Tascam DR100mkii Review

[stevetoney]

manleyf,
I returned my DR-40 for a DR100mkii and I'm very glad I did!

Thanks for the feedback!
What led to the exchange, why are you glad?
The only thing that has me thinking twice really is the 4 track capabilities, even if it's 2 tr+ mics....

I'm pretty sure if you look through this thread, or another thread in the recorders section about the DR100mkII that he explained the issues he had with the DR-40.  I recall it had something to do with significant noises (sounds like a sprinkler) when recording.

[stevetoney]

Any word from Tascam on the power issue and a firmware update?

They've had a while to investigate.

I never received a response to my inquiry. 

However, in my inquiry I directed Tascam to this thread and we've kinda flushed out the issue, so I don't really feel a need to get a response anymore.  That said, it's crappy customer service to not respond at all to an inquiry, especially one that has to do with a potential design issue in a newly released product.

I'm hoping at some point for a firmware update the revises the low voltage cut out to a lower setpoint.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

I'm hoping at some point for a firmware update the revises the low voltage cut out to a lower setpoint.

What I'm looking for is a schedule on when the oh so important fix will be released.. Or even if it will be released.

This issue makes it fairly clear that they never tested the product with commonly available rechargeable AA's. That's a bit sloppy.

It's a deal breaker for me.  I was considering the recorder, but will not consider it until they fix it.  And if they choose not to issue a fix, then it would very much hurt my confidence in their brand and all but rule out considering them for any future purchase.

Long time readers will recall how we waited for microtrack fixes from m-audio and what a fiasco that became. Never again.

[stevetoney]

I'm hoping at some point for a firmware update the revises the low voltage cut out to a lower setpoint.

What I'm looking for is a schedule on when the oh so important fix will be released.. Or even if it will be released.

This issue makes it fairly clear that they never tested the product with commonly available rechargeable AA's. That's a bit sloppy.

It's a deal breaker for me.  I was considering the recorder, but will not consider it until they fix it.  And if they choose not to issue a fix, then it would very much hurt my confidence in their brand and all but rule out considering them for any future purchase.

Long time readers will recall how we waited for microtrack fixes from m-audio and what a fiasco that became. Never again.

My feeling is that, while I agree with your assessment that it was sloppy to issue this without a fix, it shouldn't be a deal breaker for people even if there's never a firmware fix.

This recorder provides a $270 cost saving over to the PMD661 which is its primary competition, but the 661 has only one option for on-board powering.  This recorder provides two on-board options for powering.  So yes there is a negative with the stated issue, but the Tascam also has powering positives.  Since the issue stated has been ferreted out, it's simple to work around it until the firmware update is issued.  If it's never issued, big deal.  I know that if I want to phantom power mics from the unit using the AAs instead of a) the internal battery or b) alkaline AAs or c) an external, I know to use Zinc rechargeables instead of nickel rechargeables.  I personally don't see that as a big deal since it's such a simple work around and there are multiple options for powering before I'd feel the need to use a nickel rechargeable.

[dogmusic]

I had success using this 2.5 MM to 3 RCA Camcorder AV Cable for a digital connection.

I plugged the yellow RCA plug (video) into my SD USBPre2 SPDIF coax digital out, and the 2.5mm TRRS plug into the Tascam DR100mkii DIG in.

Purchased here:

http://www.pandawill.com/25-mm-to-3-rca-camcorder-av-cable-p37604.html

Careful where you buy. Some places have the same AV-type cable but the TRRS plug is 3.5mm instead of 2.5mm.

[hi and lo]

The rechargeable AA issue is definitely a bit sloppy, but so far everything else about this deck is extremely promising. I think as soon as we determine a solid solution for making a custom SPDIF breakout cable, I will pull the trigger. Having a small 2-channel recorder with digi-in will really help me avoid the dread of using my AD2k+. Will make it easy for me to only run two channels and be clock synced with whoever else is at the show with me.

