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Author Topic: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)  (Read 105601 times)

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Offline leehookem

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Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« on: March 12, 2015, 09:47:46 AM »
Here's Part 1

Tom Duffy from TASCAM, "site rep"

And thanks to voltronic, for putting together a FAQ page with recommended settings.

http://tascam.com/product/dr-70d/overview/

-Compact, professional-grade audio recorder designed to be used in combination with a DSLR camera
    -Uses an SD/SDHC/SDXC card as recording medium (up to 128 GB)
    -High-quality recording inputs through Tascam original High Definition Discrete Architecture (HDDA) microphone preamps
    -NE5532 operational amplifiers for even higher audio performance (also used on DA-3000)
    -In addition to ordinary stereo recording, simultaneous recording of up to four channels is possible
    -Four channels can be mixed down to a stereo signal
    -Recording levels can be adjusted independently for inputs 1–4
    -Dual recording function allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels
    -Recording at 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, linear PCM (WAV format)
    -Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) supported as WAV recording format
    -Two built-in omnidirectional microphones
    -Four XLR/TRS combo inputs can provide phantom power (+24V/+48V)
    -+24 dBu maximum input level (20 dB headroom)
    -Additional unbalanced input for channels 1 and 2 (stereo mini jack) supports mics that require plug-in power, allowing the input of video mics and other high-output mics
    -Switchable low-cut filter conveniently reduces low-frequency noise (40 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz)
    -Switchable limiter to prevent clipping
    -High-quality audio can be output to a DSLR camera for recording
    -Camera input enables convenient monitoring of audio from a DSLR camera
    -Selectable mid-side decoding for use with MS microphone setups
    -Slate tone functions (automatic/manual) to simplify synchronization of video files when editing
    -Pre-recording function allows the unit to record the two seconds of sound before recording is activated

    -Auto recording function to start start and stop recording by input level
    -A new file can be created during recording (manually or by file size)
    -Self-timer function to start recording after a set period of time
    -Jump-back function allows the last several seconds of the currently played file to be replayed again by simply pressing a button
    -Selectable delay to eliminate time lags caused by differences in the distances of two input sources
    -QUICK button allows easy access to various functions
    -Mark function convenient for moving to specific locations
    -Equalizers for playback, and level alignment function to enhance the perceived overall sound pressure
    -File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date
    -Resume function to memorize the playback position before the unit is turned off
    -Line output and headphones output with individual level controls (3.5-mm jack)
    -Dedicated remote control jack for use with RC-10 and RC-3F (sold separately)
    -Hold switch to prevent accidental operation
    -Low-noise buttons
    -128 x 64 pixel LC display with backlight
    -USB 2.0 port
    -Stand adapter (¼ inch) on bottom side to attach the unit to a tripod
    -DSLR bracket for easy camera attachment and removal
    -Hot shoe mount (accessible when not using the DSLR bracket)
    -Handles on the front left and right sides protect the screen and can be used to attach a shoulder belt
    -Operates on four AA batteries, an AC adapter (sold separately: TASCAM PS-P515U), external battery pack (sold separately: TASCAM BP-6AA) or USB bus power





« Last Edit: April 20, 2015, 10:32:46 PM by leehookem »
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AKG c480b ck61/ck63 > Tascam DR-70D
Oade ACM Marantz PMD-671
AKG ck61/63 > NBob Actives > Naiant PFA > Tascam DR-70D
Oade ACM Marantz PMD-671
Audiophile 2496 > Mytek Stereo96 DAC > Sony MDR-7506
Dual 1229 > Marantz 2270 > Kimber Kables > Cerwin Vega VS120

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Offline leehookem

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #1 on: March 12, 2015, 09:58:27 AM »
I've only found two options for gear specific bags for this unit.  The Strut Field Case and the Porta Brace AR-DR70D.



www.texastapers.org


AKG c480b ck61/ck63 > Tascam DR-70D
Oade ACM Marantz PMD-671
AKG ck61/63 > NBob Actives > Naiant PFA > Tascam DR-70D
Oade ACM Marantz PMD-671
Audiophile 2496 > Mytek Stereo96 DAC > Sony MDR-7506
Dual 1229 > Marantz 2270 > Kimber Kables > Cerwin Vega VS120

Canon Rebel XSi, EF 50 mm f/1.8, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

Offline Cheesecadet

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #2 on: March 12, 2015, 11:06:20 AM »
Thanks for getting the new thread up and running!

Just dropped of my deck for the mod. Should have it back by Monday morning.  The tech I have doing the mod also said the upgraded chips will make huge difference in noise floor and top end detail after going through the deck with me this morning.  This was after inspecting the deck itself as well as specs on the chips selected.

I am having the mod done by a PCB engineering firm familiar with audio circuits so I think they know what they are talking about  ;D



AKG 481's, DPA 4061's (Matched), AT ES933's w/ AT853-ELE's (SC/C/O), ECM-19B's, MixPre-3, A10, M10 x 2, Hi Ho Silvers, Various Darktrain & GAKables

Vinyl:
Fluance RT83 Reference > MCS 3230 Receiver > Realistic MC-500's (NOS)

Upcoming:
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Offline Jamos

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #3 on: March 12, 2015, 01:49:10 PM »
Thanks for getting the new thread up and running!

Just dropped of my deck for the mod. Should have it back by Monday morning.  The tech I have doing the mod also said the upgraded chips will make huge difference in noise floor and top end detail after going through the deck with me this morning.  This was after inspecting the deck itself as well as specs on the chips selected.

I am having the mod done by a PCB engineering firm familiar with audio circuits so I think they know what they are talking about  ;D

I'm curious - how much are they charging you to swap out the chips?

