Tascam DR-40 Deal

[Mark Williams]

I have been wanting to buy a Tascam DR-40 to use with my GH4 for some time now but it has been too expensive. They have finally gone on sale at B&H for $109 and a free copy of Sony Sound Forge Pro 11. Total discount is $369 from regular price. I pulled the trigger today. Tascam DR-40 4-Track Handheld Digital Audio Recorder DR-40BR B&H

 

[Noiz2]

nice

 

[ddixon]

I have the DR-05. I know that the DR-40 has things like XLR inputs w/phantom, rotary volume knobs, safety track, etc. But, are the basic sound quality and noise level really better than the 05?

 

[Alex H.]

I have the DR-05. I know that the DR-40 has things like XLR inputs w/phantom, rotary volume knobs, safety track, etc. But, are the basic sound quality and noise level really better than the 05?

No rotary controls.

I've never been impressed with the pre-amps on the 1/8" inputs (on most devices, not just TASCAM). For the built-in stereo mic array, the quality is comparable except that the mics on the DR-40 rotate between XY and AB configurations while the DR-05 is stuck in AB (I generally prefer XY). Really, it boils down to having XLR ins with phantom, as well as 1/4" line inputs for feeding from a mixer. This is a great bargain on what is one of the best values in hand-held recorders TASCAM has offered. I used to have one tucked in my kit and one at the office; I still have one at my office.

 

[Mark Williams]

Free copy of Sound Forge Pro 11 has been deleted from the link.

 

[Rick R]

FWIW, the DR-40 does not have any 1/8" inputs like most other budget recorders. 1/4" TRS - XLR combo connectors only (hard switched mic w/Phantom Pwr. or +4dB line), so a typical lavaliere mic with an 1/8" plug would not work
That was a real good deal combined with Sound Forge Pro ($399 MRP). SF Pro 11 includes Sony's NR-2.0 Noise reduction suite, CD Architect, the iZotope Mastering Suite and Nectar Elements, among many other plug-ins such as élastique Timestretch and the two stage Wave Hammer.