Tascam DR100iii handling noise with on and offboard microphones

[@jochisfx]

Yeah I just bought the Tascam X6 and similar to this model, the handling noise is crazy. It's almost a deal breaker as I like to run-and-gun record. Even with a tripod grip I get handling noise. I wish they would offer a premium model with better build quality for those wanting to spend more $. I will mention I had an Zoom H6 before and the handling noise wasn't close to as bad as the X6.

[@Rivenworld]

There is no centre mic, it is the on-board speaker. With the SM58 it is a dynamic mic so doesn't need 48V.

[@Springer5]

This problem is not specific to the Tascam DR-100 mk3. ALL hand held recorders are subject to some handling noise when using onboard mics. It's simply a limitation of having your hand inches away from a very sensitive mic. **In fact because the DR-100 mk3 has more sensitive and cleaner preamps than many other popular hand held recorders (Zoom H4, H4n H5 or H6 for example) it will pick up even more noise when you move your fingers around on it (including unintentionally) and that noise will be more noticable against an otherwise cleaner signal. It's actuially a sign of good sensitivity.** In fact, if you have a hand held recorder that DOESN'T make handling noises when recording with onboard mics, it's proabably picking up less of what it should be picking up as well.. The only sure way to combat this problem in any hand held recorder when holding it (regardless of make or model) is to mount the recorder on to a shock mounted "pistol grip" support. Otherwise, for "quick and dirty" recording, you must accept some noise.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

Absolutely correct. And as you said, its pre-amps are clean. I have owned two zooms and both report insane amounts of pink and white noise from the pre-amp through even non-sensitive microphones. I went Tascam because of the cleanliness. I made this video specifically because of a question about direct handling (not mounted) from a user.

[@Krystianissimus]

@@FauxtakuLounge: It's sad that TASCAM discontinued the DR-100 Mk3 (as the same as Roland discontinued R-26 model) and there is no replacement for good handheld recorder with mics built-in and solid preamps on the market. Now, I regret that I haven't bought it.

[@sambrown9494]

Listening to this on KZbin, the audio appears to be mono (I'm not getting left and right when you speak into each microphone) - is this correct? Or maybe a setting at my end? (Other videos eg music videos are in stereo okay) - thanks for the video/review!

[@guyprolly]

It is entirely possible that I messed up that portion of the recording. I will double check the original video. Cheers.

[@mindsetcentral]

Nathan, thank you so much for this! Its a great unit, but the handling is pretty bad. If the unit is used with an external mic and placed on a desk, in a backpack or generally out of the way, it sounds amazing. But using it as a hand held recorder, it fails pretty badly. This was the main reason I sold my DR-100 MkII. Great video! Thanks again!!

[@VOByRobbins]

Like most of the portables (Zoom H5/H6, Sony PCM series -- with onboard sensitive mics, you can use a compact gobi tripod or get a small handheld grip and attach to the tripod mount on the bottom of the unit. this is the only way to avoid the handling noise and also keep things compact. you'll need a dead cat too if you're outside (furry) to avoid wind noise.

[@FauxtakuLounge]

@@VOByRobbins Indeed, you can damp them, or mount them on external support, which mitigates all or most touch noise, but for hand-holding, better options may exist.