Tascam DR-05X Overview

For speech, sound effects, and live music recording applications, the Tascam DR-05X portable handheld recorder is capable of capturing two tracks of high-resolution audio with no external microphones required. Its onboard omnidirectional condenser mics are fixed in an A-B arrangement for spacious stereo imaging of your source. Equally adept as a handheld device, stand-mounted, or camera-mounted setups, the DR-05X can handle anything from sampling sessions and recitals to interviews and podcasts.

Flexible powering methods, like batteries, USB bus power, or an AC adapter, make the DR-05X well suited to on-the-go recording, all-day video shoots, and computer-based audio production. Need to patch in a lavalier mic or an outboard mixer? The DR-05X’s 3.5mm mini-jack input accommodates mic- or line-level signals and can supply plug-in power if needed. Whether you use the built-in mics or an external source, selectable modes such as peak reduction, limiting, and auto level give you options for achieving clean and undistorted recordings.

Onboard Omnidirectional Microphones The DR-05X’s onboard condenser microphones empower you with stereo capture for sources producing sound pressure levels up to 125 dB, so loud concerts won’t be a problem. The omnidirectional mics respond to sound from all directions and are permanently spaced apart in an A/B configuration, yielding a broad, sphere-like pickup pattern. 3.5mm Microphone/Line Input with Plug-In Power For maximum intelligibility and optimal vocal tone, recordists often prefer to use lavalier microphones that can be attached to the subject’s clothing. The DR-05X’s 3.5mm mini-jack input is designed for precisely that situation; clip a lav mic (available separately) to the talent, then plug it into the 3.5mm input on the DR-05X. Knowing that many lav mics require a small amount of voltage called plug-in power, Tascam offers a selectable setting to supply plug-in power to the 3.5mm input. If you need to record the output of a wireless microphone receiver or an audio mixer, the 3.5mm input can accommodate it with its line-level signal input. Since any source connected to the 3.5mm mini jack will override the onboard mic input, you won’t have to sift through menus to select the proper input.

Supports microSDXC Cards up to 128GB To maximize compactness and portability, the DR-05X records directly to media cards (available separately). microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards (up to 128GB capacity) are supported for long recording times even at high audio resolutions. With a 128GB card, the DR-05X can record in stereo for up to 192 hours at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz using uncompressed, BWF-compliant, WAV format. 3.5mm Line/Headphone Output When you want to record to your camera and the DR-05X, just connect the 3.5mm mini-jack output from the DR-05X into your camera’s input, then use the +/- buttons on the 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-05X’s built-in mono speaker. USB Microphone and Audio Interface Functionality Connect the DR-05X to your Mac/Windows computer or iOS device via USB for real-time bidirectional audio routing. Once recognized and configured, the DR-05X 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-05X can function as a card reader when connected via USB. Powered via AA Batteries, USB, or AC Adapter Using the two included AA alkaline batteries, you can power the DR-05X for up to 17.5 hours of stereo recording time at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution. For long-duration sessions that require extended recording time, the DR-05X may be powered via a USB connection to a computer or mobile battery, or through the Tascam PS-P520E AC adapter (available separately). Ideal for Handheld or Tripod-Mounted Use Designed for optimal portability, the DR-05X is both small 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-05X to mount it on a mic stand or tripod for stable positioning. Built-In Level Modes and Signal Processing Enhance Audio Quality Enhance the sonic impact of your audio with the DR-05X’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.

Selectable Recording Functions The DR-05X 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-05X in standby mode, which allows it to capture up to two seconds of signal before you press the record button. The DR-05X is also capable of recording in response to input signal; its auto-record function can begin recording at a user-selectable decibel threshold of -6, -12, -24, or -48. If you’ll be recording yourself playing an instrument such as piano or drums, use the self-timer function to initiate recording after a set period of time (5 or 10 seconds). Nondestructive Overdubbing The DR-05X’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. Both sounds will be merged in a new file, keeping the original file intact. Tone Generator for Synchronizing Files An internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on the DR-05X and your camera. When the DR-05X is connected to a camera, an adjustable auto-tone will be sent to the camera and recorded to the DR-05X. The resulting tones can be used as guides when synchronizing your files in video editing software. Additional Features 128 x 64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight Quick-menu button for easy access to various functions 10 menu languages 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 2.0 times (in 0.1 increments) 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-05X is powered off/on Jump-back-and-play feature (1 to 10 seconds or 10/20/30 seconds) 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