A Moment with the Tascam DR-1

[deadbeatdad]

I wont use it for field recording , and you will notice that I did NOT recommend it for that . Field recording which requires moving around in any way , will disqualify this unit .

Hi Guitarfxr,

Thanks you for your in-depth review--very helpful. I've been trying to decide on this one, and it seems from your post that you weren't keen on the Zoom H2 (was deciding between that and the DR-1). I was pretty convinced to go with the latter until I got to this recent post.

I'm not recording anything for a band. Rather I am a journalist and want to use it for interviews and field work (more often the former). I'd also like to use it for podcasts and audio recordings to add to slideshows (and anything else on the fly). So I am looking for something versatile and handy. Would you not recommend the Tascam for this? Any other recs?

And I do like the rechargeable battery aspect (as opposed to the H2) and being able to change the playback speed. Have you still not been able to find the right model of battery for a spare?

Cheers

Edited March 15, 2008 by deadbeatdad

[Strungup]

As that you are a Journalist , you will be walking around or in motion quite a bit , The Tascam wont be in your best interests , in motion the Tascam has a severe problem .

You dont hear it at all when not in motion . But here is an example of just a LITTLE motion with the Tascam( I also had the Limiter on , it is much worse without the limiter)

Sony also has a New MP3 recorder coming out that is Mac/PC compatible and needs no software it is about 149$

Edited March 15, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[totalsuper]

As that you are a Journalist , you will be walking around or in motion quite a bit , The Tascam wont be in your best interests , in motion the Tascam has a severe problem .

You dont hear it at all when not in motion . But here is an example of just a LITTLE motion with the Tascam( I also had the Limiter on , it is much worse without the limiter)

Sony also has a New MP3 recorder coming out that is Mac/PC compatible and needs no software it is about 149$

Wow! I just listened to the MP3. Very telling. It didn't occur to me that walking around with the DR-1 would do that. It was limiting like crazy. Reminded me of the AGC on those old shoebox cassette recorders back in the day.

What happens if you do the same thing with the Sony?

[ozpeter]

It's worth noting - and of course relevant in these forums! - that the RH-1 does seem to enjoy a good reputation on the naturerecordists newsgroup (for its low-noise preamp).

Anyone considering what small recorder to purchase really should do some in-depth reading at http://taperssection.com/index.php/board,11.0.html where end users do put just about every possible such device through the mill - here the focus is of course much more MD/Hi-MD based, though many of us are now researching alternatives - sadly...

[Strungup]

Agreed , The RH1 , and the AT-822 stereo mic , are still as yet , the best for a Naturist , as long as your dealing with areas that do not need limiting , the RH1 is Pristine

I have the RH1 and the AT-822 , and Have used the AT-822 ever since the MZ-R50 ( And still do )

I can and will use that combo with the Tascam , in Louder venues , and will have quite acceptable results .

Field recording though , requires An OPEN sound stage , and image . The Mic , Preamp , recorder Combo , has to be able to "Reach out " farther and maintain the openess , without noise .

That costs money ......... Anyone that thinks they can get a REAL Natural image , without the proper gear is deluding themselves , You can get Passable for your own personal use by cutting corners , but not if you want the real thing .

The Sony PCM D50 has basically the same preamp as the RH1 , ( at least I would assume it does , I just could not see Sony sacrificing that aspect of their reputation .

I will get the chance soon enough to actually try the D50 and I will let you know ( see if I cant actually get a sample , and record it to the RH1 in store)

But no the Tascam is definitely NOT for Naturist . Wind alone will clip it so bad you cant use it .( even with a scrunchy ) it is made for musicians

[Strungup]

Right now doing a test recording from the Macbooks line out to the Line input of the Tascam DR1 , format for recording MP3 192kbs 44.1 sample rate

the recording will be 1:58:37 long (1 hour 58 minutes) checking for clarity , and battery Start: Full charge

Test subject , Nickel Creek final concert.

will also record to the RH1 for same purpose ( Batt , Levels Clarity etc) Md lp2 mode( Fair equivalent)

Update: 1 hour 13 minutes into recording , 1 battery mark down . Using mics will drain faster

update will have to do this over , We had an emergency today , My Wifes father was in the hospital and we had to tend to that .

