Tascam DR-60D Review hands on - DSLR FILM NOOB

[@onelonedork]

The camera attachment point is a metal bracket. Very solid, but it does lift your camera up a bit. I don't think you'll have balance issues on sticks, but it might be an issue on a rig.

[@onelonedork]

You could arrange the recorded tracks in post if you wanted to, then it's just a matter of putting them in the correct quadrant. Or if you are trying to capture "quadraphonic" sound you could simply place 4 microphones around the set.

[@onelonedork]

I ran some tests using the 3.5mm jack with the RVP and the results were just as good. I left them out of the video for time, but you have all of the same features and options on the 3.5mm jack as you do on the XLR inputs.

[@onelonedork]

Might want to download the samples and take a closer listen. Might be youtube encoding. I shut down everything in the studio for testing, but my light kit is CFL which could cause a high pitch noise and my studio has a glass storefront on a well traveled street.

[@onelonedork]

Testing took a week. Filming and editing only took about 4 hours. Thanks for watching.

[@onelonedork]

Might want to go into the menu for the channel your using and set the gain to high. Also make sure you have phantom power turned on.

[@ludi4u]

once again: you did a perfect job with your review and talked more detailed about issues of the device than others...combined with the rotation recs of your cam setup...thumbs up mate!

[@onelonedork]

You can use this just like a Juicedlink device, or you can sync audio. It works either way.

[@onelonedork]

The Tascam units have more gain than the Zoom h4n. Enough that it might make more sense to go with Tascam if you're using the NTG-2.

[@curtisjudd]

Awesome review--thanks!

[@user-tn6jx4rs6b]

Best Tascam review I've watched yet

[@Artkidtek]

Thanks for your feedback I just ordered mine from BnH this morning and I picked up some sany eneloop extreme batteries. I will be using the tascam with the Rode NTG-3 shotgun mic.

[@onelonedork]

Yea I didn't catch that until I sat down to edit. Didn't feel like going back to refilm.

[@AndrewFann]

I just bought the mkII and I love this thing. For larger shoots, it can be carried around as a field recorder, although I do suggest a heavy, safe bag to put it into, and I can just slap it under my camera for shoots when I am alone. It's very versatile. I spend a decent amount of time setting audio levels at the get go and I don't ride the faders often, so the stepping hasn't really been an issue.

[@JordanCrowderFilms]

I've had a problem with the original Tascam DR-60D not working with Eneloop Pro rechargeable batteries, even after changing the battery settings in the menu. Anyone else have this problem? Anyone know of a workaround?

[@lunaremissions1859]

Jordan Crowder Hi, I write from Italy. Also I have the same problem with Eneloop XX Pro. I think the problem is that all rechargeable batteries are 1.2 V while the alkaline batteries are 1.5 V.

[@archivestereo]

Your demonstration of the clicking during a constant sound source clearly illustrates the problem.

[@onelonedork]

It has more gain than the H4n, audio quality is about the same, and it does boot faster. Just remember there aren't any built in mics and the form factor is a lot different.

[@7863348]

Great review but I do have a question if you could answer it. I have two Sennheiser G3 receivers that I want to use for both talents. Can I hook the two of the Sennheiser receivers up to this unit and have the two artists audio appear on the video? Thanks in advance

[@john2000l]

I just received my DR-60D, and they have already changed the Gain/Volume dials from Rotary Encoders to Analog controls. I would not have returned it anyway, because of the overall capabilities of the unit.

[@onelonedork]

Very true. If they fix that I think this unit could easily replace many of the $500+ two track field recorders on the market.

[@Artkidtek]

i thought this ended the need the synch up audio but looks like the Juicedlink is still my only hope!!

[@Artkidtek]

I still need to play around with it a little more I just got it today.

[@jj9k]

superb review thanks, how would you rate the sound quality, feature set and usability next to the zoom h4n? - which i have and which takes forever to turn on: that struck me as the most tempting thing for the tascam! cheers

[@onelonedork]

I don't think the preamps are a huge step up from the DR-40. The DR-680 has great preamps and you can send it in for the Busman Audio mod to get even better quality. I've heard that some DR-680's have shielding issues and a few people have reported clicking on some of their inputs.Still if you need 6 tracks (8 with digital inputs) it's probably the best bang for your buck.

[@Artkidtek]

sigh... I plugged my brand new ntg3 and xlr cable into my new tascam dr60d that came today and I don't hear anything but that low noise sound. I followed the instructions in the manual to the T. MONITORING CHANNEL 1, MIC IN CHANNEL 1, HEADPHONES IN PHONES SOCKET AND I HAD THE PHONES DIAL TURNED UP.....

