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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: penfolder on January 12, 2012, 03:02:54 PM

Title: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: penfolder on January 12, 2012, 03:02:54 PM

Hi

I'm undecided about which unit to purchase, the new DR-40 or splash out extra for the DR-100?  *pondering*

thanks
P

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: hi and lo on January 12, 2012, 03:23:38 PM

Need more info on your use case and budget

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: penfolder on January 12, 2012, 03:39:12 PM

the budget could stretch to £250, I'm looking for an all-round unit, outdoor and studio use, will be hopefully connecting contact/hydrophone mics.

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: TimeBandit on January 13, 2012, 03:11:12 AM

You will get DR100 (not MK2!) in your budget range.

if you don't need all it's extra features "just" the XLR connection the DR-40 is fine and really reasonably priced (saw some for 178 Euros in the EU) ...

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: hardrain62 on January 13, 2012, 06:24:55 AM

I have been using the DR-100 for the last 2 years, and I really love it. The pres are nice and quiet and the functionality is great and very intuitive. Only drawback (but this is standard for all units providing phantom power) is the battery life. Running on the Tascam rechargeable battery + 2x AA, you can experience anywhere from 90 to 150 minutes of battery life. Needless to say, that's cutting it very close for many shows, and forget about wanting to record an opening act as well. I use this battery from the Batt Geeks and it works flawlessly with the DR-100's rare 5v voltage standard: http://www.thebatterygeeks.com/BG-6-12-44-Portable-DVD-Player-Battery-Pack-p/5-12-50.htm

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: penfolder on January 13, 2012, 12:48:28 PM

I'l mainly be using it for sound design, field recordings

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: penfolder on January 15, 2012, 01:50:36 PM

can you power both units via USB?

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: manleyf on January 17, 2012, 07:28:54 PM

Waiting for my DR-100mkii, I'm having second thoughts, wondering if I should have bought a DR-40.

For me, the reason I went for the DR-100mkii was the SPDIF in, to run it as a back up device off my V3, along with my DR-680.

But, I'm starting to wonder if having a DR-40 would be a more versatile piece, and still serve as an even more full proof backup to hang off the V3.

Here's my logic, advantage / thought process:

- DR-100mkii: SPIDIF in, potentially better pre's and capsules than DR-40, but only 2 channel.

- DR-40: no SPIDIF in, BUT, could be a backup deck off my analog outs of my V3, and more fool proof if my V3 digi-out section went out.  Obviously that is probably pretty unlikely, and the V3 conversion should be superior.

- DR-40 also offers an advantage for occasional use as a light weight live recording rig for my bands, where I could grab ambient with the built in mics and board feed, all in one tiny package compared to the V3-DR680 rig....

Thoughts?
TiIA,
Manley

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: penfolder on January 27, 2012, 10:34:04 AM

 :-\

leaning towards the DR40, splash out large on the mics

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: penfolder on January 27, 2012, 02:26:32 PM

 :-\

The main issue is battery power, the DR 100 is rechargeable, the DR 40 would need the optional battery pack

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: Montana Wild on February 01, 2012, 11:56:41 AM

Can't you use rechargeable AA batteries with the dr40???

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: TimeBandit on February 01, 2012, 12:35:26 PM

put 3 eneloops in it and you are fine.  But charge them in the eneloop charger.

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: Chimney Top on March 04, 2012, 05:03:43 PM

I own the DR-100.  for battery you can buy an extra internal lithium ion battery and/or buy the ultimate energizer AA's which add atleast as much XLR battery time as the internal battery if not more.  that's plenty of battery.

Title: Re: Tascam DR-40 or DR-100
Post by: Chimney Top on March 04, 2012, 05:04:08 PM

I own the DR-100.  for battery you can buy an extra internal lithium ion battery and/or buy the ultimate energizer AA's (about $2 each) which add atleast as much XLR battery time as the internal battery if not more.  that's plenty of battery.