Topic: Tascam DR-60D - 4 Channel recorder

[willndmb]

Are you currently running audio out of M10's into a camera? I'm wondering whether to run an attenuator cable out of the m10 into my camera, but aren't sure what level of attenuation is needed?

The 60D seems to solve this by offering an adjustable level out to the camera. 

What's the benefit of running audio into the camera directly as opposed to letting the camera record the room and then syncing the audio recorder and the camera audio later?

For existing 60d users, any comments on how well the 60d appears to hold sync with your camera?

yes I am running from my m10 into a canon r300 and before that a zr800
100% use line out and not headphone out. I learned the hard way last week that the headphone out is way to noisy and ended up with just static overall.
I had to use a -20db attenuating Cable with the zr800, no questions asked.
With the r300 I have a meter on screen and with the cable and without the cable the meter doesn't change visually but on playback the audio is slightly lower with the attenuating cable in the chain.
I thought the cable might have been broke but it clearly drops the signal if I run headphone out. I have no clue why line out it isn't dropping the signal though. I actually will prob start a thread asking about it.
The advantage is not having to synch in post which can be a total pain. Even when it's not a pain it still saves time.

The dr60d appeals to me because I can have an out designed to go into a camera/camcorder plus the added benefit of level adjust if need be as backup.
I just wish I could get one as a trial to test the sound vs a m10

[2manyrocks]

I had a discussion with a sales rep at B & H today about the 60d.  Among other things, he said they have a 30 day return if I don't like it.  So I take it from that B & H wouldn't be opposed to a buy it/try it, but you could always call them directly to confirm this before ordering.  I didn't ask what their return policy would be insofar as opening and using the PE3 software would be. 

I have an HF200 that seems to take a strong signal, but my HF M500 seems to need attenuation. 

I'm wondering how sensitive the meter in the camera really is.  Maybe the attenuation just doesn't show up that much in the meter?  I suppose you could run a known test signal though both ways and then check the db level in your DAW?

[gatorglenn]

As for battery life, I picked up an 11000mAh USB battery and have tested it with the device (and a DR-2D with USB > 5V cable) and can confirm that it powers it just fine.  I can't say for how long but I'm sure that would give me more than enough "extra time" for a festy situation.  I won't know until I get to one of those in June (depending on everything else going on -- bracing for bad news).

I would like more information on an external rechargable battery to use. What brand and where did you get it? Can you guess how long it might last?

Thanks,
Glenn

[ArchivalAudio]

Any external Li=Ion with USB output should work. Higher MAh rating the longer the run time. I wouldn't be too concerned. I bet some of the many USB  batts favored  on TS would power this unit for hours.  Anker Astro pro  or the Tekkeon, or the Nastech...

[fguidry]

...
I had to use a -20db attenuating Cable with the zr800, no questions asked.
With the r300 I have a meter on screen and with the cable and without the cable the meter doesn't change visually but on playback the audio is slightly lower with the attenuating cable in the chain.
I thought the cable might have been broke but it clearly drops the signal if I run headphone out. I have no clue why line out it isn't dropping the signal though. I actually will prob start a thread asking about it. ...

Is it possible that the auto-level in the camera is boosting your attenuated signal?

Fran

[willndmb]

...
I had to use a -20db attenuating Cable with the zr800, no questions asked.
With the r300 I have a meter on screen and with the cable and without the cable the meter doesn't change visually but on playback the audio is slightly lower with the attenuating cable in the chain.
I thought the cable might have been broke but it clearly drops the signal if I run headphone out. I have no clue why line out it isn't dropping the signal though. I actually will prob start a thread asking about it. ...

Is it possible that the auto-level in the camera is boosting your attenuated signal?

Fran

i don't think so but i can check setting agains tomorrow
the headphone out is clearly showing a signal drop but line out isn't

[GDfan]

Thanks, I saw that quote but was looking for a more direct answer as most of this stuff goes right over my head. Power supply is my next concern. I'd rather not have to deal with 10 rechargeable AA's, so I'm guessing a 9V DVD battery would work? Also, 4 mics. I don't see why I couldn't run 2 into CH. 1&2 with phantom and two battery powered mics into CH. 3/4. I'm thinking a 4 mic Nak mix. 2 CM1000's and two CM700's with internal batteries would be nice.

Do It!

[GDfan]

I picked up one of these from B&H and I can't wait to try 4 channel recordings, I have a USBPRE2 for channel 3/4.

[obaaron]

This should be a nice upgrade from my (former) zoom h4n. 

[adrianf74]

For peeps wanting to run an external battery, think about the following:

http://www.amazon.com/10000mAh-Smartphones-USB-charged-Adapters--Lightning/dp/B009USAJCC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392726934&sr=8-1&keywords=anker+1000mah

Works like a charm. I've got one and it powers it perfectly.  I don't know for how long but with a full charge, I'm assuming I'd _easily_ get away with a day for P48.

[Fried Chicken Boy]

If the external battery conks out, does the DR-60 seamlessly switch over to internal batteries?  Has anyone tested this?

[2manyrocks]

There is a review on Amazon where the reviewer says if connected to AC power via the USB connection, it will seamlessly connect to the internal batteries if the USB is disconnected.  I suppose it will seamlessly switch.  Prior posts in this thread have warned that one better periodically save the file because all files will be lost if there is a complete power failure and the files weren't saved.

My question is whether the DR60d can be safely powered via a USB battery like adrianf posted or if there is going to be another group of sad 60d owners like 680 owners who found out that 680 will be messed up by the wrong external power pack. 

An external battery pack is obviously needed in many situations. 

[yates7592]

I'm surprised that there is this much interest in the DR60D here on TS, considering the availability of the Roland R26. The latter seems smaller volumetrically and has better battery life (?). I also suspect it has better preamps but stand to be corrected. Or am I talking out of my rear here?

[Ultfris101]

I'm surprised that there is this much interest in the DR60D here on TS, considering the availability of the Roland R26. The latter seems smaller volumetrically and has better battery life (?). I also suspect it has better preamps but stand to be corrected. Or am I talking out of my rear here?

Price: $500 vs $200 (right now)

Thinking about it in terms of $$/channel, at this price the DR-60d is $50/channel, roughly the same as the DR-680 is going for lately.

[GDfan]

I'm surprised that there is this much interest in the DR60D here on TS, considering the availability of the Roland R26. The latter seems smaller volumetrically and has better battery life (?). I also suspect it has better preamps but stand to be corrected. Or am I talking out of my rear here?

Options.
I can use it like my sony m10 as a bit bucket for my USB PRE2, or I can use it for 2 mics and a sbd feed, or I can use it as a 4 channel recorder with p48 for channel 1 & 2, and the USB PRE2 for channel 3/4.
Its small, so its not a much larger footprint than a Sony m-10 and its a pretty good deal at $200.