TASCAM DR-70D
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.
Product Gallery
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.