Topic: Anew recorder from Tascam

[Jonmac]

The DR-701D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=atEaU_7Nl1k

[Colin Liston]

Is this a joke?

[twatts (pants are so over-rated...)]

After watching that video for about a minute, I had to take a most vicious piss...

Terry

[larrysellers]

http://tascam.jp/product/dr-701d/

"DR-701D" The use when moving image shooting in DSLR (digital single-lens reflex camera), a video camera, a 6-track linear PCM recorder capable of audio video to a higher sound quality.
Video and clock synchronization by mounting the HDMI connector, and realize synchronization of recording start / stop operation. Corresponds to the time code input, it will be able to record the time information to recorded files. Lightweight and robust housing employing a magnesium alloy, the camera up and down both can be attached to, it allows he wanted settings stereo built-in microphone and four XLR inputs. Extension of the track is also possible by cascading multiple units.

Video "DR-701D" specializing in photography, film and documentary production, is a high-quality 6-track recorder designed to be used in combination with many cameras in various field such as a television recording.

Main Features]
• 6 track (4 track +2 mix) Record
• possible image in the HDMI IN terminal and clock synchronization, synchronization of recording start / stop operation
• transport, monitor operation is possible cascade function of the "DR-701D" of multiple units with HDMI connection
• TC IN terminal mounting, enter the time code can be recorded recording start time to file
• adopted a magnesium alloy in the housing material, lightweight and robust design
• high-quality HDDA microphone pre-amplifier equipped with
• equipped with four XLR / TRS combo jacks, also supports advanced recording you have full use of the four microphone
• + 4dBu line level / phantom power supply (24 / 48V) corresponding XLR / TRS input
• equipped with a multi-band limiter to adjust the excessive input automatically (stereo linkable)
• 5 stages of the low-cut filter (50/80/120/180 / 220Hz) installed
• stereo built-in microphone is equipped
• Equipped with clock generator of high-precision
• CAMERA OUT terminal that can output a voice that has been mixed in the "DR-701D" in DSLR camera
• Selection of the insertion position of the slate tone ( recording start / recording the start and at the end , when the slate AUTO function is used )
• plug-in power microphone , high- output microphone corresponding (EXT IN 1/2)
• the voice of the DSLR camera can be monitored via the " DR-701D " CAMERA IN terminal
• equipped with a time code generator (RTC), you can record the recording start time even if there is no time code input to file
• can be output audio signal of the " DR-701D " in HDMI OUT terminal to an external recorder
• Adopt high manageable SD / SDHC / SDXC card is versatile in the recording medium
• Recording Format : 16 / 24bit, 44.1k / 48k / 96k / 192k Hz (WAV / BWF) ※ 192kHz only when the 2 -track recording
• Dual recording function can perform simultaneous recording of two systems at different levels ( varying in the range of -1dB ~ -12dB)
• PAN, level adjustment, built-capable mixer solo monitor, to be output mix four channels
• equipped with a delay that can distance correction between the microphone (+/- 150ms)
• The MS decoding function that allows the use of MS stereo microphone
• maximum output 50mW + 50mW headphone jack
• tripod mounting hole (bottom) and detachable coin camera installation screw attachment (top panel), equipped with a shoe mount (top surface)
• transport buttons, adopted a rubber button the sound is difficult to leave at the time of operation in SLATE button
[General Specifications]
Power AA batteries four (alkaline batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium batteries)
AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P515U, sold separately)
A dedicated external battery pack (TASCAM BP-6AA, sold separately)
Power consumption 6.5W (at the maximum)
Dimensions 169 (W) × 57.3 (H) × 113.5 (D) mm (upper adapter installed state)
Mass 654g (including battery), 567g (excluding batteries)
※ I is compatible with RoHS.
※ Specifications are subject to change for improvement.

Click here for product details.
"DR-701D"

[hi and lo]

The never-ending cycle of disposable products continues.   

[Gutbucket]

The handles are more redder!

[Colin Liston]

Do they have a list of approved cards yet?

