Tascam DR-44WL VS DR-40 Detailed Comparison & Test

[@MaksimYuryev]

DR-44WL Amazon► geni.us/gzE ► bhpho.to/1q5SNsZ DR-40 Amazon► geni.us/RFy1V ► bhpho.to/1pdSQrP

[@trumpsycho28]

Hi. I just bought a DR-40, and I am trying to record a four part piece (trumpets) using the internal mic.I still having problem with the right setting.Please help with this issue.

[@Warren1814]

The Tascam DR-44WL isn't no longer available unfortunately. At least not on BHphoto anyway

[@maresv]

I have both the DR-40 and the DR-44WL. I like how I can use wifi with the 44WL. I love how I can control it remotely with my phone and transfer files to my phone and PC. Another thing Tascam improved is the static from external mics connected to the DR-40. I have a lavalier that I wanted to use connected to the DR-40 and it was a horrible experience. It had a horrible static. I tested it with other microphones, including some electret condenser mics and the same thing happened. I thought it was my recorder, but it is a problem on all of them. Good quality dynamic microphones connected via XLR work fine with the DR-40. Last thing I notice is how the phantom power lasts longer on the DR-44WL. That could be due to the fact that the DR-44WL uses 4 batteries and the DR-40 only 3.

[@darthhemi1735]

went with the dr44... i guess its slowly being removed? its ancient? qwas 33% off

I heat more detail in Tascam DR-44WL, do you think so???

[@zaptor1514]

That handle is also used to put into a microphone stand mic holder. In place of a mic you put that handle into the mic holder to mount the recorder. It’s brilliant.

[@kkscream]

Hello. Great test, helped me in the decision. I chose the Tascam DR-40. One question what kind of muse

[@stefaansorensen7175]

Hi Max, I like your reviews, their quality are consistently high. I'm a bit of an audio geek myself, so I do have a bit of a concern on the way you conducted the noise floor tests, as it seems you were only basing them off the internal microphones. I noticed the internal microphones of the DR-44WL have a higher sensitivity than the others in your maximum gain test, which will led me to believe that you will need less gain (and noise) to reach the same levels of the DR-40. I would suggest doing two tests, one with XLR and one with internal mics. While recording (with both recorders at the same time), speak at the beginning of the take and then give about 10 seconds of silence. After in post, normalize both of them, then look at the noise floor. I'm willing to bet the DR-44 is equal or less than the DR-40. Other than that, keep up the good work!

[@MaksimYuryev]

Stefaan Sorensen Thanks Stefann! I appreciate the tip I will do that next time!

[@gcprost]

I have the DR 40 and the DR 44. I found the D44 gave me quieter and cleaner recording; however, I didn't do any type of scientific test. I really like the idea of the wifi but it is, so far, pretty flakey with my iPhone but there was a lot of wifi activity in the area. Gerry in Calgary.

[@bedlore]

Great review although I feel you completely missed an important part, testing external mics, powered and unpowered mics, does it have enough to drive a low gain mic well? I really want to know before buying the DR-44WL?

[@dumalucky]

I think its quite wrong to have missed out the fact that the DR-44 is a true 4 track 'portastudio' if required.. the DR 40 is not. the DR 40 works by sound-on-sound.. However I think there is a way to make many separate files while playing along to the same original guide track on the DR40. These would have to be arranged in a DAW to be used as a multi-track project, but this perhaps gives you an option for far more than 4 tracks in the same project.

[@SamoScopom]

Could you explain it more? I don't know which one to get. What benefits does the 44 have for me? I would be using it for making videos, recording podcasts, feeding it from a sound board...

[@aseltzer144]

I have the DR-40 and I agree. The DR-44 appears to be a true multitrack recorder where the DR-40 overdubs. The DR-40 is essentially a two track recorder in that regard. It supports two sets of stereo tracks. The DR-44 seems to be more comparable to the Zoom H4n. That said, it is possible to build up a composition on the DR-40 but an external DAW is required one you get past two tracks. That’s not a tremendous limitation as you may want to export to a DAW at some point anyway. The DR-44 was not available when I bought my DR-40 but from a musician’s standpoint, I think I would favor the DR-44, as the audio quality seems comparable and the multitasking options are more flexible in the DR-44.

