Tascam DR-40X 4-Channel / 4-Track Portable Audio Recorder and USB Interface with Adjustable Mic Tascam

For podcasts, sound effects, and music recording applications, the Tascam DR-40X portable handheld recorder is capable of capturing up to four tracks of high-resolution audio with no external microphones required. Its onboard unidirectional condenser mics can be set for a wide or tight stereo image, and may be used simultaneously with the mic/line combo inputs. Equally adept as a handheld device or when used in stand- or camera-mounted setups, the DR-40X can handle anything from sampling sessions and interviews to podcasts and live concerts.

Flexible powering methods—batteries, USB bus power, or an AC adapter—make the DR-40X well suited to on-the-go recording, all-day video shoots, and computer-based audio production. Need to patch in external mics or an outboard mixer? The DR-40X’s two balanced XLR-1/4″ inputs accommodate mic- or line-level signals (even +4 dBu from professional consoles) and can supply phantom power if needed. Whether you use the built-in mics or an external source, selectable modes such as stereo safety track recording, peak reduction, limiting, and auto level give you options for achieving a clean, undistorted recording.

Adjustable Unidirectional Microphones

The DR-40X’s onboard condenser microphones empower you with stereo capture or 2 x stereo capture when used with the mic/line inputs. For sources producing sound pressure levels up to 125 dB, loud concerts won’t be a problem. Whereas the DR-05X has omnidirectional mics in a fixed A-B setup, the DR-40X features adjustable unidirectional mics. The unidirectional mics minimize the pickup of sound entering from the rear of the capsules, resulting in a more focused tone with fewer reflections.

Easily pivot the capsules between two mic configurations to complement your sound source—use the A-B position (capsules facing outward) to produce a wide stereo image, or switch to the X-Y position (capsules facing inward) if you need a tighter stereo field with a strong center presence and fewer phase differences.

Dual XLR-1/4″ Mic/Line Inputs with Phantom Power

Dual Neutrik XLR-1/4″ TRS combo jacks support mic level and +4 dBu line level, allowing you to record external microphones or balanced outputs from a mixer or FOH console. With switchable 24V or 48V phantom power and ample gain, the mic preamps can serve a variety of microphones such as dynamic, ribbon, or condenser types. Using the onboard microphones, you can capture the ambient sound of an audience while recording direct from an external console, which is ideal for live performances.

Supports SD Cards up to 128GB

To maximize compactness and portability, the DR-40X records directly to media cards (available separately). SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards (up to 128GB capacity) are supported for long recording times even at high audio resolutions. With a 128GB card, the DR-40X can record in stereo for up to 192 hours at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz using uncompressed, BWF-compliant WAV format.

3.5mm Line/Headphone Output

When you want to record to your camera and the DR-40X, just connect the 3.5mm mini-jack output from the DR-40X into your camera’s input, then use the +/- buttons on the Home screen to adjust the output level. Alternatively, connect a pair of headphones to the 3.5mm mini jack for critical listening. Quick monitor checks can be done through the DR-40X’s built-in mono speaker.

USB Microphone and Audio Interface Functionality

Connect the DR-40X to your Mac/Windows computer or iOS device via USB for real-time bidirectional audio routing. Once recognized and configured, the DR-40X can be used as a USB microphone or 2-in/2-out audio interface for your favorite audio software. For convenient file transfers, the DR-40X can function as a card reader when connected via USB.

Powered via AA Batteries, USB, or AC Adapter

Using the three included AA alkaline batteries, you can power the DR-40X for up to 18 hours of stereo recording time at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution. For long-duration sessions that require extended recording time, the DR-40X may be powered via a USB connection to a computer or mobile battery, or through the Tascam PS-P520E AC adapter (available separately).

Ideal for Handheld or Tripod-Mounted Use

Designed for optimal portability, the DR-40X is both compact and light. The streamlined body lends itself to comfortable use when held in the hand or placed in a pocket. To foil unplanned button presses in such situations, engage the side-panel hold switch. Utilize the 1/4″-20 threaded hole on the underside of the DR-40X to mount it on a mic stand or tripod for stable, stationary positioning, or attach the included tilt foot to prevent the onboard mics from being too low when placing the unit with the bottom side down.

Stereo Safety Track Recording

Filmmakers and videographers often experience sudden audio volume spikes during filming. An actor could suddenly scream, or a documentary subject could do almost anything. The DR-40X has a dual-recording mode that captures a copy of your take from the onboard mics or external inputs at a lower level (selectable at -6 db or -12 dB) as a safety track in case of sudden distortion.

Built-In Level Modes and Signal Processing Enhance Audio Quality

Enhance the sonic impact of your audio with the DR-40X’s built-in level modes and signal processing. Engage automatic level control to increase or decrease the recording volume when the input sound is too quiet or loud, and switch on the limiter to compress the signal before it reaches the point of distortion. In rehearsal mode or while recording, the peak reduction function automatically reduces the input gain to a suitable level.

Mitigate wind noise and low-frequency rumble by selecting the low-cut filter, which can be set at 40, 80, or 120 Hz. You can even choose to apply a hall, room, studio, or plate reverb preset to the input or output signal. Upon playback, treble, mid, and bass frequencies may be boosted or reduced for custom output tone.

Selectable Recording Functions

The DR-40X offers several recording functions that simplify your workflow and save you from missing the beginning of a performance. Once enabled, the prerecord setting keeps the DR-40X in standby mode, which allows it to capture up to two seconds of signal before you press the record button. The DR-40X is also capable of recording in response to an input signal. Its auto-record function can begin recording at a user-selectable decibel threshold of -6, -12, -24, or -48 dB. If you’ll be recording yourself while playing an instrument such as piano or drums, you can use the self-timer function to initiate recording after a set period of time (5 or 10 seconds).

Nondestructive Overdubbing

The DR-40X’s overdubbing is perfect for layering a new performance over an existing track. By overdubbing, you can play an instrument or sing as you play back a saved track. Record either the combined signals or just the input signal as a new file, keeping the original recording as is.

Tone Generator for Synchronizing Files

An internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on the DR-40X and your camera. When the DR-40X is connected to a camera, an adjustable auto-tone will be sent to the camera and recorded to the DR-40X. The resulting tones can be used as guides when synchronizing your files in video editing software.

Supports External Remote Control

Hand- or foot-operated remote control is possible via the RC-3F footswitch or RC-10 wired remote (both available separately). Start/stop recording, make marks, increment tracks, and more without having to touch the DR-40X.

Additional Features

128 x 64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight

Quick-menu button for easy access to various functions

10 menu languages

Delay compensation function eliminates time lags caused by differences in the distances of two sets of inputs from the sound source

Overwrite function for punch-in recording with one level of undo

Dictation mode designed for human voice recording and transcription

Adjustable playback speed from 0.5 to 2 times (in 0.1 increments) at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz

MS decoding function allows proper stereo monitoring of a mid-side mic configuration

Automatically creates a new file when the maximum file size is reached

File divide/delete functions

Loop/repeat playback

Resume function retains the last stop point even when the DR-40X is powered off/on

Jump-back playback feature skips back 1 to 10, 20, or 30 seconds during playback

Up to 99 marks (locate points) per track

Track increment creates new files at arbitrary locations during recording

File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date

The first six characters of the file name for recording can be set freely

Playlist function

Chromatic tuner

Built-in rubber feet reduce the transfer of vibrations from a desktop or table to the onboard microphones