TASCAM DR-44WL Detailed Recorder Review

[@MaksimYuryev]

DR-44WL Amazon► geni.us/gzE ► bhpho.to/1q5SNsZ

[@gamma2816]

Hey man, stupid question as I guess that's what it's for... but can the metronome be on in your headphones while you record on the Tascam DR-44WL? Nice video btw! Finally a channel that review these things in a good and straight to the point way. ^^

[@Narinjas]

Tascam DR-44WL VS Tascam DR-100MKIII (VS budget Tascam DR-05)

[@Mr.SmashKab]

I got one of these about 2 years ago, I use it religiously for tracking demos and other random stuff in the studio. I think it's one of the most useful tools I've ever bought. and Now that I have a phone that doesn't suck I might start using that wifi though it hasn't been necessary.

[@Swingkid14]

Is it possible to record over already recorded tracks? I only need 4 channel for guitar, bass, voice and extra. But I record everything on my own.

[@2inchfromtheground]

the tascam has different settings like "interview" where you have to press record twice (first press lets you set levels) or auto where you press record once and it starts recording at current settings

[@MarottaPaul]

Very helpful thanks...mine comes today or tmrw from BH...heading out into the field for two weeks next week so looking forward to using mine...thanks!

[@eddieyoung108]

Thanks very much for this tutorial. My Sony broke, and I had to grab something quick for a video shoot tonight... this tutorial was extremely helpful!!

[@cdurkinz]

Wow it comes with all the accessories I had to buy separate with my DR-40.

[@TollRoads101]

Small point, but that is not a quarter-inch jack on the back. It's the tripod mount!

[@mutantone9999]

It seems you're the best reviewer for DR-44WL today, great work! Do you have any opinion about the quality of line input recording between DR-40, DR-44WL, and H5? Need a portable recorder to record mix output from analog mixing desk. Would be super nice if you add line input comparison ;-)

[@MaksimYuryev]

Hi mutantone9999. Thanks for your comment I'm glad you enjoyed the video. I don't think i'll be able to add on to this video, or really make another one. I have about 10 video planning and with the new release of the NX1 I'll be booked. These vids do take quite a while to make (if you want to do a good job) and im currently working about 80hrs a week. My honest opinion would be to buy the Zoom H5. The actual sound quality will be very similar, (from my use) If your an audiophile you may be able to tell the difference but most people like myself wouldn't. Not sure if you checked it out but on my comparison video's I tested the sound difference using a shotgun mic inserted in the XLR inputs maybe that would help?

[@mutantone9999]

Thank you for your reply, of course I had checked the part of using mic inserted in the XLR input and also all the comparison in your video, then I could like DR-40 for now :-) But I still want to know the quality of line input for a mix so that gonna be my task :-P Thanks again and have a nice break sometimes!

[@wsymsa6604]

MTR is Multi Track not Metronome

[@DanielSmith-ee6gm]

How does he not know that???

[@TabPigH0ser]

I bought one last week. Still figuring it out. This video was very helpful. One thing I want to use it for is to multi-track record, playing bagpipe melody and overdubbing with the harmony. I upgraded to this from the DR-05. I can see a lot of possibilities with this recorder. The dual-record mode with a second 12db cut track is going to be great for recording the pipes, and I think it's going to be great for recording guitar and vocal tracks too. I'll also use it to capture sound tracks for videos. My initial impression is that this is an impressive device - but there is a steep learning curve.

[@stumchale1]

Hey TabPigH0ser - I just bought one of these to record pipe bands. Any tips I should know? Concerned about Db etc

[@TabPigH0ser]

Stu McHale Watch the levels and the peaks. You may want to set the auto-limiter. The problem with pipe bands is that sometimes you can't get a good level before the performance, unless you can get in the practice circle in the space where they will perform. As you know, pipes are tough to record, but I think it's the snares that are the biggest headache. I used the dual-record feature just in case. So far I've only recorded inside in a large room. If I was doing a serious recording, I'd probably go 4-track getting the ambient room sound with the built-in condensers and then using a large diaphragm in the circle for the pipers and another mic, maybe a dynamic, like an SM-57, for the drums. Mic placement would be the key to getting a good balance between pipes and drums. If you're capturing them in motion, I'd put the recorder on a boom, use headphones, and use the DR Control to set levels on the fly. I'm no recording expert by any means though.