[@3-rcssoulh3aters57]

Hi Max and thx for this ecxellent review. Whatching it i think i will go for the dr-40 that does a better job. But i'm wondering is there a difference between the dr-40 and the updated version of it dr-40x? Cheers, have a great day, Gaël

[@falopio2007]

Be careful not to leave batteries installed in the DR40 if you're not going to use it for a long time. Batteries in mine exploded and damaged the contact membranes of the keyboard switches leaving the device unusable. I'll buy another DR40. Maybe adding a seal tape inside the battery compartment it's not a bad idea.

[@seapunk.mp3]

Thanks for the tip!

[@apislapis]

Delighted to get the DR-40 for Xmas from my missus. She was also delighted that it didn't cost anything like the £399 she paid for the Edirol R-09HR she bought me in 2007 for university. Thought the zoom was a bit tinny imho.

[@ywoo5479]

Very helpful! Thanks for review. Currently the price diff between the DR-40 and DR-44WL is about $60. My question is, one big diff is the XY, AB mic config is missing from the DR-44WL. What are your thoughts on the omitted AB config? How is it missed (how often this is used that Tascam decided to remove it)? And do those shock absorbers help? How? My use case is more to record classical concert (I think this is where AB comes in), solo plays like piano, violin where XY would be used. Thoughts? Comments anyone?

[@huyked]

10:37 - 10:41 I think it's a VERY smart idea to have to press the levels button before the knob adjust the input. For that reason, I hated the Zoom H6's 4 round adjustment knobs. Sliding it in the audio bag, or bumping it will change your levels inadvertently without knowing it. That is just a disaster waiting to happen. So I like that Tascam requires that. An extra step, but worth the protection.

[@joellim8970]

Thanks for the review. I will probably go for the DR-44WL. Just curious...what mic did you use? You spoke rather fast on that and I couldn't catch what you said. It has very nice quality. Thanks once again for your vids!

[@_vep_tricks2015]

I went ahead and ordered a DR-44WL after watching this review because this review said the DR-40 and DR-44WL were pretty much the same. One thing this review didn't go over was the 3.5mm - 1/8th line in jack. The DR-40 has the 3.5mm - 1/8th line in jack and the DR-44WL does not. I loved the review, but I personally was counting on the 3.5mm - 1/8th line in being on the DR-44WL. If you compare the bottom of the DR-40 and DR-44WL , where the XLR inputs are, The DR-40 has a 3.5mm - 1/8th line in input that is labeled "Remote EXT MIC LINE IN". The DR-44WL doesn't have this feature from what I can see on the internet. However I'm still super excited about the DR-44WL and am going to buy an XLR to 3.5mm - 1/8th adapter.

[@alseick]

Which one is the most accurate, I mean the closest to the real sound? I like clarity of 44L on your video but since 2 other recorders sound a bit muffled I wonder if 44L is boosting treble/mids or something. I just care about sound quality of internal mic and want to be able to connect external dynamic mic, nothing more.

[@risbill1]

I have the DR-40 and it works great for my needs. I am however finding situations where the wireless function would be a very useful feature. I may try to sell my DR-40 and upgrade to the 44WL.

[@ElvisSaraiva]

I prefer the sound of the Dr-40, the only bad thing is the rubber card slot.

[@ldt703]

Great move putting the video content/time list at the start.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Thanks for watching and subbing!

[@Pe11ePD]

I'm still stunned that no one found out about difference in noise level between 44.1/48 and 96khz recordings with DR-40. I tested it several times in the completely quiet room, and 96khz has a slightly softer noise and less hiss = a bit less noisy overall. You will not hear the difference unless you are recording a quieter ambient like living room, nature, etc.

[@zebsurber3934]

great review,,, I'm still undecided on which to purchase. Did have a question on over-dubbing.. ? how do you 'hear' the 'original when you are 'over dubbing so you stay in sync? do you know?

[@CaseyChambliss]

The quality of your video reviews is top notch! Thank you for all of your hard work!!

[@gman682002]

Also, the plastic thing that looks like a handle that comes in the box is indeed a handle for holding the recorder while using. Genius in itself. However If you notice, it is actually the exact shape of most handheld microphone bodies, making it very easy to place the recorder in the mic clip of a a standard microphone stand. Making for an even more convenient remote recording experience.

