TASCAM DR-70D

By Brian Long

Introduction

The TASCAM DR-70D is a compact four-channel field recorder and mixer designed specifically for DSLR, mirrorless camera, filmmaking, documentary, interview, and location-sound production. Four balanced XLR/TRS combo inputs provide connections for professional microphones and line-level equipment, while TASCAM HDDA microphone preamps deliver clean amplification with an Equivalent Input Noise specification of -120dBu or lower.

The DR-70D records up to four tracks of 96kHz/24-bit WAV or BWF audio and incorporates dedicated features for working alongside a camera. Camera input and output connections simplify monitoring and guide-track recording, while automatic and manual slate tones assist with synchronization during post-production. Built-in stereo microphones, 24V/48V phantom power, dual recording, input delay, limiting, low-cut filtering, Mid-Side decoding, and flexible camera mounting make the DR-70D a practical centerpiece for compact video-production audio rigs.

Features, Specifications, and Manuals

Features
  • Four-Track Field Recording: Record up to four channels simultaneously for professional video, interview, documentary, and location-sound applications.
  • Designed for DSLR and Video Production: Compact form factor and dedicated camera connections make the DR-70D an effective audio companion for DSLR, mirrorless, and professional video-camera workflows.
  • 96kHz / 24-Bit Recording: Supports linear PCM WAV and Broadcast Wave Format recording at 44.1, 48, or 96kHz with 16-bit or 24-bit resolution.
  • Four XLR/TRS Combo Inputs: Four balanced professional inputs accommodate microphone and line-level sources for flexible production-sound configurations.
  • TASCAM HDDA Microphone Preamps: High Definition Discrete Architecture microphone preamps provide clean amplification with an Equivalent Input Noise specification of -120dBu or lower.
  • 24V / 48V Phantom Power: XLR inputs provide selectable phantom power for compatible professional condenser microphones.
  • Professional Line-Level Inputs: XLR/TRS connections support professional +4dBu nominal line-level equipment.
  • Built-In Stereo Microphones: Two omnidirectional microphones provide convenient stereo ambience and reference recording without requiring external microphones.
  • 4-In/2-Out Mixer: Four inputs feed an internal stereo mixer, allowing individual channel recording while creating a stereo mix for monitoring and camera output.
  • Independent Input Level Controls: Dedicated controls provide quick adjustment of channels 1–4 during production.
  • Camera Output: Send a stereo mix from the DR-70D to the camera, providing a guide track that can simplify synchronization during editing.
  • Camera Input: Monitor audio playback from a connected camera through the DR-70D without having to disconnect the production audio system.
  • Adjustable Camera Output Level: Camera output can be attenuated to accommodate microphone-level camera inputs and help prevent overloading the camera’s audio circuitry.
  • Slate Tone Generator: Automatic or manually triggered slate tones provide clear waveform references for synchronizing separately recorded audio and video in post-production.
  • Dual Recording Mode: Create a simultaneous safety recording at a lower level to provide additional protection against unexpected clipping.
  • Adjustable Safety-Track Level: Dual recording can create the secondary file from 1dB to 12dB below the primary recording level.
  • Low-Cut Filter: Selectable 40, 80, 120, 180, or 220Hz settings help reduce wind, HVAC, handling, traffic, and other unwanted low-frequency noise.
  • Limiter: Built-in limiting helps control excessive input peaks, with stereo linking available for compatible channel pairs.
  • Input Delay: Individual input delay can compensate for differences in microphone distance and help align multiple sound sources.
