Tascam DR-40X

The DR-40X is a versatile four-track audio recorder for musicians, podcasters and other users who demand high sound quality. It builds on the highly successful Tascam DR-40 and adds a few more features to the already lush lineup.

Its adjustable cardioid condenser microphones can handle high sound pressure levels and can be used either in XY configuration for extra clean recordings with low phase shift, or in AB orientation for a wider stereo field. You can also connect your own microphones or line-level sources via two Neutrik XLR/TRS combo jacks that support both mic levels and +4 dBu line levels from mixers or the FOH console. The mic preamps feature 48-volt phantom power and a wide gain range to capture everything from soft whispers to loud live sounds. The built-in stereo microphones let you capture the sounds of the audience while also recording the performance from the mixer - ideal for live recordings. Like its predecessor, the DR-40X handles dual recording at different levels, which helps prevent distortion for added confidence.

The layout of the DR-40X has been redesigned to be easy to operate with your thumb. Operations such as recording, adjusting the level, deleting unwanted takes, and adding marks can be accomplished with just the touch of a button. Menus are available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Korean and Japanese. In addition to manual leveling, there are three different automatic functions to choose from (limiter, peak cut, auto level) that can help prevent distortion during recording. Apply one of six reverb effects to the input or output signal, and add speech, vocals, or instruments to existing recordings using the overdub function. Use the automatic level balance to compensate for sudden volume jumps during playback, and the built-in speaker for quick review of recordings. Other features such as variable speed, depth filters, a chromatic voice function, and others are also accessible from the menu.

The new Dictation mode makes it easy to skip back and forth during playback at predetermined time intervals. It can be combined with variable speed and a special speech EQ, which is helpful when transcribing recorded meeting minutes, for example. Overwrite recording, also new, lets you set an entry point from which an existing recording is overwritten as with a conventional tape recorder.

In addition to recording on the go, the DR-40X can also be used as a USB audio interface with two inputs and outputs. This makes it a powerful tool for dubbing, live streaming, podcasting and composing in studio quality.

Other product features at a glance:

High-quality, pocket-sized portable recorder
Compact size and easy operation
Recording media: SD/SDHC/SDXC cards (up to 128 GB)
Supported audio formats: Linear PCM (WAV/BWF format) at 44.1/48/96 kHz and 16/24 bit
Compressed (MP3 format ) at 3-320 kbit/s at 44.1/48 kHz sampling rate (VBR files can be played back but not recorded)

Usable as USB audio interface for Mac and Windows computers (two inputs, two outputs)

Recording
Built-in, high-quality stereo condenser microphone with cardioid polar pattern Can handle sound pressure levels up to 125 dB
Easy setup (AB and XY configuration)
XY orientation allows mono-compatible recordings with high localization sharpness (vivid interviews or other recordings with atmo)
Good directivity and channel separation
Ideal for music recording, Outdoor recordings, electronic reporting or as a trainer
MS decoder for recording with microphones in center/side configuration

Stereo microphone/lineInput (XLR/jack) with switchable phantom power (supports sources with a nominal level of +4 dBu)
Four-track recording Create two stereo recordings at the same time using the built-in stereo microphone and an external source
Create two stereo recordings at different level settings at the same time using the built-in stereo microphone or an external source
Non-overdub recording: Record a mix of one or two stereo files and a stereo input signal in a new stereo file, or record only the input signal in a new file during playback of a stereo file
Mixdown function with level controls, Pan position and effect amount for each track (creates a stereo file from a four-track recording)

Overwrite punch-in recordings (the last step can be undone)
Switchable low-cut filter (40 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 220 Hz)
Manual or automatic leveling possible
Three options for automatic level adjustment during recording: Peak cut, level adjustment, limiter
Pre-recording memory (2 seconds) allows recording to start even before the record button is pressed
Auto-recording (recording starts and stops, when the input signal passes a certain threshold level)

Delayed recording (self-timer function) allows to start recording 5 or 10 seconds after pressing the record button
Create a new audio file during recording (manually or at a certain file size)
Set marks (manually or automatically, up to 99 per file)

Playback
Auto level balance allows, raise the perceived volume during playback
Variable playback speed without affecting the pitch (50-150%)
Repeat function (repeat one or all tracks)
Loop function (repeat a marked range)
Create playlists, to play tracks in specified order
After power on, resume playback where it was last stopped (resume function)
Jump-back function to jump back a track in the title (1-10, 20, 30 seconds)
Equalizer for sound adjustments during playback
Display MP3 information (ID3 tags up to version 2.4)
Built-in speaker
Headphone/line output

Other functions
Built-in reverb effect (6 presets, applicable to input or output signal)
Chromatic tuning function to tune your instrument
Cut function to cut unwanted sounds or split long recordings (WAV files only)
File and folder management functions
Key lock, to prevent operating errors
QUICK button for quick access to frequently used functions
Multi-language menu (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, Chinese)
Easy-to-read backlit display
USB 2.0 interface for data exchange with computer
Powered by three AA-size alkaline or NiMH batteries, USB, or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520E); up to 15 hours of battery runtime with phantom power off
Up to 20 hours of continuous operation possible with batteries
Included rubber feet improve the acoustic characteristics of the recorder when recording on a table
Tripod adapter (¼ inch, 6.35 mm) on the bottom to mount the recorder on a tabletop or microphone stand