Tascam DR-40 Handheld Recorder

For example, if you wanted to record a live show, the DR-40 can make life very easy indeed. Just take a stereo feed from the main mixing desk via the XLR combo jacks, and then use the on-board mics to get a sound from the room itself. Later on the mix between the two will give you a very pleasing ‘live’ recording.

TASCAM have included some very useful functions and tools as standard on the DR-40, for example the Peak reduction function, which sets the input levels automatically, ensuring that you don’t get a distorted input. Couple this with a built-in Limiter to protect you from any sudden increases in Volume, and a lowpass filter to guard against any low end rumble and you’re pretty much covered, however, just to make sure things are as fool-proof as possible, there’s the DR-40 dual recording mode. This means that the machine will record a safety track at a lower level, just in case anything messes up your first recording. Now that’s clever.

Finally, the DR-40 features EQ’s for each track, and an on-board reverb. It’s even got a built-in speaker so you can listen to your work without headphones. Finally, a USB 2.0 high speed socket makes uploading files to your computer a breeze.

The peak reduction function automatically lowers the level when a peak sound is detected and continues recording. The level can be set automatically according to the sound source, so it is easy for anyone to set the optimal level. The "DR-40" has a total of three different input signal level adjustment functions including a peak reduction function.

Tempo change (VSA) function for adjusting the speed from 0.5 to 1.5 times (in 0.1 increments), which is great for practicing music and language study Includes TASCAM's popular VSA (Variable Speed Audition) function from the Trainer Series. The playback speed can be adjusted without affecting the pitch. This is helpful in various situations such as when arranging and practicing music, for slowing the speed of recorded conversations, and for speeding up playback of meetings.

Level align feature prevents uneven volume levels for enhanced listenability
When recording meetings or interviews, there are cases where it is difficult to listen to the playback because the volumes of different people vary. In such cases, the level align function automatically adjusts the sound volume for playback, making it easy to listen.

Locking XLR/TRS inputs compatible with +4dBu line level / +48V phantom power
The XLR/TRS stereo inputs make it possible to connect an external condenser microphone and PA console line-level output in addition to the built-in microphone. Highly reliable locking XLR/TRS connectors by NEUTRIK are used. They can be used for supplying phantom power, so general condenser microphones can be used in addition to electret type microphones.

4-channel mode that can be used for dual recording and nondestructive overdub recording, etc.
In addition to normal stereo channel recordings, another set of stereo channels are available making it possible to select one of three operation modes.

Dual Recording Mode
The same sound source can be recorded at two different levels. A backup file for clipping can be recorded.

4CH Mode
Two different stereo materials can be recorded simultaneously. It is possible to perform simultaneous recording using the built-in microphone and an external input.

Overdubbing Mode
A new sound source can be recorded as a separate channel while listening to a pre-recorded sound source. This is perfect for music production.

MS decoding function making it possible to use M-S stereo microphones
In addition to the A-B/X-Y positions, there is a system for stereo recording using a combination of the omnidirection and bidirectional microphones, and an MS decoding function for connecting microphones for M-S recording.