Tascam DR-40 Feature Review

This is just a little review / feature roundup for the Tascam DR-40
ps. Yes, there is a DSLR Film Noob rant at the end.
- AUDIO FILE SIZE CALCULATOR -
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All my future audio tutorials and reviews will be at.... / filmandgameaudio

[@RobbiesVideoArchives]

No, you did NOT make this too long. This is one of the most thorough tutorials I've ever seen, and when my DR-40 arrives next week I won't have to spend nearly as much time reading the manual. Big thanks!

[@Gary14949]

This is the BEST review and best video on learning the basics of the DR-40 out there, Be sure and save it for when you need to come back to it and subscribe to it also

[@M34TP4DDY]

Thank you for taking the time making this video. I used this video as the deciding factor to buy the TASCAM DR-40. I had to make a decision quick because it was an Amazon Lightning Deal on July 2nd with 30 minutes till it ended.

[@marcomark8]

4 Min isn't enough time. Thanks for taking the time and helping all of us make a decision wether to buy it or not.

[@RealRadNek]

You said, "This is too long already..." at the end. No, it wasn't. Very helpful. Thank you for taking the time to do this for all us rookies. Thumbs up and click on one of your adds so you get paid a few pennies.

[@kenlovan3931]

Sean, Thanks for the info on the Tascam Dr 40. I've just ordered one for layering my Blues Songs ideas, w/Bass, Rhythm and Lead. Your video has given me just what I needed to start using the recorder as soon as it arrives. Best of luck in your ventures. Remember to 'Keep On Jammin'. Ken Lovan from Neptune Beach, FL.

[@deliapeter]

hi, sean. you wrote, "I've just ordered one for layering my Blues Songs ideas, w/Bass, Rhythm and Lead." ...but it's actually only a 4-track recorder in the sense that you can record 4 tracks simultaneously, correct?

[@ManInTheBigHat]

This was a great intro. Really helped me with learning how to access dual. I have had both H4N and this machine. I like the Tascam better.

[@RustedLanternPictures]

Just ordered my TASCAM DR-40 this morning, anxiously awaiting its arrival!

[@slidetek]

Thanks - I got this thing a few months ago now. Your review really drove me to it, and it's been fantastic! The technology and quality of this device still blow me away. $150 seems almost criminal. Yeah, it would be nice if it was all metal and rubberized and stuff, but the savings got me a follow focus. The recording quality from the mics is amazing - and the ability to record just mono is like they read my mind. I'm recording seminars, so why have a single XLR'd mic voice in stereo? And, I can record the room ambiance at the same time. It's been so great I got the DR-60D like Stefan! It's absolutely fantastic too!

[@stevenpotter1484]

thnx,,this is the only,,,ONLY,,video about the workings of the tascam dr40,,i watched this 10 time when i first got my tascam dr40,,,i learned so much about working this audio recorder,,,so,,this is a great video if you want to know everything about the working of the tascam dr40,,i also come back to this video if i need to know something i missed. great video once again,,,,thnx.

[@rddoctordetail12]

I really appreciated you taking the time to explain the features of the DR-40 because I just purchased one any other information or video's i am in like fl inn ! thanks so much

[@dinamho]

My Dr-40 fell outoff my pocket when it was playing , into a bucket of water with detergent , lights out for this one, or is it, ........no it still works, bit of a stutter when I started it up ,while praying, but one day later it works perfect. Good stuff.

[@apislapis]

For Xmas my better half bought me this product for £130. As she pointed out to me that this was a lot cheaper than the £399 she spent on my Edirol R-09HR back in 2007 for my university music tech & sound design degree at Huddersfield. Unfortunately, the Edirol doesn't have the XLR inputs but is much smaller and can be hidden in pockets. I am delighted that I now have the capability to use better mics via the DR-40 XLRs but still have the capacity to have a smaller option of the R-09HR in my pocket. Viewers may wish to consider the Tascam DR-05 as an alternative but like my Edirol it only has a 3.5mm stereo mini jack for recording external audio. If you're after the ultra slim, consider the Olympus LS-P1 with it's mini-jacks too.

[@DrStoooopid]

I just got my DR-40 today. (as a side note, it was sold as a DR-40E, but the only difference I noticed was that it came with 2 2g cards and USB chord). I made a quick little recording of my dogs barking, and just with the internal mics...I played the track back on the computer, and it drove the dogs nuts. So if it's close enough sound quality for dogs, a DR-40 ought to be good enough for you.

[@bigbro890]

Announcing a 4 min tutorial and doing 21 min. You get my like just because you made me laugh :)

[@arthurgee]

Thanks for this great overview. Much more helpful than the Tascam manual. Your recommendations for settings got me up and running very quickly.

[@wardsrentalandtaxi7739]

This was a great review. I have a DR-05, but this helped me to solve an issue that I encountered with mine. Your review was very detailed and concise. Awesome job man. Thanks.

