The Tascam DR-70D is a compact four-track audio recorder that has been specially developed for DSLR users. It can create mono, dual mono, stereo, and dual stereo recordings with sampling rates of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, and 96kHz at a resolution of 16 or 24 bits in WAV and BWF formats, while its small size allows it to be flexibly mounted either between the tripod and the camera or on the camera itself. Users can power the DR-70D with AA batteries, via its USB port, or using a Tascam PS-P520E mains adapter (not included), and the unit automatically switches from an external to an internal power supply when necessary. In addition to a switchable limiter to prevent clipping, the DR-70D also has a dual recording function that allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels.
The Tascam DR-70D features four inputs in jack/XLR combo format (one on the left side and three on the right) in addition to a pair of built-in omnidirectional electret condenser microphones and a set of 3.5mm stereo mini-jack connections: Camera in/out, external input 1/2, headphone output, and line out. Tascam's original High Definition Discrete Architecture (HDDA) microphone preamps ensure an excellent sound with low levels of both inherent noise and distortion, and users can also connect external condenser microphones thanks to the optional phantom power at the four inputs (24V/48V). Alongside the limiter mentioned above, the Tascam DR-70D's onboard mixer also provides panorama and level adjustment controls in addition to a five-setting low-cut filter (switchable to 40, 80, 120, 180, and 220Hz) and a delay to compensate for time lag.
The Tascam DR-70D four-track audio recorder has been configured for demanding users, and its combination of solid build quality, extensive connectivity, a wide selection of recording and playback functions, and of course the compact and user-friendly design make it the perfect complement for digital SLR cameras. What is more, the recorder combines this wealth of features with an affordable purchase price, so budget-conscious DSLR camera users can be sure they are getting a product with an impressive price-performance ratio to help them tackle even demanding film-making challenges.
Tascam started out in 1971 as Teac Corporation's distributor of professional audio equipment. The name is the acronym of Teac Audio System Company of America. Tascam was a great innovator on the market and pioneered leading technologies of the time, such as multitrack tape and cassette recorders, digital multitrack recorders (DTRS), digital mixing consoles, and so on. Today, Tascam supplies the entire sound industry with products for television and radio studios, recording studios, concert halls, conference rooms, academic institutions, commercial facilities, theatres, internet podcasters and broadcasters, music producers, and musicians.
The two in-built condenser microphones with which the Tascam DR-70D comes equipped mean that it is ready to handle many conventional situations right out of the box, while its jack/XLR combo inputs and HDDA mic preamps also allow users to record up to four channels simultaneously in outstanding quality, and enhanced flexibility is provided by the selection of mono, dual mono, stereo, and dual stereo recording options. Audio signals can be transmitted to a camera's microphone or line input via the DR-70D's camera output, thus allowing the recorder's stereo sum to be stored on the camera, while the adjacent camera input in turn lets the user easily listen to the camera's audio signal. Tascam puts the icing on the cake here with a "slate tone" function, which significantly facilitates the synchronisation of audio material during the post-processing stage.