[voltronic]

Sorry I didn't see this before starting my own thread.  I'll delete that one, but include what little more I could find:

http://mp-review.jugem.jp/?eid=256 (scroll down)

http://www.miroc.co.jp/show-report/aes2015/archives/841

Google translation of the relevant portions of the second website:

The TASCAM booth, new products appeared there was no of all information. I had to show specially mean that ROck oN of the report. PCM Recorder that DR-701D. Site does not have a lot of information in that reference exhibit, and the Mic input of 4ch, input from the Camera, and, incorporating the needs of the user to the previous DR series that have embedded functions to HDMI it is that it is of the has become a Audio Recorder in the eyes.

As in the photo, also packed is used as a premise that to mount along with the camera. And, installation of HDMI is, new efforts as a product in this category. Since utilizing the external HDMI recorder has been increased, thus, HDMI Embedeter was built equipment, it would be that have been awaited.

[voltronic]

Here's a translation of the specifications:

DR-701D specification
Recording media SD card (64MB ~ 2GB), SDHC card (4GB ~ 32GB), SDXC card (64GB ~ 128GB)
Recording and playback format
WAV 44.1k / 48k / 96k / 192k Hz, 16/24-bit
BWF 44.1k / 48k / 96k / 192k Hz, 16/24-bit
The number of input channels
44.1k / 48k / 96k Hz up to 4 channels
192kHz up to 2 channel
Number of Tracks
44.1k / 48k / 96k Hz up to 6 tracks
192kHz up to two tracks
Analog audio input ※ maximum input level: Adjust the input knob, you can enter without distorting the digital full scale (0dBFS) signal level
Minimum input level ※: Adjust the input knob, you can enter the signal of -20dBFS level
IN 1 terminal, IN 2 terminal,
IN 3 terminal, IN 4 terminal
Connector XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
6.3mm (1/4 ") TRS standard jack
※ XLR only phantom power support
When the input gain "LOW" / "MID" / "HI" / "HI +"
Input impedance 2kΩ
Phantom power 48V +/- 4V (10mA / CH), 24V +/- 4V (10mA / CH)
The maximum input level + 4dBu
The minimum input level -72dBu
When the microphone input gain TRIM MAX
LOW + 20dB
MID + 40dB
HI + 52dB
HI + + 64dB
When the input gain "LINE"
Input impedance 10kΩ or more
Reference input level + 4dBu
The maximum input level + 24dBu
EXT IN 1/2 terminal
Connector 3.5mm (1/8 ") stereo mini-jack, plug-in power
Input impedance 10kΩ
The maximum input level + 10dBV
The minimum input level -50dBV
When the microphone input gain TRIM MAX
LOW + 3dB
MID + 11dB
HI + 26dB
HI + + 38dB
IN terminal
Connector 3.5mm (1/8 ") stereo mini-jack
Input impedance 10kΩ
Reference input level -10dBV
The maximum input level + 6dBV
Analog audio output
LINE OUT terminal
Connector 3.5mm (1/8 ") stereo mini-jack
Output impedance 200Ω
Reference output level -14dBV
Maximum output level + 6dBV
OUT terminal
Connector 3.5mm (1/8 ") stereo mini-jack
Output impedance 200Ω
Reference output level -44dBV
Maximum output level + 6dBV
PHONES terminal
Connector 3.5mm (1/8 ") stereo mini-jack
Maximum output 50mW + 50mW
Control input and output
HDMI IN / OUT terminal
Connector Type A receptacle
USB terminal
Connector Micro-B type
Format USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
TIMECODE IN terminal
Connector BNC connector
Signal voltage amplitude 0.5Vp-p ~ 5Vp-p
Input impedance 10kΩ
Format SMPTE 12M-1999 compliant
REMOTE terminal
Connector 2.5mm TRS jack
Power AA batteries four (alkaline batteries, nickel-metal hydride batteries or lithium batteries)
AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P515U, sold separately)
A dedicated external battery pack (TASCAM BP-6AA, sold separately)
Power consumption 6.5W (at the maximum)
Current consumption (USB bus power) 1.3A (at the maximum)
Battery duration (at the time of continuous use) 2ch WAV, 48KHz, recording at 16bit
※ When using phantom power, there is a case where the connection time by the microphone to be used is shorter.
DR-701D +
Mobile battery for about 22 hours: 1 / 2ch use, phantom power supply 3mA × 2ch use, HDMI input connection (1080 / 60i)
※ to "DR-701D" is, I am using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA).
※ Use EC Technology Portable 2nd Gen Deluxe 22400mAh 3 USB Power Bank. 22400mAh / 3.7 ~ 5V
DR-701D +
Mobile battery about 11 hours: 1 / 2ch use, phantom power supply 3mA × 2ch use, HDMI input connection (1080 / 60i)
※ to "DR-701D" is, I am using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA).
※ cheero Power Plus use 3 (CHE-059). 13400mAh / 3.6V
DR-701D
Lithium batteries
(Energizer ULTIMATE LITHIUM) about 7 hours and 30 minutes: 3 / 4ch built-in microphone use, phantom power unused, HDMI unconnected
About 6 hours and 30 minutes: 1 / 2ch use, phantom power supply 3mA × 2ch use, HDMI unconnected
About 3 hours and 30 minutes: 1 / 2ch use, phantom power supply 3mA × 2ch use, HDMI input connection (1080 / 60i)
Nickel-hydrogen battery
(Eneloop pro) about 5 hours 30 minutes: 3 / 4ch built-in microphone use, phantom power unused, HDMI unconnected
About 3 hours and 30 minutes: 1 / 2ch use, phantom power supply 3mA × 2ch use, HDMI unconnected
About 2 hours and 45 minutes: 1 / 2ch use, phantom power supply 3mA × 2ch use, HDMI input connection (1080 / 60i)
Nickel-hydrogen battery
(Eneloop) about 4 hours: 3 / 4ch built-in microphone use, phantom power unused, HDMI unconnected
About 2 hours and 30 minutes: 1 / 2ch use, phantom power supply 3mA × 2ch use, HDMI unconnected
About 2 hours: 1 / 2ch use, phantom power supply 3mA × 2ch use, HDMI input connection (1080 / 60i)
Dimensions 169 (W) × 57.3 (H) × 113.5 (D) mm (upper adapter installed state)
Mass 654g (including battery), 567g (excluding batteries)
Operating temperature 0˚C ~ 40˚C
Accessories USB cable, the camera mounting bracket screw hole cover × 6, manual (with warranty)

