Tascam DR-44WL & DR-22WL Hands On And Say Welcome To The Tascam DR-70D

Tascam doesn’t stop innovating. Today the company announced another new recorder – the Tascam DR-70D – a 4 XLR audio recorder with dual built in microphones and a unique compact and tough design.

The video above by the guys from Sound On Sound magazine is a quick look at another 2 products announced recently by Tascam – the Tascam DR-44WL and the DR-22WL mini field recorders. Both recorders include for the first time WIFI capabilities and the ability to control the recorder from your iPhone or Android device from a distance. The higher end model – the Tascam DR-44WL includes 2 XLR inputs is available for 4-track recording while the lower end model – Tascam DR-22WL includes a more basic 3.5 input and more (entry level) user friendly controls.

As for pricing:

The Tascam DR-44WL sells for $300 on Amazon.
The TASCAM DR-22WL sells for $150 on Amazon.

This is also a good chance to say a few words about the two larger new recorders from Tascam (did we already mention that Tascam was REALLY busy lately?). The first is the Tascam DR-60D MKII its basically a new version of the good old Tascam DR-60D but with new and more sensitive preamps (and red front handles) – it cost exactly the same as the previous model:

The TASCAM DR-60D Mark II sells for $200 on Amazon.

The New Tascam DR-60D MKII vs. the even newer Tascam DR-70D

Tascam DR-70D is the most recent model by Tascam and it brings to the table quite a few new features including a slimmer design with 4 XLRs, SDXC support (up to 128GB card) and more.

The Tascam DR-70D with a camera – more convenient form factor

Here is the longer list:

• Tascam original High Definition Discrete Architecture (HDDA) microphone preamps.
NE5532 operational amplifiers for even higher audio performance (same as the one on the much more expensive DA-3000).
Simultaneous recording of up to four channels.
4 channels can be mixed down to a stereo signal.
Recording levels can be adjusted independently for inputs 1–4.
Dual recording function allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels.
Recording at 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, linear PCM (WAV format).
Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) supported as WAV recording format.
Two built-in omnidirectional microphones in the front.
4 XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power (+24V/+48V).
+24 dBu maximum input level (20 dB headroom).
Additional unbalanced 3.5mm input for channels 1 and 2 supports mics that require plug-in power.
Low-cut filter that can reduce low-frequency noise (40 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz).
Switchable limiter to prevent clipping.
Audio can be output to a DSLR camera.
Camera input enables convenient monitoring of audio from a DSLR camera.
• Slate tone functions (automatic/manual) for synchronization of video.
Pre-recording function allows the unit to record the two seconds of sound before recording starts.

Pricing for the new Tascam DR-70D was not announced for the U.S. yet but in all likelihood it will be around $300.

The Tascam DR-70D – 4 XLR inputs and lots of control

You can find many more sound and video related equipment on our HDSLR section here on LensVid.

Iddo Genuth

Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.