Topic: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder for DSLR cameras

[Cheesecadet]

Having a set of batteries installed as back up doesn't seem like a big deal on the off chance you have operator error with your external battery.  If anything, I think it is nice of Tascam to offer  a seamless switch over to back up without loss of data.

I will do extensive testing soon

Will also be running it 4 channel this Sunday for Dead winter Carpenters! 

[Hypnocracy]

No mention made of if the unit does auto saving?  This was a big pain in the ass on the 680, of you lost power during recording you lost the file.  Recovery was iffy at best and Tascam did not help with any kind of support for recovery.  Dos not seem like a big deal unit you lose power ehther with batteries going dead or cord unplugged .

Direct answer from Tascam regarding your concern:

After the DR-680, we fixed all our devices to be tuned to be
more sensitive to the battery voltage, and the recording is
automatically stopped when the battery goes too low.
If you keep AAs in, and power from a USB power pack, you
get a built in UPS functionality as well - it seamlessly
switches over.

So what happens if there is an abrupt loss of power IE: a  powercord being unplugged?  auto saved or not? That functions well ofr a gradual decrease in power.  Adn please don't say keep batteries in it. I get that but we are talking what if's here.  The loss of files was a HUGE bite in the ass when it happend mostly because of the relative inability to recover them

Since you bring this nuance up all the time...what decks DO "auto-save"?

Pretty sure my Fostex FR2LE would do this....or it wrote the file every so often and you didn't lose the whole recording like you will with the DR680 W/O Double A's as backup

[hoppedup]

Since you bring this nuance up all the time...what decks DO "auto-save"?

Sony PCM-D50. I was running on A/C power at a festival. I forgot to put the batteries in as a back up. Someone unplugged me and the file was saved up to that moment as far as I could tell. I was running four other channels as well, so it wasn't a big deal that day.

[cd2go]

Since you bring this nuance up all the time...what decks DO "auto-save"?

My Marantz PMD-661 saves with internals, never tried with external power.

[kirk97132]

The HD-P2 has auto save as did the edirol/roland R-44

[jmerin]

I ordered
RAVPower® Element 10400mAh External Battery USB Portable Charger . Lets hope it works good with the recorder.

[Ozpeter]

In the good old days of reel to reel, sudden loss of power could be a major worry too - particularly when winding the tape at high speed at the end of the gig and the caretaker pulled out the plug...

[2manyrocks]

as you new 70d owners are testing, I'd be interested in your thoughts on how well it works in turning on phantom power to individual channels and controlling audio levels going out to a camera.  These functions are controlled by eternal switches on the 60d.  I'M curious how well they work when controlled by menu settings?  Can you set phantom on individual xlrs or do you have to set it on pairs of xlrs?

And does the build feel more solid than the 60d and 680?

[Cheesecadet]

I know you can do individual phantom to each XLR, not only in pairs.

[jmerin]

I hope the recorder fits good in the Petrol PS602 Deca Eargonizer Bag (Large), I hope its not over kill. I run schoeps with a sono sax and a tiny box.

[Cheesecadet]

Bought two 64gb SDXC Sandiisk Ultra Plus UHS-1 class 10 cards for a total of $39 at Staples today. Pretty great deal!

[willndmb]

Bought two 64gb SDXC Sandiisk Ultra Plus UHS-1 class 10 cards for a total of $39 at Staples today. Pretty great deal!

how?
I see $32 each

[Cheesecadet]

They were $25.99 at my local Staples and I had an additional 25% off email that was sent to Staples Rewards customers.  Normal price at staples is $99.99 each!

[Cheesecadet]

So my initial inspection of the unit is very favorable.  Unit has a nice weight to it and seems well built.  It is basically the size of a SD MP2/Shure FP-24.  I removed the mounting bracket on top for insertion into my bag.  I figured I would add a couple pics and I can give some detailed feedback after the first show with it on Monday.  Will likely be running Pelusos into Channels 3/4 and DPA4061's (1/8" Trmintaion) into Channels 1/2.  The Ravpower Element 10400 battery powers the unit just fine.

Everything fits nicely into my Lowepro Nova 5 bag with easy access to all sections.  Inside the bag (pictured below) I have the Ravpower Battery, Mics In Cigar Caddy, Superclamp, XLRs.  I made a custom PVC mount to elevate the DR-70D from the floor of the bag.

The XLR cables fit nicely in this bag, but if you have a bag any narrower than a Nova 5 sized bag you will likely need right angle or stubbies to fit into another style bag.

I also added a couple pictures with an M10 for reference of size.

Please let me know if anyone wants specific tests run on the unit.  I will have plenty of time in the next couple of weeks to figure out whatever you all would like to low.

I am impressed so far! 

[willndmb]

Looks good, wouldn't mind seeing the pvc riser if you get a chance.