Performance
Frequency characteristic 20-20kHz + 0.5 / -1dB (LINE IN to LINE OUT, Fs48kHz, JEITA)
20-40kHz + 0.5 / -1dB (LINE IN to LINE OUT, Fs96kHz, JEITA)
20-80kHz + 0.5 / -5dB (LINE IN to LINE OUT, Fs192kHz, JEITA)
Distortion rate of 0.007% or less (MIC IN to LINE OUT Fs44.1k / 48k / 96k / 192k Hz, JEITA)
S / N ratio of 100dB or more
(MIC IN to LINE OUT, -10dBu input, 1kHz, Fs44.1k / 48k / 96k / 192k Hz, JEITA)
EIN (equivalent input noise) -124dBu below

[audBall]

The never-ending cycle of disposable shit products produced by Tascam continues.

Hey now, landfill design is a booming and profitable business.

[voltronic]

The never-ending cycle of disposable shit products produced by Tascam continues.

Hey now, landfill design is a booming and profitable business.

I'm not really understanding the reason for this level of hatred.  Many people here use Tascam products and have success with them.  Some have reported card problems with the DR-70D recently, and I'll say that their customer service may certainly be suspect, but I'm wondering what are the "disposable shit" products they have made?

I've only seen that kind of statement with Zoom products, who seem to have really stepped up their game with the H6 and F8.

[ACKSAHARA]

You can find it on their Japanese page.

https://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://tascam.jp/&prev=search

[audBall]

No hatred at all. I am a DR-70D owner and was the first to ever report on here about personal card issues months ago.

Then the flood began...

I was simply joking around and, quite frankly, Tascam deserves the jokes at this point...at the very least. I still like and use the recorder, btw.

[Jonmac]

$599 at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1189478-REG/tascam_dr_701d_linear_pcm_recorder.html

[BonoBeats]

$599 at B&H

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1189478-REG/tascam_dr_701d_linear_pcm_recorder.html

So four channels plus a two channel mix for $600, or six channels and a two channel mix for $540 (via zzounds) on a 680mkii...

*Edit- didn't notice time code*

[voltronic]

No hatred at all. I am a DR-70D owner and was the first to ever report on here about personal card issues months ago.

Then the flood began...

I was simply joking around and, quite frankly, Tascam deserves the jokes at this point...at the very least. I still like and use the recorder, btw.

OK I read that as serious. 