Edited March 17, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[wfielding]

As that you are a Journalist , you will be walking around or in motion quite a bit , The Tascam wont be in your best interests , in motion the Tascam has a severe problem .

You dont hear it at all when not in motion . But here is an example of just a LITTLE motion with the Tascam( I also had the Limiter on , it is much worse without the limiter)

Sony also has a New MP3 recorder coming out that is Mac/PC compatible and needs no software it is about 149$

I read your comments with interest because I am looking for a new portable recorder that I can use to record my class lectures. These are converted to a digital file and then they are posted on-line for class members. I currently use a Sony MZ-R700 which I attach to my belt and use a lapel mic. I also plug the Sony into the sound board when there is a sound system. I am looking for something similar but wanted it to be digital and to record either in WAV or MP3/WMA. The DR-1 sounded good until I read your comment about noise when the unit was moved around. I won't be holding it in my hand but I will walk around with it on my belt. Would the lapel mic and the unit attached to my belt or put into my coat pocket make any difference with what you heard or is it still the same?

I looked at the Sony ICD-UX80 audio recorder that you referenced but it was hard to tell what type of inputs it had and other technical specs. I like my Sony mini-disc but I want the ease of downloading a digital file. If the DR-1 is out, any other suggestions? Anyone?

Thanks for your help.

[JTGGUITAR]

Guitarfxr

Thank you, Thank you, your informative posts. They have really made me feel good about my purchase yesterday. I am waiting for the unit to charge now.

If I want to record the pastors sermon on Sunday would I be better off coming out of the board into the Mic 2 in or with a cord that splits into the line in and mic 1 in? I bought that cord for this reason but reading your comments about the Mic 2 input I'm wondering which would be better. I would like to be able to post the sermon on the church web site or burn CD's for shut-ins.

I have read some other reviews mentioned the need for a wind screen for outside and walking around.

How about attaching it to a tripod or a mic stand? Anyone comes up with ideas post a picture.

I'm sure it won't record at the best quality laying on a table and standing up is just asking for someone to bump the table, stand etc.

Looking forward to maybe some time to play with my new toy and my guitar this weekend.

JTG

[Strungup]

If your coming off of a mixing board , I would suggest the LINE input and an RCA ->1/8" stereo cable , Mic 2 is just that MIC level , the Board will be LINE level out .

I recorded a Meeting , from 7 rows Back , ceiling speakers distributed thru the room , with the DR1 just laying in a seat with the onboard mics facing up . and the sound was quite good , Low mic gain setting , Rec level at 7 or so , FX off . MP3 192kbs .

and was quite happy with the results .

I have noticed that with the software update , the mics clip a lot easier than they did before , but the sound of hi gain with the internal mics , just isnt for me , I can use the Mid and Low gain , but Hi gain is still way to noisy , as well as it just doesnt sound good ,

It has its quirks , but when you learn to work with them , and not against them , the DR1 is pretty cool. For that price anyway . to get better , your gonna have to pay for it .

Edited March 22, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[jaeger28]

Recorded during last rehearsal on the new "low" setting for the DR-1. It was quite loud in the room, but nice quality. There is a slight issue with the result in that the waveforms are not symmetric, so they aren't using the bits in all directions and you need to maximise with some kind of compressor/limiter combination (here I used PSP Vintage Warmer).

The singer had a cold so he didn't give it all and kept it an octave down. And I bummed some parts of the solo But this gives a good idea of what it can sound like.

http://www.thegutbusters.com/rehearsal20march/danicali2.mp3

[Strungup]

the Cymbals are nice and crisp , and the drums dont sound like they overpower anything , fair balance (exept for the vocalist LOL) for just catching the rehearsal , it is about as good as you can get ,

The only level up from that is to run everything to a Mixing board , using a Peak Limiter on the Master out of the mixer , then into the line in on the Tascam .

[jaeger28]

The only level up from that is to run everything to a Mixing board , using a Peak Limiter on the Master out of the mixer , then into the line in on the Tascam .