[@diymusicbiz]

Hey Max Yuryev Which tripod are you using to get the camera to point straight down? For an example 10:13

[@samirpashayev5946]

Hey, great vid! So is dr 40 less noisy than Olympus LS 11 for example? Additionally, i have heard people complaining about "helicopter" noise on dr 40? Have you ever encountered that?

[@EricLefebvrePhotography]

I just bought it and tested for that specifically and haven;t had it. I think they fixed it with a Firmware fix.

[@diymusicbiz]

I think I'll keep my DR-40. Nice review btw

[@MaksimYuryev]

thanks!

[@diymusicbiz]

Max Yuryev Hey no problem.

[@heyitsablackguy9553]

Greg Savage I said the same thing. I like the Dr 40. Dr-40 has more punch.

[@diymusicbiz]

heyitsablackguy I like the idea of the internal shockmounts, I like the look, but I do favor durability and the fact that you can switch the mic in A/B is a negative for me. I might go for the 22wl to replace my Zoom H1 though.

[@heyitsablackguy9553]

Greg Savage Just keep the DR-40. Are you using it for filmmaking?

[@Вячеслав-ч8с5з]

Спасибо за материал, Макс. Ценная работа. А то, никак не мог преодолеть муки выбора. Если можешь, то, пожалуйста, помоги в рассуждении. Мне, вообще, далеко до специалистов в области звукозаписи, но мнение сложилось следующее: есть дорогая профессиональная записывающая аппаратура и недорогая непрофессиональная. Последняя используется для минимальных целей, вроде аудиодневников или черновых звукозаписей музыки. А дорогая профессиональная используется дорогими профессионалами для самых разных и тоже далеко не дешёвых целей ) Но остаётся пустота посередине, и производитель стремится заполнить её устройствами, обладающими средними характеристиками. Вот Taskam DR-40 - это сравнительно такое устройство. У меня недостаточно денег на профессиональный аппарат, а возможностей непрофессионального не хватает. Поэтому, возьму Taskam DR-40, скорее всего, и буду пользоваться. Единственно, подобрать хорошие выносные микрофоны, в том числе для скрытой записи. С уважением.

[@deankrasen]

Сам сейчас в схожей ситуации. Так какие микрофоны если не секрет приобрели под нужны dr-40? Спасибо.

[@cueriux]

Great videos! I've scoured KZbin for reviews and will go for the 44WL. My use case is live concerts for my band. Being able to control the device from the drumset in between songs is a huge plus. Your videos were the most helpful so I'll make sure to use your link. Great points are the menu at the beginning and the high volume audio tests. Specially for my use. Small tip: Actual battery tests would be awesome. Leave it recording and time it using different settings (internal only, 4channel, Wifi on/off etc). This is a big point for me and I couldn't find any tests to make sure the 44WL could handle 4+ hours in 4 channel with Wifi-On. I know you mention what they're "rated" for but those are usually "adjusted".

[@leonardbraber]

Hei, thank for making this video. I'm looking for a new device to record live concerts. I've used a Microtrack for years, because of the fact, that I'm always using external DPA microphones with Phantom power. Do you have any experience with recording with external, Phantom powered microphones ?

[@groberts3967]

Thanks for the video, I have a quick question. I use the DR-40 for band recording, audio only. I recently tried four channel recording using two pencil condenser mics. However the right channel is not recording. The microphones and the XLR cables were taken out of the equation, they all work. I have record mode set on ‘4 channel’ and ‘EXT 1/2’. I use ‘Mic + phantom’ setting, with 48 V of phantom power. Is there a setting missing? Could it have something to do with The mixer settings? Thanks in advance

[@Deebz270]

Great comparison review. However, what I don't see anywhere, is people testing the line recording quality, its all about using these portable devices for live mic recordings. I'd like to see some review of the DR44WL being used as an instrument recorder, either live, on location or in a bedroom... Thumbs up anyway.

[@minisoda1914]

Guy which one is better

[@dwoodog]

DR-44wl looks awesome, my only gripe is the menu system graphics look like it got stuck in the 90's

[@ThePierre61]

DR-40 Best in L/R Phase congruency (with internal Mics)

[@ay1ism]

Audio quality on DR-40 is the best amoung the three.

