For podcasts, sound effects, and music recording applications, the Tascam DR-40X portable handheld recorder is capable of capturing up to four tracks of high-resolution audio with no external microphones required. Its onboard unidirectional condenser mics can be set for a wide or tight stereo image, and may be used simultaneously with the mic/line combo inputs. Equally adept as a handheld device or when used in stand- or camera-mounted setups, the DR-40X can handle anything from sampling sessions and interviews to podcasts and live concerts.

Flexible powering methods—batteries, USB bus power, or an AC adapter—make the DR-40X well suited to on-the-go recording, all-day video shoots, and computer-based audio production. Need to patch in external mics or an outboard mixer? The DR-40X's two balanced XLR-1/4" inputs accommodate mic- or line-level signals (even +4 dBu from professional consoles) and can supply phantom power if needed. Whether you use the built-in mics or an external source, selectable modes such as stereo safety track recording, peak reduction, limiting, and auto level give you options for achieving a clean, undistorted recording.

Podcast, Sound Effects & Music Recording    Adjustable Unidirectional Mics    Dual XLR-1/4" Inputs w/ Phantom Power    Stereo Safety Track Record Mode    Records in WAV up to 96 kHz    3.5mm Line/Headphone Output    Auto Record and Pre-Record Functions    Internal Battery Operates up to 18 Hours    Supports SD Cards up to 128GB    Auto-Level, Limiter, and Low-Cut Filter

The DR-40X's onboard condenser microphones empower you with stereo capture or 2 x stereo capture when used with the mic/line inputs. For sources producing sound pressure levels up to 125 dB, loud concerts won't be a problem. Whereas the DR-05X has omnidirectional mics in a fixed A-B setup, the DR-40X features adjustable unidirectional mics. The unidirectional mics minimize the pickup of sound entering from the rear of the capsules, resulting in a more focused tone with fewer reflections.

Easily pivot the capsules between two mic configurations to complement your sound source—use the A-B position (capsules facing outward) to produce a wide stereo image, or switch to the X-Y position (capsules facing inward) if you need a tighter stereo field with a strong center presence and fewer phase differences.

Dual Neutrik XLR-1/4" TRS combo jacks support mic level and +4 dBu line level, allowing you to record external microphones or balanced outputs from a mixer or FOH console. With switchable 24V or 48V phantom power and ample gain, the mic preamps can serve a variety of microphones such as dynamic, ribbon, or condenser types. Using the onboard microphones, you can capture the ambient sound of an audience while recording direct from an external console, which is ideal for live performances.

To maximize compactness and portability, the DR-40X records directly to media cards (available separately). SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (up to 128GB capacity) are supported for long recording times even at high audio resolutions. With a 128GB card, the DR-40X can record in stereo for up to 192 hours at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz using uncompressed, BWF-compliant WAV format.

When you want to record to your camera and the DR-40X, just connect the 3.5mm mini-jack output from the DR-40X into your camera's input, then use the +/- buttons on the Home screen to adjust the output level. Alternatively, connect a pair of headphones to the 3.5mm mini jack for critical listening. Quick monitor checks can be done through the DR-40X's built-in mono speaker.

Connect the DR-40X to your Mac/Windows computer or iOS device via USB for real-time bidirectional audio routing. Once recognized and configured, the DR-40X can be used as a USB microphone or 2-in/2-out audio interface for your favorite audio software. For convenient file transfers, the DR-40X can function as a card reader when connected via USB.

Using the three included AA alkaline batteries, you can power the DR-40X for up to 18 hours of stereo recording time at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution. For long-duration sessions that require extended recording time, the DR-40X may be powered via a USB connection to a computer or mobile battery, or through the Tascam PS-P520E AC adapter (available separately).

Designed for optimal portability, the DR-40X is both compact and light. The streamlined body lends itself to comfortable use when held in the hand or placed in a pocket. To foil unplanned button presses in such situations, engage the side-panel hold switch. Utilize the 1/4"-20 threaded hole on the underside of the DR-40X to mount it on a mic stand or tripod for stable, stationary positioning, or attach the included tilt foot to prevent the onboard mics from being too low when placing the unit with the bottom side down.

Filmmakers and videographers often experience sudden audio volume spikes during filming. An actor could suddenly scream, or a documentary subject could do almost anything. The DR-40X has a dual-recording mode that captures a copy of your take from the onboard mics or external inputs at a lower level (selectable at -6 db or -12 dB) as a safety track in case of sudden distortion.

Enhance the sonic impact of your audio with the DR-40X's built-in level modes and signal processing. Engage automatic level control to increase or decrease the recording volume when the input sound is too quiet or loud, and switch on the limiter to compress the signal before it reaches the point of distortion. In rehearsal mode or while recording, the peak reduction function automatically reduces the input gain to a suitable level.

