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

Key Features

  • Filmmaking, TV & Web Broadcast
  • Optimized for DSLR Shooters
  • Dual Onboard Omnidirectional Microphones
  • 4 x XLR-1/4″ Inputs with Phantom Power

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.

Onboard Omnidirectional Microphones

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 XLR-1/4″ Mic/Line Inputs with Independent Phantom Power

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.

3.5mm Mic/Line Input with Plug-In Power

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.

3.5mm Camera/Line and Headphone Outputs

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.

Supports SDXC Cards up to 128GB

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.

Powered via AA Batteries, USB, or AC Adapter

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).

Ideal for Tripod- or Camera-Mounted Use

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.

Soft-Touch Controls

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.

Stereo Safety Track Recording

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.

Built-In Mixer

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.

Tone Generator for Synchronizing Files

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.

Supports External Remote Control

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.

Additional Features

  • Angled 128 x 64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight for easy viewing
  • Simple, efficient file transfer via USB 2.0 connection to a computer
  • Adjustable delay function eliminates time lags caused by differences in the distances of two sets of inputs from the sound source
  • Hold switch prevents accidental operation
  • MS decoding function allows proper stereo monitoring of a mid-side mic configuration
  • Automatically creates a new file when the maximum file size is reached
  • Resume function retains the last stop point even when the DR-70D is powered off/on
  • Track incrementing function allows a recording to be split by creating a new file when desired
  • File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date
  • The first six characters of the file name for recording can be set freely
Number of Tracks 4
Max Sample Rate/Resolution 96 kHz / 24-Bit
Microphone Built-In Omnidirectional Electret Condenser Stereo Pair, A/B Configuration
Built-In Speaker No
Display Monochrome LCD (Backlit)
Memory Card Support SD (64 MB to 2 GB)
SDHC (4 GB to 32 GB)
SDXC (48 GB to 128 GB)
Internal Storage None
Recording
Audio File Formats BWF, WAV
Sample Rates WAV:
44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz
Bit Depth 16 / 24-Bit
Signal Processing Delay, Limiter, Low-Cut Filter
Timecode No
Recording Time WAV 44.1 kHz/16-Bit:
1 Hr 41 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 48 kHz/16-Bit:
1 Hr 33 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 96 kHz/16-Bit:
46 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 44.1 kHz/24-Bit:
1 Hr 7 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 48 kHz/24-Bit:
1 Hr 2 Mins per GB (Stereo)
WAV 96 kHz/24-Bit:
31 Mins per GB (Stereo)
Connectivity
Analog I/O 4 x Combo XLR-1/4″ TRS Female Balanced Line/Mic Input (Lockable)
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Mic Input
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Camera Input
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Camera/Line Output
1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm TRS Female Unbalanced Headphone Output
1 x 2.5 mm TRS Female Remote Input
Digital I/O None
Phantom Power +24 / 48 V ± 4 V (Selectable on Individual Inputs)
Phantom Power Current 10 mA per Channel
Plug-In Power Yes
Host Connection 1 x Micro-USB (USB 2.0)
Performance
Frequency Response Line Outputs, Mic/Line Inputs:
20 Hz to 20 kHz +0.5/-2 dB (At 48 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz to 40 kHz +0.5/-3 dB (At 96 kHz, JEITA)
Gain Range Balanced Inputs:
+21 dB to +63 dB
Unbalanced Inputs:
+3 dB to +38 dB
Max Input Level Mic Inputs:
0 dBu
Line Inputs:
+20 dBu
1/8″ Inputs:
+10 dBV
Camera Inputs:
+6 dBV
Max Output Level Camera Outputs:
-24 dBV
Line Outputs:
+6 dBV
Headphone Output Power 20 mW per Channel
Impedance Mic Inputs:
2 kOhms
Line Inputs:
≥10 kOhms
1/8″ / 3.5 mm Inputs:
10 kOhms
Camera Outputs:
200 Ohms
Line Outputs:
200 Ohms
SNR ≥92 dB
THD ≤0.02%
EIN -120 dBu
Power
Power Options Batteries, USB Bus Power, AC/DC Power Adapter
Battery Type 4 x AA (Not Included)
Approximate Battery Life WAV 44.1 kHz/16-Bit:
6 Hours (AA Alkaline, 2 Channels, Phantom Off, Recording)
3.5 Hours (AA Alkaline, 2 Channels, Phantom On, Recording)
11 Hours (AA Alkaline, Recording, Built-In Mic)
6.25 Hours (AA NiMH, 2 Channels, Phantom Off, Recording)
3.25 Hours (AA NiMH, 2 Channels, Phantom On, Recording)
10.5 Hours (Alkaline, Recording, Built-In Mic)
AC/DC Power Adapter 5 VDC at 1 A (Not Included)
Physical
Mounting Options 1/4″-20 Female, Shoe Mount
Operating Temperature 32 to 140°F / 0 to 40°C
Dimensions 6.7 x 2.2 x 4.2″ / 169.0 x 55.2 x 106.5 mm
Weight 1.2 lb / 530.0 g (Without Batteries)
1.4 lb / 625.0 g (With Batteries)