[@stumchale1]

TabPigH0ser Awesome - thanks for the quick reply mate. Sounds like a bit of work. As Im playing in the band the same time I was hoping to set the Mic up on a Mic stand (probably on the pipers side of the circle) I'm gonna have to do a bit of research on setting the levels or the auto limiter... But imagine its a case of trial and error... Thanks again for your help - appreciate it mate

[@TabPigH0ser]

Stu McHale Yer welcome. I set up on a tripod and had my son run the recorder after a quick instruction on setting levels. I had the recorder about 20' to the rear of the pipers so there were bodies between the drums and the mic. Used headphones to monitor. We're using these to critique our performances.

[@vteckpwr]

Just finished watching your comparison video with the DR-40 and this recorder. I'm still trying to decide between the two, thanks for the video!

[@MaksimYuryev]

Thanks for watching. DR-44 gets my vote!

[@pogminfo]

Awesome review, Max!!! And so cool to see that you are using the OnePlus One!!!

[@chrislawton9419]

Great review, watched it through - very informative, Mine DR-44WL arrives later today - looking forward to using it this weekend.

[@the_fixer_guy]

I'm here in 2023, but bought one of these for $135 to upgrade from my Zoom H2(no n). Love living behind the times!

[@coach6310]

This thing sounds great and I own a zoom h6

[@DarkHarmonyProd]

Great videos Max. I've been considering this as my first field recorder. Would this be suitable for sampling sound fx? Outdoors ambient sounds, creaking floors, hammers slamming, stuff like that - using the mounted mics? Also, does this have the mono recording mode that the DR-22 has?

[@spyderlive]

Thanking you!!

[@michael86734]

Cool I have one how is the sound

[@1650million]

Very interesting product, looking forward to the Zoom H5 comparison.

[@MaksimYuryev]

thanks! working on the vid!

[@maxperspective]

The android app is much better now, you can access all menu functions on the unit. It looks just like the unit screen on your cell phone.

[@MaksimYuryev]

***** Awesome I'm glad they fixed it.

[@EvgeniyBurak]

Very nice job, thx! Tell me please, does the TASCAM DR-44WL have the automatic level function like the DR-40 does?

[@ChristianDanvill]

Have DR-44WL the Integrated audio interface function ASIO (usb) order to send the audio input Directly to you PC as Roland R-26 can ?

[@chrissauvage7206]

Hello Max, I am a metal musician and we started to rehearse, record our rehearsals while we play live in our studio and upload them to KZbin for our fans. I liked all your videos and subscribed yo your channel immediately after watching Zoom H5 and Tascam DR 44WL's review. You have a very easy going flow and I really liked how clearly you explain them. I have a very crucial question for you and I really need your advice on this. If you can take a minute to reply, I will use your advise go ahead and buy the product. While we play live in our studio (1 drum kit, vocals, 1 or 2 electric guitars with distortion). What is the best audio recording product in this kind of situation? I am %51 more into the Tascam DR 44 WL. I hope you'll see this comment and give your advice Max. Thank you for everything, wishing you the best my friend!!

[@TheSimoncio]

Great review!

[@MaksimYuryev]

+Simon San Martin Thanks!

[@cybervix1387]

I just got my DR-44WL an hour ago and I can't update the firmware. I keep getting the message "ERROR Checksum". Yes, the file is uncompressed. Any suggestions?

[@krowwduz...7441]

Were you able to update? It took some time but I was able to update.

[@cybervix1387]

Kroww duz... Yes, it was easy and fast using the Android app instead of using the memory card.

[@Liam1694u]

I just purchased the 22WL and love the Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, I'm considering swapping it for the 44WL. I am having trouble figuring out if the 44WL has the ability to overdub an existing track. The 22WL offers it as a key feature, but I don't see it as an option for the 44WL. Do you know of I can overdub a second track along side the original using this?

[@Gleborisov]

Thank you for your review of the recorder. I have one question for you. I have a new tascam dr 44 wl recorder. When working with WiFi, interference appears in the left channel. Is this normal or marriage?