[@monstertunes]

Yes there are advantages to splitting the headphone output. It allows a pretty clean signal to be recorded directly to the DSLR camera which for quick turn around projects could be vital. If you wanna still do dual recording, which I still do, then the signal recorded to camera is a perfect reference to sync up with. Example, you are using a lav mic and the actor is 30 feet away outside. Normally the on camera mic won't pick up enough of her voice. Using the splitter saves your butt.

[@jean-pierredelorraine6161]

Even after years, still a great general tutorial. Thanks.

[@monstertunes]

I wasn't sure about this, so I wanted to test this out myself. In short, when in LINE input mode, you cannot subtract gain, you can only add digital gain. So if the signal you're receiving is too hot, you're going to need to get an inline pad to pad it down before recording it. However, you can 'still' use dual record mode, and use the backup track to pad it down 12db.

[@SwagaeProductions]

Just got mine today! Watched this to learn how to move around! Thanks!

[@monstertunes]

Auto level is the same thing as AGC (auto gain control). Basically auto level will push up the digital gain till it input level hits a certain volume. Once a louder input signal is recorded, the digital gain is pushed down till it it below that certain input level / volume. The problem with this is that a) digital gain is noisy. b.) this auto leveling is distracting in modest to quiet environments since ambient noises are amplified to an inappropriate level.

[@monstertunes]

Ira, the only problem with the Shure wireless kits is that there are unbalanced, even though they use an XLR connector. This is a problem because the DR-40 doesn't like unbalanced mics are causes a 'helicopter' sound. I've gotten around this by using a preamp inbetween my wireless kit and my DR-40. Also make sure your DR-40 is set to MIC (w/o phantom power).

[@ocubex]

Brilliant and extensive (in a good way) review... Has encouraged me to get this little baby (was considering the H4N)...

[@markdinatale-forgivemeifid2725]

great crash course on the Tascam DR-40. Bit depth was especially helpful. Thanks!

[@monstertunes]

Hi Hubert, The DR-40 has the ability to use either a date or keyword in front of the file number. Personally, I just leave it set to date unless I'm working on a lot of different projects back to back. The files automatically count up from 0, however, you can reset the count at your discretion. As a sound recordist on several low/no budget indie films, I feel its imperative to have an audio take sheet so you can know which audio files go with which video takes.

[@gusgeraci]

Thank you!! The only thorough video I've seen on the DR40.

[@broadcastingjc]

Great video! I just bought the DR-40. You explained things a lot better than the instructions. Thanks for sharing!

[@monstertunes]

Can be used with both. However, to save on battery life on the DR-40, I recommend using powered mics if you can. I rock a battery in my NTG-2 all the time.

[@gideonbmeyer296]

Video still good in 2019! Loved it. Super helpful, even though I own the 40x! Thank you.

[@monstertunes]

It really depends. If you're planning to record the acoustic guitar w/ vox, then I'd recommend 4 channel recording. The 2 onboard mics for room tone, and then 2 more mics into the XLR jacks. This will give you the ability to listen to what it is in both open air and miced, as well as to mix later on in the studio. However, the DR40 is miles better then a dictaphone.

[@gibsonplayer8]

I want to post some music tutorials to youtube, but the sound from my video camera is horrible. Can I directly plug the Dr-40 into my camera to get a better sound?

[@philippklein1]

Yes you can - Assuming your camera has a microphone input. You can use a chord to connect the headphone jack of the TASCAM with the MicJack of your camcoder.

[@ConeyIsland1952]

Hi,... what a great informative review I really enjoyed it as i have a DR40 on the way to me and this really gave me a head start. I hope you will do a part two on OVERDUBBING with the DR40 as a musician this mode is something I would use for music and vocals on different tracks etc.....Thank you again!!

[@kennyfloyd4836]

That’s the best 4 minutes of time I’ve spent on youtube! Seriously - great job! :-)

[@Shunarjuna]

Great review. I just got one of these and it's encouraging to hear that it was money well spent. Thanks

[@theawkwards]

is the dr-40 suitable for making decent, close to studio, recordings of acoustic guitar and vocal? i have an olympus digital voice recorder, basic one, and it's great for making demos but i dream of a better recording device....i tend to get bogged down when using my actual studio and multi-tracking, it's always more fun just recording onto dictaphone; also can the recordings be mixed/tidied up on studio later, maybe?

[@KeikoKim-pv2pd]

An excellent tutorials with in-depth of info. Thanks.

[@MrmelodyUs]

Great review with one exception. What about 4 channels simultaneously? Not talkin about the dual function.

[@monstertunes]

Hi Joe, I don't actually know that answer as I don't use my DR-40 for music / bands. However, I believe you would have to switch to Overdub record mode and then mix dubbing mode. However if my thinking is correct, the resulting file will probably be mono. However, give it whirl.

