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

[adrianb]

Don’t know if this has been mentioned previously but just been out to do some comparison field recordings with my Sony PCM-D100 and Tascam FR-AV2, it was a sunny day and the screen on the AV2 was absolutely impossible to read making it unusable. The simple LCD screen on the D100 was perfectly clear.

It doesn’t seem to take much ambient brightness to really hinder this screen.

[goodcooker]

Don’t know if this has been mentioned previously but just been out to do some comparison field recordings with my Sony PCM-D100 and Tascam FR-AV2, it was a sunny day and the screen on the AV2 was absolutely impossible to read making it unusable. The simple LCD screen on the D100 was perfectly clear.

It doesn’t seem to take much ambient brightness to really hinder this screen.

You can adjust the display contrast in the menu but not the brightness IIRC. Did you try that to see if it was easier to read?

[adrianb]

You can adjust the display contrast in the menu but not the brightness IIRC. Did you try that to see if it was easier to read?

Good point. I’ve just checked and I had it set to ‘mid’. I’ll check the next sunny day (in the UK so might be a while) and set to ‘high’.

[mgtaper]

Don’t know if this has been mentioned previously but just been out to do some comparison field recordings with my Sony PCM-D100 and Tascam FR-AV2, it was a sunny day and the screen on the AV2 was absolutely impossible to read making it unusable. The simple LCD screen on the D100 was perfectly clear.

It doesn’t seem to take much ambient brightness to really hinder this screen.

I had major issues with the FR-AV2 in the bright sun at Rooster Walk. The screen was almost impossible to read. I got lucky with the recording settings and turning phantom power on/off. Yesterday, I tested every possible option of Brightness and Contrast in the bright sun, to no avail. I have zero issues with the sound devices units or the Zoom F6 in the bright sun. I wonder if a software update in the future could solve this one?

[TheJez]

I wonder if a software update in the future could solve this one?

It sounds like a physical characteristic of the used display and/or coating/protection on top of it, so I really doubt any software change could substantially improve it.
A possible work-around could be to use the Bluetooth dongle and then control the device from your phone. That might have better readability in bright sunlight.

[adrianb]

It was sunny again today so checked again with the brightness set to ‘high’. It was marginally easier to read the screen, but still very difficult.

I’m aware that I can use the bluetooth function, but would prefer not to. I prefer the simplicity of using the controls on the unit itself, and I have a set of mics that pickup interference when using bluetooth.

[aaronji]

Maybe try one of the anti-glare screen protectors? I have never tried one, but they are advertised specifically for use in sunny conditions.

[datbrad]

I was lurking on Amazon today and ran across this:

https://www.amazon.com/OPENMOON-Inch-Monitor-Hood-Sunshade/dp/B07BPWVBQS

[adrianb]

Finally managed to acquire some IK Multimedia iRig XY Microphones. This might just be my perfect portable field recorder. They just fit into the Tascam FR-AV2 in an XY position. This is useful in the AV2 because the XLR input on the right is for the left channel.

I look forward to doing some comparisons with my Sony D100 and other recorders and microphones.

[ICatchSounds]

Finally managed to acquire some IK Multimedia iRig XY Microphones. This might just be my perfect portable field recorder. They just fit into the Tascam FR-AV2 in an XY position. This is useful in the AV2 because the XLR input on the right is for the left channel.

I look forward to doing some comparisons with my Sony D100 and other recorders and microphones.

Do you have any idea what mic capsules are in the iRig Mic XY? 22db self noise Cardioids seems a bit high. Thanks.

[adrianb]

Do you have any idea what mic capsules are in the iRig Mic XY? 22db self noise Cardioids seems a bit high. Thanks.

The capsules are visible since the tops are removable, but no idea what they are. They don’t seem particularly noisy on initial tests, but will do some comparisons over the weekend.

I think it would be easy to switch for some superior capsules if I feel the need to. Although the current capsules are 13.8mm and the internal diameter of the housing is 14.2mm so the Primo EM200 (14.6mm) are probably not an option.

[ICatchSounds]

Do you have any idea what mic capsules are in the iRig Mic XY? 22db self noise Cardioids seems a bit high. Thanks.

The capsules are visible since the tops are removable, but no idea what they are. They don’t seem particularly noisy on initial tests, but will do some comparisons over the weekend.

I think it would be easy to switch for some superior capsules if I feel the need to. Although the current capsules are 13.8mm and the internal diameter of the housing is 14.2mm so the Primo EM200 (14.6mm) are probably not an option.

Thanks for the look inside. I had never heard of this company until you posted this.

[Niels]

Thanks for the look inside. I had never heard of this company until you posted this.

I’ve had great benefits from their iRig Pre Hd which allowed me to attach a xlr P48 mic to my iPhone with very little noise (mono).

An alternative to the IK Multimedia mics could be those offered by Centrance PivoMic PM1. They are referring to a Japanese supplier of the capsules so I am guessing PRIMO. Kind of expensive tough.

[adrianb]

The problem with the Centrance PivotMic is that the XLR connectors are oriented weirdly, so not really suitable for the Tascam AV2 or the Zoom F3. Also expensive and not available.

I really don’t understand why someone hasn’t come up with a quality product like this, there seems to be so much pent up demand online.

My hobby is stealth recording ambiences, usually spontaneously and frequently with people around. I usually use the Sony D100 which I can set down unnoticed. But it is really limited in other ways, and very susceptible to wind noise.

I really think the Tascam AV2 has potential to be the perfect portable field recorder. Set up as a portable for immediate use like the D100 but flexible enough to do so much more with it when the situation allows.

[dallman]

The problem with the Centrance PivotMic is that the XLR connectors are oriented weirdly, so not really suitable for the Tascam AV2 or the Zoom F3. Also expensive and not available.

I really don’t understand why someone hasn’t come up with a quality product like this, there seems to be so much pent up demand online.

My hobby is stealth recording ambiences, usually spontaneously and frequently with people around. I usually use the Sony D100 which I can set down unnoticed. But it is really limited in other ways, and very susceptible to wind noise.

I really think the Tascam AV2 has potential to be the perfect portable field recorder. Set up as a portable for immediate use like the D100 but flexible enough to do so much more with it when the situation allows.

I use the Centrance Pivot Mics with the Zoom F3 and Tascam AV2 often. I just put either deck on it's side. There also is a product (I forget the name or manufacturer) that I have the allows me to extend and orient the mics any way I want, but it makes the overall unit larger much like the Immersive sound earsight mics, so I use it only sometimes. Turning it on it's side works great and there is no phase issues as one mic is higher than the other.