[@michael86734]

I have the dr 44L how is the dr 40

[@enriquequesada4984]

Hi Max, what Mic did you used at the beginning of the sound test?

[@melbellgrey]

Max thank you for your review, but can you pls do a quick tutorial showing how to record tracks separately and other featues of the dr-44wl, the Manuel is worthless and i have looked high and low for a tutorial that explains how to operate the dr-44wl and there is none to be found i think you will get a lot of hits if you did a tutorial and do tascam a big favor at the same times, I mean what would it take for them to do a tutorial on the different features of this product pls help.

[@MaksimYuryev]

unfortunately the recorder is at my church I can't get a hold of to take a look for you, I looked over the manual and like you said its not clear at all but on page 7 it shows there is a different menu if MTR is on or off. Make sure your MTR is off then take a look at record settings if its in there. Sorry I couldn't be of more help let me know if you figure it out.

[@JapanPlayASMR]

Ohh shit! I watch his channel Max Tech! Hahaha I was looking for a new ASMR mic! Didn’t expect to see him reviewing this! What a nice surprise

[@GuruSeva3073]

For recording a series of lectures that will be put in with HD video and used for series of DVDs what do you recommend?? is the DR-40 enough or preferably the DR-44WL??

[@MaksimYuryev]

DR-40 is enough.

[@GuruSeva3073]

Thanks for the response

[@frodogarcia-conde3911]

Max for video and film wich recommend between the two, microphones and sound recoder that enter the external recorder... wich is best quality? many thanks

[@MaksimYuryev]

dr44wl is newer and better.

[@volkerking5932]

Not bad Video cut idea. You'r speaking and inserting a other Video sequence to see the both Digital Recorders at the same time. The Voice is in one stream to listening. Thank you for this nice made Video.

[@eduardoarias_photo]

Nice video! I just recently got myself a Tascam DR-40 and I am beginning to learn how to use it

[@MegaAdomaitis]

total impulse buy when i was out of my mind and then watched this and having used it since then am very stoked to have made a fuzzy awesome decision!

[@MaksimYuryev]

Sweet =)

[@JonniArmani]

Dr 40 has the best sound

[@DivineMisterAdVentures]

Max, what shotgun mic was that? Love it.. P&TY!

[@szoradbese8473]

Which should I go for if I wanted to record music, the DR-100MKII or the DR-44WL? Any suggestions?

[@waqasnaqvi3262]

Hey, what shot gun mic are you using? Where did you get it from?

[@MaksimYuryev]

Waqas Naqvi Was more when I bought it amzn.to/1Ik8bxQ

[@willieodomsr.2649]

I am Looking at recording live band, in a pit...everyone close.. would the 44 be better for recording and level wise....

[@1MrElusive]

Eesh just got the 44, let hope the firmware update fix's the noise issue

[@TheQuirkyCoupleChannel]

Can someone please answer my question? Can the 44wl or 40 be used as an audio interface for your computer like the Zoom H4n?

[@ywoo5479]

I believe 44WL is yes via USB, but not 40. 40 will be analog line-in to your PC.

[@FlorianArdelean]

Hello from Romania :) Max, is there any way you could post a .wav of the audio comparison & noise floor tests? It would mean a lot to me to be able to analyse the noise samples both of the internal mics and the XLR input. I really need to buy a recorder soon and these are the 3 options I'm set upon, but unfortunately can't afford to pick the wrong one because they're not available in my country (save for an overpriced version of the DR40) and I'd have to pay the shipping if I'm not satisfied. RAW files would be best but if it's inconvenient I guess an export from your Premiere timeline would do as well. Thank you very much.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Florian I'm really sorry! I was going to get the files for you then when checking my hard drive I remembered that I already deleted all the raw files including the project file. Didn't think I'd need footage from a recorder review and altogether the I had about 600GB from my 4 review vids (4k video) so I deleted all of it :(

[@ramislim5530]

can u use the dr-40 as a headphone DAC/Amp??

[@LibertyTempleZion]

I'm keeping my DR 40

[@UnderTheFocus]

Your videos look and sound very very professional. Thank you very much. How long it normally takes to do such a job?