[@keithhuckfield7783]

Thanks for the in depth lay out of the controls, it is a great help!

[@KOGMIDC]

thank you for your help. I am a teacher and bishop. I have to record my own lessons then send my file to the radio station I am on. You have saved me many mistakes.

[@monstertunes]

Sure, you'd just set the DR-40 to EXT1/2 and turn the side switch to line input. I'd probably turn on dual recording as well just in case the board peaks.

[@lol66859]

Perfect Tutorial! Thanks so much, everything I needed to know from scratch!

[@pyramidfm]

the best review i have ever seen. thank you!

[@monstertunes]

yep. The DR-40 is probably the best value portable recorder on the market with built in mics.

[@PatrickDodds1]

Thanks for this video Sean - very helpful. I'm completely new to sound recording and found your overview really useful. I overpaid for the device (lack of research / I live in the UK where everything seems more expensive) but otherwise I'm really pleased to have bought it. Thanks again! Patrick

[@GreekfortheWeek]

This tutorial was excellent! Thanks for taking the time to do this brother

[@jtreat2100]

Do you think the thumping noise in the background adds to the content of your video? First speech class in college they taught, "Never Let The Manner Distract From The Matter."

[@easysalesmeetings]

Excellent video, I have been needing some help with my DR-40. This video helped a lot. Thank you!

[@psrando]

Since this video was made in 2012...just wondering how it has held up over the years.

[@alkevinzmedia]

Wow amazing review!! Very detailed, this was what I was looking for!! Thank you

[@ICHOOSETHEENDING]

Thanks for the video, I appreciate the time you put in and it helped me immensely!

[@monstertunes]

Boojb, glad you liked the review. I'm including a link in the description to a file size calculator.

[@lazardergregorian5461]

Hi Sean, good review. You convinced me enough to get one of those!

[@jr74mx]

Thank you! One more question: on 4CH can I adjust each of the four channels' gain or just the gain levels of each pair?

[@MrmelodyUs]

Good question!!!

[@DarkMain909]

I have just been reading the manual for the DR-40 and on page 51 it says... "When using LINE input, the level controls have no effect." Can you clarify if this means that when recording through the LINE input (rather than MIC) you can't set the input gains/levels, or if it means that the "Peak Reduction", "Auto Level" and "Limiter" options are not available. Thanks.

[@monstertunes]

@Jared Skye yes. Just by bit depth and sample frequency alone.

[@monstertunes]

You won't regret it. Especially if you tag team it with an iRig pre.

[@Mtsink]

Awesome tutorial! Very thorough

[@monstertunes]

You 'can', but I don't recommend it. I believe the voltage for lithium is a bit higher than standard Alkaline and rechargeable batteries. I recommend Sanyo rechargeable batteries and a good charger. They last forever, quickly charge, and they last for hours in the DR-40.

[@Ben-sy3hf]

Real good review, just purchased one myself waiting on delivery. Thanks or sharing

[@ianbay3341]

Thank you Sean, very in depth review...I bought the Tascam DR 007 and would use it as an extra vocal mic for recording videos of my compositions and covers on You Tube for promoting my website I've yet to set up. I wanted this one so I had more flexibility....re other people adding tracks later.

[@monstertunes]

@salvadoraugustus Depends on the purpose. If you need to record stereo background sounds for narrative projects, then this can work just fine along with many other recorders with built in mics. However if you need to capture specific sounds in nature, like birds, animals, or non-ambient sounds, I recommend the dr40 with a good shotgun mic like the atr875

[@ddesoer]

Given my preamp situation, I am thinking a recorder that does XLR is probably a better option than replacing the preamp to go into the H1. Would you still recommend the DR-40 over the H4n in all but body build quality? I'm going to take a while to review all my options, of course, but this seems a decent place to start.

[@monstertunes]

Yes. It's actually preferred that you do so!

[@crieverytim]

dang, looks like you skipped over everything after 'phantom volt' what about 'intialize, quick format, erase format' ? also, how do you switch between internal and external memory? and what about seeing time/space available to record? tia

[@arthurgee]

Very helpful review and thanks very much. Next time, please leave out the background music. It adds nothing and is often distracting.

[@monstertunes]

@steven potter I'm glad to be able to help. :)

[@BenKeaton]

Great stuff. Very helpful.

[@monstertunes]

Yes, I would still recommend the DR-40 hands down over the H4n.

[@datadogie]

Sean, you persuaded me to get one. I have seen some videos with a splitter one to headphone and other to dslr. Is there any advantage to this. ie for syncing purposes later or should I just stick with my cheap shotgun for syncing purposes.

[@artmktadvertising]

Please.. let me know if can I record in all channels.. simultaneously.. great tutorial

[@gmusevideos]

Thanks for the review, very well done

[@coachla5896]

Excellent Review. I loved it. Thanks. I am a new user and found these instructions to be great.

