Tascam DR-07MK2

For mobile stereo recordings, the microphone position influences how wide the room sounds and how cleanly the channels work together. The Tascam DR-07MK2 is a portable PCM/MP3 recorder with an adjustable microphone pair in XY or AB configuration: XY is suitable for precise stereo reproduction with minimal phase offset, AB for a wider stereo image. The condenser microphones with cardioid characteristics can also handle high sound pressure levels.

A 3.5 mm stereo microphone/line input is available for external microphones or line sources. It supports plug-in power for small microphones that require a supply voltage. You can use the stereo output to connect headphones or pass the signal to another device; a built-in speaker is provided for quick monitoring directly on the recorder.

The device saves recordings as WAV at 16 or 24 bit and 44.1, 48 or 96 kHz. For longer recordings, MP3 with 32 to 320 kbit/s at 44.1 or 48 kHz is available. The recorder uses microSD and microSDHC cards up to 32 GB; a 2 GB microSD card is included in the scope of delivery. VBR MP3 files can be played back, but not recorded.

The most important operations such as starting recording, adjusting levels, deleting takes and setting marks are directly accessible. The recording level can be set manually or adjusted automatically. Peak reduction, a limiter and automatic level adjustment help to catch unexpected jumps in volume; the level attenuation can be tested before recording or used during it. A low-cut filter reduces low-frequency interference.

With the 2-second pre-recording buffer, the device also captures the brief moment before pressing the record button. Recording can also start and stop based on level or begin via a self-timer five or ten seconds after pressing the button. New files can be created manually or based on file size during recording; marks can be set manually or automatically.

For musical applications, an overdub function adds new audio material to existing recordings. Six reverb settings can be applied to the input or output signal. Playback speed and pitch are variable, and a chromatic tuner assists with tuning instruments. WAV files can be divided, for example to remove unwanted parts or to extract sections from longer recordings.

You transfer the files to a computer via USB 2.0; the connection works as mass storage. Power is supplied via two AA batteries, USB bus power or the separately available PS-P515U power supply. The recorder is suitable for mobile recordings, rehearsals and musical sketches if you want to use adjustable stereo microphones and direct level control in a handy device.