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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: TheImplodingVoice on June 10, 2018, 06:21:55 PM
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How is the sound quality of the Tascam DR-2D, using both inputs from Line feeds? — in Dual Record Function
I'm familiar with the sound quality of the Sony PCM-M10 and older Edirol models. Due to its tiny size, is the DR-2D quality compromised in any way, particular when using the "Mic In" as a Line input?
Thank you.
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is this the thread where we compare tiny decks?
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No, I'm interested in the opinion on the Tascam DR-2D quality, compared to other portable recorders. I expect the DR-2D to sound inferior to the multitrack Sound Devices, Zoom, and others in that range, however I'd like to know in advance if the DR-2D has any shortcomings for Dual Recording mode (Stereo x 2) in terms of audio quality; I expect some tradeoff for the size. Thanks again.
is this the thread where we compare tiny decks?
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This model has been discontinued. It has been replaced with the DR-22WL.
http://tascam.com/product/dr-2d/
Why not get something newer?
(I have the DR22WL btw)
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This model has been discontinued. It has been replaced with the DR-22WL.
http://tascam.com/product/dr-2d/
Why not get something newer?
(I have the DR22WL btw)
DR2d can do 4 tracks, for one.
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The DR2d was a little bright sounding IMHO when I used one for quite a while. It made very clear recordings.
About 4 channels - you may find it problematic as I did. The mic in cannot handle a loud line source and is prone to brickwalling even with line sources that aren't that loud.
If you want to record 4 channels of line level sources I suggest getting something like a used DR70d that is capable of doing just that and more. Not much more expensive used than a DR2d.
edit : removed inaccurate data
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I have had very good results although with this deck recording 2 sets of mics and 4 channels requires some practice. I do like the deck much more than I like the DR22L. Form factor and capabilities of the DR2d make it a deck with more options. It is very important thoughto stick to the message below:
Run the preamp into the line-input. Set the line input level to about 95, any lower won't help with a hot signal- your levels will look lower on the display, but you will be overloading the input stage. At level 95 at least the peak indicator will indicate overload properly. If too hot, turn down the external preamp or use attenuators. You can add gain with the external preamp without a problem if you need to.
Run the other pair of mics into the mic-input, with mic power turned on. Mic input level 67 (menu set to low gain) is about the same level as line-in level 100. I wouldn't go below something like mic input level 62 for the same reason mentioned above, but you can add as much gain as neccessary for good levels by raising the input level as required without fear.
How much gain you need depends on the sensitivity of the mics and the SPL of the music so I can't help there. If the mics have the same sensitivity (I dunno if they do) then the omnis probably output a somewhat higher level signal since the're more sensitive in the lower bass and produce more ouput down there. So if it's loud and you have the recorder set to those minimum gains already (line=95, mic=62) and are peaking on mic input with the omnis, you might swap them with the card to put the omnis through the preamp>line-in chain if the preamp lets you attenuate gain as well as add it (I'm not sure what the minimum gain on the 9100 is).
There are a few variables, you might try it both ways and see which works better, just keep the gains on the recorder at line=95/mic=62(set to low gain) or above.
Hope that helps.
I stick to those gain levels and never have issues. If the recording is lower than I like, I boost it in post which is easy to do and will not ruin my original copy.
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Also the Dual record function you mention is not what you think. The Dual record function creates a safety track at a lower volume when you are using the deck to record 2 channels and creates the safety track on the other two. Terminology.
It is capable of doing what he thinks. Its that function which is the primary attraction of this recorder IMO. It can either record a lower level safety track OR record two separate stereo files- one for the mic-input (or internal mics) and a second for the line-input. That's referred to as DUAL_LINE mode. And its that mode which makes it uniquely attractive as the only pocket sized recorder made to date which has offered 4 channel external input recording functionality.
It doesn't provide the same functionality as other multitrack recorders, but it is able to record four separate signals. The main thing is that you will need to manage levels prior to the recorder. I keep it at input level 100 on the line-in and 67 on the mic-in and have no qualms about the audio quality at all. I really have only two primary wishes with regards to the DR2d- That Tascam continue production, and that Tascam produce a follow up model capable of recording 3 pairs of external stereo inputs rather than just two, in the same size device.
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This model has been discontinued. It has been replaced with the DR-22WL.
http://tascam.com/product/dr-2d/
Why not get something newer?
(I have the DR22WL btw)
DR2d can do 4 tracks, for one.
4 tracks? If that's your criteria, try out big brother DR-44WL
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4 tracks? If that's your criteria, try out big brother DR-44WL
The only way the DR-44WL deck can do 4 tracks is 2 external mics and 2 internal mics. There is no flexibility to use 4 external mics and that means the unit always needs to be placed where it can get a good clean signal.
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4 tracks? If that's your criteria, try out big brother DR-44WL
The only way the DR-44WL deck can do 4 tracks is 2 external mics and 2 internal mics. There is no flexibility to use 4 external mics and that means the unit always needs to be placed where it can get a good clean signal.
Doh, I thought that round indent on the right side panel was a 1/8" TRS input. It is not, thanks dallman.
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4 tracks? If that's your criteria, try out big brother DR-44WL
The only way the DR-44WL deck can do 4 tracks is 2 external mics and 2 internal mics. There is no flexibility to use 4 external mics and that means the unit always needs to be placed where it can get a good clean signal.
Doh, I thought that round indent on the right side pannel was a 1/8" TRS input. It is not, thanks dallman.
It would have been nice had they made it that way ;-)
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Thank you for replying; as I understand from the responses, the DR-2D sounds just as good as the Sony PCM-M10, or at least the M10 doesn't sound any better (Line In or Mic In); true?
I'm familiar with the PCM-M10, but never used the DR-2D, so do not know its quality.
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I'd say that's true. Its features and functions and the built in mics where they differ primarily, rather than sound quality.
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as much as i dislike the microtrack for line-in i wish there were more options without unnecessary built in mics