Tascam DR-100 input levels very low??

H

Hunter5117

Member
Today I took delivery of a new Tascam DR-100 recorder. I have played all day with it, recording with a mixture of the on-board mics as well as external mics. Problem I have noticed is that the recording levels seem to be very low. Source does not seem to matter other than I have not had chance to check the line-in. For instance, using the built-in directional mics, with the mic gain set to high, and the input levels all the way to 10, a TV set with audio at normal listening levels, approximately 10 feet away, mics pointed directly at TV, won't peak the meters past -20DB. I can make the peak over alert flash only by some abrupt sound like clapping or speaking very loud within 12" of the mics.

Files imported into FC or garageband show very weak and low wave forms. You can hear the background sounds but they really don't show any amplitude in the audio wave file.

So, do I have a faulty unit or is this normal. Thanks.
 
What you are experiencing seems right. The DR-100 is by nature meant for higher level signals. You didn't mention what external microphones you tried but dynamic microphones (in general) will produce the lowest signal, whereas condensors should get you a little more. Now, 10' is an inappropriate distance for any kind of micing other than ambient type stuff. I suspect that if you get the microphone within 12" to 18" of the talent you will get sufficient level.

When using my DR-100, which I've used for quite a few gigs as a location sound recorder, with a sennheiser ME-80/K3 plugged directly into the unit, I had to have the mic gain set to high, and the level control cranked all the way up to get dialog around -18 and peaks around -6. The ME-80 does not have a very high output. With my Avantone CK-1 and hyper cap, I can run the level control around 7 to get the same results.

Feeding the line in from my Alphamix provides plenty of level adjustibility.

My experience with the DR-100 has been very good and produced work good enough (without a mixer) to get me more jobs with the same director until I could purchase my Alphamix, and then my DR-680. After contemplating selling the DR-100, I decided to keep it for interview type stuff and times when I just want something small and good.
 
Thanks, I have been more or less figuring this same. I have read some other reviews that comment on the low input levels and requiring a bit of work to maintain adequate recording levels depending on the source. The quality of the recordings is indeed superb.
 
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