Products of Interest

Tascam Portable Audio Recorders with Wi-Fi

Tascam’s latest DR series of portable recorders feature built-in stereo condenser microphones and Wi-Fi support. A free iOS and Android app allows the recorders to be controlled remotely over Wi-Fi and also facilitates file transfer and audio streaming to mobile devices.

The larger of the two (DR-44WL) is a four-track recorder with XLR inputs for external microphones and built-in studio-quality stereo condenser microphones in an xy pattern (see Figure 1). The microphone capsules are suspended in their own rubber shock mount to reduce handling noise and low-frequency rumble, and they can support sound pressure level (SPL) levels up to 132 dB without distortion and clipping. Combination locking XLR/TRS inputs for microphone or line-level inputs are located on the bottom panel of the recorder. The inputs can be used with balanced or unbalanced signals at +4 or −10 dB levels. Phantom power is available so condenser or ribbon microphones can be used with the recorder. The internal and externally connected microphones can be used simultaneously for four-track recording.

Figure 1.

Tascam’s DR-44WL four-track recorder with XLR inputs.

A low-cut filter, automatic limiter, and peak reduction function are included. The filter has four selectable frequencies from 40 to 220 Hz. The recorder simultaneously records a stereo file at the selected level and another back-up file at a lower level in case the main recording features distortion or clipping. A reverb effect, chromatic tuner, and metronome are also provided. A 128 × 128-pixel LCD display with backlight is used for settings and metering display.

The recorder simultaneously records in both uncompressed WAV and MP3 formats. It can automatically create a new file after a set time period or when the level drops to a given threshold. Sample rates up to 96 kHz and 24-bit depth are supported for WAV files and rates up to 48 kHz at 320 kbps are supported when recording to MP3. The files are saved to SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards and then transferred to mobile devices or computers using Wi-Fi or USB 2.0. A stereo mini headphone output is built in to the recorder. This model can be powered by four AA batteries, USB power, or AC power.

The DR Control app controls the recorder over Wi-Fi and has an operational range of up to 20 m. Recorded audio can be streamed back to the mobile device for listening or posting online. The input levels and filter settings of the recorder can be adjusted from within the app and an LED on the recorder and the app screen confirms the status of the connection. A windscreen, microphone grip, shoe mount adapter, AC adapter, USB cable, microSD card, 4-GB SD card, and case are included with the recorder.

A two-track version (DR-22WL) has the same functionality and features, without the two external microphone/line inputs (see Figure 2). This recorder also has an eight-position dial mode for selecting stored settings.

Figure 2.

The DR-22WL two-track recorder from Tascam.

The DR recorders are listed for US$ 379.99 and US$ 189.99. Contact: TEAC America, 7733 Telegraph Rd. Montebello, California 90640, USA; Web tascam.com.

Mackie 32-Channel Digital Rackmount Mixer with Wireless Control

Mackie’s DL32R is a 32-channel digital rackmount mixer that can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the room or venue by an iPad app. The 3U rackmount mixer has 32 Onyx microphone pre-amplifiers, 14 XLR outputs, 28 buses, 14 auxiliary sends, TRS monitor outputs, a stereo AES digital output, and a headphone output. A slot is also included for use with a Dante expansion card. The mixer can act as a 32 × 32 USB 2.0 audio interface for Macintosh or Windows or can be used for 24 × 24 direct-to-hard-drive recording and playback.

The DL32R also has a range of signal processing features. These include a four-band parametric equalizer, high-pass filter, gate, and compression...