Tascam DR-05X Reviews

Exactly what I wanted, 3in1

The device came with the latest firmware version. The controls are intuitive, but with some professional features that I liked. The size, unlike cheap competitors, is more practical, with convenient buttons. Two batteries of the more common AA format, work from a power bank. Works with my android smartphone via otg. In PC audio interface mode, it works fine right away. An excellent real ASIO driver (easily found from the tascam website), on my PC with a buffer of 64, the delay is practically absent during software monitoring, while it is absolutely stable. Funny reverb (you can try using the device as a reverb, haha).

This device has replaced a whole suitcase of equipment for me in some situations. For field recordings, I had to take a laptop, an audio interface, two condenser microphones, two cables, two stands with me. At times it was overkill. And I needed a pocket recorder. Recording of choral singing, individual vocalists, as well as events where the on-camera microphone cannot cope.

There was a slight difficulty in finding a method for adjusting the microphone level, it turned out that the up and down keys are the level of the headphones, and the left and right keys adjust the microphone gain when the recording mode is activated. The "auto" mode is suitable for recording speech information, when you need to fix each word (the level is not adjustable), and the "limiter" mode is suitable for high-quality recording, affecting only the excess level, without damaging the entire signal.

For the price of one average microphone, I got a usb stereo microphone with quality capsules for everyday and specific work, a recorder, a low latency audio interface from a reputable brand.

cool!

UPD:

Yes, it picks up radio interference when placed on a wireles router, a dect phone, or near 3g / 4p base stations with a certain orientation. Specially went and looked for interference. I didn't notice it during normal use.

I want to test it in the anechoic chamber.

My very first test I did in my room, where I have 40 dB. I switched off all the devices, TV, computers, refirgiator ... everything.

However, there was noise in the recording.

Very good device

Does what you expect. Easy to use, very good audio recording in large places.

Don't use input auto-gain when recording live, it is far better to manually adjust the gain.

The 05 failed.

The 05x seems ok so far.

The 05 (previous version) lost its firmware every day that ends with a "Y", constantly reloading the firmware was a bind for me & many others.

This size and basic package works for me, so I got the "05X".

Radio interference, noise and hiss.

This recorder is unusable to me. Most of the time (depends of location) it has a lot of radio interference, clicking and noise. If you turn it just the right way it can be a little better but still far from something usable. Very disappointed. Returning.

Satisfied with quality and functionality

I like the size and the quality of this recorder. Sometimes, I found myself outdoors and I needed another stereo input for other type of signals.

Very simple to use like other Tascam recorders.

Fantastic thing

Bought this to record ambient sounds and it's been a dream gear so far: rain, birdsongs, bus hum, teapot boiling - everything is recorded clean and loud. It has peak reduction for loud circumstances, and can record a gentle humming from a transforamator from 5 meters.

Works quite well as a mic for interviews or podcats as well.

Cheap.

Having owned a Tascam reel to reel tape machine, Tascam High definition recorders and various other Tascam products, I was a bit underwhelmed with this recorder. In the end its all about the sound and this is just too noisy having increased the recording level input. I suppose that's what you might call a poor S/N ratio.

Portable recording studio

It's such a handy recording tool that fits in your pocket. I was wondering if I need one because smartphones all comes equipped in an audio recorder these days, but quality of the Tascam is so much higher. I use it during video recording, interviews, taking sound-notes as well as recording for radio and my synthesizers jams before I got my M-AUDIO soundcard and even now sometimes its better to use tascam because then I dont need to use my computer.

nice add

affordable hand held recorder for the budget user.

Almost perfect

For a perfect variety of recording situation, I use it of sampling collections. Good functionality and quality sound at a very affordable price.

The special One for diving into filming(and more)

I bought Tascam DR-05X to use with an external mice for recording audio for films.The tascam has everything a begginer need to start.Furthermore it can be used as portable usb audio interface which add one more very usefull feature.

Now a very importand note is that sometimes in hot weather the device turn off so keep in mind when use it at summer

Excellent Product

Excellent value fast delivery great customer service

This is my first portable recorder, purposefully tried not to expect too much as it's the lower end of the options. Haven't used any of the built in effects, so cannot comment on them. I purchased this as a way to capture foley sounds, and use as a general recorder.

Pro's:

Sometimes you're in a situation where you need to start recording unexpectedly and quickly. I've tried to get something on my phone set up, but was always frustrated by the quality, lack of space, and clunky way of getting up and running. The DR-05X is great in this situation, you can go from powered off to recording in around 4 seconds.

Device is still receiving firmware updates from Tascam, mine was shipped with an older version and wasn't expecting there to be anything but after logging on to Tascam site a new one had been released within the last month or two. As the system is pretty basic there were only minor tweaks, but even though it's not particularly old I appreciated that it was stil being thought about. The update process is very easy.

Size is great, fits in a pocket, bag just fine, and is a nice size to hold in the hand. I have no problem popping out somewhere, taking my keys, wallet and phone as usual, and the Tascam for a quick foley session.

Battery life has so far been great, came with a pair and haven't had to change them yet, even with the backlight on the display set to be permanantly on.

I record purely at 96/24 with no effects, pads, or limiting. So far everything has been better than expected. I was expecting there to be a slight dead zone in the stereo field in the center but this doesn't seem to be the case, and off-axis performance is also a lot better than expected, I feel a lot more confident in "setting and forgetting" rather than having to manouever the device to capture on the best axis. If you plan on using this for interviews, and worried about off-axis performance then you should be fine.

USB audio interface; I've not really examined the quality yet, but I had to use it in an emergency for a conference call - very quick to set up and the others on the call said I sounded great. This feature was so far down my list of "wants" when purchasing that I didn't care about it, but after having to use it in an emergency it's definitely something worth having! I don't know if it's possible, but being able to record to the SD card at the same time could make this a great tool for remote interviews

Con's:

I wish there was a little more damping on the mic mounts internally, whenever you move your hands around the device it's gets picked up and amplified because of the houseing. Having said that, if you don't move your hands, put it on the table or use a mount, you're good.

I purchased a windshield to go with this from Amazon, but as soon as you put something over the mics, you also cover up the LED's at the top and potentially some of the display. This looks like it will happen for any shield not just mine, This isn't a huge problem if you're careful, but worth bearing in mind.

Don't expect anything from the speaker, I wasn't so I'm happy, but it's not too loud, and sounds horrific - if you just want to check something in a pinch it's nice to have, but that's it.

The casing around the USB port is sharp and horrible, and the battery cover feels like it could come off with a litttle rough handling, it hasn't yet, but I am definitely aware of it, which is a shame because the rest of casing feels OK.

Overall, I am more than happy with this recorder. If you need something to capture interviews or an entry level location recording device, this is great.

Amazing recorder

Cheap and easy to use. Excellent audio quaity! Recommended 100%

A Very Decent Digital Recorder

It is compact and easy to use once you are familiar with the menu. Recording is very decent and playback is fine through the earphone but is weak through the bulit in mono speaker. Otherwise it is an excellent product if you are not looking for frills and high end performance.

Very easy to use. Grade sound. Low price.

Light, very easy to use, very decent and clear sound

As a cheap, handy recorder this is perfect. Sound is clear and distinct for the price. Very simple and easy to use, no faffing around. Perfect for when I need a quick, light recorder. Obviously not for large pro recording projects but in its price category I think it punches slightly above its weight.