Tascam DR-10L PRO Review - The Recorder You Need!

[@papsny]

Agree, switched my audio to 32 bit... never looked back ever since

[@michaelrbradley1041]

Matt, AMAZING this is absolutely amazing. Yes, please show us time code with this. It’s becoming increasingly important to our workflow, and I would have NO trouble upgrading to these little guys if I can properly make time code work with Atomos or FX3, etc. thank you for your work!

[@leafcatcherstudio]

It’s nice to see more 32 bit options available. I’d still lean toward the Track E because it can supply 5V of power for lavs that require it, and its ability to monitor over bluetooth (though with a delay). I’d prefer if the Track E ran on AAAs, but at least they sell a kit where you can replace the internal battery yourself when that’s needed. I’m looking forward to seeing how Deity’s PR-2 is reviewed and if it might be a good alternative.

[@CynthiaLepage]

Yes please, it would be great to have more info about timecode. Great video, I'm considering buying these Tascam now ;)

[@edrakel]

Matt, I've really have enjoyed your knowledge and videos over the years. Today, I am retiring from the wedding business. It was fun and interesting at the same time. NO REGRETS.

[@GatesRick]

Hey Matt, if you want to monitor the DR-10L Pro, just plug a Rode Wireless Go 2 transmitter into the headphone jack. They're both so small they can still fit in a back pocket. And the latency is very low, and good enough for monitoring.

[@KONDORBLUE]

Should we make a cage for it?

[@jeffrey3205]

Hey Matt, can you do a comparison video between the Tascam and the Tentacle Track E? Also for the way that you shoot weddings do you use or have a need for timecode? I'd love to see a video with you diving into that. Great Job as usual Matt, Cheers!!!

[@jeffrey3205]

Also Matt, how do you deal wedding audio when live stream, since you can't use the Tascam or the Tentacle as wireless mics?

[@michaelangelo1887]

How in the world have manufacturers not found a way to record 32-bit internally and transmit 24-bit simultaneously? Even if the pack was double in size and cost twice as much, I would 100% buy a recorder that records 32-bit internally but still gives me the ability to monitor audio from at least 50ft. Checking to see if the waveforms are rolling is not good enough considering the main gripe I'm monitoring for is for mic rustling.

[@williamaungleyraud]

At least here in the US it seems that some company patented that, look for Deity new wireless audio system, it is capable of recording and transmitting both 32 bit float and 24 bit, except due to patent infringement they could not do both simultaneously within the US so perhaps international models will do it, and the US model will not, major bummer due to the high price tag. I'm with you, every brand wireless system should already do 32bit float recording by default.

[@michaelangelo1887]

@@williamaungleyraud If this is a patent infringement issue then I would be livid. Patenting very useful tech almost always slows down the industry. We see it happening with RED Raw recording. We also see it in gaming with the Nemesis system. This shit irks me to no end.

[@williamaungleyraud]

@@michaelangelo1887 💯 % if they ever make an international model, or people find a way to hack the thing into the international model, or some firmware wizardry I'd have to buy the gray market unit. Yet that's true, the whole industry gets held back due to patent monopolies.

[@richardnayfilms2812]

Tentacle Track’s have been able to do this…

[@williamaungleyraud]

@@richardnayfilms2812 capable of transmitting and recording 32bit float audio, are you sure?

[@DevynFromCFXTV]

I had the 10L based on what you and Curtis said, but recently the unit just stopped working. I just got static, but the microphone works still. Excited for this one.

[@JoshBirman]

Would love to see a timecode specific video! Especially compared to the Tentacle Sync TrackE.

I bought the DR-10L because of a video I saw from you. Game changer, has never failed me. I will definitely upgrade to this on.

[@Alex-jb4ke]

Tascam is amazing, just amazing quality product. Thanks for the new video!

[@BenPatrik]

Just shot my first wedding and bought this lil recorder last minute. Only mic’d up the groom though. Doesn’t 32-bit float audio make it possible to capture bride and groom vocals in clear quality all from just the groom’s lav? Also yes please do a video about time codes

[@andregonzalez4476]

Matt! Amazing video 🔥 I have 4 DR-10L recorders and I love them, but this may have to be the next purchase!! I would love to see your take on the best settings for the pro & the time code setup (integrating it w/ other gear)? You rock!!

