Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community - View Single Post - Tascam DR-1 Field test results. My Conclusion/Review.

Shauk · 06-12-2008, 10:23 PM

Ok so I just picked this up online for a wopping awesome price of 230$

For anyone looking in to an affordable solid state recorder, this is quite excellent.

Apparently, the 1st model of this was released in Feb, (I have the 3rd production run) this is the only "review" I can find that isn't surface/dismissive. I hate reviews that are merely a recap of the features listed on the box/website. Give me real numbers and real sounds, describe real situations, and well... One guy is doing just that, and this thread seems to have a cult following now.

Right now, at this price point, It has competition from a company that I also buy from, maybe you know them, M-Audio.

M-Audio's entry in to this arena is the "Multi Track II"
now, this, I was actually able to find a review or 2 on, and youtube videos of usability tests that made it look pretty bad... and while most people point out that it's aesthetically pleasing, I prefer my portable things to look utilitarian and inexpensive (less likely to get jacked) The thing that made me look for some other alternative, was the battery life. The "Multitrack II" reviews say 3-4 hours is about average, and that doesn't seem like enough to me considering I will want mine to come with me to any crazy event I go to with 40 bajillion DJ's and so on.

this thing has double the battery life.

now, the question is "can it record?"

well if you peeked in at that thread I linked? you'd know. (some excellent guitar riffs there)

I would link directly to the media on that thread, but quite honestly, you lose out on the experience and knowledge of what it is that you're hearing, so I suggest you read up.

beyond that, I'll provide some samples of my own

Small mp3's

Built in mic, about 15 feet back from the DJ booth with my headphones plugged in to monitor the connection, limiter on, no filter.
An acquaintance of mine walked up, you can listen in on our conversation,

One thing I noticed is this thing is pretty good at isolating different frequencies, on another recording, I was able to pick out bits of a conversation that I could "see" 15 feet from me, but not "hear" right over the music. Very sneaky

I moved around a bit toward the end, you'll hear the L/R balance change. Trying different locations for future reference to that club.
http://shauk.dj/music/mixes/other/DR000003.mp3

Line in, limiter on, straight up video game house music.
http://shauk.dj/music/mixes/other/DR000004.mp3

if anyone wants a link to an hour long set that took place that night, pm me. I gave a DJ a copy of his own mix right off of the SD card, cool stuff, he was quite thrilled with that.

I'm a walking audio sponge now

will take some trial and error with the numerous settings in different clubs, Ideally i'd just want a direct line out but I think some of the massive shows would make this an impossibility.

06-12-2008, 10:23 PM	#1 (permalink)
Shauk Confused Adult Location: Spokane, WA	Tascam DR-1 Field test results. My Conclusion/Review. Ok so I just picked this up online for a wopping awesome price of 230$ For anyone looking in to an affordable solid state recorder, this is quite excellent. Apparently, the 1st model of this was released in Feb, (I have the 3rd production run) this is the only "review" I can find that isn't surface/dismissive. I hate reviews that are merely a recap of the features listed on the box/website. Give me real numbers and real sounds, describe real situations, and well... One guy is doing just that, and this thread seems to have a cult following now. Right now, at this price point, It has competition from a company that I also buy from, maybe you know them, M-Audio. M-Audio's entry in to this arena is the "Multi Track II" now, this, I was actually able to find a review or 2 on, and youtube videos of usability tests that made it look pretty bad... and while most people point out that it's aesthetically pleasing, I prefer my portable things to look utilitarian and inexpensive (less likely to get jacked) The thing that made me look for some other alternative, was the battery life. The "Multitrack II" reviews say 3-4 hours is about average, and that doesn't seem like enough to me considering I will want mine to come with me to any crazy event I go to with 40 bajillion DJ's and so on. this thing has double the battery life. now, the question is "can it record?" well if you peeked in at that thread I linked? you'd know. (some excellent guitar riffs there) I would link directly to the media on that thread, but quite honestly, you lose out on the experience and knowledge of what it is that you're hearing, so I suggest you read up. beyond that, I'll provide some samples of my own Small mp3's Built in mic, about 15 feet back from the DJ booth with my headphones plugged in to monitor the connection, limiter on, no filter. An acquaintance of mine walked up, you can listen in on our conversation, One thing I noticed is this thing is pretty good at isolating different frequencies, on another recording, I was able to pick out bits of a conversation that I could "see" 15 feet from me, but not "hear" right over the music. Very sneaky I moved around a bit toward the end, you'll hear the L/R balance change. Trying different locations for future reference to that club. http://shauk.dj/music/mixes/other/DR000003.mp3 Line in, limiter on, straight up video game house music. http://shauk.dj/music/mixes/other/DR000004.mp3 if anyone wants a link to an hour long set that took place that night, pm me. I gave a DJ a copy of his own mix right off of the SD card, cool stuff, he was quite thrilled with that. I'm a walking audio sponge now will take some trial and error with the numerous settings in different clubs, Ideally i'd just want a direct line out but I think some of the massive shows would make this an impossibility.