Tascam Dr-40 recorder cable and connections confusion to record from mixer outputs!

T

techspark

Member
I have ordered a tascam dr-40 after various suggestions and help from this forum. Thank you to all the members who made my decision easier. ( Should arrive in 2-3 days. :D )

I would like to know which cables should i buy and what all connectors will i need. ????

INPUT On Dr-40 specs:
Connecter XLR/TRS combo jack (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
Input impedance 2.2k ohms(MIC) / 10k ohms(LINE)
Nominal input level -19dBV(MIC) / +4dBu (LINE)
Maximum input level -3dBV (MIC) / +20dBu (LINE)
Click to expand...

1. I need to record from dj mixers and the outputs that are available to me are :
(Since i have only the xlr/trs combo input on dr-40 i would like to know which all cables/connectors i will need to : )

a. RCA tape out ports (usually -10db line level)
b. Mono 1/4inch outputs ( +4db line level from group out or monitor out ports)
c. Headphone/phono out stereo (controllable knob to adjust the gain)
d. Might be other 1/4inch or xlr outputs but i have never used xlr before.


2.Will there be an issue with balanced vs unbalanced (i think dr-40 only accepts balance input in its trs slots) ??

3.Dr-40 has a switch on the side to change from line level to mic level so if i using rca tape out ports which are at -10db nominal level i can turn the switch to mic level and if i am getting +4db nominal output from the mixer than i will change the level to line level. Is this technically right ???

I only want to record 2-channel stereo audio from the line inputs and i prefer to buy only a single 10 meter long cable and then use connectors to change from one port type to another.


Example 1:

I wish to buy 10meter long (2 rca male to 2 rca male cable>> This one link below )
http://img.dxcdn.com/productimages/sku_186096_1.jpg


and then use convertors like (1/4inch male to rca female 2 of them for left and right and 2 more on dr-40 inputs).
http://www.seismicaudiospeakers.com/v/vspfiles/photos/SAPT100-2Pack-2.jpg


So this way i can get output from rca tape out ports and 1/4inch ports also and for the headphone out i can use something like this
http://images.monoprice.com/productmediumimages/71931.jpg


Example 2:

Or will i be better off buying TWO of (1/4inch male to 1/4inch male cable) as i heard there is less interferance and distortion in this cable as it is balanced connection..is this right ?? Will there be a great benefit over rca cable ?? see the image below:
http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mKj6-JIEg6LrPC1WG2ZCcgA.jpg

and then use convertors like
https://mycablemart.com/store/images/products/3683_small.jpg
to get output from headphone out on mixer and turn the stereo to 2-mono
and for rca out use a rca male to 1/4inch female adapters.


Which example sounds more sensible and technically possible ??


P.S: I am really not a sound guy and i have rarely worked with 1/4inch plugs, only use to rca and 3.5mm cables and convertors so all this is a little difficult for me to understand so i have done some research and have these queries. Please forgive me for my limited knowledge.


All replies and help will be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your time to read this !!!!!!
 
You should also get a Direct Input box. (aka, DI) Usually a -10dB line level signal (RCAs) are to low for +4dB line level operation, but to hot for mic level. A dual RCA to 1/4" unbalanced cable would work for the DI. XLR to XLR into the recorder. The Rolls DB25 series DI is affordable, robust and sounds good. The DB25 passive DI is under $30 USD, has a selectable pad and a ground lift switches. DB25-B has a continuously variable rotary pad.
Either 1/4" or XLR would work going into the recorder. The XLR connectors are generally more durable than 1/4" plug, they are also locking and can't be pulled out accidentally.
For unbalanced operation the XLR-M plug(s) would have to be wired specifically. Pin-1/Shield; Pin-2/Signal; Pin-3/tied to shield. Same for a 1/4" TRS, (Ring and Shield tied together) A 1/4" TS would need no 'custom' wiring.
Console type mixers have 1/4" TRS (balanced) +4dB outputs, these include the direct, aux, sub-master and matrix feeds.
So one would want one or two 1/4" TRS to XLR-m cables. (a 1/4" TRS to 1/4" TRS cable would work too) Many mixers have XLR main outs as well as 1/4" TRS. Most Mackie VLZ series mixer's XLR main outs are line/mic switchable.
You should have no trouble with unbalanced line sources and cables, as long they're wired correctly and the operating level is matched.
 