[@bbkintanar]

as if i couldn't love the Tascam 10L anymore than i already did, Tascam comes out with this AMAZING upgrade! definitely gonna go invest in these!

[@Alex-jb4ke]

Both Tascam recorders and Phillips mp3 players are the most reliable and the most high quality products I've ever seen

[@HwayVision]

Out of all the products released this is definitely the most helpful

[@andrewsaraceni]

Great review! Looks like they knocked this out of the park. The original DR-10L has been rock solid over the years, so I'm looking forward to giving these a go.

[@themartinandersson]

11:00 "gain setting to high-mid". With 32 bit float, why would you have any gain setting at all?

[@ngonzale3]

Even though I own Rode wireless go’s, thinking that it would speed up my workflow, I still return to my dr-10l’s because they’ve been so reliable. Looks like I’ll be picking the new version too.

[@AaronGood7]

Someone may have mentioned this already but I kept waiting for you to mention the build quality but it was not mentioned. Thanks for everything else tho!

[@OverlandEdits]

Hey Matt I got a big problem here with my new DR10L Pro. I’ve used the previous version and love them. I’m REALLY missing the track increment feature. Having those 15minute chunks was WAY easier for the Final Cut to sync in post. Having to sync a short video file with a massive 6 hour file pretty much fails every time. Really wish they would have left it as an option as the previous generation worked so well for my needs.

[@whoismatt]

Sorry to hear that! This is the first complaint I’ve heard about the lack of increment feature

[@OverlandEdits]

@@whoismatt yeah I think it’s just the nature of my shooting. I’m running and gunning grabbing shots where I can. And my subjects have external audio. So when my camera only has a 10 seconds of audio and the program has to search through that long 6 or so hour audio clip it struggles big time. I’ve had to work around it by manually chopping up the audio into chunks to give the program a smaller sample to search for an audio match.

[@caughtonfilmwa5268]

1:10 yup! Bought the original in large part due to you, and, well I bought the new one due to a friend as somehow I missed this video, but here I am now that I have it! Also, almost a year later and its down to the $200 of the original

[@petercofrancesco9812]

Great review. While all these features are welcomed and great I won't be upgrading because the sound quality is the same as the previous version that I own. The biggest draw back to this recorder is you can't monitor the audio and you have to import and sync in post. The timecode is a pain with this. There is also a lot of competition for this type of recorder. Many will opt for wireless mics that transmit the audio back to the camera like Rode Go. For weddings the Tascam DR10L still has an advantage of setting it up early in the day when the bride/groom are dressing and leave it recording all day.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

The only thing missing for me is an output. That way you can but the recorder in between a wireless mic pack since most radio wireless mics don't have a build in recorder for backup.

[@williamaungleyraud]

Please cover the Deity PR-2 recorder. 😎👍👍

[@whoismatt]

Planning on it

[@AndyKunkel]

I still use the OG DL 10 religiously. Constant DL10 sales on B&H

[@travelwithdax]

This review is SO GOOD Matt! Can't wait to buy a couple of this soon! Will use your link as well :) Cheers!!

[@priscillagonzalez6732]

Hey Matt! 🎙️ Every time you drop knowledge, it's like a sonic boom to my eardrums but also I can’t hit the “view video” fast enough! 😆 Can you please grace us with your enlightening ways on timecode with the Tascam? I think it would be wicked valuable! If there's a “Yoda” of film tech, it's definitely you! Cheers and thanks for the vid!

[@GilKnafo]

Hi Matt , is the DR-10L PRO is good for recording the DJ sound? and if not what recorder you recommend with 32bit

[@parkviewphotography7529]

The Tascam X8 is a portable 32-bit recorder perfect for recording the DJ sound, live bands, etc during receptions. I shot a corporate event recently and used it, the music sounded incredible especially because of the amount of dynamic range. 🔥

[@erichly]

Man this is awesome. Loving that KZbin captions thinks it's called the "Dark Tunnel Pro" lol

[@chrisbrockhurst]

Fineeeee ill order one.

