Tascam DR-60D

When recording video with a DSLR, the audio should be recorded separately with level control, while a reference track can be recorded directly in the camera. The Tascam DR-60D is a portable Linear PCM recorder and mixer that fits beneath a camera or in a rig. Its four simultaneous recording tracks and built-in HDDA microphone preamps make it suitable for recording sound on set.

Two XLR/TRS combo sockets accept microphone or line signals; phantom power can be switched on at 24 or 48 volts for condenser microphones. The balanced mic/line jack inputs support input signals up to +24 dBu. You can connect another microphone to the 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, including a camera microphone with a higher output level. A switchable plug-in power supply is available for small microphones; the maximum input level is +10 dBV.

Depending on the recording situation, you can choose between Mono, Stereo, Dual Mono, Dual Stereo and 4-channel modes. The input levels for 1/L, 2/R and 3–4 can be adjusted separately. In Dual modes, a safety file is also recorded at a lower level; its level can be set 6 to 12 dB below the main recording. This provides a quieter recording if peaks are clipped. You can also mix four tracks down to a stereo signal.

For parallel audio recording on the recorder and camera, CAMERA OUT outputs the internal mix at an adjustable level. CAMERA IN accepts the camera signal for monitoring. The line output and headphone output have separate level controls; the headphone output delivers 50 mW per channel. The low-cut filter can be set to 40, 80 or 120 Hz. Selectable MS decoding processes mid-side microphone signals.

The recorder records in WAV or BWF format at 44.1, 48 or 96 kHz and 16 or 24 bit to SD and SDHC cards up to 32 GB. A two-second pre-recording buffer captures the signal before you press the button. In Auto-Record mode, recording starts and stops according to an adjustable input threshold; alternatively, you can set it to start after a delay. While recording, you can create a new file manually or when a specified file size is reached.

The Slate function generates a slate tone manually or automatically at the start of a recording and, depending on the setting, at the end as well. This makes it easier to synchronise the audio with the video footage. A delay compensation function is available for microphones positioned at different distances. Frequently used functions can be accessed with the QUICK button; a button lock helps prevent accidental operation.

During playback, you can add marks, split files and use Jump-Back to listen to the last few seconds again. An equaliser and level boost affect playback. The recorder remembers the last playback position and lets you name files using the date or a preset character string. The backlit display shows 128 × 64 pixels. Side grips protect the screen and also provide attachment points for a carrying strap; the controls are designed for quiet operation.

The camera can be attached to the top mount and fitted or removed using a coin. A 1/4-inch tripod thread is located on the underside. A 2.5 mm socket is provided for a remote control and footswitch; compatible models are the separately available Tascam RC-10 and RC-3F. The DR-60D is therefore suited to DSLR shoots where several microphone sources need to be recorded separately, along with a reference track in the camera.