Will be interested to hear your impressions after the mod.  The comparison Ozpeter described should be easily done if you can get your hands on a stock deck or can get your modded deck to someone else for a day or two.

Offline leehookem

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #4 on: March 12, 2015, 05:22:07 PM »
Anxiously awaiting a knock on my door for a UPS delivery.
www.texastapers.org


AKG c480b ck61/ck63 > Tascam DR-70D
Oade ACM Marantz PMD-671
AKG ck61/63 > NBob Actives > Naiant PFA > Tascam DR-70D
Oade ACM Marantz PMD-671
Audiophile 2496 > Mytek Stereo96 DAC > Sony MDR-7506
Dual 1229 > Marantz 2270 > Kimber Kables > Cerwin Vega VS120

Canon Rebel XSi, EF 50 mm f/1.8, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

Offline leehookem

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #5 on: March 12, 2015, 08:10:13 PM »
Damn this thing is tiny. I'm pretty sure I have everything set up the way I need to. I do have one question though. The 2 second pre-record is automatic correct?  Didn't see anything in the reference manual or menu settings.
www.texastapers.org


AKG c480b ck61/ck63 > Tascam DR-70D
Oade ACM Marantz PMD-671
AKG ck61/63 > NBob Actives > Naiant PFA > Tascam DR-70D
Oade ACM Marantz PMD-671
Audiophile 2496 > Mytek Stereo96 DAC > Sony MDR-7506
Dual 1229 > Marantz 2270 > Kimber Kables > Cerwin Vega VS120

Canon Rebel XSi, EF 50 mm f/1.8, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS

Offline sperho

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #6 on: March 12, 2015, 09:06:34 PM »
I've seen several mentions of swapping the preamps out for lower noise.  Spec sheets are one thing.........Has anyone measured the 70D in stock form and compared it to anything else??  I've not seen even any practical noise floor comparison tests, either, but maybe I missed them?  By practical, I mean something like the method that Ozpeter used to compare several pocket recorder/mic combos in another recent thread (http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=171987). One could do something similar by using the same mic and setting recorder gains to match -16 dB or so by a test tone played through a loudspeaker (same mic/speaker distance/volume/etc, obviously) and compare the files of multiple decks.  Anyone?

Offline Ozpeter

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #7 on: March 12, 2015, 09:20:11 PM »
Re tests and so forth, this was discussed right at the end of the previous thread - http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=170230.msg2131620#msg2131620

Offline sperho

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #8 on: March 12, 2015, 10:33:43 PM »
So, yes, no one has actually tested and posted data...  JW included, I'm inferring.  He's posted an opinion, but...

Offline F.O.Bean

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #9 on: March 13, 2015, 04:54:30 AM »
Damnit, I want one of these BADLY :( I can't sell my second m10 until next month, when I can afford the rest of the $$$ out-of-pocket. I don't really have a lot of stuff/accessories Id consider selling right now to help me get the $150 extra Id need to get the 70D. I basically need/use everything else in my gear bags. Maybe a small Manfrotto 001B FOB stand, that would get me up to $200[$150 for the m10 + $45 for the FOB stand]. But I just don't have an extra $100 this month after my vape needs :(

Anyway, keep the pics and info coming! It might just make me do something stupid lol ;D
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http://www.archive.org/bookmarks/diskobean
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Offline Ozpeter

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #10 on: March 13, 2015, 08:50:22 AM »
Reminds me of the Revox advert from 20 years ago - "The recorder you will eventually own" (if I remember the slogan correctly).


Offline 2manyrocks

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #12 on: March 13, 2015, 10:53:33 AM »
In.

First softening of the retail price I've seen.

The body of the listing for only one appears to indicate that the seller has other units to sell, too.

Offline Cheesecadet

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #13 on: March 13, 2015, 04:22:00 PM »
Mod is complete.  So far it sounds good just recording my home stereo.  I will try to get out to a show soon and give it the real once over.  Maybe post some samples at that time.

Here are a couple pics of the completed mod with the new chipset and caps in place.

Realistically, I'm probably not going to be doing a lot of testing aside from recording shows with it.  Just don't have a ton of extra time and I'm happy with the unit so far.  If in the future I am not happy with it, I can always try different chips now that I know it can be done.

I, for one, do believe that if a chipset has better specs that it will likely perform better.  For me specifically, I did the mod to increase top end detail and lower self noise substantially.  Aside from that, the "flavor" I get comes from my pre.

The deck sounds great stock so leave it that way if you like.  I, personally, have always been impressed with Jim Williams' mods on pres and mics for their detail and clarity.  When I saw that he had a mod for this thing I decided to try it.  To each their own I guess.  Just because I attempted the mod doesn't mean anyone else has to.  I just wanted to add some info here for those that may want to tinker around a bit.

If anyone has any questions, please feel free to PM me about them.
« Last Edit: March 14, 2015, 12:27:06 AM by Cheesecadet »
AKG 481's, DPA 4061's (Matched), AT ES933's w/ AT853-ELE's (SC/C/O), ECM-19B's, MixPre-3, A10, M10 x 2, Hi Ho Silvers, Various Darktrain & GAKables

Vinyl:
Fluance RT83 Reference > MCS 3230 Receiver > Realistic MC-500's (NOS)

Upcoming:
02/10 J. Dilla
02/14 Wiliie Waldman & The Chocolate Factory
02/15 Gabe & Giz
02/16 GM5
02/28 Grace Potter

Offline 2manyrocks

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Re: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 2)
« Reply #14 on: March 13, 2015, 06:09:16 PM »
Guess the red and green caps in first pic are added to board w/o desoldering anything? 

Can't tell what was changed in second pic?

Any more specifics worth mentioning in case someone else is game to try the mod?

 

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