$599?  Hmm, I wonder if the new features on this thing are really worth double the original list price of the 70D?  As the owner of a modded 70D, I wonder if they have upgraded the opamps or the preamp circuit in general.  They're described as "HDDA" which the same generic marketing term used with the 70D and a couple of their other recent recorders.  Clearly it has a new DAC and DSP, but if the analog section isn't upgraded then the price seems hard to swallow.

EDIT: I suppose timecode input would make it quite attractive to the target audience.  Are there other audio recorders with TC input this price?  The closest I can think of is the F8, but that has a high-precision TC generator as well, which is one of several reasons that deck is probably a much better value than this new Tascam.

In terms of price and features, this reminds me of what Sony did going from PCM-M10 to PCM-D100.  I know a few people here have the D100 and really like it, but the price is much higher for not much more functionality (though I'm sure a quality upgrade).

[H₂O]

Timecode sync and the HDMI insertion of audio is a great feature for a videographer


The features added won't be too beneficial for us unless you do a lot of Video work and have a compatible camera and standalone HDMI based video recorder (i.e. VideoDevices PIX, AJA, etc)

[voltronic]

Tascam US product page:

http://tascam.com/product/dr-701d/

Aside from what H2O mentioned above, the cascade recording seems pretty cool.

And answering my own question on the opamps and DAC:

The microphone preamps have a significant impact on the quality of the recorded audio. The DR-701D features TASCAM HDDA mic preamps. The differential mic preamp circuits use discrete architecture, built with carefully selected components. For example, Texas Instruments OPA1652 op amps were selected for their high quality and low noise – with even better audio performance than the previous DR-70D model. As a result, the unit boasts an equivalent input noise of -124 dBu or better.

The A/D converters, which convert analog signals to digital, are made by Asahi Kasei Corporation and are equivalent to those used in the top models in the TASCAM DR series of linear PCM recorders. High audio quality HDDA circuits faithfully convert the amplified audio to digital. Resolutions up to 96kHz/24-bit are supported when recording 6 tracks and 192kHz/24-bit when recording 2 tracks.

The specs on those opamps are almost as good as the LME49720MA used in the JW Mod for the 70D.  That chip is now designated end-of-life, BTW.

Never heard of the DAC manufacturer - anyone know about them?

[2manyrocks]

I want to see a notarized affidavit of approved cards first with a 12 month money back guarantee.

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

The user manual describe how you set levels in the same way as the DR-70D. It says you should watch the meters and adjust the level controls.

It doesn't make any mention of giving feedback about the absolute levels being set.

If that's so, matching levels tightly across channels will be difficult or impossible, like the DR-70D.

[voltronic]

The user manual describe how you set levels in the same way as the DR-70D. It says you should watch the meters and adjust the level controls.

It doesn't make any mention of giving feedback about the absolute levels being set.

If that's so, matching levels tightly across channels will be difficult or impossible, like the DR-70D.

Actually I think setting levels will be much easier.  Go to the video linked in the first post, and look closely at the display shown at 1:43.  You'll see that there is a per-channel numeric level setting to the left, and a per-channel dB readout to the right.  This is my #1 request for 70D firmware.

Also, from this bit from the US product page should also help:

In addition, the gain adjustment knobs are designed so they are not moved with a slight touch, making unintended moves less likely.

All that said, I agree with BonoBeats that the 680mkII is probably going to be a better value for what we do.  Especially since their description of the preamps and DAC may indicate that they very well might be the same as those used in the 680.  That was also the early speculation on the 70D which turned out to be false, but they pretty much say that the DAC is the same as on the "high-end DR series" and some of the specs seem to indicate it may be the same preamp circuit.

[willndmb]

Do they have a list of approved cards yet?

yes,see below...


Approved card list



End of list

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Actually I think setting levels will be much easier.  Go to the video linked in the first post, and look closely at the display shown at 1:43.  You'll see that there is a per-channel numeric level setting to the left, and a per-channel dB readout to the right.  This is my #1 request for 70D firmware.

Yes, it looks like you're right: the left side numbers seem to go from 1 to 100, changing with the rotation of the knob and then staying stable.

I wonder what the scale is in dB per step? And I wonder how well they'll track across channels?

The DR-701D is appreciably smaller than the DR-680MkII: 6.65" x  2.24" x 4.47" for the DR-701D (with the top DSLR mount) versus 8.5" x 2.2" x 7.4" for the DR-680MkII.