Well, the point of getting the DR-1 was for me to avoid such hassles. I am very satisfied with the result and look forward to recording us again but with some more decent playing

[JTGGUITAR]

After day one. Questions.

I printed the manual off the SD card and then without doing much reading I was playing with the unit and ended up hitting the button to reformat the SD card and waiting around for that to happen. It took awhile. Question? Did I lose any valuable information doing that? I'm going to guess not. I have the manual printed out and I don't think there was anything else.

How do we get notification of software updates and how do they get into the machine. Like we get an email and hook up the USB cable and off they go?

I have not tried to record anything yet. Still reading the manual.

Jerry

[Strungup]

when you format the card you erase everything BUT the OS , or system files .

The Manual is available online from Tascam . The update is available from the Germany site ( they have english version ) 1.02

to update you download the file , unzip it , put the version file onto the Tascam via USB , into the System folder then unhook it and power off , hold down two buttons while powering on It asks if you want to update , klik the Play button (=Yes) and one more time , then the update begins .

Version 1.02 adds some sensitivity to the mics , the Low Gain setting sounds a lot better .

http://www.tascam.de/en/index.html

follow the links for the DR1

Edited March 23, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[JTGGUITAR]

GF

Thanks

I made my first recording this morning. I recorded the sermon off the board and also set the unit on the rail upstairs and recorded for awhile with the internal mic's.

It was very easy to put the recorded sermon on my computer and email to the church office so they can add to the web site. Very slick. I'm 61 not the most computer literate person on the planet.

The recording with the internal mic's I thought was pretty impressive. You could hear the cough's, nose blowing etc.

In the normal course of events do we get as registered users a heads up from TASCAM that there are updates available?

Question. Is there a way to record a voice over in front of something previously recorded. Example. I recorded the sermon today and I wanted to in front of the start insert something like " Easter service March 23rd 2008, Pastor XXXXXX etc, etc. and then the recorded sermon. Or another example I recorded something live and wanted to put a voice tag at the front of it.

Thanks again

Jerry

[Strungup]

there is an Overdub feature in the DR1 , but the original File has to be in WAV format not MP3 . then you can make adjustments and do a voice over ,

On a different note , You can use Mic 2 input and a nice mono mic , Turn the "Monitor " feature on , use the Line out to a different recording device or straight into the computer , with a Program like Audacity .

Adjust the level of the Mic , and the overall volume of the unit , then it wont matter what format it is in . ( I do this with MD , Playback the file , and record to another MD while mixing in some guitar or flute)

as per Updates , Tascam , has a small problem of the left hand not knowing what the right hand is doing , The USA site , doesnt have the Update , but the German site does ........... And no notices were given , if it weren't for MR. Jeigermeister28 , posting about the update , I wouldn't have known.

so that is something I believ you just have to check once in awhile on your own .

[JTGGUITAR]

I was a little quick on the trigger about having emailed the recorded sermon off. After I was done here and went back to Outlook it was still in the Outbox. I had that I had used Winzip (evaluation edition) to reduce the file size but in looking close today I see that it is not. So I will burn a CD.

Jerry

[jazzinho]

Dear Guitarfxr,

Thank you for your investment !!

I have almost all the information I needed and I think I will buy this DR-1... Only let me ask you a few questions :

I play saxophone and flute and I often travel to India. I wish to have a pocket recording system for street sounds, trains, bhajan (songs in temples), accoustic musicians (wind instruments mainly but also tabla and sitar,...). Till now I was traveling with a pro tools MBOX 2 system but even if the configuration was very pleasant (very great sound thanks to a nice couple stereo mics) . I figured out it was a little heavy (and fragile too). As I am also a photographer, the "space" is getting more and more important in my decision of buying this or that...(Camera + lenses + flute + laptop + mbox2 + Neuman couple + tripod +...)

I read in another forum that a shakuachi player (japanese flute) is using it for his own recoding and is very happy with this Tascam.

Would you recommand this Tascam for all these purposes ?