Unfortunately, I checked pretty much everywhere on the intarwebs and couldn't find a single high-quality right-angle 2.5mm TRRS plugs available. Everything out there is straight, pre-molded plastic garbage.

[it-goes-to-eleven]

I had success using this 2.5 MM to 3 RCA Camcorder AV Cable for a digital connection.

I sorta think I got one of those at radio shack years ago for doing digi-in recording on my Archos mp3 player.

Never thought I'd see one again.

[manleyf]

Has anyone had one of our resident cable gurus make a RIGHT-ANGLE-2.5>SPIDIF for the DR-100mkii?

If so, who and how much?
Thanks!
Manley

[stevetoney]

Has anyone had one of our resident cable gurus make a RIGHT-ANGLE-2.5>SPIDIF for the DR-100mkii?

If so, who and how much?
Thanks!
Manley

I need one too, so I just sent an inquiry to Ted about making one up.

[tgakidis]

Two options for right angle.

This one with who knows what quality of cable http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=090-504

This one is straight and can be chopped and filled with epoxy for extra strength  http://www.markertek.com/Connectors-Adapters/Audio-Connectors/3-5-2-5mm-Mini-Connectors/Connectronics/30-701A.xhtml?30-701A

I personally would opt for the chopped since the connector appears to be better quality then the molded right angle one.

Since the length will be short a true "digital" cable is not need and i would use some good quality mini star quad cable and a straight or right angle rca cable.

Cost shipped including payapl:
straight TRRS > staight RCS = $28
straight TRRS > right angle RCa = $31
right angle TRRS > Straight RCA = $33
right angle TRRS > Straight RCA = $36

I clearly don't have these in stock and would need to place a special order so I would prefer to get as many intrested parties ahead of time to reduce my shipping costs, other wise I would ask that it be spread between the few who do want one.

Hit me up a tgakidis@gmail.com if interested.

Has anyone had one of our resident cable gurus make a RIGHT-ANGLE-2.5>SPIDIF for the DR-100mkii?

If so, who and how much?
Thanks!
Manley

I need one too, so I just sent an inquiry to Ted about making one up.

[tgakidis]

Here is another connector but it is plastic http://www.showmecables.com/product/3-5mm-Plug-TRRS-Right-Angle-Connector-Plastic.aspx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=merchant&utm_campaign=946

[stevetoney]

I'm definitely in for one Ted.  I'll PM the others that I know have purchased this recorder to generate some sort of list to see what kind of a special order we can get.

One thing of note is that a couple of the links you've provided above are to 3.5mm TRRS, but this connector requires 2.5mm TRRS.  If you do locate an all metal 2.5mm straight, I agree that the chopped option is what I'd like to have.

[tgakidis]

After hunting around (for the right 2.5mm Connector, thanks for pointing that out Steve) i can't seem to find a decent metal connector.  Here is the revised cost using cable http://www.parts-express.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?Partnumber=090-504

Cost shipped including payapl:
right angle TRRS > Straight RCA = $28
right angle TRRS > Straight RCA = $31

[matjinks]

Here's the connector you need,

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-5mm-Jack-Right-Angle-90-Degree-Solder-4-Pole-Male-Plug-Connector-/320808389138?pt=UK_Computing_CablesConnectors_RL&hash=item4ab1ab8a12

Then use Mogami 2964 digital cable with a gold RCA to terminate-

http://www.ebay.com/itm/140675075918?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Audio-RCA-Plug-Gold-Plated-Male-Connector-1-Pair-/170657828955?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27bbffd05b

Good luck.

[dogmusic]

Anyone have an idea what the wiring schematic would be? From the 2.5mm 4C Right Angle Plug with 12" Cable, which of the 4 wires would connect to what on the RCA plug?

I gather it would be the same as if you were connecting to video. Anyone know what that wiring scheme is?

EDIT: I just had another look at the product page, and there's a close-up of the wiring. Most probably the yellow wire is for the video connection.