I wonder why they didn't show this at AES in NY two weeks ago?

[aaronji]

I wonder why they didn't show this at AES in NY two weeks ago?

Perhaps because they are idiots?  Seriously, I don't think they have any strategy for their recorder business at all, other than to flood the market with as many different models as they can.  They have probably released as many recorders as Sony, Roland, Marantz, and Olympus combined (and probably more).  They must have an army of designers and a huge QC department, unless, of course, they are just slapping a Tascam label on anything they can get their hands on...

[Life In Rewind]

Do the HDMI connections = Digital I/O?

[F.O.Bean]

The user manual describe how you set levels in the same way as the DR-70D. It says you should watch the meters and adjust the level controls.

It doesn't make any mention of giving feedback about the absolute levels being set.

If that's so, matching levels tightly across channels will be difficult or impossible, like the DR-70D.

Actually I think setting levels will be much easier.  Go to the video linked in the first post, and look closely at the display shown at 1:43.  You'll see that there is a per-channel numeric level setting to the left, and a per-channel dB readout to the right.  This is my #1 request for 70D firmware.

In addition, the gain adjustment knobs are designed so they are not moved with a slight touch, making unintended moves less likely.

All that said, I agree with BonoBeats that the 680mkII is probably going to be a better value for what we do.  Especially since their description of the preamps and DAC may indicate that they very well might be the same as those used in the 680.  That was also the early speculation on the 70D which turned out to be false, but they pretty much say that the DAC is the same as on the "high-end DR series" and some of the specs seem to indicate it may be the same preamp circuit.

I HIGHLY doubt that we'll see the numeric level value on the 70D, since the 701D now has it

[H₂O]

Never heard of the DAC manufacturer - anyone know about them?

http://www.akm.com/akm/en/product/detail/0019/

AKM made the AD's in the DR-680, 680mkii, DR60/70 etc

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Do the HDMI connections = Digital I/O?

Was wondering that myself since HDMI currently supports up to 24-bit/192kHz.  But on Tascam's website they state that this I/O is used to master/slave two decks in sync, or output an audio signal to another device; as far as I can see, no mention of the device itself being able to record an audio signal via this input. 

Interesting feature set (SPDIF or AES would've been nice) but with the issues people have been having with the DR-70D, I wouldn't touch this deck with a 10-foot pole. 

[Len Moskowitz (Core Sound)]

Interesting feature set (SPDIF or AES would've been nice) but with the issues people have been having with the DR-70D, I wouldn't touch this deck with a 10-foot pole.

If the channels match and track well, and the pre-amps are reasonably quiet (the spec sheet says it has an EIN of - 124 dBu) , this will be the smallest four-channel recorder that does that. I'd buy it immediately.

[2manyrocks]

As I read tascam product page, this one will gang channels.  They are using Texas instruments op amps so I guess no mods are needed. 

The HDMI is a feature i was not acquainted with.  It looks like some cameras like the Panasonic gh4 will output both time code and start/stop information over HDMI.  Presumably this means you can start recording and stop recording on the 701 just by starting a video recording on a gh4, and then the two devices are synced via time code signal from the camera over HDMI cable. 

I gather you can also sync multiple 701s via the HDMI port, but that would seem an expensive way of adding more channels given the $599 price tag of the 701. 

If you have the right camera and want to sync with the 701, could make sense for that use, but for pure audio recording, I think it will be a hard sale to convince tapers to spend twice as much to get a 701 instead of a 70d.

[pohaku]

This may be a stop gap response to the Zoom F8 until Tascam can put out a truly competitive model.  Given the price, however, I would still probably drop the extra $400 and get the additional channels and functionality of the Zoom (never thought I would hear myself say that).  From a pure audio perspective, however, I don't see that the additional features are worth the up charge over the DR70.

[aaronji]

If you have the right camera and want to sync with the 701, could make sense for that use, but for pure audio recording, I think it will be a hard sale to convince tapers to spend twice as much to get a 701 instead of a 70d.

Really?  I think many people here, who use thousands of dollars worth of mics to record PA systems, wouldn't blink at the 701's list price for four good sounding channels if it proves to be a reliable recorder.  It's cheaper than the years-old R-44, for example, and way smaller...