Thank you again for your help and forgive my lack of vocabulary and the grammar absurdities...I'm french but I could at least recognize the Andy Warhol reference ;-)

#3

loop and all of the above that fall into #3 catagory ,............Keep the CD player .

The loop sections are involved to setup , the wake time , and isnt what your looking for , Record /Playback .....Not exactly "Instant "

You have to hit the Record button twice to start recording ( first time is Record standby , so you can set levels)

A/B loop is great , but isnt instant , You can set exact points in a song to loop from ( which means you can MAKE a set of loops by recording each loop to another machine or into the computer with Audacity , then take the loops and drop them to a CD , then you will have random access loops, ready for punch in )

Sound quality of any recording device Starts at the inputs , ... that being said , the Tascam sounds FAT , they are aiming for the original Analouge Tascam signature sound , and it isnt far off , the Mic 2 input is quite nice , I am being pleasantly surprised by it each time I try something new . The line input is noise free , you set the level by adjusting the volume on whatever unit your recording FROM , Some people might have issues with that , but I understand why they did it after playing with it . Any extra control functions require processing power and /or space and circuitry which can and will degrade the signal path . The line input goes direct to a Buffer then the A/D converter , so there is nothing in the way ,............. Beautiful in my opinion , and the stated 90db S/N I think is conservative , it is quiet

again my ONLY gripe is the Mic1 input stage , I used a little Sony MX10L portable mixer that runs on a 9 volt battery , and comes out Mic level , ( 1/8 in stereo output) and it sounds a lot better , so there are workarounds .

So ,........ could you use it live , ....... yes , but it would be a bit tricky ...... would it replace the CD player , No , with the CD player you have immediate file swapping by just changing CD's , the Tascam has to take a little time to register the files( not much but it is there)

[JTGGUITAR]

I have only had mine for about a week and don't have any recording experience but that being said I sure have liked it so far. I play guitar acustic and acusic/electric and have had been very happy with the quality of recordings at all levels and the features.

The only negative I see right now for you is recording sounds in the streets. You need to get a wind screen. The built in mic's are very sensitive and pick up everything. So get your machine prior to leaving on the trip so that you can play with it and figure out a work around for the wind screens or who knows they may have come out with one by then. I have read that you can go to a fabic store and buy the fake furry stuff and make one. I'm hoping someone will sone post of a picture or two of theirs.

TASCAM say's there is an optional mic stand holder. I have not seen one yet. I have a mini camera tripod and I'm thinking I will try and fashion something that will work with that.

On Sunday I made a recording with built in mic's of congregations singing at church and just layed the machine on a railing and the sound was fine.

I was checking on getting the update and my unit already has it. DR-1 issue in Germany must have be prior to USA release

Good Luck

JTG

[jazzinho]

Thanks for your help JTG,

Have you tried the H4 or the Edirol R-9 ?

I think a tripod for a camera will suite perfectly but you are right I have to take care of the wind...

I have only had mine for about a week and don't have any recording experience but that being said I sure have liked it so far. I play guitar acustic and acusic/electric and have had been very happy with the quality of recordings at all levels and the features.

The only negative I see right now for you is recording sounds in the streets. You need to get a wind screen. The built in mic's are very sensitive and pick up everything. So get your machine prior to leaving on the trip so that you can play with it and figure out a work around for the wind screens or who knows they may have come out with one by then. I have read that you can go to a fabic store and buy the fake furry stuff and make one. I'm hoping someone will sone post of a picture or two of theirs.

TASCAM say's there is an optional mic stand holder. I have not seen one yet. I have a mini camera tripod and I'm thinking I will try and fashion something that will work with that.

On Sunday I made a recording with built in mic's of congregations singing at church and just layed the machine on a railing and the sound was fine.

I was checking on getting the update and my unit already has it. DR-1 issue in Germany must have be prior to USA release

Good Luck

JTG

[JTGGUITAR]

I looked real close at the HD-4 for almost a year while I thought about this purchase. Looked in person a couple times. Didn't have a lot of confidence in the plastic shell that covered it. The buttons were small and lots of screens to navigate. The ability to multitrac record and guitar effects built in were interesting but in the final analysis I decided I wasn't going to be doing all the fancy stuff and if I did I would probable have computer software vs. ability on the recorder.

