Topic: Tascam FR-AV2 new compact 32bit float recorder.

[adrianf74]

If you think you may have to record something flawlessly >3h@48kHz, or >1.5h@96kHz, then this recorder is not the right device for you at the moment.

It is fine as long as you have TWO of them! Start 'em ten minutes apart or whatever, fix in post.

Or just stick with an F3 or buy one of those if this is important to you.   I know that unit has no noticeable issues.

[Ozpeter]

Perhaps my perspective on long running times may be unusual, but 32 bit float does give rise to a new possibility when recording live events (openly, or by request).  It seems to me that it's now possible to set up an appropriately located stereo mic system on a stand, connected to a 32 bit float recorder at the bottom.  Turn it on an walk away.  No need to run mic cables to a remote control room, taped down to avoid tripping hazards, and all that stuff.  Actually, using something like the Zoom M3 MicTrak lends itself even more to that way of working.  In the classical music scene one might well record a rehearsal and then a concert, and so you'd leave the rig running (from a USB power bank) for several hours.  So glitch free file splits would be kind of essential.

I've not actually done that in this century, but in the last century I did record three classical gigs at once in three different halls in a broadly similar fashion.  But the level setting had to be based on years of experience, and conservative!

[drone]

Just a warning to everyone!
I attached an external powerbank to the Tascam FR-AV2 USB port via a usb C cable to usb C from a SmallRig powerbank.
Result: Instant death of the Tascam. It will not start or respond.
Any suggestions?

[Ozpeter]

Can you tell us more about the power bank?  Was it a high power / fast charge type or something 'ordinary'?  Was the Tascam powered on when you connected it?  (I'm sorry to hear your adverse experience!)

[drone]

It was a SMALLRIG NP-F970 10500mAh Replacement Battery for Sony NP-F970. I have three of them
 - they come in different colours. I have used them as a NP-970 replacement on my SoundDevices MixPre recorders (3 and 6) very succesfully.
They have USB2 (out) and USB3 (in and out) ports. I have also used them as charging devices on pretty much anything with USB 3 in - iPads, phones, Zoom F3 and so on. They have worked beautifully and reliably for me and they have a digital percentage remaining capacity display.
I can't remember whether the Tascam was on or off when plugging in the USB 3 cable - I think it may have been on (?). The cable had USB 3 connections at each end - as supplied by Tascam.

[TheJez]

Just a warning to everyone!
I attached an external powerbank to the Tascam FR-AV2 USB port via a usb C cable to usb C from a SmallRig powerbank.
Result: Instant death of the Tascam. It will not start or respond.
Any suggestions?

Wow, that's not good! I connected an Anker power bank earlier without issues.
Did you contact Tascam support? Or your vendor? I really hope you'll be able to get it returned/exchanged.

[attymski]

I wish all of this was surprising. If Tascam sent a handful of devices to the early adopters here to test before rollout, they'd save a fortune in the long run.

[Joop]

Just a warning to everyone!
I attached an external powerbank to the Tascam FR-AV2 USB port via a usb C cable to usb C from a SmallRig powerbank.
Result: Instant death of the Tascam. It will not start or respond.
Any suggestions?

Are you sure that usb C connection on the powerbank is also an output? On my powerbanks all usb C are input only. The output is provided through a usb A type connector.

[drone]

Thanks to all who have commented.
Joop:
The USB C output is labelled 'Input/Output'; the USB A output is labelled 'Output'.

[dogmusic]

Just a warning to everyone!
I attached an external powerbank to the Tascam FR-AV2 USB port via a usb C cable to usb C from a SmallRig powerbank.
Result: Instant death of the Tascam. It will not start or respond.
Any suggestions?

Did you try a fresh set of AA batteries?

[TheJez]

Here's a short update regarding the file split issues. I still didn't get any another response from Tascam U.S.A. Support than "It's weekend, we'll read your message on Monday", so I put in another report, this time with Tascam Europe. Maybe the USA branch ditched my report when they found out my device was sold in Europe, I don't know. At least now I got an (automated) message saying they'll be in touch. We'll see.
Anyway, I was curious if there was more to say to this issue, rather than 'file split not seamless', so I generated a 400Hz test tone and played it on my stereo, then recorded it with the Tascam and manually generated a couple of file splits. After checking each split in my editor, it seems that the file splits are seamless in time, but not seamless in amplitude. It's just as if 'someone' suddenly turns down the volume at the split, and then gradually turn it back to the right level over a period of 3-4ms.
Just FYI.

[Ozpeter]

Hmm.  Could do better!  I will add that test to those on my Zoom H1 XLR when it arrives tomorrow.  Obviously not a direct rival device but has some broad similarities.  Well, you know, it makes recordings... 

[Joop]

It was a SMALLRIG NP-F970 10500mAh Replacement Battery for Sony NP-F970. I have three of them

I find your device very confusing, downloaded the manual and found out that it does have a very high output at the 5 Volt section of 8.4 Volt, this might be too much. As it is in English and Chinese with both same values I don't think its a misprint.

[jefflester]

It was a SMALLRIG NP-F970 10500mAh Replacement Battery for Sony NP-F970. I have three of them

I find your device very confusing, downloaded the manual and found out that it does have a very high output at the 5 Volt section of 8.4 Volt, this might be too much. As it is in English and Chinese with both same values I don't think its a misprint.

Sounds like the SMALLRIG NP-F970 is very much not a standard "USB power bank" so using it in applications other than what it was designed for (cameras) is quite risky.

[old and in the way]

Just updated version 102 . last night i had some dropouts on channel 1 First set fine second set about 6 min mar channel 1 had intermittent drop offs then ok then drop offs it finally cleared up about the 8min mark of the second set . last night was with version 1.00 tried to duplicate all good . had DPA 4080's xlr in Linked and ganged . maybe the new firmware will fix this but it maybe something else 128 g Sandisk ultra should be fin e't know what the issue was .