Mitigate wind noise and low-frequency rumble by selecting the low-cut filter, which can be set at 40, 80, or 120 Hz. You can even choose to apply a hall, room, studio, or plate reverb preset to the input or output signal. Upon playback, treble, mid, and bass frequencies may be boosted or reduced for custom output tone.

The DR-40X offers several recording functions that simplify your workflow and save you from missing the beginning of a performance. Once enabled, the prerecord setting keeps the DR-40X in standby mode, which allows it to capture up to two seconds of signal before you press the record button. The DR-40X is also capable of recording in response to an input signal. Its auto-record function can begin recording at a user-selectable decibel threshold of -6, -12, -24, or -48 dB. If you'll be recording yourself while playing an instrument such as piano or drums, you can use the self-timer function to initiate recording after a set period of time (5 or 10 seconds).

The DR-40X's overdubbing is perfect for layering a new performance over an existing track. By overdubbing, you can play an instrument or sing as you play back a saved track. Record either the combined signals or just the input signal as a new file, keeping the original recording as is.

An internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on the DR-40X and your camera. When the DR-40X is connected to a camera, an adjustable auto-tone will be sent to the camera and recorded to the DR-40X. The resulting tones can be used as guides when synchronizing your files in video editing software.

Hand- or foot-operated remote control is possible via the RC-3F footswitch or RC-10 wired remote (both available separately). Start/stop recording, make marks, increment tracks, and more without having to touch the DR-40X.

• 128 x 64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight
• Quick-menu button for easy access to various functions
• 10 menu languages
• Delay compensation function eliminates time lags caused by differences in the distances of two sets of inputs from the sound source
• Overwrite function for punch-in recording with one level of undo
• Dictation mode designed for human voice recording and transcription
• Adjustable playback speed from 0.5 to 2 times (in 0.1 increments) at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz
• MS decoding function allows proper stereo monitoring of a mid-side mic configuration
• Automatically creates a new file when the maximum file size is reached
• File divide/delete functions
• Loop/repeat playback
• Resume function retains the last stop point even when the DR-40X is powered off/on
• Jump-back playback feature skips back 1 to 10, 20, or 30 seconds during playback
• Up to 99 marks (locate points) per track
• Track increment creates new files at arbitrary locations during recording
• File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date
• The first six characters of the file name for recording can be set freely
• Playlist function
• Chromatic tuner
• Built-in rubber feet reduce the transfer of vibrations from a desktop or table to the onboard microphones

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. What is the minimum and maximum angles of sound coverage?

A: This is not specified by the manufacturer. The microphones are uni-directional/cardioid patterns so they will pick up primarily from the front of the mic capsules.

Q: 2. Does this item suffer from interference when near other electronics such as phones?

A: Yes, it is possible that the TASCAM DR-07X Portable Audio Recorder could be affected by RF when placed in close proximity to devices like smartphones, routers, computers, and other appliances that can generate RF. It is always best to avoid placing the recorder near devices like these and to do test recordings as well as monitor the audio while recording to ensure that noise is not being picked along with the audio signal.

Q: 3. Can you use a splitter to listen on headphones while recording from the DR-07X to an external device such as a Canon SL2?

A: Yes you can. If you are losing too much level you can get a small headphone amp.

Q: 4. Which type of mic can be connected and used?

A: The Tascam DR-07X can accept a 3.5mm connector, and it also supplies plug-in power to allow for a wide variety of compatible options for external microphones.

Q: 5. Does it have gain control? The DR-07 has it, but I can't find it in the DR-07X.

A: To adjust the recording level (mic gain) for the TASCAM DR-07X, you would use the fast-forward and rewind buttons. Instructions can be found on page 9 of the manual here: https://bhpho.to/3UKZSaw

Q: 6. Is the file in MP3 format?

A: The Tascam DR-05X can record audio files in MP3 or WAV format.

Q: 7. Does this come with a power supply? If not, where can one be purchased? I can't find one in the accessories section.

A: the Tascam PS-P520E AC Power Adapter, BH #TAPSP520E is the appropriate power adapter for the Tascam DR-05X portable audio recorder.

Q: 8. Can you use the dual recording function while recording in auto mode to obtain a second lower track in case the auto track spikes?

A: Unfortunately not. Once you are in Auto you have no level control. And what you do to one track you do to both.

Q: 9. can it be plugged in to a mixer for live recording?

A: Yes. with the proper (1/4" cables) : https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/828498-REG/Hosa_Technology_HSS_005X2_Pro_Stereo_Interconnect_Dual.html

Q: 10. Can the device clock be synchronized with the clock from a computer?

A: No. This will not accept an external sync or clock source.