[@kylepuckett6786]

Deity’s releasing their pocket recorder (PR2) next month. Similar specs. I’ll be interested to see how it stacks up against the new TASCAM. PS. The PR2 can simultaneously monitor/control up to 20 devices via an iPad. Might be a good option for your friend.

[@unstableentropy5477]

About a month ago I saw the original on sale for $99 and got another one lol. Needed a white one cause I was unable to get white ones for a long time for whatever reason. Now I have 3 and two f2s

[@Xtr3mice]

Heyy Matt, could you do a video talking about the audio in weedings, the best way to record, where to put the main mic and the backup mic, the gears....??? or how to treat the audios... Audio is the worst for me. Hugsss from Brasil!!

[@AtomicPixel]

For ceremonies, I put one lav mic on the groom which also catches the bride’s audio. One clip mic on the officiant as well. Sony tx660. And if they’re using mics, I plug my Tascam dr40x into the dj mixer or speaker xlr out. At reception/speeches, dr40x into mixer or speaker out. Tx660 taped to the speech mic or a dr10L lav mic if they’re using a podium style with wire mic. Hope that helps! :)

[@Xtr3mice]

@@AtomicPixel ins the last one that we did we had a problem with the mics and the recorder that was plugged on my cam, so I just could use the sound of the other camera and of the 2 recorder that was on the deskside, h1n1, I tried my best on the audition to get the best that was possible, cause was in open space, and the kids was crying all the time, people coughing..... To not get any problem again we bought the lark duo max and I want to get or the f8 or this tascam to get the 32 float, and I thinking in the backup, have to be better than h1n1 .

[@sophievautour8573]

i have the Tascam DR 10 - L, and cannot transfer the files to my computer, the USB is connected, but not found on my desktop. ..and i cannot scroll the menu. .. do you know how to troubleshoot it?

[@DaveandaCamera]

I would like to hear the 28 hours and 17 minutes of that recording please. Great video Matt!

[@whoismatt]

😂😂

[@averagejoefilmsofficial]

Yes. I wanna know more about time code with this

[@nadamuchu]

Thanks for the captions as usual! i cant help but request you do a little more thorough quality assurance though - i think it got the name of the model correct like once out the hundred times you said it lol

[@ShaneTincu]

Can someone tell me what cards they us with these recorders? I have tried 4 different Sandisk cards with no luck, just get "File Not Found" and the menu button is unresponsive unless you remove the card. I have 4 new recorder all doing the same thing. I have tried Sandisk 128GB Extreme SDXC A2 / UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10, SanDisk - Ultra PLUS 128GB microSDXC UHS-I, SanDisk 64GB Ultra microSDXC UHS-I Card (exact SKU# listed on Tascam's site) and another Sandisk Extreme 128GB microSD UHS-I / V30 / U3 / Class 10 that Tascam told me in an email that they had tested in their US office... this is frustrating.

[@philipp2812]

Did you find a solution? I have the same problem...

[@richardnayfilms2812]

I find it pretty funny Tentacle Sync has had the best audio recorder on the market for awhile now, and still is, but all in the sudden Tascam finally drops a 32 bit recorder and everyone loses their minds haha.

[@whoismatt]

I think the price kept some filmmakers from considering it

[@richardnayfilms2812]

@@whoismatt $100 more for something with a way better Timecode ecosystem? 😜

[@jeremiahkuehne2400]

@@richardnayfilms2812 Recorder-only is $30 more than the DR10L Pro (with lav) -- if you already have pro lavs and don't want to stick with the cheap ones that come with the products. Love my Track Es!

[@rsmith02]

Agree on timecode but at the expense of non-replaceable battery and a worse mic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYaokJ19aql-j5Y

[@richardnayfilms2812]

@@rsmith02 Eh, imo they all sound very relatively close that to me it’s indistinguishable. The battery is replaceable. You can monitor the audio. But the main thing is just Timecode: nothing does Timecode like Tentacle does

[@Skapo]

One thing I'm confused about, does the USB-C port allow for the recharging of the AAA batteries or does it just power the device without charging? I think on of my biggest pet peeves is recorders without the ability to charge via usb. Just a massive hassle when traveling.