There is not an adaptor on the DR-1 to screw a tripod attachment to.

I think I'm going to try and figure out a way to attach via Velcro the female thread nut that a tripod would screw into. There is a nice large spot on the back to attach the Velcro and not be in the way of anything and with ability to adjust the mic's it would work verticle or horizontal.

JTG

[Strungup]

Dear Guitarfxr,

Thank you for your investment !!

I have almost all the information I needed and I think I will buy this DR-1... Only let me ask you a few questions :

I play saxophone and flute and I often travel to India. I wish to have a pocket recording system for street sounds, trains, bhajan (songs in temples), accoustic musicians (wind instruments mainly but also tabla and sitar,...). Till now I was traveling with a pro tools MBOX 2 system but even if the configuration was very pleasant (very great sound thanks to a nice couple stereo mics) . I figured out it was a little heavy (and fragile too). As I am also a photographer, the "space" is getting more and more important in my decision of buying this or that...(Camera + lenses + flute + laptop + mbox2 + Neuman couple + tripod +...)

I read in another forum that a shakuachi player (japanese flute) is using it for his own recoding and is very happy with this Tascam.

Would you recommand this Tascam for all these purposes ?

Thank you again for your help and forgive my lack of vocabulary and the grammar absurdities...I'm french but I could at least recognize the Andy Warhol reference ;-)

I Make , and Play Flutes as well , and I could see the Shakuhachi player liking it , The reverb built in and the space of the mics , he could set it down , and back away 5 feet or more from it and get a great sound .

As for walking around with it , You WILL need a Furby on it ,

( fur type windscreen )

also there will be handling noise fro it being in your hand , and if your not very careful static sounds from movement of the mic wires( they are VERY thin)

I love Tabla , and had a very good Tabla player with me for a time , it was a lot of fun.

The Tascam has a charging circuit built it , so if you are where there is no power a 6 or 9 volt , 800 ma solar panel will do the trick nicely ( I have already tried this).

as long as your close to the 5 volts input ( not under) .........the DC jack is very flexible ,................ the USB input MUST be USB 5 Volts .

I saw the Sony Furby for the PCM D50 yesterday , 4,900 yen , and it looks like it will fit

[jazzinho]

Thk you again !

I will follow your advices...

Take care

I Make , and Play Flutes as well , and I could see the Shakuhachi player liking it , The reverb built in and the space of the mics , he could set it down , and back away 5 feet or more from it and get a great sound .

As for walking around with it , You WILL need a Furby on it ,

( fur type windscreen )

also there will be handling noise fro it being in your hand , and if your not very careful static sounds from movement of the mic wires( they are VERY thin)

I love Tabla , and had a very good Tabla player with me for a time , it was a lot of fun.

The Tascam has a charging circuit built it , so if you are where there is no power a 6 or 9 volt , 800 ma solar panel will do the trick nicely ( I have already tried this).

as long as your close to the 5 volts input ( not under) .........the DC jack is very flexible ,................ the USB input MUST be USB 5 Volts .

I saw the Sony Furby for the PCM D50 yesterday , 4,900 yen , and it looks like it will fit

[Strungup]

I just got news that the Tabla player , I spoke of will be coming back to Japan for three months , so I will get some time with him , and will get some recording with him as well YIPEEE !!!

I have a Sony Furby on hold , and am taking my DR1 with me tomorrow to look at it , I think it will fit , so I might be buying it .

[gyapp]

Hello, I'm a new user on this forum and I'm very new to collecting sounds/music on digital recorders.

I'm looking at the Tascam DR-1, Olympus LS-10 and Edirol R-09 for journalism use (short interviews, getting sound-bytes (music, ambiance/street sounds, etc.) for slideshows, etc.). I was going to go with the Edirol until I read about the flimsy built and strong hissing sound.

Is the DR-1 a good unit for journalism work? I'll be using the unit mainly while on the road, so it has to be durable enough. Thanks.

