TASCAM FR-AV4
Brian Long
Introduction
The TASCAM FR-AV4 is a professional 4-channel field recorder built for filmmaking, location sound, video production, content creation, and other applications where high-quality multichannel audio must integrate closely with camera workflows. Four balanced XLR/TRS combo inputs with TASCAM Ultra HDDA microphone preamps provide professional connectivity, while dual A/D converters and 32-bit float recording deliver the dynamic range needed to capture everything from quiet dialogue to unpredictable high-level sources.
Designed specifically for audio-for-video production, the FR-AV4 combines an integrated timecode generator with HDMI input and output for camera synchronization. It can receive clock and timecode information from compatible cameras, pass HDMI video through to an external monitor or recorder, replace selected HDMI audio channels with audio from the FR-AV4, and even synchronize multiple FR-AV4 recorders through HDMI cascade connections. With recording at up to 192kHz, a 6-in/2-out USB audio interface, optional Bluetooth control and monitoring, and flexible battery or USB power, the FR-AV4 provides a comprehensive recording platform for professional production sound.
Product Gallery
Features, Specifications, and Manuals
Features
- Professional 4-Channel Field Recorder: Four professional inputs make the FR-AV4 well suited to multichannel dialogue, interviews, filmmaking, documentary production, location sound, and other audio-for-video applications.
- 32-Bit Float Recording: Dual A/D converter architecture and 32-bit float recording provide exceptional dynamic-range flexibility when recording sources with unpredictable levels.
- Up to 192kHz Recording: Capture professional WAV/BWF audio at 48, 96, or 192kHz with 24-bit or 32-bit float resolution.
- Up to 6 Recording Tracks: Record four individual input channels together with a 2-channel stereo master mix.
- Four Ultra HDDA Mic Preamps: TASCAM Ultra HDDA microphone preamplifiers provide low-noise, high-quality amplification for professional microphones.
- Four XLR/TRS Combo Inputs: Balanced professional inputs accept microphone and line-level sources for flexible production configurations.
- Selectable Phantom Power: +24V or +48V phantom power is available through the XLR inputs for compatible condenser microphones.
- High Dynamic Range: Provides a dynamic range of 133dB or greater from the microphone inputs to recorded PCM audio.
- Low-Noise Recording: Mic preamp equivalent input noise is rated at -127dBu or lower.
- Integrated Timecode: Built-in SMPTE-compliant LTC timecode functionality supports professional synchronization with cameras and other production equipment.
- HDMI Camera Synchronization: HDMI input allows the FR-AV4 to synchronize its clock with a compatible camera and receive HDMI timecode.
- HDMI Video Pass-Through: HDMI input and output allow video to pass from a camera through the FR-AV4 to a compatible monitor or external recorder.
- HDMI Audio Replacement: Audio recorded by the FR-AV4 can replace selected audio channels in the HDMI output stream for streamlined video-production workflows.
- HDMI Cascade Operation: Multiple FR-AV4 units can be connected through HDMI for synchronized recording, digital clock synchronization, shared timecode, and expanded multichannel recording.
- Camera Record Trigger Support: Compatible camera configurations can provide recording start/stop triggering through HDMI.
- Additional 3.5mm Input: Stereo external input supports compatible microphones and line-level sources, with selectable 2.5V or 5V plug-in power.
- Professional Production Processing: Includes low-cut filtering, limiting, EQ, noise gate, phase inversion, and input/output delay functions for production audio management.
- Ambisonic Recording Support: Supports Ambisonic recording workflows in A and B formats, including AmbiX and FuMa.
- 6-In/2-Out USB Audio Interface: Connect the FR-AV4 to a computer or compatible device for multichannel USB audio operation at 48 or 96kHz with up to 32-bit float resolution.
- Automatic File Protection: An automatic file-save function saves recording data at regular intervals to help protect valuable production audio.
- BEXT and iXML Metadata: Professional metadata support helps integrate recorded files into broadcast, film, television, and post-production workflows.
- Optional Bluetooth Connectivity: Add the optional TASCAM AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter for compatible wireless remote-control and monitoring workflows.
- TASCAM Recorder Connect: Compatible with the TASCAM Recorder Connect application for supported remote-control operation.