[@blackandbrownmovies]

can you hear sound through your phone using the wifi set up? thanks for the video!

[@kirkstate]

very informative. can I record audio on this then sync it to video from my GoPro on Sony Vegas video editing software

[@MaksimYuryev]

Kirk State Yes.

[@FroisFilmmaker]

Hi there, I'd be curious to know whether you can take the monitoring over wi-fi and output that to Bluetooth speakers via the phone / tablet with acceptable quality and latency? Any ideas? This would be useful for events I'm filming and the client would also like to have the audio projected across the room with speakers. Thanks

[@ferrellms]

Helpful!

[@Phen0mable]

I go for Tascam

[@tarcisosantos2610]

Hi, can I mix the overdub tracks in a stereo file and do the bounce? Thank you.

[@djvolatile]

Yo man, thanks for this review. I saw somewhere the 44WL has an extra mic/line input somewhere (i think in the form of a small jack input) that can work instead of the live mics. is that correct?

[@johngmartinez5217]

Max; when will you be adding tutorials in how to use the TASCAM DR-44WL?

[@MaksimYuryev]

+JOHN G MARTINEZ No sorry, I'd suggest to use the manual.

[@artiest5]

Did you address the power ? I have one and I'm trying to figure out if I'm going to have to keep buying batteries or if i can actually use the ac adapter to charge the device.

[@sathingtonmcgregor9367]

Vincent W II I do a lot of remote recording where I don't have access to electrical outlets. I use rechargeable batteries sometimes but most often I use a rechargeable power bank to power my DR44WL. Just look for one that has a higher mAh rating.

[@dougnelson962]

I bought a 44WL yesterday - so I haven't figured out much yet - I'm a filmmaker, so I hope it's worthwhile for that purpose.

[@2inchfromtheground]

Doug Nelson i got one for filmaking and it's been great, doesn't do well in high wind (over 15mph) even with a muff and a deadcat over it. With a sennheiser mke 600, rode blimp and dead wombat, this thing is gold. Features I love are wifi, dual format recording (mp3 and wav simultaneously) dual level recording (extra track recorded at -12db from settings) and scrolling through files on the app is a breeze since I set it to Time Stamp and it can even GPS stamp through the app. Haven't had a single problem with it. Fits 128gb card that can store 60 hours of wav file at 24bit 96khz

[@ericisotalo7720]

2 things, how do I archive/save the recordings so I can start a new one, and is it really not possible to listen to the metronome in headphones while recording?

[@comafilters]

hi max, fantastic review. Just about to sort myself out with a recorder for my GH4 setup. Could you confirm that if you decide to use the Tascam DR44 internal Mics/pre-amp to feed directly into the GH4 Line Input, that there will be NO DELAY on the Audio in the Video file. i.e. - Is there a Processing Delay from Input to Output on the Unit. I'd like to record a File into the Tascam "ASWELL" as an audio file on the GH4 from the output of the Tascam. Hope this makes sense. The reason to do this is so that i have a Backup QUALITY audio file on the Tascam in case the GH4 audio file from the direct output of the Tascam isn't up to scratch. I'd rather not have to SYNC up in POST if i don't have to on some occasions. Hope you can give me a reply. Keep up[ the great reviews.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Thanks coma. Sorry I can't confirm as I just some my last GH4. join the GH4 user group and ask your question I'm sure there are people do that setup.

[@laurag1024]

Hi Max! Any recommendation for audio and video? Do you think Tascam is the best option?

[@MaksimYuryev]

+Laura G Personally I like this better amzn.to/1Y3IZBk

[@ryszardm9477]

Can you show something about the Tascam DR100MK3?

[@reportefaravahar2778]

hi! thanks for your video! very nice I already have my tascam dr 44 but I will love to know how to connect my dr-44 into my camara D5200 ti sync sound and video at the same time. thanks for your time!

