Tascam DR-40X is a versatile and portable tool for recording up to four tracks at up to 96kHz rate and 24-bit depth in MP3, WAV or BWF format, to SD or SDHC media. Audio can be captured either by using the inbuilt microphones, or by connecting additional sources to its two Neutrik XLR/6.35mm TRS jack combination inputs, which can provide +48V phantom power. The 'dual recording' feature and the playback functionality of the DR-40X make it suitable while writing, rehearsing, recording, and performing alike. Along with the 128 x 64-pixel blue LCD display, the DR40X now features ‘one thumb’ operation for functions such as recording, adjusting levels, erasing sections and adding marks.
A Dictation Mode enables the user to jump forwards or backwards in increments preselected whilst in the process of playing back a recording. The Dictation Mode can also be combined with specific EQ to aid transcribing. The dual recording feature provides two extra modes - 'Dual' mode allows the recording of one input source (mono or stereo pair) to create two concurrent files with different input level settings. The '4CH' mode uses both the internal microphones and the external inputs to record two pairs of inputs as two concurrent stereo files. This multi-tracking functionality can then be best exploited with computer editing software, when recordings have been transferred using the recorder's USB 2.0 connection. Alternatively, some editing can be performed with the DR-40X’s own functionality.
The built-in, cardioid-pattern microphones can be adjusted from an X-Y position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a 'wider ambient sound'. The 'peak reduction' function, 'automatic level control' function, the switched limiter, and the low-cut filter (40/80/120/220Hz )are all present, as are the basic recording aids: an 'overdub' mode, which allows one to record over a previous take, while keeping the original; an 'auto record' feature, which starts and pauses recording when the audio input level crosses a definable threshold; a self-timer for delaying the start of recording; a two-second pre-recording buffer; and manual or automatic track incrementation, which can move recording into a new file without a pause. Furthermore, any of six reverb effects can be applied to the audio either during recording or playback.
DR-40X transport controls are on the front face of the unit including the buttons which operate many of the menu-based graphic controls. Dedicated incremental controls for input level and output level are found on the left and front faces of the unit, respectively, and the compartment holding the SD or SDHC card is on the right face, alongside the USB 2.0 port. A photographic tripod may be fitted using the 1/4 inch BSW threaded aperture on the rear, between the internal speaker and battery compartment. The XLR/jack combination input sockets are on the bottom face of the unit, as well as the jack input for control of the unit using the optional RC-3F foot-switch or RC-10 wired remote control, which enable remote starting and stopping of playback, and other functions.
Recording times, based on 2GB SD card:
WAV: 3h 22m, at 44.1kHz, 16-bit; 1h 02m, at 96 kHz, 24-bit.
MP3: 37h 16m, at 48kHz, 128kbps; 14h 54m, at 48 kHz, 320 kbps.
Cards with other capacities and other sample/bit rates give pro-rata recording times for each format.
Recording formats: BWF/WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24bit; MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 32/64/96/128/192/256/320kbps. Inputs: 3-pin XLR/6.35mm jack combination sockets, -19/-3dBV nominal/maximum, 2.2k ohms, microphone level; +4/+20dBu nominal/maximum, 10k ohms, line level. Response: 20Hz-40kHz, +1/-3dB, 96kHz. Distortion: 0.05% THD. Noise: -92dB; external input to line output. Line/headphone output: 3.5mm stereo jack, -14/+2dBV nominal/maximum, 12 ohms, 10k ohms load; 20mW maximum, 32 ohms load. Speaker: 0.3W, mono. USB transfer/power interface: Mini-B type, USB 2.0 high speed mass storage class. External power source: USB bus power; PS-P520U AC adaptor. Internal power source: 3x AA batteries, alkaline or Ni-MH. Dimensions (WxHxD): 70 x 155 x 35mm, with microphones closed; 90 x 155 x 35mm, with microphone pair open. Weight: 213g, excluding batteries; 282g, including batteries.