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

[Life In Rewind]

Would the above sample possibly be a result of accidentally having mic in or would that present itself differently? Maybe that could explain why levels on both the ore and the dr70 were barely on to compensate for a hot mic signal?

Unlikely. If you did that - you're whole waveform would be spiked out...this looks like someone playing a snare drum under your mics. (plus you can hear the clicks)

The actual signal between the spikes seems low - I think by trying to adjust your peaks to the spike level - you dialed your levels down too low.

So your compensating for a bad noise - not music.

[Life In Rewind]

One question and I assume I know the answer already, but I want to keep the gain as low as possible on Tascam unit and use as much gain from the FP24 as possible, correct?

Since the TASCAM will turn the levels all the way down/off - this seems risky.

I'd like to turn my knobs to at least 9 or 10 o'clock...in any config.

In the screen shot I posted...it looked like my DR70 was going to explode...red light going crazy. (as you can see  - I got the knob down so far, one channel turned off completely).

That said - the signal seems pretty clean...but I was MUCH more comfortable once I got the gain range presets right. (granted I was not using an outboard pre)

[Cheesecadet]

Yeah I have the deck dialed in when run I the mics directly into the unit. The only issue was when I introduced the pre before it. I hope I have it figured out now. I guess I will know at next weeks  leftover show (Fat Tuesday Baby!!!!)

[Life In Rewind]

http://www.portabrace.com/products/audio/recorders/1212-ar-dr70d

The AR-DR70D is a custom-fit protective case and rain cover for the Tascam DR70D recorder. The case is made made from waterproof and breathable nylon Taslan material, and complemented by a soft tricot interior that won't scratch your DR70D. The Taslan material is both waterproof (1000mm waterproof rating), and breathable (1000G/M² breathability rating), which is designed to keep your recorder dry while also allowing for heat to escape.

[404 Not Found]

Nice that they made a Porta Brace for the DR-70D, but it offers nothing more than it being a protective sleeve at a high cost.  Don't get me wrong, as it's great for a small carry type audio bag for the recorder, especially if you are not doing extended run times on AA batteries.   Would have been nice if they opted to have accessory bag with a Velcro tie-in on the options.  Pic's are pretty dark, so maybe it offers it and I am not seeing it?

You could score a bag with a bit extra space, such as for your outboard battery at B&H with a Petrol PS617 for a savings of $30. 
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/902128-REG/Petrol_ps617_Lightweight_Audio_Bag_Large.html

They are discontinued, so they are going pretty quick.

[Life In Rewind]

DR-70D / DR-680 Size comparison.

[willndmb]

Thanks for the pic
Still don't like the xlr set up
For line/camera out, is there a menu setting to select it? The 60 has two ports with volume knobs so they are both active at once which can be useful

[jbosco]

I was playing with recording 4 tracks last night, and I couldn't figure out a way to playback just two channels at a time, is there a way to do this or is it something that needs to be done on a computer after the show?

[Cheesecadet]

I was playing with recording 4 tracks last night, and I couldn't figure out a way to playback just two channels at a time, is there a way to do this or is it something that needs to be done on a computer after the show?

Havent/ been able to figure that out either.  I think you have to transfer first.

[Cheesecadet]

OK, so I recorded Leftover Salmon this past Tuesday in Durango.  I again had the same spikes in the audio that I previously described above (though not nearly the same frequency of them occuring).  I was running low gain/line in on the DR70 on all channels.  I have the FP-24 calibrated correctly to -20dbfs with the Tascam.

The spikes only occur on the audio coming XLR line out of the FP-24 into channels 3/4 on the Tascam unit.


This morning I started running some additional tests trying to isolate the issue. 

1.) I ran a dual XLR to 1/8" stereo cable Line Out of the FP-24 for an hour into channels 1/2 on the Tascam unit with absolutely no issue.  So, I believe, this rules out the FP-24 output being the issue.

2.) I ran my Mics > XLR Cables directly into channels 3/4 on the Tascam using Phantom from the Tascam deck with no issue.  So I know channels 3/4 XLR input on the Tascam works fine.

3.) I am currently running another test using the newest addition to my rig, Darktrain XLR interconnects, from XLR Line Out of FP-24 into channels 3/4 on Tascam Unit to see if the spikes are present.  This is what I have done at the last couple shows when the spikes have been present.  At this point, I am thinking it may be the interconnect cable since I ruled out the above tests.

EDIT: No static at home doing this third test either.  I even jiggled the mic cables and interconnect cables around pretty good and could not reproduce the spikes.  Once again I am at a total loss.

Can anyone else think of any other tests I could run in addition to the above?


I am thinking I will re-calibrate the gain on the Tascam unit to -18dbfs with the FP24 to see if I was somehow overloading the unit? 

I dunno, I thought i would be able to replicate the problem but not maybe it is only being caused at higher dB levels found only at a live show??

Thanks for any input.

[F.O.Bean]

I would try running fp24>mini input on channels 1/2 at the next show, since both times it happened, you were running XLR out of the fp24, and not the mini out!

[Cheesecadet]

I would try running fp24>mini input on channels 1/2 at the next show, since both times it happened, you were running XLR out of the fp24, and not the mini out!

That's my plan

[voltronic]

When I first bought my FP24 and posted here asking for advice, I was told by several members that the XLR line outputs are very hot, and that I especially should never go XLR out > 1/8" mini in as those sort of inputs expect a much lower level.  You did try it with the XLR inputs on your DR70D though.  Maybe your tests at home are not giving you realistic levels like you would have at a concert?  Could it be possible that the DR70D cannot handle the level even when set to low-gain / line-in?  I would try the Tape Out as Bean suggests.

[Cheesecadet]

When I first bought my FP24 and posted here asking for advice, I was told by several members that the XLR line outputs are very hot, and that I especially should never go XLR out > 1/8" mini in as those sort of inputs expect a much lower level.  You did try it with the XLR inputs on your DR70D though.  Maybe your tests at home are not giving you realistic levels like you would have at a concert?  Could it be possible that the DR70D cannot handle the level even when set to low-gain / line-in?  I would try the Tape Out as Bean suggests.

I was able to set my levels fine at home test going XLR out of FP24 > 1/8" in On Tascam (peaking @ -5dB).  Actually everything seems to work fine when I do tests at home.  All configurations. I think it may have something to do with how loud a show volume gets vs. how loud my home test on my stereo can get.

the weird thing is that I had a relatively controlled environment at the Leftover show.  I was set up in an area that was rather isolated above the soundboard on the balcony.  I had a good 10' bubble around me with no one else around and my bag and cables did not move at all so there was no accidental moving of cables etc.  My phone was turned off etc.

[intpseeker]

I've read through the thread, and my question, perhaps a dumb one, is basic. Is the DR-70 a viable option for us as tapers?