TASCAM DR-100mkIII NEW Unreleased Recorder

[MVCG-17002]

Thanks guys. Seems like even with all the new tech in there it's still not fire and forget... I'll check out your suggestions for the settings and keep an eye on the levels while recording.

Won't get rid of the Tascam or the XLR plugs. I got it not only for going stealth bit I need it for other stuff aswell.
Going stealth with the Tascam is not an issue for me. I have taped a lot of shows using my Sony TCD-D8 back in the day, and size was never an issue. We also don't have crazy security here in Berlin.

[Sebastian]

We also don't have crazy security here in Berlin.

...except for Mercedes-Benz-Arena and Verti Music Hall. ;-)

[jerryfreak]

I got a 512gb microsdxc card for my A10 and decided to try it in the mkiii for shits and giggles. It wont accept it. is there a workaround to format it in on a PC using one of the SD card formatting tools?

[dogmusic]

I need some help determining if the DR-100mkIII line-in input actually bypasses the mic inputs.

Attached is part of the block diagram for the recorder. There is a signal path from the TRS input that ends with a box labelled "165".

This path does NOT go through the mic preamp. Anyone know what this means?

I've also attached the entire block diagram.

Thanks in advance.

[spyder9]

Yes, the TRS's do go through the Mic Preamps.  You're reading the diagram wrong.

[dogmusic]

Yes, the TRS's do go through the Mic Preamps.  You're reading the diagram wrong.

Thanks. Any idea what the box labelled "165" refers to? It's at the end of the path labelled "TRS 1 DET".

[Gutbucket]

Both TRS and XLR inputs share the same signal path.  If the diagram is correct (there is at least one obvious mistake on it), the XLR input signals actually go through the TRS contact switches before reaching the preamp chip, meaning that inserting a TRS plug breaks the connections from the XLR jack.  Not sure why they'd wire it that way, but you'll be well advised to keep the TRS portion of the combo jacks clean because of that.

TRS 1 DET (and TRS 2 DET) seem likely to indicate TRS insert detection switch lines.  Probably used to switch input gain from line to mic level if that's done automatically by which input is used rather than by the user. The 165 box is not a component but a connection flag which indicates that signal connection to another diagram or another point on this one.

I need some help determining if the DR-100mkIII line-in input actually bypasses the mic inputs.

Why?

[dogmusic]

Both TRS and XLR inputs share the same signal path.  If the diagram is correct (there is at least one obvious mistake on it), the XLR input signals actually go through the TRS contact switches before reaching the preamp chip, meaning that inserting a TRS plug breaks the connections from the XLR jack.  Not sure why they'd wire it that way, but you'll be well advised to keep the TRS portion of the combo jacks clean because of that.

TRS 1 DET (and TRS 2 DET) seem likely to indicate TRS insert detection switch lines.  Probably used to switch input gain from line to mic level if that's done automatically by which input is used rather than by the user. The 165 box is not a component but a connection flag which indicates that signal connection to another diagram or another point on this one.

I need some help determining if the DR-100mkIII line-in input actually bypasses the mic inputs.

Why?

Thanks for that detailed explanation.

Why? Because I want to plug an external preamp into the DR-100mkiii line input and I was hoping it would be wired like the Tascam DR680 and therefore could bypass the mic preamps.

(I meant to say "I need some help determining if the DR-100mkIII line-in input actually bypasses the mic preamps.")

[Gutbucket]

I'm not sure DR680 line-in bypasses the mic preamps.  Many modern recorders do not, they just reduce the gain of the preamp stage to line-input level.  But that doesn't mean you can't use an external preamp if you like.

[dogmusic]

Here's the block diagram from the DR680 manual. Perhaps I'm reading it wrong. I don't know much about these things.

[spyder9]

If you want to bypass the Tascam DR-100 mkii's mic preamps, then use the 3.5mm Line-In.  It's located on the top of the unit, labeled "Ext-In".

[dogmusic]

If you want to bypass the Tascam DR-100 mkii's mic preamps, then use the 3.5mm Line-In.  It's located on the top of the unit, labeled "Ext-In".

Thanks. I thought of doing that, but figured going into the TRS input would be better quality.

(I was coming out of a Sound Devices 302 with XLR>TRS cables.)

[jerryfreak]

depends. if your output is balanced id think the xlrs would be the way to go.

also as far as  "quality" goes, that conversation is out the window when your minijack connection fritzes out during a recording

[dogmusic]

depends. if your output is balanced id think the xlrs would be the way to go.

also as far as  "quality" goes, that conversation is out the window when your minijack connection fritzes out during a recording

The 302 does also have an unbalanced output, but as you point out, the recorder's minijack is not a robust connection.

Do you ever put a preamp in front of your DR100mkiii?

[mepaca]

If the trs line levels go through the preamps then why can't the gain be adjusted by using the gain knob? I'm not arguing the the point, just curious.