[@smofc2010]

Good job, nicely explained and very thorough. Appreciate you. Hugs

[@iradivadvideos]

good info, just got mine and I'm so frustrated about to cry. when I plug in my shure wireless, I hear squat. I'm only at 8 mins,

[@Lisaloisfanclub]

I have one question. Is this also a great recoder for concert. Because the music is so loud that my videocamera and the Rode NT2 will not work perfect for the sound. So I looking for something to record the music and I will put the video en music later together?

[@mentis938]

Thanks for the great review! I'm experiencing a lot of hiss when recording with an SM58, have you seen this happen?

[@IamUncledeuce]

Great review/instructional thanks!

[@mangreat71]

I heard the Tascam Dr-40 and the Tascam Dr-100 got the best built in mics. Is they better than the 8 Tracks,24 tracks and the 32 Tracks tascams ? because I use the recorder as a mic to make music ?

[@VK3FADU]

Excellent review and walkthrough

[@NoFate247]

Great video. Do you think there is a huge difference between using a label microphone and the tascam for basic talking head video?

[@Huelogy]

Just recieved my tascam dr-40 it's awesome but I don't know how to record say a drum track, and then record a guitar track over that

[@ramislim5530]

can u use this as a headphone DAC/Amp??

[@sharmannittoli8800]

Great--more detailed info about every feature

[@strong888]

Thanks, man! Iḿ getting one this weekend.

[@padua79]

Hello, I was very interested in this recording device since I know that it's very versatile. Can I use this device for example like recording lectures for a class or even making recordings for someone who really interested in becoming a musician?...

[@payalchoksi8071]

does it have attenuation? does attenuation work with external lavalier there by decreasing the recording range of the lavalier?

[@dumalucky]

I was enjoying this good video until the guy just simply lied about the ZOOM H4N.. YOU CAN RECORD IN MONO USING JUST ONE INPUT (Page 22 H4N manual) In fact I think you can also use the stereo mic and record as a mono single track as well.. So is this just another Tascam add looking like a user guide?

[@vaskes123]

Thanks Sean, that was a most helpful review, answered my questions. As a happy owner of both the DR-40 and a Rode NtG-2 shotgun mic, I'm still not sure which of the 2 should I prefer on any occasion; would you like to offer your opinion / knowledge on that? Finally, I'm considering to buy a lavalier microphone for interviews, which one should I prefer: wireless or not wireless? Balanced or unbalanced, high sensitivity or not, etc... Thanks for the review and... the answers :D

[@monstertunes]

@PFCartist that's good to hear. Its a great lil recorder :)

[@billkranz8035]

Hello. I am having a problem with my DR-40. In normal Int Mic mode I understand the blinking red light right side is the 2 second buffer ready to record button. Then you push down on it again to get the solid red and it starts recording to file then when you are done recording you push the home button left side to stop recording and close that audio clip down. That's great except when I am recording and there is a few seconds of silence it stops recording. Is there a way to make it record continuously? I am recording to a live performance and we have periods of silence and not having that on the track makes it difficult to match the person speaking to the right section of the Tascam files. I have like 30 sound clips for a 5 minute act. What is the setting for non-stop recording? Thanks, Bill November 2016

[@tiltedvids]

I think it's on auto-record, just turn that off.

[@Richard-lx8bx]

Hello can you explain how to connect an aux in stereo audio cable signal with 1/8 plug to dr40? Plug in mic jack 1? It only picks up left channel. So do you need to split the incoming audio cable into 2 make plugs and plug in both in dr40? The 1/8 plus gave to be moon each? Thank you

[@Gr8Believer]

Thanks for the review. No tripod mount? The DR-05 has one which is very handy

[@slidetek]

If you look at pictures of it - you'll see the 1/4" female thread in the back. I put it onto a light stand, or a cold shoe adapter and stick it on my camera or cage too.

[@briankrats]

How do you get the recorded files onto the computer? I'm unable to view/ hear them unless it's plugged in

[@monstertunes]

+briankrats um, use a SD card reader.

[@PanTricks]

GREAT video really helped, but I have one problem, my tascam keeps cutting off after 5 seconds of recording. on my machine where you have "size" I am seeing Track INCCould you give me a tip

[@boojb]

Thanks Shawn for the info!!

[@RANiEL1963]

If i want to record from a sound board out put and record only from the sound board and no sound at all from the xy mics using xlr plugin whats the proper recording procedure

[@escape2.216]

Hello, good day I have a question. I have a tascan dr 40 but when I connect an external microphone and put the external menu settings my tascam is turned off, do you have any way to fix it?

[@crieverytim]

does this record as well as the Sony PCM d50? I really like the feel and am familiar with the menus, but this appears to have equal specs... haven't done a side by side comparison yet.