[@pureheartvisuals]

Man Matt…. Crazy this dropped after I invested in 4 Tentacle Track E Recorders 😂. I’m cool with Justin and Definitely Bro is insane with it 😅 but I love the dedication to the craft. I guess the Bluetooth Monitoring and Timecode of Tentacle will help me from feeling 😢 since I came from using DR-10L s and dreamed of Tascam doing this one day. Knowing me I will probably pick up one for BTS. Great review Brother.

[@brainchildchris]

Great review. Does bluetooth mean I wouldn't need to attach a lapel mic anymore?

[@nogoodnecktie12]

Glad tascam talks to you. They ignore paying customers and want you to ship any warranty claim across the country and have it out of service for weeks

[@haflamorocco]

Hi . Can we use another microohone than the tascam one?

[@jamesharrison4272]

Yes! Get 4 for only $1000 and don't forget to swap out your existing timecode equipment if not using compatible flavor. Still looks good though.

[@StellyPhotoVideo]

Great! was looking for this one, thanks Matt!

[@gavinfulton1361]

I'm not sure who needs to see this, but I bought 3 of these guys and I found a weird.. perhaps... hardware or firmware issue upon boot. For what it's worth, I did the test in all 3 and I got the same results. While the recommended/supported/tested media lists some SDHC cards (32GB and below) to work, I got a Format Error message upon boot. I tested it with the SanDisk Ultra card listed on their tested list as well as an Extreme 32GB variant and got the same message. Attempted to use an SDXC card (64GB+) and that seemed to work just fine. I have a wedding in 2 days, so I couldn't wait for shipping for testing, so I did some quick testing in Best Buy today and the 128GB SanDisk Ultra works just fine, leading me to believe it's a weird potential quirk in the SDHC vs SDXC world, which is very weird. Anyway, just wanted to report that as of today, August 24th, 2023.

[@TexpatOTG]

Wonder if they will do a DR10X Pro? Have been using 10x for 5yrs. Very versatile unit.

[@mind-brainstudio927]

14:49 Looks like a fantastic unit at an amazing price. Hey! Soften up that gobo behind you!

[@zariamultimedia]

Please do a video on how to use these DR-10L PRO's with timecode. I do weddings, docs and other video work with two FX3's and one A7IV. I'm looking to implement both timecode and 32 bit float into my lav mic work flow. I currently use the DJI mics with the old school DR-10L's as back up's. I recently did a month's long doc shoot where my DJI lav audio was a nightmare to sync and ultimately didn't really work right during edit and I definitely do not want this issue again on my next project. I am looking at Deity and tentacle right now regarding timecode lavs but your opinion is important and I really did not know these were timecode capable. Keep up the great work Matt! BTW, look me up if your ever in Lubbock, free lunch on me bro, just let me pick your brain for an hour! LOL

[@mollytrembley]

Okay so now that we're rocking the 32 bit float, can this recorder be hooked up to the DJ soundboard? I know line levels are a no-go for the original DR10L, but now that it's upgraded, thoughts?! It would be awesome if it were that versatile.

[@thesoundofnature5607]

How do I download from Tascam DR-10L PRO? When I plug in the cable I can't open the file. Thank you.

[@Данил-г1з8ч]

Wouldn't it be better to buy h1essential + Rode lovelier ii instead of DR-10L Pro?

[@TheNathanMChannel]

Seventeen people at various levels of intoxication wearing lav mics constantly recording everything they say at a wedding? My god, should one person legally be able to have access to that much blackmail material? (Or more likely, the most boring thing imaginable, but still...yikes)

[@dronytruckdrone4891]

Hey Matt great vídeo,quick question: It works with GoPro's cameras?

[@wallysmi]

How does it handle background noise? How is it? Recording live music?

[@dandobi]

Ahhh this is cool and all but the Track E still is king. Seeing info on the pack isn’t important as everything is ran through the app, plus track e you can listen to the audio live, and their battery is charged by USB C and lasts litterally forever. Great review, but Track E still is my fav 😊

[@PrendosNewZealandLimited]

And you can jam sync it over 3.5mm with other timecode systems. I already had a few deity timecode boxes and the track E works seamlessly with those, no atomos timecode device required, which is good since they aren't that popular in my country.

[@carlraetzsch]

Beard's looking sharp! Thanks for the review.

