TASCAM FR-AV4

By 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.

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.