[@MaksimYuryev]

Under the Focus Thanks! About 12-16 hours to plan/shoot/edit the video. :)

[@steve.lee108]

Nice comparison, I am loving it. I am thinking on DR-40, Dr-44WL, or DR-100MKII

[@littleroot2]

Hi, Thanks for the review. Can you tell me the model of the Chinese shotgun mic?

[@MaksimYuryev]

bhpho.to/1Bz1W5P and amzn.to/1G4lvqO same mic different brand

[@rhythmphish2]

Excellent comparison video. You really went above and beyond in every way.

[@jmapixels]

thanks soo much for the review. the zoom also has lots of hissing in it. i have the dr-40 and i will not trade it quality for any other.

[@NikLinenbergerMusic]

What song was that you used to test them in your car??

[@VictorZubakin]

Evert - FAU. Evert seems like a fairly unknown dubstep outfit. I Shazamed it to find out

[@ajwalker493]

Hello. How do I get both the internal mics on the Tascam and the mic that I use through the XLR port on the bottom to record at two separate tracks. So far the output is mono. I want to separate tracks, one for main sound and one for nats.

[@FrankZen]

I thought better compression on the first external mic test...

[@GregorMima]

Sound Q wise the 44 seems to be a stepdown ... And it shouldnt be surpising ... Zoom had always weaker preamps then Tascam. All i can think of Tascam wants to have a bigger gap to the 100II.

[@indigodeep6609]

Thanks for the review! I hated opening the sd slot thought it was only mine lol I always had to use an iPhone thunderbolt connector to open it

What kind of windscreen should I use with my DR40 to avoid mics hitting the windscreen?

[@KitHalloff]

What was the name of the “Chinese mic” you used?

[@magugordonyukawaka2915]

Aho, you kann say me the Name from this Song? Thanks for this Test... im Go with dr44👍🏻 Very clear sounding

[@chriss2254]

I want a mic upgrade from the one on my dslr. I was thinking about getting the rode shotgun mic but I'm leaning towards this one. You guys think this would work well for (amateur) film making?

[@ywoo5479]

Depends - shotgun will still be mounted on your camera, and gives you some convenience, and better quality than the onboard mic. A separate recorder like this will give much better sound since its dedicated, and you can place it right where the source is. THe down side, is that you will have to manually sync the sound in post-production with an editing program. IMHO, go with something like this. You need to do editing anyway.

[@chriss2254]

Yea I think youre right. I went with the recorder but I think I'm going to eventually buy a shotgun mic to use with the recorder. Thanks for the reply!

[@hollsound]

Very good comparison video. Thank you! A line in record comparative video would be nice too 🙂

[@endrizo]

hi. is there any recorder that records in FLAC format?? thanks

[@greatvedas]

Such a brilliant video and watching it in 2019!

[@emmanuelstudeo395]

thanks a lot per your review, i purchased dr44wl and the wifi and the sound is great

[@leedean9654]

Emmanuel Adjei

[@Prahatech]

Thanks. As usual, another great review. B&H has the DR40 (Silver) on sale for $129.00 (through Nov 4th) and it includes a free copy of Plural eyes. Also, can you please review the Tascam DR-70D that was just introduced?

[@Kashaku3]

Hey I'm able to buy the tascam dr-40 and dr-100 at both $200. thoughts on which one i should get? I'm thinking the dr-100

[@MaksimYuryev]

I haven't used the 100 myself but have friends that use them and they're great.

[@Kashaku3]

ok so can you tell me the advantages that the dr-40 has over the dr-100mkii?

[@MaksimYuryev]

Kashaku3 can't tell you I haven't personally used it. Take a look at the specs on their website or try to find a comparison video.

[@diymusicbiz]

Kashaku3 The dr-100mkii sounds better, but doesn't have dual recording if memory serves me correct, that's a huge con imo

[@alibahrichannels5594]

What are your thoughts on the panasonic hc-x1000 4k camera?

[@MaksimYuryev]

Hey ALI, I don't know too much about it but it seems like a good choice if you need a more professional broadcast camera with more professional inputs and 4k. I think it is priced really well and the 4k 60FPS is awesome! I wish it had a little bit larger of a sensor maybe m43 like the FZ1000. What do you think?