[@3dmaxuser]

you would need some sort of timecode generating device and feed its output to your camera and the DR44, or you could just mount the DR44 on your camera and at the start of each recording simply clap your hands just like we did in the old days :)

[@beltenebrosgr1904]

Max, could you please tell me... will the DR-44 be good using it instead of a mic mounted on a camera, either for RnG jobs or pro recording on weddings, theatrical plays, etc. or a shotgun like Sennheiser Me64 (not that long as the Mke 600) would be better? I would really appreciate your opinion. Take care.

[@ramboucat]

Thx man)) I have it too

[@gcprost]

I purchase a DR 44 and I was very impressed with the recorder overall; however, I was very disappointed with the performance of the wifi on the first paying gig. I virtually had to turn off the wifi. Gerry in Calgary.

[@elmoste]

HELLO NEED TO RECORD A MUSIC SET FOR LINE AS CAN HELP SHUT OFF THE MICROPHONE RECORDER IS A TASCAM DR 44WL

[@stjepangatti6487]

This may be a stupid question but what if i want to connect a microphone which doesn't require phantom power

[@JohnMagic]

Hello, Max. You create magic reviews. But if we compare the Zoom h6 and dr-44wl? Then what is your personal choice? Thank you!

[@MaksimYuryev]

This is the one that I personally own and use regularly amzn.to/1SYM70a

[@JohnMagic]

+Max Yuryev, definitely a good choice. However, if you have the opportunity to buy a zoom h6, it is worth thinking about buying dr-44wl?

[@MaksimYuryev]

+GusevEvgeniy No I'd just go for h6.

[@JohnMagic]

+Max, thanks for the help and valuable advice!

[@zeusproduction4413]

thanks for video what lav mic you're using with zoom h1?

[@MaksimYuryev]

No prob, This one is what I use. I have 4-5 different kind this is by far the best for the money amzn.to/1xaiOwQ

[@sambutcher4344]

I have just ordered this to mount in the cabin of a car, with the intention of running a lead with an ext mic near the exhaust. Will I be able to set for example the internal Mic's at 80% and the ext at 20% on the device or will I have to do this in post? Thanks

[@2inchfromtheground]

Sam Butcher you can do that in the field via the mixing options easily

[@TheMillionairesMentalist]

Can you describe the two inputs on the bottom and how they work? Are there two for stereo? If I only use one is it only recording on L / R? Thanks?

[@MaksimYuryev]

You can set it up as L/R into one stereo file or have two separate mono files, your choice.

[@cyphermote6857]

Hi Max, I just received my unit and for some reason the black on orange display NEVER comes on. Noticed in your video that it seems to toggle on and off when a key is pressed but I cannot seem to get anything but the default black on grey screen (from the initial switch on). I tried changing the backlight settings but it didn't change the display. Even the factory restore/initialization didn't change anything. Seems to me the screen is defective - unless you know of a setting that needs to be set which gives the black on orange display presentation? (hopefully you still have your unit). Thanks.

[@MaksimYuryev]

I think you have a defective one. It should be set on from the factory.

[@cyphermote6857]

okay, thanks !

[@robinscheines6775]

Do these recorders allow for you to bounce tracks just lira a conventional multi track recorder?

[@Calvarydima]

Does it have portostudio like dr40?

[@pastajp1969]

How will this work in a bar setting where the band (rock and alternative music) has 2 speakers and 2 subs setup. Is there a good place to place the DR-44WL to get optimum sound? Right at the speakers, back 10 feet? At the moment running a line from the board to the XLR input is not an option... Should I look at extra mics? Which mics?

[@SavinoVeritas]

Hi very helpful.

[@imjake]

can you use this as an interface and also is it better than the h5?

[@szoradbese8473]

Which should I buy if I wanted to record music? The DR-100 MKII or the DR-44WL? If you could help I would be very grateful.