[@kawehtajadod6493]

Great review. How is the stereo audio quality if recorded directly to the camera? is it comparable with a beachtek adapter?

[@onelonedork]

Well if you need the built in microphone the DR-100 is probably a better option. If not, the DR-60D would probably be a better form factor. Audio quality will be pretty much the same.

[@onelonedork]

I'm sure the price will drop down over time. Right now it's actually cheaper than Beachteks DSLR Pro, and Juicedlink's RM333 and provides a lot more features.

[@davidp158]

Any thoughts on how the DR-60D preamps compare to the DR-40 and DR-680 units? I'm thinking about replacing my DR-40, but if the DR-60D pres aren't significantly better, I'll probably go with the DR-680.

[@onelonedork]

Maybe when they actually announce a release date. It wasn't at NAB.

[@Wescotte1st]

I just picked up one of these and I think mine is defective. I have to set the gain mode to "high" in order to get a signal that reaches -12db and the fader is nearly 3/4 full. The mic is a Sennheiser MKE-600 and I've tested it from just inches away. The MKE-600 seems to work just fine with my zoom. In your video you mention when on "high" gain mode you have the fader all the way down and you had to stand back a bit.What mic were you using? Were you hitting around -12db on low/mid gain modes?

[@BhikkhuSamahita3]

Thanx for very pro, excellent and quite useful tech evaluation as usual. Can U say anything about the preamps noise-floor level compared to: A: Tascam DR-100 MKII ? B: Marantz - PMD661 MKII ?

[@PixrNuggets]

Brilliant! Yet another well done and detailed review. I also enjoy your style and antics.

[@AppleJack1997]

The chopping could have been fixed by Tascam by a few simple lines of code added to the audio processor to ease the audio in and out. Maybe we'll see that in a later version.

[@GMoney-B]

Question. What does the slate button actually do? Does it just make a beep noise so you can sync the audio from the camera with the Tascam? Great review by the way. Quick and to the point but informative. Thank you!

[@AndrewFann]

Yes. That's exactly what it does.

[@Colcum]

What I wonder about is how tight the connection with the camera is - I can't help but imagine it throwing the balance off in a big way when operating on sticks.

[@Triple_Spiral]

Great Video, thank for the time! I am not sure I see a solid solution, besides the mounting housing you use, for a matte box and rails. Wonder if they thought about that. Still, four tracks with all the features are pretty cool!

[@LRSCOMEDY]

Would you recommend this, or a juicedlink for recording with a 7D? i hate syncing audio, but I had a beechtek which was worthless and the preamp made audio unusable.. thoughts?

[@emptyholeproject]

I have the dr40, which i love. The 60d isnt hand held, so its really a "what situation" scenario. If you have your own audio person, then the 60 would be the one to use, but if its just a one person run and gun type, then something like the dr40 would be more appropriate.

[@thewii552]

Not bad, but I noticed a high pitch sound on top of the first few clips you recorded... Is this an issue with your particular setup or the device itself?

[@andyarteaga7300]

I have a question, maybe it's pretty obvious but i'm just getting started in audio recording. I will use a shotgun mic with xlr conector and a wireless lav with a 3.5 min jack simultaneously, is there a recording mode that allows me to record with this mic setup?

[@jameskeatingcontent]

That clicking noise would put me off a bit. Any chance of an audio comparison with a juicedlink or beachtek?

[@SteveoFilipino]

Would you recommend this over the DR-100 MKII. I saw this and almost bought it but went with the DR-100 MKII.

[@rockclaudiagb]

In terms of audio quality with the Rode NTG-2 and Giant Squid lavs, would you recommend the DR-60D, the DR-100mkII, or would you say that they are actually not much better than the Zoom H4N? Thank you.

[@Artkidtek]

Ok I think this is important for people with "mid-size mics". I have a rode ntg3 and today I found out its a "mid-size". So it didn't work with tascam dr60d until I went into RECORD MODE, then made sure it was on STEREO then I went down to MS MODE, and switched it from OFF to RECORD and if that doesn't work switch it to MONITOR. that was very confusing but at least I got my shotgun mic to work.

[@KamalJones]

Hey I'm a big fan of this channel, Great content. I know I'm late on this device but my question is "How do I sync the audio from 4ch mode which creates to files to my video file?" Currently whether I use Dual Eyes or Plural eyes it allows me to add the first file Ch 1&2 but I"m left without being able to add Ch 3&4.

[@alloneword154]

Hi. Why is one xlr input left and the second one right? When I choose mono for dialogue recording I only see one meter level. And it's very quiet even on max headphone level. Also if your going to be using the audio from the tascam only, then why would you ever want to send the audio to your camera. Any answers would help thanks .