Edited March 31, 2008 by gyapp

[bobt]

Hello, I'm a new user on this forum and I'm very new to collecting sounds/music on digital recorders.

I'm looking at the Tascam DR-1, Olympus LS-10 and Edirol R-09 for journalism use (short interviews, getting sound-bytes (music, ambiance/street sounds, etc.) for slideshows, etc.). I was going to go with the Edirol until I read about the flimsy built and strong hissing sound.

Is the DR-1 a good unit for journalism work? I'll be using the unit mainly while on the road, so it has to be durable enough. Thanks.

If I were me I still wouldn't pass MD's by, The B100 would work for you, as would the NH 700, 800, etc, as well as the RH1 or M200.

Have fun,

Bob

[gyapp]

Can I transfer recordings from MD directly to PC/Mac using USB?

[Strungup]

Can I transfer recordings from MD directly to PC/Mac using USB?

With the RH1 yes , M100 yes , M200(same thing as RH1 ) yes , I am on a Mac and use MD Transfer 2.0 , and an RH1 , transfers are fast and come in as wav so you can go directly to edit.

[weijianwei]

Hi, I'm new to this community. I've just bought the DR1 and spent a couple of hours testing it. My last recorder was Sony TCD-D8 (still working), and I've been using it primarily for field recording (ethnographic interview and live performance). The DR1 seems to be an attractive alternative for it's compact size, wight, and media format (solid state). However, there seem to be a fair amount of background noise using Mic 1 in a QUIET environment, which is even more pronounced using an external mic (in my case, AT822). Again, it's not so obvious in a noisy environment but only discernible in a QUIET setting where I can hear higher-pitched "white noise. " Strangely enough, if I use the built-in mic, it appears to be a bit better. Did I do something out of ordinary, or it's just part of the characteristics of the recorder? Or, that's a common problem shared by all low-end solid-state portable recorder (except, maybe, Sony PCM-D50)?

Guitarfxr, you did a marvelous job reviewing the DR1. I was wondering if you or anyone who owns the machine has experienced the same problem I have. BTW, I updated the firmware to 1.02. The new "Low" gain seems less effective for my AT822 pickup.

[Strungup]

Well , if you read the entire review , youwill notice I mentioned that noise , and that I know how to get around it .

The Low gain setting at Input level 8 , for close ( 2 feet ) micing is ok for my guitar . but that noise is a combination of Preamp and software issues.

[gyapp]

I just ordered the DR-1 online, and hopefully will receive the unit in a week or two. Is there anything else besides the Sony Furby for field recording?

[Strungup]

I just ordered the DR-1 online, and hopefully will receive the unit in a week or two. Is there anything else besides the Sony Furby for field recording?

I bought the Sony furby , and it fits , took it out for a Windy day walk ( I mean Flag moving , Hair breezing Windy ..)

On The Mid Gain setting , I had to bring the levels down quite a bit to keep from clipping , but on Low gain , I was riding a low 8 and not clipping very much at all . only on really strong gusts .

The Sony Furby also fits the head of the AT-822 with the back of the mic heads just barely exposed

so I will try a AT-822 Furby on it , into the DR1 , tomorrow to see what I get .

I just got thru making a Mono 26db preamp with 88 db S/N ,unbalanced I/O and Any one who owns a Multitrack recorder will need one of these . I spent all afternoon in the headphones , and putting it together with all kinds of equipment and am quite pleased with the results .

A stereo version is forthcoming , ........ that being said , It would make a nice pairup with the DR1 as that it works off 9 volts batts .

I have ordered nice slide in Batt boxes for it , this one has the batt inside so I have to open the casing to get to it , but it with the Mic 2 input of the DR1 , and the levels brought down , was Almost ( not quite)Noiseless , and absolutely HUGE sound , 3 feet away from the mic and Peaking levels beautifully . Gorgeous.

Sorry about the abrupt ending on this recording , I was in a hurry .

No editing at all , uploaded directly from the DR1 , This preramp is intended for Multitrackers with weak inputs ( Tape or Digital , make the Zoom 4 tracks , or Boss sound WAY better.

And an MP3 of the Preamp with the DR1 , mic 2 input .