[@gteague]

damm max, you're everywhere dude! last i left you was in the great gh5 joseph/max wars which was quite entertaining. and btw, i wouldn't trade my gh5 for a hassleblad--over the course of 55 years in photography it's the most versatile camera i've ever owned but lusting over the leica glass has cost me big bucks. and i realize it's not even leitz anymore--they're cranking them out in china now--hundreds of german optical engineers are rotating in their graves! anyway, i have this recorder coming in a couple of days and just wanted to say hi! before i watch your video. i'm getting into hi-res audio and got the sony pcm-d100 recorder because it records dsd, but i needed one with xlr inputs which could be controlled via a smartphone--the state of recorder remote methods are pitiful, pitiful i tell you. as you'd expect, there have been a couple of major firmware updates since you posted this video and one added a router function which was critical for my use. all the reviews i've read of this recorder have had a lot of negative aspects as does your review. but having wifi capabilities and firmware updates and excellent documentation means more to me than most of the criticism of it. and besides, i have the d100 to fall back on if necessary. thanks for the video! /guy

[@alexharper5824]

If you are buying this for the Wi-Fi feature like I did be warned the Wi-Fi range is borderline useless. I'd estimate usable range at 6 meters if you are lucky. I'm going to investigate the possibility of getting a Wi-Fi repeater to boost the signal but as a out of the box Wi-Fi recorder it's very limited in range. Dual record only works with one external XLR channel, if you want to make use of the dual record feature on an external channel only one XLR will work, you completely lose the 4th channel. I'm disappointed.

[@ilyamalyuev]

I've got DR44WL and i'm thinking of swapping it for DR100 MKII. Thing is, is it worth it? I want to use AT 8022 mic, and more shotgun mics in the future, does the noise from mic amps differs in these devices? Because honestly if using onboard mics I found DR-44WL x-y scheme better than onboard mics of DR100 which have some sort of phase problems, or at least they sound like that.

[@jayarmstrong7621]

How do you listen to it

[@jayarmstrong7621]

How do you hear it

[@elave16]

could you test the lcd backlight durability .. mine if knocked from below or left side turns thebacklight off .. probably flimsy internal conectors

[@robinreese3219]

Hello, I just bought a 44WL and I am trying to connect wifi....The Android app "DR CONTROL" is asking firmware to be installed and after having done that and turning on wifi on 44 as well as on phone...I get a no go. Android app says "DR-22WL or DR-44WL is not found" Help...

[@marcelosoto-quiroga1965]

Hi, is it possible to record from the microphones over to an existing track, for instance playing an acoustic instrument over a backing track?

[@kaspy7]

Marcelo Soto-Quiroga you do that all in editing

[@marcelosoto-quiroga1965]

Thanks, Kaspy... However I still could not find how to play a mp3 track from ch- 1 and 2 (for hearing it on my headset), play along it and record my instrument on ch- 3 and 4.

[@deepinmind83]

This device is not made to do over-dubbing. However, You can use it to record along with an audio track on a separate device with headphones. Play back a song on a separate device and record on the Tascam. Then, put both the recorded and original files into a DAW like GarageBand, and line them up so they are in time. You can then mix the levels so it sounds right.

[@RitmoAntiyanoDiferente1]

hi max can you use this mic as external mic on a dslr witout using a special cable?because on the h4n this was ennoying.

[@MaksimYuryev]

It has a line out that you can plug into a dslr.

[@RitmoAntiyanoDiferente1]

thank you

[@jibulissan]

Max, The camera shoe adapter is metal or plastic?

[@2inchfromtheground]

Jibu Lissan metal

[@paulohenriqueph6180]

Zoom H5 or Tascam Dr44 ?

[@jossipierce]

Massdrop has this recorder for $200, is that a no-brainer price? Great video!

[@MaksimYuryev]

Yes!

[@micheledenno7596]

hey, I have the tascam dr44wl, I try connecting to wifi via my android phone and it won't stay connected. .but will stay connected to a Samsung tablet, any idea what the problem could be?

[@PutuStevenMendra]

what is your lav mic ?

[@MaksimYuryev]

+Putu Steven Mendra amzn.to/1LRtlDY

[@Shayler78]

If I use this recorder with a Rode NTG4+ shotgun mic, will it only record in mono? How do I get a stereo recording?

[@SamoScopom]

could I run this as an input into my 70D and also monitor the audio? :)

[@MaksimYuryev]

+SamoScopom Yup! It has both a line out and headphone out.

