Tascam DR-100 short samples

[jnorman]

i managed to grab a couple of short clips during a flute/piano session yesterday to test the Tascam DR-100. below are posted sample recordings using the internal mics (uni), a pair of km184s into the DR-100 XLR inputs, and a pair of km184s using my studio gear (bypassing the DR-100).

the unit seems well built, and the user interface is fast, clean, and easy to understand. controls operate well and there are enough dedicated buttons that you can access most common stuff without having to navigate any menus. the unit powers up and down very quickly, which is nice. transfer of files to computer is also easy and striaghtforward. there is a lot of gain available for the XLR inputs - i had input set on "6"(which gave me average input level of about -4dB), and some louder sections of that recording triggered the limiter. i intentionally set the input level a bit too high for that sample in order to test the limiter - you will hear the limiter kick in, and unfortunately, distort a bit. however, other than slightly overloading the limiter during this sample, i had no problems with the unit. it did let me know that in the field, it will be better to use a more nominal input level (avg ~-12dB or so), and not try to count on the internal limiter . i have not used the unit long enough to test the battery time. i also have not yet updated the newest firmware - the new firmware update gives the unit the ability to record at 96khz/24 bit.

sample1 - Uni (internal mics)
sample 2 - KM184s into DR-100 XLR inputs
sample 3 - KM184s into lexicon u42s into reaper

[jnorman]

samples.

[bloodyh]

Hey jnorman thanks a lot

[jnorman]

mon plaisir.

[monkeyxx]

yeah, I'm looking at the DR-100 too, thanks!

[didier.brest]

I can't say that I prefer the KM184 to the internal mics...

But I much prefer you studio gear to the Tascam. It sounds like the mic placement or steering would not be the same in this third take, the piano being on right while it is on the middle (internal mics) or a bit to left (KM 184) in the Tascam takes. Nonetheless the take with the internal mics is interesting, having more room than both other ones.