The Mic pre specs are as follows ( in case any are interested in one )

9 Volts supply @ 2.2ma consumption

Gain : 26 db

S/N : 88db ( 1khz)

Freq Response : 60 hz- 40 khz

input Impedance 30Kohms

Max out : 1.6 volts rms

Min input : 80 milli V rms

THd @ Max out : 0.1%

A stereo version , would be perfect for the AT-822 , The Mono and Stereo, versions will also be able to be setup to power the small capsule condensers ( Specify mic use)

Edited August 10, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[Strungup]

Ok Update , AT-822 and Sony Furby

Take an old sock cut 4 inches off the toe end , sew a Velcro band on the open end , put it over the AT-822 first , then the Furby , you got a Wind jammer .

YAy!

[jaeger28]

I just got news that the Tabla player , I spoke of will be coming back to Japan for three months , so I will get some time with him , and will get some recording with him as well YIPEEE !!!

I have a Sony Furby on hold , and am taking my DR1 with me tomorrow to look at it , I think it will fit , so I might be buying it .

does it fit?

[Strungup]

Yes , with a little left open in the back

Edited August 10, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[ninethirty]

Thanks for the extended review -- this is still the only full hands-on review of the DR-1 that I've found. Several of the folks that reviewed the Zoom H2 originally (O'Reilly Digital Media, Brad Linder, etc...) have said that they're in the process of getting a review model, but nothing yet.

I'm especially interested in your experience, since I'm mainly interested in recording music in non-studio situations (on the couch, in hotel rooms) and my main contenders are the Zoom H2 and the Tascam.

From what I've gathered from your initial review, here's the current advantages of each model -- please correct anything I've left out:

Tascam:

• Better mics
• Analog limiter that actually works
• Analog compression, handy for vocals
• More granular gain control
• Sturdier build (at least sturdier feeling, I haven't heard of anyone actually breaking the casing of an H2 yet)
• Better preamp for external mics*
• 1/4" input*
• Non-destructive overdubbing*

Zoom:

• Smaller (by about 15%)
• Cheaper (by about $100 street in the U.S., although with shopping the difference is smaller)
• 4 mics*
• AA batteries (so you can use alkalines in a pinch)
• Works as a USB mic
• Metronome (sounds silly, but actually kinda handy for practice)
• Tripod mount, mic mount/handle
• sexy Electric Shaver aesthetic

Some of those points are much more significant than others, of course. Did I miss anything?

The asterisks are things that will be very significant for some people, but I can't see myself taking advantage of, personally. I could be wrong, though. The overdubbing, for example -- I see myself using this mostly to record ideas when away from the computer and more complete songs with a laptop nearby, so I see myself doing most multitracking on the computer. But perhaps it will be handy enough that I won't need to break out the laptop.

A couple questions:

Based on the manual, it looks like the Tascam has a hard file-size limit at 2G, after which it will just stop. Is that true? I know the Zoom will automatically start a new file after 2gb, and may loose a few seconds in the switch, but at least it keeps recording. Concert taping would be a (distant) secondary use for me.

Also, when you're recording your guitar through the Mic 2 input -- that's a preamped signal from an acoustic pickup, right? So it wouldn't work for recording a dry signal from an electric guitar? I don't know much about acoustic pickups, so I thought I'd check. I guess I'm unclear on what the purpose of the 1/4" input is. The manual only mentions it being used for microphones, but it seems like XLR would make more sense for that. Are 1/4" jacks common on microphones in some market segment? I have an old ribbon mic with a 1/4", but this wouldn't have enough gain for a ribbon anyway.

Any updated acoustic guitar sound samples after the firmware updates? You said that it was greatly improved with the lower gain setting. And I think your playing is quite nice, actually

Thanks a lot for the review and the updates -- like I said, it's the most thorough discussion of this little device that I've seen so far.

[Strungup]

For ideas , Either will work , but the Tascam sounds better , I do not regret selling my Zoom .

AA battery factor ,......... the Tascam has a fairly good Battery life , and a regular DC Jack on the side that I have been using with Battery packs , Usb packs ,

Solar Panels , anything at its voltage it seems to agree with quite readily.