  • Mid-Side Decoding: Integrated MS decoding supports compatible Mid-Side stereo microphone systems.
  • 3.5mm Stereo External Input: Additional input for channels 1/2 accommodates compatible video microphones and other unbalanced stereo sources.
  • Plug-In Power: The 3.5mm external input can supply plug-in power for compatible compact microphones.
  • Dedicated Headphone Monitoring: 3.5mm headphone output provides direct monitoring during setup, recording, and playback.
  • Camera-Oriented Mounting System: Bottom tripod threads and top camera attachment hardware allow the DR-70D to integrate directly into compact camera rigs.
  • Remote Control Support: Dedicated 2.5mm REMOTE connection supports compatible TASCAM remote-control accessories.
  • Flexible Power Options: Operates from four AA batteries, USB bus power, the optional TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter, or the optional BP-6AA external battery pack.
  • Extended Battery Option: The optional BP-6AA battery pack can substantially extend operating time for long production days.
Specifications
Specification Details
Product Type 4-channel / 4-track field recorder and mixer for audio/video production
Recording Media SD / SDHC / SDXC
SD Capacity 64MB–2GB
SDHC Capacity 4GB–32GB
SDXC Capacity 48GB–128GB
Recording / Playback Formats WAV / BWF
Sampling Rates 44.1 / 48 / 96kHz
Resolution 16-bit / 24-bit
Maximum Channels 4
Maximum Simultaneous Recording Tracks 4
Built-In Microphones 2 × omnidirectional microphones
Professional Inputs 4 × balanced XLR/TRS combo jacks
XLR Wiring Pin 1 Ground / Pin 2 Hot / Pin 3 Cold
Mic Input Impedance 2kΩ
Mic Maximum Input Level 0dBu
Mic Minimum Input Level -72dBu
Mic Gain — Low +21dB
Mic Gain — Mid +36dB
Mic Gain — High +51dB
Mic Gain — High Plus +63dB
Phantom Power 24V ±4V or 48V ±4V, 10mA/channel
Line Input Impedance 10kΩ or greater
Line Nominal Input Level +4dBu
Line Maximum Input Level +20dBu
EXT IN 1/2 3.5mm stereo mini jack with plug-in power
EXT IN Input Impedance 10kΩ
EXT IN Maximum Input Level +10dBV
EXT IN Minimum Input Level -50dBV
Camera Input 3.5mm stereo mini jack
Camera Input Impedance 10kΩ
Camera Input Nominal Level -10dBV
Camera Input Maximum Level +6dBV
Line Output 3.5mm stereo mini jack
Line Output Impedance 200Ω
Line Output Nominal Level -10dBV
Line Output Maximum Level +6dBV
Camera Output 3.5mm stereo mini jack
Camera Output Impedance 200Ω
Camera Output Nominal Level -40dBV
Camera Output Maximum Level -24dBV
Headphone Output 3.5mm stereo mini jack
Maximum Headphone Output 20mW + 20mW
Low-Cut Filter 40 / 80 / 120 / 180 / 220Hz
USB Connection Micro-B
USB Standard USB 2.0 High Speed mass storage
Remote Connection 2.5mm TRS
Frequency Response — 44.1/48kHz 20Hz–20kHz, +0.5/-2dB
Frequency Response — 96kHz 20Hz–40kHz, +0.5/-3dB
Distortion 0.02% or less
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 92dB or greater
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN) -120dBu or lower
Power 4 × AA alkaline or NiMH batteries; USB bus power; optional PS-P520U AC adapter; optional BP-6AA battery pack
Maximum Power Consumption 5W
Alkaline Battery Life — XLR/TRS, Phantom Off Approx. 6 hours
Alkaline Battery Life — XLR/TRS, Phantom On Approx. 3.5 hours
Alkaline Battery Life — Built-In Mics Approx. 11 hours
Dimensions (W × H × D) 169 × 55.2 × 106.5mm (6.65 × 2.2 × 4.2 in), with top adapter attached
Weight Without Batteries 530g (1.16 lb)
Weight With Batteries 625g (1.37 lb)
Operating Temperature 0–40°C (32–104°F)
Manuals and Documents
  • Owner’s Manual - TASCAM owner’s manual covering setup, connections, basic operation, troubleshooting, and specifications.
  • Reference Manual - Detailed reference documentation covering recording modes, mixer functions, camera integration, slate tones, input processing, and system configuration.
  • TASCAM DR-70D Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, firmware, manuals, compatibility information, and support resources.