[BonoBeats]

If you have the right camera and want to sync with the 701, could make sense for that use, but for pure audio recording, I think it will be a hard sale to convince tapers to spend twice as much to get a 701 instead of a 70d.

Really?  I think many people here, who use thousands of dollars worth of mics to record PA systems, wouldn't blink at the 701's list price for four good sounding channels if it proves to be a reliable recorder.  It's cheaper than the years-old R-44, for example, and way smaller...

Guess it depends on your purpose/usage. If I needed a unit with time code and HDMI, then sure, I'd probably look into this (assuming the card issue is fixed). But those features aren't really necessary for me;  I'd rather spend the same amount of money and get two additional channels on the 680mkii.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

Interesting feature set (SPDIF or AES would've been nice) but with the issues people have been having with the DR-70D, I wouldn't touch this deck with a 10-foot pole.

If the channels match and track well, and the pre-amps are reasonably quiet (the spec sheet says it has an EIN of - 124 dBu) , this will be the smallest four-channel recorder that does that. I'd buy it immediately.

Agreed that small size, quiet preamps, and well-matched/tracking channels are excellent features.  But it's all for naught if your once-in-a-lifetime recording shits the bed because the device decides it doesn't want to play nice with an SD card that's on an approved list (or not).   Respectfully, with the other variables that a person has to take into account in a typical taping situation, I'll take my chances elsewhere.

[DecomposingCadaver]

The reliability problems with the 70D are certainly unfortunate, but maybe before we freak out and throw out the baby with the bathwater, let's give the 701D a chance. Let's wait until we get feedback from users - what if the 701D proves to be problem free? Of course, I should take my own advice, since I unfortunately have a habit of getting excited and buying new recorders immediately - that's how I got both the 70D with all its problems and the 60D with the xlr connector problems. But hey, what if the 701 is good and reliable? IOW, let's put the guns down and wait on reports from users.

[H₂O]

The 70d is sensitive to write speeds and requires very fast write SD cards.

The Korg MR-1 is the same way

[aaronji]

Guess it depends on your purpose/usage. If I needed a unit with time code and HDMI, then sure, I'd probably look into this (assuming the card issue is fixed). But those features aren't really necessary for me;  I'd rather spend the same amount of money and get two additional channels on the 680mkii.

For sure.  In my case, I don't need more than four channels and I am attracted by the much reduced size and weight of the 701 compared to the 680.  The specs released thus far look good and it sounds like it may be of a decent build quality (alloy body) too.  I won't be an early adopter, though...   

[willndmb]

The reliability problems with the 70D are certainly unfortunate, but maybe before we freak out and throw out the baby with the bathwater, let's give the 701D a chance. Let's wait until we get feedback from users - what if the 701D proves to be problem free? Of course, I should take my own advice, since I unfortunately have a habit of getting excited and buying new recorders immediately - that's how I got both the 70D with all its problems and the 60D with the xlr connector problems. But hey, what if the 701 is good and reliable? IOW, let's put the guns down and wait on reports from users.

what 60d xlr problems?

[Fried Chicken Boy]

^  x2, what are the DR-60D XLR problems?

[if_then_else]

^  x2, what are the DR-60D XLR problems?

I guess I read something about stuck XLR connectors (only the male ones were impacted [branded "Hong Nua"] while the female ones were OK [made by Neutrik]).

http://www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?8181-Easy-DR-60D-mounting-and-it-s-a-nice-recorder/page2

[DecomposingCadaver]

^  x2, what are the DR-60D XLR problems?

I guess I read something about stuck XLR connectors (only the male ones were impacted [branded "Hong Nua"] while the female ones were OK [made by Neutrik]).

http://www.bmcuser.com/showthread.php?8181-Easy-DR-60D-mounting-and-it-s-a-nice-recorder/page2

Yep, multiple people all over the world reported on the problem of connecting through xlr, and then being unable to pull out the cable out of the 60D due to faulty connectors. Apparently the problem was corrected in the DR-60Dmkii

[Fried Chicken Boy]

^^  Interesting.  Hadn't heard of that issue but, reading through the thread you linked to, it appears that the female XLR connectors on the -60D are only part of the problem: it's the off-brand/non-compliant male XLR connectors on cables that are getting stuck.  Perhaps it hasn't been noted more here on TS as us tapers tend to use quality cables/connectors?