Tascam Dr 40

7 replies [Last post]
steve5
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Joined: May 20 2006

Hi All

Just wondered if any one has one of these and what they are using it for.
I am shooting a Strictly come dancing again but I am not sure what to do, take a feed from the mixing desk or try to capture the live sound from the back of the hall. Any suggestions would be helpful.

Cheers Steve

branny
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Joined: Nov 6 2001
Re: Tascam Dr 40

Hi Steve - I always take a feed and live sound - Mix in the edit for the best. :)

Do not follow, I may not lead. Do not lead . . . I may not follow.

steve5
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Joined: May 20 2006
Re: Tascam Dr 40

Hi Branny

What settings do you use when plugged into the mixer and capturing live sound.

Cheers Steve

branny
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Joined: Nov 6 2001
Re: Tascam Dr 40

I just set cam input to line, ask for audio test from the desk and manually set the audio levels to midway so I've room to play.

Do not follow, I may not lead. Do not lead . . . I may not follow.

Barry Hunter
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Joined: Nov 30 2001
Re: Tascam Dr 40

Make sure you turn off "Low Cut" if your unit has this!

Barry Hunter videos4all.org

NigelP
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Joined: Aug 5 2003
Re: Tascam Dr 40

I've had one in use since April. Backup for wedding recordings using the built in microphones (closer to singing groups / instruments than possible with a camera or full microphone and stand). Recording voice overs for videos. Useful for holidays when recording commentaries from country house guides. Most recently, Male Voice Choir singing from Cardiff Millenium Stadium Rugby. Always finding new uses for it, with the flexibility of external line or XLR mic, or internal mic very useful. Frequency range / Bass is not so good as with a K6 / ME66 or ME64 setup, but nowhere near the cost. Facility to record a second stereo signal at a lower level, -6 dB or -12 dB probably a useful feature, but I've never had problems with setting a reasonable signal level in the first place. I'm very pleased with it.

steve5
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Joined: May 20 2006
Re: Tascam Dr 40

Hi Nigel
What settings are you using, limiter, auto levels etc.
Steve

NigelP
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Joined: Aug 5 2003
Re: Tascam Dr 40

Millenium Stadium Welsh singing was around 50 with only the occasional peak light quick flash. This generally produced recorded sound levels averaging around -6 dB. Close up grand piano in a hall or harp outside at a wedding reception probably set at around 80. Dialogue from tourist guides may need 90-95 (getting close to max) . All using the internal mics. Haven't used it with line input yet. K6 / ME66 via XLR inputs are probably a bit more sensitive. Everything on manual (I've been caught in the past recording music with drumming where auto levels can fluctuate wildly). You can see the meter levels with the DR40 on standby ready for recording, so easy to set up and control (but watch out for possible handling noise). It's susceptable to wind noise but Rycote do a furry cover to improve this.