The DR-100 includes a rechargeable Lithium-ion battery, but can also be powered by AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. A built-in speaker allows for instant playback, and the metal enclosure includes a tripod mounting hole for recording flexibility. A wireless remote control is also included for remotely starting the recording, as well as a windscreen and carrying case.
In this review we cover.
- · Specifications
- · Quality
- · Longevity
- · Usage
- · Battery times
- · Ease of use
- · Connectivity
- · Availability and accessories
- · Cost Now
Specifications
- Four microphones - Stereo Cardioid and Omni Condenser Mics
- 44.1k to 96k sampling rates for WAV file recording
- MP3 and WAV file Recording and Playback
- XLR Mic Inputs with Phantom Power
- High-performance microphone preamp with 60dB of gain
- Premium AKM Audio4Pro™ A/D converters with over 100dB signal to noise ratio
- 3.5mm Line Inputs and Outputs
- Low Cut Filter, Analog Limiter and Auto Gain Control
- Built-in Speaker
- Integrated microphone stand mount
- Runs on Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery or AA Batteries
- Optional PS-P520 AC power adapter
- Dimensions: 3.2" W x 1.4" H x 6" D (80.5mm x 35mm x 151mm)
Quality
This Recorder I purchased second hand and it does look like it has been used. The build quality is fantastic and the microphones on board are well protected. It has a solid metal feel to it and is surrounded by metal.
The two uni directional mics on the top are also well protected by metal bumpers to stop the mics getting damaged.
All the buttons feel well made and secure. the scroll wheel also has a good responsive feel to it and does not feel plastic like. The front is pressed metal and along with the sides. The back is made of plastic and feels solid still and this also lids the plastic battery door for the AA batteries.
Longevity
From what i can tell this recorder was made back in approx 2009 and has gone through several model upgrades since. ( Currently while writing this its on the MkIII). I have had Tascam products before but unfortunately they did not last very long. I managed to get through 2 DR05's and both the headphone and input jacks broke. This maybe why the V2 of the DR05 was produced.
Firmware updates are still available for this model and the original firmware version that was shipped with the item is still current on the Item while testing. It has appeared to work with out any issues.
Usage
The tascam can be used for multiple recording uses. From music, field recordings to even recording meetings, especially with the on board omni and unidirectional microphones no other extra equipment is required to record audio. The ability to also record using the line in jacks is also really useful for dub mixing, for example you wished to record voice over on a previously recorded music track.
The use of the two left and right channel XLR input on the bottom of the unit make this a truly professional recorder. The two XLR inputs also have phantom power of 48 volts to power various microphones this feature can also be switched off if you wish to use smaller microphones with plug in power.
To plug mini jack plug in power microphones such as lavier microphones require an additional adaptor like the rode vxlr adaptor which is a 3.5 mini Jack to XLR converter.
These do not provide power so an inline power source would be needed if required.
The menu system and scroll wheel is a fabulous feature making it easy to scroll through any menus if required.
A link to the users manual can be found lower down the page.
Battery times
When I first purchased this item I had read that the battery times were very good and the fact that it had two battery sources helped this idea to stand up. Having two types of battery installed in the unit is a fabulous idea from tascam and it works really well. I have found that on long recordings the batteries hold up extremely well I have used the internal lithium ion battery as the main power source and used AA rechargeable batteries as backup.
In tests with the Dr 100 I have found that recording times have been in excess of six hours, I have not tested past this time.
With a full set of new batteries I would not doubt the unit could perform as specified in the specifications of up to 9 hours combined.
Ease of use
The use of the Tascam dr-100 feels good in the hand and feel solid. The unit is larger than its counterpart the zoom h4 but still feels nice in the hand with easy access to all the buttons and features. Most of the buttons on the front of the unit can be operated single-handed with a single finger touch and this is extremely handy if you are multitasking with other input devices like microphones. Some of the other features that are not used frequently can be found as slide switches on the rear of the tascam DR100.
The menu system and scroll wheel is a fabulous feature making it easy to scroll through any menus if required.
Connectivity
As this is a professional recorder connectivity is extremely good but unlike the zoom H2 it does not have plug in power for lavier microphones that said the zoom H2 does not have XLR inputs so it really depends on what you want. Connectivity to a PC is easy via the standard USB connection, if you bought this as a full kit you may get the USB cable supplied. When connected to the PC this acts as a flash drive only unlike the H2 that can be connected as a flash drive and an as a additional microphoneAvailability and accessories
Most accessories for the Dr 100 are still compatible with both Mark II and Mark III models. And other non tascam products can also be connected to this unit.
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Cost Now
Second hand prices on these stuck up very nicely now especially on the Mark 1 has the mark 2 and 3 have been out a while now already. I purchased this item from eBay for around £100.
Here is a link to eBay for current listed items.
http://tinyurl.com/y7r5cmd9
Firmware upgrade are also available from tascams website.
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Conclusion 8/10
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A manual Can be downloaded from here
Firmware upgrade are also available from tascams website.
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