Tascam DR-05 Portable recorder

The included software may now be a download online and the stated CD may not be enclosed with this item as a result

New Update: firmware Version 2 -The DR-05 has new firmware that brings a host of new and updated features to make the best selling Hand-held recorder even better. Find out more below!

For those who need a one touch recording solution on the go, the Tascam DR-05 aims to please! Designed to be ergonomic and easy to operate during recording, the DR-05 has an intuitive file management system so you can find the audio you need quickly when it comes to listening back. 

Just because it's simple to use doesn't mean that the DR-05 compromises on sound quality. Delivering 96kHz sample rate and 24 bit dynamic range means your recordings will exhibit lifelike detail with a low noise floor.

What's New in Version 2

The DR-05 has been updated with new firmware to give even better functionality than before. Here's what's new-

Updated tuner

The tuner now has a handy function that allows you to flip the screen upside down, making it much easier to use when you are both the player and the recording engineer. With the screen flipped you can have the mic pointing to your instrument and still be able to view the screen the right way up!

Automatic recording

The DR-05 now has a function which can detect the volume level and automatically starts recording when you start to perform. If you're usually the guy pressing record before you play, there is often a pressure to start playing as soon as possible. With Automatic recording, you can set up and then have as much time as you want to poise yourself for the perfect take. The DR-05 can even automatically create track marks for you so that you can just concentrate on the performance side of things.

Overdubbing

With the new overdubbing function, you can now record and mix your performance with a pre-existing track, creating a new track that combines your performance with the other track. Whether you record something yourself to play to, or you use tried and tested backing tracks, this function gives you a wide range of new opportunities.

Reverb

adding a bit of class to your recordings, you can now add a reverb effect that can be used in both recording and playback to sweeten the sound and give it a bit of depth

Tone Generator

this one is for the professional film guys and gals out there. The automatic tone generator can be used to help sync tracks when editing with video on other equipment.

Here's what Tascam say about the DR-05 Portable recorder

TASCAM's DR-05 brings high-quality stereo recording to an easy-to-use portable powerhouse with a size and price that anyone can handle. The DR-05 records in MP3 or WAV format - including 96kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio - to microSD or microSDHC media. A pair of all-new microphones handles up to 125dB SPL with the sensitivity to capture every detail. With new recording features like Peak Reduction and Quick Menu, the DR-05 puts album-quality recording in the palm of your hand.

Premium-quality Sound

Everything about the DR-05 is designed to get the best quality recordings of your music. A new pair of built-in microphones withstands up to 125dB SPL - the volume of a jet plane from 200 feet away - yet still have the sensitivity to capture every detail of a performance. You can add your own microphone or line-level source through the 1/8" stereo input, including plug-in power for microphones that need it.

Internally, the DR-05's digital and analog circuit boards are built separately to increase noise performance, with a low-impedance design to further decrease hiss. A separate power supply is sent to the A/D and D/A converter for even better audio performance. The result is clean sound quality - over 92dB signal to noise ratio, under 0.05% total harmonic distortion and 20Hz to 40kHz response (-1/+3dB) at 96kHz/24-bit resolution.

Simple to Operate

The layout of the DR-05 has been revamped to be quick and easy to work with one thumb. Operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding markers are just a button press away. Dig deeper to find features like limiting, low cut filtering, a built-in chromatic tuner and more.

One new feature that makes the DR-05 easy to operate is the new Peak Reduction feature. This setting automatically sets your recording level by listening to the input and adjusting for the best level. Unlike Auto Gain settings, this one only goes down to prevent accidental distortion after a period of low level like a break. Peak Recording works in rehearsal mode or in record, so if the performance is louder than the soundcheck you're still safe. Used with the built-in limiter, it's unlikely you'll distort your career-making live recording.

Other classic TASCAM features are included, like Variable Speed Audition to loop and slow down music without changing the pitch - perfect for transcribing or learning new music. A Level Align function can be switched on for playback, to smooth out any sudden volume jumps, and a built-in speaker is also provided. The two AA batteries are enough to power the recorder for 17 1/2 hours, even while recording at CD quality.

For musicians and recordists at any stage of their career, there's no easier way to get great-sounding recordings than TASCAM's DR-05.

Tascam DR-05 Specifications

• Handheld Portable Recorder
• Built-in Stereo Condenser Omnidirectional Microphones with sensitivity up to 125dB SPL
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV (BWF) linear PCM recording
• Stereo MP3 recording from 32-320 kbps bit rate
• Peak Reduction function, optimized for music recording, automatically sets the gain of while recording
• Limiter and low-cut filter to help prevent distortion
• Automatic or manual level setting
• Self timer recording starts recording 5 or 10 sec. after pressing the record button for waiting until you are ready
• Auto and manual track increment
• Variable speed playback (50%-150%) without changing the pitch
• Loop and repeat playback
• Level Align feature prevents uneven volume levels during playback
• Playback EQ setting
• Editing function (Divide and delete)
• Up to 99 mark points on each file
• Chromatic tuner
• 1/8" stereo mic/line input
• USB 2.0 port for transfer to PC and external power
• Up to 2-second pre recording buffer
• Jump back function returns to previous point with one action (1-10, 20, 30 sec.)
• 1/8" headphone/line output
• Built-in speaker
• microSD (64MB – 2GB)/microSDHC (4GB – 32GB) card slot (2GB card included)
• Powered by 2 AA batteries, AC adapter (optional: PS-P515U), or USB bus power
• Tripod socket hole
• Dimensions: 2 3/8" W x 5 9/16" H x 1" D
• Weight: 4 1/16 oz