TASCAM FR-AV2

By Brian Long

TASCAM FR-AV2 Professional 2-Channel Audio Recorder

The TASCAM FR-AV2 is a compact professional 2-channel field recorder designed for video production, location sound, filmmaking, interviews, and other applications where dependable high-quality audio needs to stay synchronized with picture. It records WAV/BWF audio at up to 192 kHz and supports 32-bit float recording, providing a flexible workflow for capturing sources with wide or unpredictable dynamic range.

Two balanced XLR/TRS combo inputs provide connectivity for professional microphones and line-level sources, with selectable 24V or 48V phantom power available through the XLR inputs. TASCAM Ultra HDDA microphone preamps, a dynamic range of 132 dB or greater, and an EIN of -127 dBu or lower provide the low-noise performance needed for demanding production audio.

For video workflows, the FR-AV2 includes SMPTE timecode input and output, making it easier to synchronize separately recorded audio with cameras and other production equipment. It can also function as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface supporting up to 32-bit float resolution, extending the recorder beyond field recording into computer and mobile production workflows.

Features

Professional 32-Bit Float Recording

  • Professional 2-channel portable audio recorder
  • WAV/BWF recording at 24-bit or 32-bit float
  • Sampling rates up to 192 kHz
  • Dual A/D converter architecture
  • TASCAM Ultra HDDA microphone preamplifiers
  • 132 dB or greater dynamic range
  • Mic preamp EIN of -127 dBu or lower
  • Automatic file-closing functionality helps protect already recorded audio

Professional Mic and Line Inputs

  • Two balanced XLR/TRS combo inputs
  • Microphone and line-level operation
  • Selectable 24V / 48V phantom power through XLR microphone inputs
  • Maximum balanced line input level of +24 dBu
  • Additional 3.5 mm stereo input
  • Selectable 2.5V / 5V plug-in power for compatible microphones

Timecode for Video Production

  • Integrated timecode input and output
  • SMPTE ST 12-1 compliant
  • Supports common production frame rates including:
    • 23.98 fps
    • 24 fps
    • 25 fps
    • 29.97 fps
    • 29.97 drop-frame
    • 30 fps
  • Designed to simplify synchronization of separately recorded audio and video
  • High-precision TCXO clock generator
  • Wireless timecode synchronization with compatible equipment available when configured with supported optional accessories

Production Tools

  • Input low-cut filter
  • Compressor
  • Limiter
  • Noise gate
  • Adjustable input delay from 0–300 ms
  • Adjustable output delay from 0–300 ms
  • Mark functions
  • Auto-slate tone functions
  • BEXT and iXML WAV metadata support

Monitoring and Connectivity

  • Dedicated 3.5 mm stereo headphone output
  • 50 mW + 50 mW maximum headphone output
  • 3.5 mm line/timecode output
  • USB Type-C connection
  • USB 2.0 High Speed
  • USB mass-storage support
  • Optional Bluetooth functionality using the TASCAM AK-BT2 Bluetooth Adapter
  • Bluetooth audio monitoring available with the optional AK-BT2
  • Compatible with TASCAM Recorder Connect for supported remote-control workflows

USB Audio Interface

The FR-AV2 can also operate as a 2-input / 2-output USB audio interface, making it useful for computer and mobile recording in addition to standalone field recording.

  • USB Audio Class 2.0
  • 48 kHz / 96 kHz operation
  • 24-bit or 32-bit float
  • 2 input channels
  • 2 output channels

Compact Field Design

  • Compact fiberglass enclosure
  • Designed for use with camera rigs and portable production systems
  • 2-inch color LCD
  • Powered by three AA batteries or USB
  • Supports microSDXC cards up to 512 GB
  • Approximately 195 g / 6.9 oz without batteries
Specifications

Recording

Specification Value
Recording Media microSD, microSDHC, microSDXC
Maximum Card Capacity 512 GB
Recording Format WAV (BWF)
Sampling Frequencies 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz
Bit Depth 24-bit, 32-bit float
Recording / Playback Tracks 2 maximum

Mic / Line Inputs 1–2

Specification Value
Connector XLR/TRS combo × 2
XLR Wiring Pin 1: GND, Pin 2: HOT, Pin 3: COLD
TRS Wiring Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND
Mic Maximum Input Level +4 dBu
Mic Minimum Input Level -76 dBu
Mic Input Impedance 2 kΩ or greater
Phantom Power +24 V / +48 V
Line Maximum Input Level +24 dBu
Line Nominal Input Level +4 dBu
Line Input Impedance 8 kΩ or greater

3.5 mm External / Timecode Input

Specification Value
Connector 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
Maximum Audio Input Level 1 dBV
Nominal Audio Input Level -19 dBV
Minimum Audio Input Level -79 dBV
Input Impedance ≥6 kΩ with plug-in power off; ≥1.6 kΩ with plug-in power on
Plug-In Power +2.5 V / +5.0 V
Timecode Input Impedance 10 kΩ or greater
Timecode Input Level 0.5–5.0 Vp-p

Line / Timecode Output

Specification Value
Connector 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
Nominal Line Output Level -10 dBV
Maximum Line Output Level +6 dBV
Line Output Impedance 210 Ω
Timecode Format SMPTE ST 12-1 compliant

Headphone Output

Specification Value
Connector 3.5 mm stereo mini jack
Maximum Output 50 mW + 50 mW
Supported Load 16–400 Ω

USB

Specification Value
Connector USB Type-C
Transfer Standard USB 2.0 High Speed
Device Classes Mass Storage, USB Audio 2.0
USB Audio Sampling Rates 48 kHz, 96 kHz
USB Audio Resolution 24-bit, 32-bit float
USB Audio Channels 2-in / 2-out

Audio Performance

Specification Value
Mic Preamp EIN -127 dBu or lower
Dynamic Range 132 dB or greater
THD+N 0.02% or less
Frequency Response at 48 kHz 20 Hz–20 kHz, +0 / -0.5 dB
Frequency Response at 96 kHz 20 Hz–40 kHz, +0.5 / -1.0 dB
Frequency Response at 192 kHz 20 Hz–60 kHz, +0.5 / -3.0 dB

Power and Physical Specifications

Specification Value
Battery Power 3 × AA
Supported Battery Types Alkaline, NiMH, lithium
External Power USB bus power
Optional AC Adapter TASCAM PS-P520U
Maximum Power Consumption 3.8 W
Dimensions (W × H × D) 99 × 80 × 40 mm
Dimensions (Approx.) 3.9 × 3.1 × 1.6 in
Weight With Batteries 267 g / 9.4 oz
Weight Without Batteries 195 g / 6.9 oz
Operating Temperature 0–40 °C / 32–104 °F
Manuals and Documents

Manuals

Application and Workflow Documents

Manufacturer Resources

Note: Firmware, documentation, compatibility information, and specifications may be updated by TASCAM. Check the manufacturer’s product page for the latest available resources.