Tascam DR-40X Four Track Digital Audio Recorder and USB Audio Interface

Main Features

• Portable, high-quality handheld recording
• Record up to 4 tracks simultaneously
• SD/SDHC/SDXC cards can be used as recording media (up to 128 GB)
• Can be used as a USB audio interface with Mac and Windows computers (two inputs, two outputs)
• Mixdown feature with level, pan and effect controls for each track (creates a stereo track from a 4-track recording)
• Linear PCM (WAV/BWF format) at 44.1/48/96 kHz and 16/24-bit

The Tascam DR-40X is a versatile four-track audio recorder for music, podcasting, cinema and any other application requiring high-quality audio.

Building on the highly successful Tascam DR-40, this recorder adds several new functions to the already comprehensive feature set.

A pair of cardioid condenser microphones handles high sound pressure levels and can be set up in AB or XY orientation for a wide stereo field or extra-clear reproduction with reduced phase displacement between both channels. Users can also use their own microphones or line-level source through dual Neutrik XLR/TRS combo jacks that support both mic level and +4 dBu line level from mixers or the FOH console. The microphone preamps include 48-volt phantom power and plenty of gain to capture everything from small whispers to loud live sounds. Using the stereo built-in microphones, you can capture ambient sound of the audience while recording directly from an external console, which is ideal for live performances. Like its predecessor, the DR-40X also offers dual-level recording, a feature that helps to avoid distortion by providing a second recording file created with a lower level setting.

The layout of the DR-40X has been revamped to be quick and easy to work with one thumb. Operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding marks are just a button press away. Menus are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese. Three different auto level modes (Limiter, Peak Reduction, Auto Level) can help to prevent accidental distortion while recording. You may apply one out of six reverb effects to the input or output signal, and an Overdub feature allows voices or instruments to be added to existing audio files. There is also a Level Align function that allows to smooth out any sudden volume jumps during playback, and a built-in speaker is provided for quick check-back. Other features like variable speed audition, low-cut filtering, chromatic tuner and more can be chosen from the menu.

The new Dictation Mode enables you to jump back and forth in preselected increments while playing back a file. It can be combined with speed control and a special dictation EQ making it useful for transcribing minutes recordings, for example. The new tape-style Overwrite mode with one level of undo lets you select a drop-in time and replace part of an existing recording.

Apart from handheld recording, the DR-40X can also be used as a USB audio interface with two inputs and outputs, making it a strong yet easy gear for voiceover work, live streaming, podcasting and songwriting with studio-quality audio.


Features At a Glance

Portable, high-quality handheld recording
Compact size and easy operation
SD/SDHC/SDXC cards can be used as recording media (up to 128 GB)
Supported audio formats:
Linear PCM (WAV/BWF format) at 44.1/48/96 kHz and 16/24-bit
Compressed (MP3 format): 32–320 kbit/s at 44.1/48 kHz (VBR files can be played but not recorded)
Can be used as a USB audio interface with Mac and Windows computers (two inputs, two outputs)

Recording
Built-in cardioid stereo condenser microphone
Accepts high sound pressure level up to 125 dB
Easy setup (AB and XY configuration supported)
XY configuration allows mono compatible recordings and high sound localization acuity (lively interviews or field recordings with ambience)
Good directivity and channel separation
Ideal for live music and field recording, news gathering, music training etc.
MS decoder for recordings created with mid/side microphone configuration
Stereo XLR/TRS mic/line input with phantom power (supports +4 dB line level input)
4-track recording
Create two stereo recordings from the built-in microphones and the external mic/line input at the same time
Create two stereo recordings with different level settings from the built-in microphones or external mic/line input at the same time
Non-destructive overdub: Record a mix of one or two stereo playback files and a stereo input signal to a new stereo file or record only the input signal while playing back one stereo file
Mixdown feature with level, pan and effect controls for each track (creates a stereo track from a 4-track recording)
Overwrite function for punch-in recording with one level of Undo
Switchable low-cut filter (40 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 220 Hz)
Manual or automatic recording level setting
Three Options of automatic level control during recording: Peak Reduction, Auto Level, Limiter
Pre-recording buffer (2 seconds) allows a recording to start before the record key is pressed
Auto recording start and stop by input level
Self-timer allows a recording to start 5 or 10 seconds after pressing the RECORD button
Create a new file during recording (manually or by file size)
Mark function (manual or automatic, up to 99 marks for each file)

Playback
Automatic level align allows to increase the perceived overall sound pressure during playback
Variable speed audition to change the playback tempo without affecting the key (50–150 %)
Repeat function (repeat one track or all tracks)
Loop function (repeat a marked section)
Playlist feature to play files in a certain order
Resume function (start playback from the audio position where the unit was last stopped)
Jump back function to instantly review playback (1–10, 20, 30 seconds)
Equalizer for tone control during playback
MP3 ID3 tag display (up to version 2.4)
Built-in monitor loudspeaker
Headphones/Line output

Other Features
Built-in reverb effect (6 presets, can be applied to input or output signal)
Chromatic tuner function to tune your instrument
File divide function to cut unwanted noise or to extract parts from long recordings (WAV format only)
Folder management to organize your files
Hold function to avoid inadvertent operation
QUICK menu button for easy access to various functions
Menu language can be selected between English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese
Clear, backlit LC display
USB 2.0 port for file transfer to/from computer
Power supply by 3 AA size Alkaline or NiMH batteries (up to 15 hours continuous operation with phantom power off), USB bus power or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520E)
Long-time operation of over 20 hours is possible using just the internal batteries
Rubber feet included for improving the acoustic properties during desktop recordings
Stand adapter (¼ inch) on bottom side to attach the unit to a tripod or microphone stand
Optional footswitch (RC-3F) and wired remote control (RC-10)