[@vanzetti7]

Just wish they had an inbuilt microphone so you could just clip it on like the Rode GO.

[@KTVBOSTON]

Matt, I've been asking around about this and I am getting no replies. I have been recording club shows for the past like 15 years with a Tascam DR2d.. A lot of the recordings come out pretty good (especially after some remixing). but apparently, THIS is the way to go. What are the chances you can record music in a loud environment such as a club or a band's rehearsal space and upload the reults?

[@CrazyClayer]

Yeah, but can you input two mics to right and left stereo channels?

[@sdt4907]

Thanks for the review, Matt! One question: can I usw this to record directly for audio from DJ cable? Or only with a microphone signal?

[@rijden-nu]

So... Literally no mention of anything even slightly disappointing about this camera? That sounds too good to be true.

[@Four1LF]

Yes, dive deeper into Timecode because it doesn't seem to work. I have an Atomos Ultrasync Blue and it never seems to connect -does yours? The timecode was one of the main reasons I got this unit and I'm disappointed because it doesn't seem to connect much less work. -ThanksI

[@GeorgeGuillory]

Hey Matt. Thanks for the great review. Looks like an awesome recorder! Question: How do you consider the build materials/quality? I have the Zoom F2-BT and it has a...."non-robust" feeling to it. I'm considering moving to this and would like to hear your thoughts. I have a Tascam Portacapture X8 for comparison and even though the exterior is plastic on that, it feels really sturdy in the hand.

[@whoismatt]

The dr-10L Pro build quality is night and day better than the f2

[@GeorgeGuillory]

@@whoismatt Excellent! Thanks for answering!

[@TheLordcasio]

RE: Battery life, having no real signal will yield a longer battery life, as the unit is basically idle. Try the test again with the lav placed in front of a speaker, playing looped dialogue at (as close to) speaking volume.

[@James-qo7uz]

Hey Matt, thanks for the review, on my last wedding, I put my tascam mic under the groom’s tie to hide the mic and also to protect it from wind noise. But the mic picked up jacket movement noise. Are there good ways to protect the mic from picking up the clothing noise? I’ve heard from others that stickies can help reduce the noise. I was also wondering if any other mics that are compatible with the recorder came with shielded cables and if that would help reduce noise.

[@naturesessions.studio]

I think you have to use some of those round sticky’s. Ursa soft circles. There’s way to use them, look up Luc Forsyth he has some good lav tips

[@TranzendFilms]

you never want to put a mic behind a tie, even if it is windy, because it will sound muffled and cause ruffling sound. id recommend a deadcat cover for the mic if needed for wind and mic the groom next to his boutonnière. i’ve shot 100s of weddings with just the mic and though there may be wind, davinci resolves does a great job removing noise nowadays. hope this helps

[@debjitmajumder1405]

what could be the best sound recorder for cooking ASMR kind of videos (which will connect with mobile / cameras) ???

[@Michaelklimentos]

Hey Matt, I've had this recorder for a while now but after I power down the recorder the date/timer will reset by the next day. It's pretty annoying. Just wondering if you've experienced this at all or anyone else here?

[@jackpatmoreinc]

How does it compare the Zoom F2???

[@bestiway]

What’s the difference between dji mic 2 and this tascam ?

[@paulgero]

Would love to see a deep dive into Time Code

[@xaratemplate]

But can it work with iPhone like the go2 wireless and mic multiple people?

[@julianescobar]

How this would compare to a Rode wireless Pro?

[@christopherjolly]

Hey Matt. I just read somewhere that the 10-L Pro's clock can be sync'd via the Tascam App. Is this true?

[@larbueno]

Can we plug a stereo mic into this unit and have discrete right and left channels or is it mono only? Thanks!

[@77netwar]

The Rode Wireless Pro just came out. I would love a comparison between that and the Tascam.

[@whoismatt]

It looks pretty great!

[@sethgoddard81]

So say I have 4 different people mic'd up- can I individually start and stop recording each individual one? Or are they all synced?

[@mondotv4216]

I was wondering about timecode. Call me old school but I still think audio you can't monitor is never a great option. Things like crowd noise, planes, trains and automobiles get missed if you're not monitoring. That said these are great for a live situation where you can't stop and go again anyway.