[@CarFinanceSimplified]

Great video - I am looking at getting one of these when it is released in the UK!

[@VexedFilms]

Still waiting for these to show up in the UK, anywhere

[@sjs2657g]

OK, this does a lot, which demands a huge price. I see that this can record 4 channels, which makes me wonder: [Can you] How do you set up microphones so that you mimic 5 to 1 dolby sound?

[@1325Studios]

so I am using this with a D7 but cant seem to get the audio to come in through the mic input...I have never shot with a DSLR, how do I switch the mics?

[@technoober2538]

I see that where you have the XLR and headphone cables connected but where is the other cable from the DSLR going to on the TASCAM?

[@VinsonValega]

Love the review and info. Super informative. Many thanks! Question: sending the recording to my Canon D60 directly from the Tascam D60 using the line out into the Mic In (on the camera), the signal only gets sent to one channel on the camera. If I send the signal from the mic directly to the camera, both channels on the camera are used. Why is this? Will it matter if I want to use the embedded audio on the video file (instead of synching in post)? Thanks!

[@billydbrown]

Great review! What was that trapezoidal mounting bracket you had it sitting on top of instead of beneath your camera?

[@onelonedork]

Working on it.

[@johnyboygomez]

HI. Great review! I have a question though.. I have a Rode video mic and connected it to the Tascam. I can only reach -12db if i set the gain to "high", raising the noise floor... Since the 3/4 input only has "low" and "high" gain settings, i was wondering if i was doing something wrong... Any help? Cheers!

[@georgefantauzzi2021]

Super awesome product! Unfortunatley it's a wee bit pricey for me... I'd love to a lower model of this product such as beachtek has done... Over all very very good review!

[@eddiebaby1982]

Great review thank you! Just a quick question, you mentioned recording from 'Camera out' and then 'Line out', is this not the same thing on the tascam? Thanks again and keep up the great work!

[@alkevinzmedia]

Awesome review !! Very detailed and you made me think about getting this Tascam recorder :D

[@tvloserdk8588]

I really need help on this one! I have this Tascam DR60D, and the Giant Squid Audio Lab lavelier microphone with 3,5mm jack. I just don't get any sound or signal on the Tascam when I connect it to the channel 3-4 input, gain is turned up, and in Record mode I've set it to "CH 3/4" and tried both mono and stereo setting. What's wrong?? When I connect the Giant Squid Audio Lab lavelier microphone directly to my camera's 3,5mm mic input it gets a signal, but I obviously want to to work with the Tascam DR60D instead :-/ Anyone knows?

[@stickysound]

Have you tried another mic with your Tascam?

[@tvloserdk8588]

I figured it out now, the 3,5mm plugin power was off. Unfortunately the lav mic only peaks at 20 even when the gain is set to high and the knob is turned all the way up, when speaking close to the lav at a normal level of speek :/

[@tvloserdk8588]

Hi, yea really quick response i know :P In the main menu go to "system" I think it's called, and in there you should find something called "Plugin Power" So, it is really just a unusual place to hide it, and it doesn't even say it's plugin power for the 3.5mm jack, at first I thought it was something I should turn on if I powered the device from USB :P

[@tvloserdk8588]

I really have trouble with this myself, I haven't dared to use the recorder for anything yet :( My problems are: - When I use the Tascam DR60D with new batteries, connected to a RODE NTG-2 Microphone either with phantom power or with a new battery installed, - Then I get a lot of background hiss :( When I place the microphone pointing at my face, 1 foot away, and adjust the levels so that it peaks at -12 to -6 dB there are just so much constant noise in the background even though it should be silent, and I can't believe I spend so much money on the recorder + the mic, and it doesn't work, even though other people says the two works fine together :( - And my second problem is with my 3.5mm jack lavalier microphone... Even though I got that "Plugin Power" turned on, I still have a problem. Because even when I set the preamps to maximum, I can't even make the lavalier microphone (The Giant Squid Audio Lab) to peak anywhere near -12dB, it is simply too quiet :(

[@tvloserdk8588]

But there must be a solution since we both have that issue, but I have seen a review out there, telling that Tascam DR60D and RODE NTG2 works great together. - I hope someone else could join this conversation and helt us!! :(

[@TearneysKarate]

thank you for the review. I can hear the difference in adjusting gain when you talk vs whistle. Can you tell me if you can hear the "click" when adjusting the gain while recording music?

[@onelonedork]

The click shows up in constant signal recording. Music will likely cause some clicking when making adjustments.

[@onelonedork]

You guessed right those are AIAIAI TMA-1's. One of the few good headphones out there that doesn't have "bling" all over it.