1/4 Jack , The mp3 File above ( two posts above , at the bottom of the Post ) is thru the 1/4 input with an unbalanced mic , with close micing you dont really need a preamp .

That Ribbon mic , if it has power and doesnt need it from the Tascam , would probably work . If you look at "Worst Buy" , or "Circuit Silly" , ( names changed to protect the gulty) in the Audio stuff , there are some El Cheapo mics , Packaged Karaoke mics and others that are unbalanced , there are quite a lot of really NICE mics that are usable unbalanced , I have a Sony ECM - 23F3 that I love , it came with a XLR to 1/4 inch cable .

Electric plugged directly in ,...........YUK !!!! that is the ugliest sound there is , but yes it would work .

The Mic 2 input is a Moderate impedance input , not quite a "LOW " impedance input , but definately not a HIGH impedance in , it actually has a fairly wide range.

Yes it has a 2 gig limit , but if your recording in mp3 192 kbs , that is several days before you get there , at 16 bit your still a few hours .

that file limiter is adjustable as well I can adjust the file size to 128 mb if I want to , I have in fact used it already , I had to go somewhere and do somethings , but wanted to get a recording done at he same time , I set the File limit to 256 MB , recording in mp3 192 , ( a concert off the internet ) plugged in the Line input started the recording and left the house , did my stuff , came back , the Tascam had stopped but had not written , instead it says" You have reached the file size limit , Please press Play"

which it then wrote the file , I imported to the computer , and had very littel editing to do after , because I didnt have to sort thru a HUGE file to cut and trim .

In Tascams case the File size limiter was actually well thought out , whereas other , just simply cut off at 2 gb , this actually has a function.

Metronome : the Metronome on the Zoom is cool , the Tascam has a Metro , but it isnt as versatile , by a long shot , but I have good metros externally .

The overdubbing in the Tascam is also well thought out , there is a seperate Mix level adjustment that you use when doing over dubbing so as to get really good level mix .

Quite nice actually.

Also, when you're recording your guitar through the Mic 2 input -- that's a preamped signal from an acoustic pickup, right? So it wouldn't work for recording a dry signal from an electric guitar? I don't know much about acoustic pickups, so I thought I'd check. I guess I'm unclear on what the purpose of the 1/4" input is.[end/quote]

All the recorded sounds are from the Mics , not from the guitar pickups ,, again.... I was using a Microphone , if you listen to the MP3 I state in the first part that I am using a PRIMO brand mic XLr->unbalanced 1/4 , and a little preamp I made . and that I was 3 FEET away from the mic , for a cheap mic that is a Huge distance to get that quality of sound ,

Most dynamic cardioid mics need to bee fairly close .

Edited April 3, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[weijianwei]

A new update (v.1.10) has been posted at Tascam UK site: http://www.tascam.de/en/index.html. Among the new features: 1) source selection for effects through either INPUT or PLAY; 2) LR/RL SWAP for the built-in Mic; 3) Monitor activation when MONITOR is ON; 4) default LCD contrast changed from 12 to 8.

[Strungup]

shie shie ,

Much appreciated for that info , just downloaded .

Update , did the update , and the noise levels came back , I actually tried to go back to 1.02 and it would not .

I am NOT happy with the sound of this . Tascam what the hell are you doing ?????

Mid gain setting , now has a quite a fair amount of noise in it and the Mics seem to have LOST the sensitivity and sound quite dull in comparison .

I haven't tried the Mic in yet , but will do so shortly , ..........

Edited April 6, 2008 by Guitarfxr

[Strungup]

Anyone who owns the DR1 , ......... do NOT do the Update from 1.02 to 1.10 , I REPEAT , DO NOT UPDATE , you will ruin the sound of your machine

The entire gain structure of my DR1 is ruined , The MIC1 input SUX , the internal MIC gain SUX ,

The noise levels rose by at least 20 db

I compared directly with previous recordings , And it is a HUGE difference , I will be calling Tascam tomorrow,

DO NOT UPDATE !!!!!!!!