[@SamoScopom]

thanks a lot. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to sound ignorant. I just can't decide what to buy to improve my audio and the recorders are starting to mix-up in my head. You have great videos though. :) BTW it seems to me that this 44WL has better sound than any of the other recorders you have tested. What do you think personally? :)

[@MaksimYuryev]

+SamoScopom Honestly I can't say. It might be slightly better, but my main recorder is the Zoom h6 right now, I love the manual dials :)

[@SamoScopom]

Max Yuryev yeah, I can see that. Got to love those nobs LOL. No, for real, the manual dials are be great. The H6 might be a bit of an over kill for me, especially since I don't have any real mic and it's a bit too expensive (almost 150€ more than the DR44) anyway. On the other way the ZOOM H4n is 50€ cheaper. Do you think the TASCAM DR-44WL is better than ZOOM H4n? (I don't care about WiFI that much) :)

[@SamoScopom]

+Max Yuryev wait a second, but can you do both at the same time?

[@spellerlittlewing]

could i use this as a mp3 players also

[@kaspy7]

Greg Speller not meant for that

[@2inchfromtheground]

Greg Speller yes you can use it as an mp3 player by simply putting files on the sd card but if you are looking for an mp3 player and dont care to record audio there are much better options, like an old cell phone with an sd slot

[@spellerlittlewing]

2inchfromtheground thanks

[@jcmcovers4487]

No bubbles man, 6 years later 👋hi

[@Dt3kno]

Ok i have a question with The Wi-Fi connectivity can you upload a sound to the internet? Per example to my dropbox.

[@2inchfromtheground]

you can upload to your phone via the app and go from there

[@SigmundReboquioREB6STUDIOS]

can you set the levels on this while recording?

[@MaksimYuryev]

yes.

[@stevewall5229]

Just bought one, can I bypass mics for tracks 1 and 2 and record guitar?

[@GearMaster11]

I hate that Tascam only includes a little soft bag to keep the $300 device in, but Zoom includes a heavy-duty hard case for the H5 and its $30 less!

[@MaksimYuryev]

Yes I prefer the hard case. My h5 vs dr-44wl should go up today

[@rinaldodelucca8073]

Hi everybody. I can't make my lavalier JK MIC-J 044 Mono 3.5mm work and I don't know why. I went to a pro audio shop here in Edmonton and we tested channels 3 and 4 with their (better than mine) microphones and everything was working fine, so I believe I got the setup right. There we used several different mono adapters but none of them did work with my mic. The mic is ok, I just tested it using a Zoom H1. Thank in advance for any help.

[@argyrisliapis]

I have the same problem with you Rinaldo. Have you find a solution to your problem. I would be thankful if you could help me (send a email here: [e-mail]

[@godsakes]

If like myself you're more of a visual guy that's filming something and you just want a device to capture audio pain free (cause it's not as if you haven't got plenty of other things to worry about) - I'd say avoid this device, on a spec sheet it ticks a lot of boxes BUT the menu system seems to be designed by the same twisted people who design menus for ovens/alarms. Maybe it makes sense or is standard in the audio industry but for non-audio types it's seemly setup to trip you up and make you look like a fool in front of your clients. Everything requires 2-3 button presses before it actually does what you want, you can't even record without placing the device in a 'armed' mode. Just get the Zoom h5 it just far more intuitive.

[@Sie_Kreci]

Hi everyone. Does anyone know how to turn off the hearing protection in the tascam dr-44wl? I can't listen on my headphones while recording because it automatically goes down and it's too quiet.

[@davyfbkk]

MTR Means Multi Track Recording not Metronome.

[@chasevineland1508]

Jesus... 12:32 to get to sound quality.

[@jirkadolezal8127]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@jeffjackson8591]

Ha ha! What a picky guy.

[@Mihail_Korovkin]

Подложи звуковую дорожку на русском.

[@benzopicnicbasket5817]

Lol #nobubble

[@alexdans0n]

wouldn't it be nice to LEARN about this stuff before reviewing anything?... "MTR=Metronome"??... and the thing you call a "handheld" for the device, is something that can be mounted in a microphone clip- on a mic stand. Look up the terms, if you're not familiar with them. You wasted 7 minutes of my life... plus the time to write this

[@3dmaxuser]

How about the screw hole for a stand that he calls a quarter inch jack :)

[@jayarmstrong7621]

How do you hear it