- Flexible Power Options: Operates from four AA batteries, USB bus power, or the optional TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Professional 4-channel field recorder |
| Recording Media | SD / SDHC / SDXC cards |
| Maximum Card Capacity | 512GB |
| WAV Format | WAV / BWF |
| WAV Sampling Rates | 48 / 96 / 192kHz |
| WAV Resolution | 24-bit / 32-bit float |
| Metadata | BEXT, iXML |
| MP3 Format | 48kHz, 128 / 192 / 256 / 320kbps |
| Input Channels | 4 |
| Maximum Recording / Playback Tracks | 6 (4 inputs + 2-channel master mix) |
| Mic / Line Inputs | 4 × balanced XLR/TRS combo jacks |
| Mic Maximum Input Level | +4dBu |
| Mic Minimum Input Level | -76dBu |
| Mic Input Impedance | 2.0kΩ or greater |
| Phantom Power | +24V / +48V selectable |
| Line Maximum Input Level | +24dBu |
| Line Nominal Input Level | +4dBu |
| Line Input Impedance | 8kΩ or greater |
| External Input | 3.5mm stereo mini jack |
| External Input Plug-In Power | +2.5V / +5.0V |
| External Input Maximum Level | +1dBV |
| External Input Nominal Level | -19dBV |
| Line / Camera / TC Output | 3.5mm stereo mini jack |
| Line Nominal Output Level | -14dBV |
| Line Maximum Output Level | +6dBV |
| Camera Nominal Output Level | -34dBV |
| Camera Maximum Output Level | -14dBV |
| Headphone Output | 3.5mm stereo mini jack |
| Maximum Headphone Output | 50mW + 50mW into 32Ω |
| Recommended Headphone Impedance | 16–600Ω |
| Timecode Input / Output | 3.5mm stereo mini jack |
| Timecode Format | LTC, SMPTE ST 12-1 compliant |
| Timecode Frame Rates | 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 29.97DF, 30 fps; support for 50 / 59.94 / 59.94DF / 60 video using half-rate timecode |
| Timecode Sync Sources | Internal, TC input, HDMI, compatible ATOMOS synchronization with optional AK-BT2 |
| HDMI Input / Output | Type-A HDMI |
| HDMI Version | HDMI 2.1 |
| HDMI Video Support | Up to 4K/60Hz and 8K/30Hz |
| USB Connection | USB Type-C |
| USB Standard | USB 2.0 High Speed |
| USB Device Classes | Mass Storage, USB Audio 2.0 |
| USB Audio | 6-in / 2-out |
| USB Audio Sampling Rates | 48 / 96kHz |
| USB Audio Resolution | 24-bit / 32-bit float |
| Mic Preamp EIN | -127dBu or lower |
| Dynamic Range | 133dB or greater |
| THD+N | 0.01% or less |
| Frequency Response at 48kHz | 20Hz–20kHz, +0 / -0.5dB |
| Frequency Response at 96kHz | 20Hz–40kHz, +0.5 / -1.0dB |
| Frequency Response at 192kHz | 20Hz–60kHz, +0.5 / -3.0dB |
| Battery Power | 4 × AA alkaline, NiMH, or lithium batteries |
| External Power | USB bus power |
| Optional AC Adapter | TASCAM PS-P520U |
| Maximum Power Consumption | 5.4W |
| Dimensions (W × H × D) | 184 × 42 × 130mm (7.24 × 1.65 × 5.12 in), including protrusions |
| Weight With Batteries | 756g (1.67 lb) |
| Weight Without Batteries | 660g (1.46 lb) |
| Operating Temperature | 0–40°C (32–104°F) |
Manuals and Documents
- Owner’s Manual - Complete operating instructions covering recording, input configuration, HDMI synchronization, timecode, USB audio, Bluetooth operation, system settings, and technical specifications.
- HDMI Tested Camera List - TASCAM’s compatibility test results for HDMI clock synchronization, timecode, and record start/stop operation with supported camera models.
- TASCAM FR-AV4 Downloads - Current manuals, tested storage media, firmware, drivers, compatibility information, and TASCAM Recorder Connect resources.
- TASCAM FR-AV4 Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information and support resources.