Thank you once again Rick for your reply and all the support you have provided on my threads so far. Really appreciate it :)

I agree with your suggestion on DI box but i would prefer not to buy a DI box and use the input gain on the recorder to adjust the level and keep the switch at line level always.

I am thinking of buying 2 cables of 10meters each :

1. 1/4" trs male to trs male (balanced) and xlr to trs adapter - Can use this with balanced 1/4" and xlr outs from mixer.

2. 1/4" ts male to ts male (unbalanced) - To use with unbalanced rca or 1/4" outs from mixer. Will there be a problem because as per manual dr-40 it only says trs/xlr inputs does not mention the word ts or unbalanced :(

What will happen if i use a 1/4" mono ts cable instead of balanced trs cable if i am getting balanced output from mixer??
and also what will happen if i use a balanced 1/4" trs - trs male cable when getting unbalanced output from the 1/4" plug on the mixer ??
Will i damage the recorder or the mixer in either case , will it make a difference to the sound ??
 
Glad to help you techspark.


... "I would like to use the input gain on the recorder to adjust the level and keep the switch at line level always."
> With an RCA output (or unbalanced 1/4"), you may have difficulty achieving optimal recording levels. A (nominal) -10dB signal is approx. 11dB lower than the +4 operating level the DR40 'wants to see'. Furthermore, the DR-40's line level mode does no offer much gain adjustment.... plus OR minus.. but you can try it without damage worries. You will also likely encounter mixers that are not gain staged properly and the feed can be a lot lower than one would expect. Again, a DI would save the day.

.... " 1/4" trs male to trs male (balanced) and xlr to trs adapter - Can use this with balanced 1/4" and xlr outs from mixer"
>> That should work

.... 1/4" ts male to ts male (unbalanced) - To use with unbalanced rca or 1/4" outs from mixer. Will there be a problem because as per manual dr-40 it only says trs/xlr inputs does not mention the word ts or unbalanced.
>> No problem. However 1/4" (male) to RCA adapters are long and the weight stresses the connection. They should be avoided IMO. The (see image) RCA (female) to 1/4" would be a better choice.
http://www.seismicaudiospeakers.com/...00-2Pack-2.jpg

....What will happen if i use a 1/4" mono ts cable instead of balanced trs cable if i am getting balanced output from mixer?? and also what will happen if i use a balanced 1/4" trs - trs male cable when getting unbalanced output from the 1/4" plug on the mixer ?? Will i damage the recorder or the mixer in either case , will it make a difference to the sound??"
>> If I understand correctly; Worst case scenario, you would lose 3dB of gain on that channel. No damage to the recorder or source device could occur. However.. DO NOT plug an unbalanced source into the recorder in the Mic/Phantom Power mode. That can cause permanent damage.
 
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I'm going to bring back this thread as opposed to opening a new one.

Tomorrow I need to record a DJ promo set for a friend of mine.


I have a Tascam DR40 and the mixer is Pioneer DJM-800. As I can see the mixer has XLR outputs so it should be plug & play (record) thing? Never did something so looking for some info, thanks.
 
I am not at all familiar with the Pioneer DJM-800, if it has +4dB output(s), you should be good to go. If not, see the previous suggestions.. especially the fact about the DR40's line level (plus/minus) gain adj.. or lack thereof.
 
crammond said:
I have a Tascam DR40 and the mixer is Pioneer DJM-800. As I can see the mixer has XLR outputs so it should be plug & play (record) thing? Never did something so looking for some info, thanks.
Click to expand...

The mixer has both +4dBu XLR outputs and -10dBu 1/4" outputs. Be prepared for both. The presence of XLR outs does not mean the DJ won't be using them.

I'd pack XLR-F>1/4" TRS-M cables as well as a dual RCA>1/4" TS.
 
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