thrillmetoo « Versatile portable 4 channel digital recorder »
Published on 07/25/25 at 05:40
Best value:
Excellent
Audience:
Advanced Users
I bought Tascam DR-70d earlier this year (2025) second hand, but for the second time! In 2018 I bought one new. I sold it in 2024 but regretted it.
I also owned Tascam DR-07. Handier, but a lot more hiss when using the built-in mics.
When I bought the DR-07d for the second time, I briefly considered the Zoom H4n Pro which ticks most of the boxes. My experience with the Tascam was what drove me to buy that again.
When reading older reviews of this recorder you may find some issues about problems with memory cards. Note that all problems have been solved with a software update, so those reviews are not valid anymore. I never had issues with my recorder.
The Tascam has a design that is sold since 2014 but still very much competing with other digital recorders. Selling points for me were:
- 4 lockable XLR inputs with Phantom power
- low noise on every every input
- USB-c power bank can be connected for long recording sessions
- plug-in powered 3.5mm input also has very low noise level
- very sturdy, but not too heavy
- simply attachable to DSLR
- built-in mics
There are some minor issues that are no deal breaker for me, but may be good to know:
- display is nice, but small (no issue if you're young, but I'm 68 years old)
- the knobs are small and close together
- battery life is short (1.5 hrs) when recording 4 channels with Phantom power. No issue with a power bank
- built-in mics are good to have, but of average quality
- monitoring is only on all channels at once.
At the moment I use this mostly with DIY binaural mics based on Primo EM 272 on the 3.5mm input and a Sony MS mic using XLR inputs.
I also owned Tascam DR-07. Handier, but a lot more hiss when using the built-in mics.
When I bought the DR-07d for the second time, I briefly considered the Zoom H4n Pro which ticks most of the boxes. My experience with the Tascam was what drove me to buy that again.
When reading older reviews of this recorder you may find some issues about problems with memory cards. Note that all problems have been solved with a software update, so those reviews are not valid anymore. I never had issues with my recorder.
The Tascam has a design that is sold since 2014 but still very much competing with other digital recorders. Selling points for me were:
- 4 lockable XLR inputs with Phantom power
- low noise on every every input
- USB-c power bank can be connected for long recording sessions
- plug-in powered 3.5mm input also has very low noise level
- very sturdy, but not too heavy
- simply attachable to DSLR
- built-in mics
There are some minor issues that are no deal breaker for me, but may be good to know:
- display is nice, but small (no issue if you're young, but I'm 68 years old)
- the knobs are small and close together
- battery life is short (1.5 hrs) when recording 4 channels with Phantom power. No issue with a power bank
- built-in mics are good to have, but of average quality
- monitoring is only on all channels at once.
At the moment I use this mostly with DIY binaural mics based on Primo EM 272 on the 3.5mm input and a Sony MS mic using XLR inputs.