stereo per channel or one 6-channel poly file, and pre-recording captures up to 7 seconds before you press record.

Stay in sync wherever you shoot

The FR-AV4's timecode generator removes the need for extra sync gear. Take timecode from the TC IN jack with jam sync, from a camera over HDMI, or wirelessly from compatible devices with the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter, and send it from TC OUT, the camera output, HDMI OUT and USB-C. Frame rates from 23.98 to 30 fps are supported, with half-rate timecode for 50 and 60 fps video, and a file timecode offset aligns the files with the camera.

Shoot smarter with HDMI-based sync

Connect a camera's HDMI output and the FR-AV4 syncs audio and video with precision using a shared master clock and timecode, even with cameras that have no timecode of their own. Record trigger starts and stops audio recording from the camera, so takes are never missed. 4K / 8K video passes through to a monitor recorder with multi-channel audio embedded, and several FR-AV4 units can be cascaded by HDMI to share clock, timecode and record start/stop.

32-bit float USB audio interface

Over USB-C the FR-AV4 becomes a 6-in / 2-out audio interface for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android devices, sending the stereo mix and inputs 1-4 to the computer at 48 or 96 kHz in 24-bit or 32-bit float, while it can record to its SD card at the same time as a backup. The free TASCAM Audio File Manager software makes adjusting the levels of 32-bit float recordings simple.

Wireless monitoring and app control

With the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter, monitor on Bluetooth headphones or speakers while the wired outputs work in parallel, each with its own volume. The free TASCAM RECORDER CONNECT app for iOS, iPadOS and Android shows waveforms, batch-edits metadata and controls up to five TASCAM recorders in real time, and REC-LINK starts recording on all connected units at once.

In the box

• TASCAM FR-AV4 field recorder
• BH-4AA battery holder (pre-installed)
• Safety Guide (including warranty)
• TASCAM ID registration guide

SD card, batteries, USB and HDMI cables, AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter, PS-P520U AC adapter and extra BH-4AA holders are sold separately.

TASCAM FR-AV4: frequently asked questions

How many tracks can the FR-AV4 record?

Six: its four inputs plus a stereo mix, in 24-bit or 32-bit float at up to 192 kHz.

Can it sync with my camera without a timecode input?

Yes. Connected by HDMI, the FR-AV4 locks to the camera's clock and can start and stop recording with the camera. It also reads timecode from HDMI and generates timecode itself.

Does it have a mixer?

Yes. A 4-in / 2-out mixer with fader and pan per channel, monitor select and Auto Mix gain sharing for dialogue (firmware V1.10 or later).

Can I use it as an audio interface?

Yes. It is a 6-in / 2-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android at 48 or 96 kHz, 24-bit or 32-bit float.

How is it powered?

By four AA batteries in the included BH-4AA holder, by USB bus power or a USB mobile battery, or by the TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately).

Where can I buy the TASCAM FR-AV4 in India?

The TASCAM FR-AV4 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Interview or podcast on video

Record up to four speakers with a clean automatic dialogue mix, locked to the camera.

Connections

Setup

1. Set inputs 1-4 to MIC or LINE and set the levels with the four knobs.
2. Set all mixer faders to 0 dB and turn on Auto Mix for the four channels (48 kHz).
3. Set the timecode master to HDMI so the FR-AV4 follows the camera.
4. Start recording on the camera; the FR-AV4 records six tracks in step.

Tip: Auto Mix needs firmware V1.10 or later.

Workflow 2: Film and documentary location sound

Capture boom and radio mics in 32-bit float with timecode for every camera.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose 32-bit float at 48 or 96 kHz.
2. Set TC MODE to FREE RUN with the project frame rate and the master to INTERNAL.
3. Feed the cameras timecode from TC OUT and a reference track from the camera output.
4. Use the Fn key for marks and slate tones while recording.

Tip: Wireless monitoring with the AK-BT2 lets the director listen too.

Workflow 3: Multi-camera production with HDMI cascade

Run several recorders that start, stop and stay in sync together.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the units in a chain with HDMI cables.
2. Set the follower units to take timecode from HDMI.
3. Set HDMI audio output on the preceding units to monitor from the last one.
4. Start recording on the leader; all units start and stop together.

Workflow 4: Audio embedded into a monitor recorder

Put the FR-AV4's tracks straight into the video file on an external monitor recorder.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect camera, FR-AV4 and monitor recorder by HDMI.
2. Open HDMI AUDIO ASSIGN and route channels 1-2, 3-4, the master or the camera audio (THRU) to HDMI OUT 1-8.
3. Set the levels and record on the monitor recorder.
4. The FR-AV4 also records its own six tracks as a backup.

Workflow 5: 32-bit float USB audio interface

Track voice-overs or podcasts on a computer with four professional inputs.

Connections

Setup

1. On Windows install the TASCAM ASIO driver; Mac and iOS use Core Audio.
2. Connect by USB-C and select the FR-AV4 as the audio device.
3. Use the same sampling frequency (48 or 96 kHz) on the unit and the computer.
4. Record the stereo mix on USB 1-2 and inputs 1-4 on USB 3-6.

Tip: The unit can record to its SD card at the same time as a backup.

Workflow 6: Ambisonic recording for VR and 360° video

Capture spatial sound for VR, AR and 360° productions.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the four capsules of the ambisonic mic to inputs 1-4.
2. Open MS DECODE/AMBISONICS and choose A FORMAT, B FORMAT (FuMa) or B FORMAT (AmbiX).
3. Set the mic orientation: upright, upside down or end-fire.
4. Set one level for all four linked channels and record.