Tascam DR-70D 6-Input / 4-Track Multi-Track Field Recorder with Onboard Omni Microphones

Overview

For filmmaking, television, and web broadcast applications where you want to record direct sound and ambience, the Tascam DR-70D multi-track field recorder is an ideal companion for your DSLR. Capture up to four tracks of high-resolution audio from external sources and the onboard omnidirectional microphones, route audio to and from your camera, and conveniently monitor through headphones. With strap-friendly handles, a tripod mounting socket, and a camera-mount screw attachment, the DR-70D is compatible with a variety of setups and working styles. Versatile powering methods and remote-control options make the DR-70D ideal for location recording and extended video shoots. Its four balanced XLR-1/4″ combo inputs handle mic- or line-level signals (even +4 dBu from high-end sound mixers) and can independently supply phantom power. A 3.5mm mic/line input with selectable plug-in power is provided for situations that require you to record a lavalier microphone or the output of a wireless receiver. Utilize settings such as stereo safety track recording, limiting, and low-cut filtering to achieve a clean, undistorted recording.

The DR-70D’s two onboard condenser microphones empower you to capture stereo sound without external mics. 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. Use them in combination with a shotgun, handheld, or lav mic to record direct sound and ambience at the same time. Four locking 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 professional multichannel mixer. With individually switchable phantom power (24 or 48V) and up to 63 dB of gain, the low-noise HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps can serve a variety of microphones such as dynamic, ribbon, or condenser types. For maximum intelligibility and optimal vocal tone, recordists often prefer to use lavalier microphones that can be attached to their subject’s clothing. The DR-70D’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-70D. 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 because it supports line-level signals and handles a maximum input level of +10 dBV.

The DR-70D boasts two 3.5mm outputs for simultaneous hookup to your camera and headphones. The headphone output offers a dedicated volume control next to the jack, while level for the camera/line output port can be changed in the menu system. Plus, the side-panel 3.5mm camera input is ideal for simple monitoring of playback from your camera. To maximize compactness and portability, the DR-70D records directly to media cards (available separately). It supports supports SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (up to 128GB capacity) for long recording times in standard or high resolution. With an 8GB card, the DR-70D can record in stereo for over 13 hours at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz using the uncompressed, BWF-compliant WAV format. Using four AA alkaline batteries (available separately), you can power the DR-70D for up to six hours of stereo recording time at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution with the external inputs, or for up to 11 hours using the onboard mics. For long-duration sessions that require extended recording time, the DR-70D may be powered via a USB connection to a computer, mobile battery, or optional BP-6AA battery pack, or through the Tascam PS-P515U AC adapter (available separately).

The DR-70D can be placed between a DSLR camera and a tripod or mounted to a cage or follow-focus rig. A tripod socket is on the bottom of the unit, and a removable tripod bracket is mounted on the top. Remove the tripod bracket to access the integrated hot shoe. Also, handles on the front left and right sides protect the screen and permit the attachment of a shoulder belt. All batteries can be replaced without removing the DR-70D from the camera or tripod/rig.

In the likely event that you need to use the transport and slate buttons while shooting, you don’t need to worry about picking up clicks in the recording. The DR-70D’s soft-touch rubber keys are designed for quiet operation to eliminate handling noise. 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-70D has a dual-recording mode that captures a copy of your take (from a selectable mono or stereo input) up to 12 dB lower (adjustable in -1 dB increments) as a safety track in case of sudden distortion. Enhance the sonic impact of your audio with the DR-70D’s built-in mixer. Each input features adjustable panning, level, limiting, polarity, and up to 150ms of delay. Mitigate wind noise and low-frequency rumble by selecting the low-cut filter, which can be set at 40, 80, 120, 180, or 220 Hz.

An internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on the DR-70D and your camera. When the DR-70D is connected to a camera, the adjustable slate tone may be sent to the camera and recorded to the DR-70D. The resulting tones can be used as guides when synchronizing the files in video editing software. Generate slate tones automatically at the head (or head and tail) of each clip, or manually via the slate button. Playback can be skipped to the slate tone insert position using the data dial. 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-70D.

Key Features

• Filmmaking, TV & Web Broadcast
• Optimized for DSLR Shooters
• Dual Onboard Omnidirectional Microphones
• 4 x XLR-1/4″ Inputs with Phantom Power
• 3.5mm Mic/Line Input with Plug-In Power
• Records in WAV up to 96 kHz
• 3.5mm Camera/Line & Headphone Outputs
• Supports Battery, AC, or USB Powering
• Supports SDXC Cards up to 128GB
• Limiter, Low-Cut Filter & Polarity

In the Box

• Tascam DR-70D 6-Input / 4-Track Multi-Track Field Recorder with Onboard Omni Microphones
• USB Cable
• 4 x Screw Hole Covers
• Limited 1-Year Warranty for Parts
• Limited 90-Day Warranty for Labor