[@davidp158]

Thanks for the info. Both the DR-60D and DR-680 appeal to me. The DR-60D has a nicer interface than the DR-40, and some extra features that I would use. However, I am leaning towards the DR-680, as I could definitely use more recording tracks, and the DR-680 prices have dropped. Even without the Bussman or Oade preamp mods, the improved DR-680 pres would be a nice improvement over the DR-40 pres. I'm glad to see an affordable option to the overpriced Juicedlink and Beachtek products.

[@Shxgath]

How to record with channel 3/4 I'm a complete novice and I can't hear my voice in any of the audio clips. Someone please help

[@pianomandove]

Thank you for making this video. I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

[@Emperor-2029]

Can this audio recorder records only 16 bit or this can records also 24 bit as Zoom H4N?

[@RageStudios]

24 bit

[@madzonic16]

I have an ZOOM H4N already. Do you think I still need to have this?

[@GutSense]

If you record on a single channel in a stationary settings, you can do all of the work with Zoom H4N. But if you do any field work, you are better off with this baby because it was purpose-built for video workflow in the field, and it will make your work far less stressful or error-prone. Zoom is a great general purpose multi-channel recorder with built in mics. It wasn't designed to integrate with DSLRs, and it misses a lot of features that are relevant to video production, such as appropriate form factor, sync tone, safety track with lower level, camera mounts, silent nobs and controls, and some others.

[@jibclimmer]

I'd love to see a similar review of the Zoom H6.

[@EmilPaje]

What headphone are you using? Can you send me the link. Thanks man.

[@DaveDugdaleColorado]

Thanks. That must have taken some time to do.

[@EcBaPr]

this thing looks great for DSLR video world, the features are cool but its just such a crap form factor.. it needs to be low profile so it can sit underneath camera more elegantly..

[@calvinleangpun8749]

Can anyone please explain to me about something? I'm wanting to buy this but does the Tascam Dr-D60 automatically sync up with the video or do you have to do that manually?

[@PichaDisMedia]

you would need to use plural eyes

[@calvinleangpun8749]

So I decided to buy it and haven't been able to work with it that much but from my understanding you can't really sync the audio with the video. I'll have to use something like plural eyes or final cut

[@RageStudios]

you can connect a cable to the camera to use this as a pre amp and won't need to sync audio

I bought a TASCAM DR-60DmkII, more a mic Bluebird and ZOOM Q4, but the sound obtained low or high is few perfect! My instrument for record is the classical guitar and i have one Chanel in KZbin with the name MANUEALIPIO. I haven´t yet played with TASCAM. Can you helpe me? Thanks a lot. Kind regards, Manuel Mostrar menos

[@jameskeatingcontent]

Brilliant, looking forward to it.

[@davidmadrid8637]

Are there hot shoe mounts if you need to use wireless lavs on b the d60?

[@onelonedork]

You'd have to adapt them using the 1/4 20 thread.

[@1BigBucks1]

really good review. cheers.

[@AirsoftReviewerHD]

How long does it take to make a review like this one? :)

[@halomaniackslashcraz]

If its one thing i hate its the cables, i have no idea which ones are needed to connect this with my Ntg-2, and the same with into my eos 60d itself. -__0

[@spiderwayne]

Great review! And I'm glad that the Subscribe outtro is back lol

[@PageLynch]

Excellent work, man! Thanks!

[@michael86734]

do you have to sync the audio later

[@onelonedork]

If you aren't recording a feed into the camera then yes.

[@GilbertFonck]

Sera posible la traducción al Español?

[@Arixorn]

My tasccam came without the camera mounting parts!!!

[@EVOlutionHTC4g]

A couple of times I heard you call it a DR40, Oops! lol

[@FunshoAdebayo]

Nice review bro

[@lllfff333]

LOOOOOL best ending ever. Really useful :)

[@michael86734]

Can you use as standalone

[@onelonedork]

Yes.

[@Lakeside_CH]

Outro is back!

[@michael86734]

does it work with camcorders also?

[@johnsovcom]

i use this with all my video film, perfect tool for the job

[@michael86734]

I want one

[@stevendeane5331]

Sounds good, no one uses the audio from a Canon DSLR, 24 bit or die. Price is right. I'd never buy something that just feeds into the camera. The camera audio is just for sync, nothing more !

[@EDC-Europe]

nice! but you say dr40 sometimes!

[@NYCForeverbaby]

its huge! my t2i is smaller

[@TerraNovaSpirit]

🙏🏼❤️🌻🌹🌼🌷🌸🌺❤️🙏🏼

[@jama1234100]

Tascam or Zoom?

[@voldefolie2176]

I'm too much of a noob for this video. D:

[@matrixate]

I lost respect for you at the very end.