[@SpudUna]

Had it 2 days. Getting rid and getting the zoom. The Tascam on/off & record slider is too vague and fiddly. And I always need to bring it to my eye to make sure it’s recording. I find the screen useless. At least I can see the zooms led.

[@BassManNv]

Lack of monitoring is such a trust fall exercise. I have the Rode Wireless Go II’s and they are AMAZING, but I feel like they practically lied about 32-bit float (it exports a 24-bit recording into 32-bit via upconversion - not true 32-bit float). I honestly wish I could have wireless monitoring, 32-bit float, and small form factor. The battery solution can be either, proprietary and compact or larger and AAA. The storage can be either, proprietary and internal or card-based and variable sizes. Just give me true 32-bit float, monitoring, and small! Is that too much to ask?

[@PrendosNewZealandLimited]

Until a certain patent expires, then yes unfortunately. Other recorders like the tentacle track E have the same live monitoring limitation in the states but not in other countries, like New Zealand.

[@thechannel5471]

Matt, what recorder do you recommend for the reception, 1st dance and all.

[@briangreer9247]

Would love to hear more about timecode

[@fanjan7527]

Just a thought on the disclaimer that I hear SO many KZbinrs make. Do you send that unit back to them after a few weeks of testing? If you are keeping it, then, Tascam paid for this video. It does not mean I don't value your review, just a thought I have.

[@YaYousef5]

Thanks for mentioning that it was sent to you for free by Tascam, but I'm not sure if this is really a review? You're going through the specs like an unboxing/first impressions but you're not comparing it to competitor products like the Zoom F2 (you called this recorder revolutionary 2 years ago) or Tentacle Sync E. How does it compare to either of those? Do I need this recorder, or should I get one of the other ones? Should I buy the "one you need" or the "revolutionary" one? It's making me question whether you're being genuine or you're just saying everything is good about everything you're sent.

[@whoismatt]

Build quality is significantly better than the f2. Price is lower than the track e with better battery life and replaceable batteries. I like the Tascam more

[@YaYousef5]

@@whoismatt Thanks. ⭐

[@Yogert422]

Curious to know what kind of range you can get when using the Bluetooth feature to start and stop the recorder. Also if the recorder moves out of range from a smartphone can it connect back automatically? does it mess with the recording?

[@sheldonnorton9035]

Can you quickly check a recording by plugging in headphones?

[@whoismatt]

Yes

[@matthewotis4333]

Would you suggest "Mid" or "Mid to High?" Thanks!!

[@whoismatt]

Mid to high

[@DevynFromCFXTV]

Well does the Tascam DR 10L Timecode work with the BT Flavor that the Tascam Portacaptures use with their adaptors? Don't they use the same adaptor?

[@JasonActualization]

Sometimes I use my drone to record me walking and talking, and I would use an audio recorder like this and sync the audio in post with a clap. However, my concern with this is that the prop noise from my drone will get picked up in the recording. Would the base model DR-10L be better for me since I can manually adjust the gain with that, just enough to pickup on my voice but not the propellers?

[@theqazman]

Talking head looks delicious, my dude. Bravo! 🔥

[@whoismatt]

Thanks so much man! High praise coming from you 😁

[@HiFocusedCinematography]

Great video and review! I wonder why when the recorders are placed too close to each other it would create issues? Unless you’re using the Bluetooth? There’s no wireless signal, so how does that work?

[@A-SRC]

I can buy this Tascam for 170 Euros or spend 30 Euros on a used Olympus WS 811 (or 812 or 813). In the end they do exactly the same thing. And I don't see any point in recording a voice at more than 128 kbit/s (mp3). In fact, I have three such devices, for example in church, one is hooked to the speaker, one is on the groom (with a lav mic) and the third is a back up.

[@andersistbesser]

170 is the old version the new one is 230€

[@kon_ger]

YES, timecode tutorial please :D

[@Snakeye2209]

The clam on the back... is it still that tight as the older one.??!! I hate that part. Always struggle to put it on a belt.....

[@Loriontours]

Yess!! Please make a vid on timecodes

[@KennyLeFilms]

Do you think there will be a black friday sale? 👀