Tascam DR-10X and mixing board

scorsesefan

scorsesefan

Veteran
Thinking of buying one of these for recording talks/concerts and plugging into the house mixing board. Does it have a pad? Can you monitor levels? Any thoughts?

Thanks
 
According to Tascam's specs, it has a L-M-H mic gain switch, but the max input level is -8dBu, with a nominal input of -24dBu, which indicates mic level only. It does have a (dual-mono) HP output, but it's probably somewhat anemic if powered by a single AAA batt. I would assume 5, 10, or 20mW at the most (not stated). It does have an unbalanced external input, but that's mic level too. Nice little recorder though. BTW, Hosa's (ATT-448) 20, 30, 40dB in-line pad can be bought for around $25.
Link to manual and other DR-10 materials.
 
Thanks, Rick... I know you're fond of the DR-40. I know it's fine for recording a line in, but are the mic pres acceptable for external mic recordings? (I would only use in a pinch)
 
Based on my experience with the DR-10L:

First, Rik is spot on about the headphone amp. I have an IFB piece I use on occasion when I’m web conferencing, and tried to do my own on-cam (just testing the recorder) with it so I could monitor the recording. Barely audible with the headphone output cranked all the way. It works decently with higher-end cans and ear buds, but again at full volume it’s not driving much output.

As for metering, there’s a very rudimentary meter in one of the setup screens, but it’s barely useful. I assume the DR-10X uses the same readouts.

I know it nearly doubles the price, but since we’re still in the <$200 range why not snag a DR-40? Or a DR-60DmkII?
 
scorsesefan said:
the DR-40. I know it's fine for recording a line in, but are the mic pres acceptable for external mic recordings?
Click to expand...
I've had a DR-40 for quite a years now, but don't ever recall using the internal preamps. They probably sound 'ok'. The external mics are decent for high SPL room/ambient sounds (my primary use). The mic pres on the DR-680 are 'decent'. Don't know if they're the same in the DR40. As I've stated, the 680 is one of the few recorders, that bypasses the mic pres in line mode. Again, I'm not sure if the DR-40 has this feature.. I kinda assume not, but sound fed from a pro console is pristine.
 
OP; I hope you're OK with me asking a question :)

What common cables/accessories should we be carrying in order to take a feed from a sound board and record with a Tascam (DR-60)
 
Rick R said:
I've had a DR-40 for quite a years now, but don't ever recall using the internal preamps. They probably sound 'ok'. The external mics are decent for high SPL room/ambient sounds (my primary use). The mic pres on the DR-680 are 'decent'. Don't know if they're the same in the DR40. As I've stated, the 680 is one of the few recorders, that bypasses the mic pres in line mode. Again, I'm not sure if the DR-40 has this feature.. I kinda assume not, but sound fed from a pro console is pristine.
Click to expand...

The DR-40 pre-amps are just okay... mostly in terms of noise floor for lower-output mics. Don’t think the DR-40 bypasses, just pads. Either way, for a line-level feed from a console, it’s perfectly useful.

doubledark said:
What common cables/accessories should we be carrying in order to take a feed from a sound board and record with a Tascam (DR-60)
Click to expand...

1/4” TRS to 1/4” TRS, XLR-F to 1/4” TRS, and dual RCA>1/4”TS. That should cover your bases no matter which console you come across.
 
Most consoles' main outputs are XLR and/or 1/4" TRS and RCAs as well. The aux sends, sub master and matrix outputs are almost always 1/4" TRS. Most are +4dB nominal. Channel inserts (which can be used as a direct out) are usually unbalanced, 'tip'=send, 'ring'=return. These are normalled, so plugging in a standard cable will interrupt the connection to the channel fader and buses. Custom cables are recommended over plugging in half-way/half-ass. (off course this assumes the insert is not being used).
 
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