Topic: Tascam DR-70D 4-channel audio recorder (Part 8)

[voltronic]

Tascam DR-70D Product Page
Reference Manual
Tested Media List (using a card from this list is strongly recommended)

DR-70D FAQ (includes recommended settings, hardware info, list of known issues, etc.)
Modification Discussion Thread

Previous discussion threads:

Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
Part 5
Part 6
Part 7

[morst]

With firmware 1.14 and tested media, this machine is great.

Unfortunately, with such a small list of tested media, approved cards are already becoming unavailable.

B&H and Amazon show the 32GB Panasonic RP-SDUC32GAK as unavailable.

Think about what's happened to the PCM-M10, and stock up on cards. I am going to buy the only 128 that works while I still can.

[voltronic]

With firmware 1.14 and tested media, this machine is great.

Unfortunately, with such a small list of tested media, approved cards are already becoming unavailable.

B&H and Amazon show the 32GB Panasonic RP-SDUC32GAK as unavailable.

Think about what's happened to the PCM-M10, and stock up on cards. I am going to buy the only 128 that works while I still can.

It looks like the firmware is not getting updated anymore; last update was 8 months ago.  1.14 is solid, but it would have been nice if Tascam could have implemented the usability fixes we've been hoping for.

About cards: Amazon is not very reliable source.  There are countless stories out there of people getting fakes, and the fakes are getting really hard to spot.

The only way you can be sure you're getting legit SD cards are to buy from a vendor that's on the SD card manufacturer's authorized vendor list.

[morst]

are there reports of counterfeit cards in amazon's "frustration-free" packaging? I would be pretty frustrated if I got a fake from them! 

[voltronic]

are there reports of counterfeit cards in amazon's "frustration-free" packaging? I would be pretty frustrated if I got a fake from them! 

Maybe that's the safe way to go, then you know it's actually coming from Amazon.  The reports I've read of fakes may very well have all been third-parties who sold through Amazon.

I also see that Amazon is an authorized dealer for SanDisk, but again be sure you're really buying from them.
https://www.sandisk.com/about/where-to-buy

[morst]

I also see that Amazon is an authorized dealer for SanDisk, but again be sure you're really buying from them.
https://www.sandisk.com/about/where-to-buy

thank you! I actually ordered a cosmetically-damaged one that had been previously returned, and it's supposed to arrive tomorrow from "Amazon Warehouse Deals."

I will definitely be skeptical, and make efforts to verify the serial number before I trust that the card is as-labeled!

[voltronic]

I also see that Amazon is an authorized dealer for SanDisk, but again be sure you're really buying from them.
https://www.sandisk.com/about/where-to-buy

thank you! I actually ordered a cosmetically-damaged one that had been previously returned, and it's supposed to arrive tomorrow from "Amazon Warehouse Deals."

I will definitely be skeptical, and make efforts to verify the serial number before I trust that the card is as-labeled!

See, that could be sketchy.  Given its questionable provenance, I would also run it through a capacity test (H2Testw or FakeFlashTest) and also a read/write benchmark (Crystal Disk Mark).  Fake cards are usually lying about one or both of those things.

All of these utilities can be found here:
http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=176802.0

[morst]

See, that could be sketchy.  Given its questionable provenance, I would also run it through a capacity test (H2Testw or FakeFlashTest) and also a read/write benchmark (Crystal Disk Mark).  Fake cards are usually lying about one or both of those things.

Aha!

ANOTHER very good point. Thanks, Volt! We must be thorough!

Maude: Here's the name and number of a doctor who will look at it for you. You will receive no bill. He's a good man, and thorough.

[morst]

The inner package was a sealed envelope with a bar code and an Amazon logo sticker. Inside that was an SD card in a small ziploc bag. The label looks correct and I guess the sticker had some gunk on it that the previous buyer didn't like?

Tests out OK on speed via black magic (write 75gb/s, read 87) , I have not done a brute capacity test (fill it up!) or run the windows utilities yet, but I just started creating a 120GB disk image on it...

[goodcooker]

Only 61 hours of record time left on that puppy!

Man, things sure have changed since I was sweating changing out mini discs...

[lsd2525]

Only 61 hours of record time left on that puppy!

Man, things sure have changed since I was sweating changing out mini discs...

QFMFT. On my MZ-R70 you also had to swap in a fresh AA with every mini disk......

[F.O.Bean]

The inner package was a sealed envelope with a bar code and an Amazon logo sticker. Inside that was an SD card in a small ziploc bag. The label looks correct and I guess the sticker had some gunk on it that the previous buyer didn't like?

Tests out OK on speed via black magic (write 75gb/s, read 87) , I have not done a brute capacity test (fill it up!) or run the windows utilities yet, but I just started creating a 120GB disk image on it...

I bought that exact card from Amazon through SanDisk and I got mine in the original packaging and it came it MINT condition! Yours looks a lil beat up to me? But Ive EASILY run battery tests for over 150+ hours on the new 128gb that I just got for XMas, and its been NOTHING BUT 100% RELIABLE! I have ONLY been using my 128 & 64gb SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards! I still have a 32gb PNY Card that has worked flawlessly too, but I feel MUCH more comfortable and have more peace of mind since switchimng over to the SanDisk Extreme Pro's!

And FWIW, I would ONLY buy through Amazon and through SanDisk if i were you

[morst]

Yours looks a lil beat up to me?
(snip)
And FWIW, I would ONLY buy through Amazon and through SanDisk if i were you

Beat up? Well, the sticker has a smudge that I can barely see in real life, but the flatbed scanner reveals all!

This is through amazon, though it's a returned - stock item that said it was blemished.

I already have an approved Sandisk 16 and a Panasonic 32. This is more for insurance. Seems like a genuine item, but in the name of science, I think I'll email Sandisk customer support with the serial number just to verify it...

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[morst]

Seems like a genuine item, but in the name of science, I think I'll email Sandisk customer support with the serial number just to verify it...

Sandisk has Web Chat. Very handy.

"Evan G.: ... based on the information and pictures submitted for review, we have determined that this is an authentic SanDisk® retail brand product"

And now for the bad news:

Tascam DR70D is shown as a Closeout item at Adorama Camera, the only retailer listed on Tascam's official WHERE TO BUY page! http://tascam.com/product/dr-70d/buy_now/
In fact, that link goes to a bundle which is not available, but the Adorama site still sells the recorder...

https://www.adorama.com/tsdr70d.html

[voltronic]

I wouldn't put too much into the fact that Adorama is the only authorized retailer, and they are listing it as a "closeout."  Being that they haven't updated the 70D firmware or tested any new cards in a long time, I imagine no one is paying attention to its web page either.

It very well may be slated to be discontinued, which if nothing else will drive more customers to the DR-701D (IMO overpriced given the competition or even Tascam's own DR-680 mkII).  But I really don't think it's been axed just yet.

A quick search shows the DR-70D currently in stock at:

Amazon
American Musical
B&H
Broadcast Supply
Full Compass
Trew Audio
Markertek
Sam Ash
Zzounds

...but out of stock at:
Sweetwater