[@alibahrichannels5594]

Max Yuryev yhea i know! I'm thinking about selling my 6d and all my lenses, to by this camera. I'm amazed about its price, normally this kind of camera is much more expensive. Really good job on the comparison:)

[@MaksimYuryev]

I think it will be a big step up from your 6D other than shallow DOF and low light. 4k detail and the extra pro functions will be awesome to have. What do you shoot with the 6D normally and what lenses do you have? I'm wondering if a GH4 with a speed booster using your EF lenses may do you better?

[@usafirefly]

Very well thought out and presented.

[@intellipassion]

thanks a lot!! this video makes me conclude to buy one. your channel is good!!!

[@85Davers]

Great video Max !!! For me DR44WL all the way .

[@FormbyFanatic]

Thanks Max - great comparison. Settled on the DR-40 for voice interviews. Liked and Subscribed mate...:)

[@ゲームちゃんねるうつ病の高田つよし]

What is the music being tested?

[@kumaryadaw]

Quite a detailed scientific review.

[@AdamTroup]

Excellent comparison Max!

[@MaksimYuryev]

+Adam Troup Thanks!

[@bruin4937]

Really great comparison, Max. Thanks!

[@latenightweekly8035]

Hey Max, really appreciated your review! Great overall quality - competent, relevant and elegant ;-)

[@LukeFlegg]

8:29 "on the Tascam you have to scroll down lower" ...pretty sure you're comparing 2 Tascams

[@mechadense]

12:50 DR-40 very clear winner here. Much less noise in silent environment recordings. Also it has those swivelable mics (not sure if this is actually useful). But way less memory (ouch), a bit less battery life (ouch), and no shock mounts. DR-44WL: The mic guards look less sturdy. And there's the mentioned dent prone flimsy alu. DR-40: Has a more cumbersome button layout. I'm not a friend of "control by (crap) app" (DR-44WL) Just checked app reviews now in 2018 - 4 years later - not good. Would much prefer a webinterface. (Maybe combine DR-40 with wlan SD-card? Plastic housing should allow that.) Also considering the price difference I think that I'm currently tending towards DR-40. Many thanks for the informative review.

[@mechadense]

DR-40 version 2.0 now supports up to 128GB SDXC cards :)

[@SarahC2]

Swivable mices is good for getting ambient crowd noise - such as at a fair with them open, and in the XY configuration, they focus more in front of the device, giving much more central sound for an interview, or noise straight ahead. What't the twister things on the DR-40WL mic's for?

[@Martin.The.Credit.Doctor]

Thank you for the video breakdown at the beginning

[@AymanKhalifa]

Thanks for sharing the useful info. it helps a lot

[@lenoat702]

Whats the name of the song?

[@OttomaticVideos]

Nice work, Max.

[@MaksimYuryev]

oh yea! :)

[@jonesmccoll4207]

very good and thorough review. thank you

[@a2roland]

Awesome review! Thank You!

[@FrankZen]

Great review by the way!

[@LightWthoutTheStatic]

Anybody have bad buzz issues with their DR-40? Recording with the internal mics in stereo with wav file, running backup channels, and with headphones plugged in I get some nasty and unpredicable helicopter digital buzz that pops in and lasts for about 5-8 seconds and disappears. Good batteries, and same tone from a variety of situations where it's occured. I've seen it happen identically with two different dr-40 units. Anybody know what's up? I hate not being able to rely on the amazing sound this thing can capture from a room or a human voice. It always has great lifelike sound reproduction with pretty nice wav bit depth for editing. Buzz kills it for me though.

[@MaksimYuryev]

Micah Lindstrom Weird. You may have a defective unit mine has never done that.

[@moreno7798]

The helicopter noise has to do with using unbalanced mics. It's not meant for unbalanced mics. I had that issue when I first bought it. Then I bought a good quality balanced shotgun mic and the problem was gone.

[@stephenchristopher6248]

DR 44 definitely better

[@mikenaughton4298]

Great job. Thanks!

GREAT VIDEO!!!!

[@Capofear]

best done review. Great Job, thanks !

[@MaksimYuryev]

Thanks!