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Need help?Do you have a question about the Tascam DR-40X and is the answer not in the manual?
Ensure HOLD is off, press POWER/HOME, reset to defaults via MENU, insert headphones for monitoring.
Set format to WAV 24bit/48kHz via MENU > REC SETTINGS.
Set Level Mode to AUTO via QUICK > LEVEL MODE > AUTO then ENTER.
Use RECORD button for PRE-RECORD (flashing LED), then to start/pause.
Monitor audio, use windshield, understand PRE-RECORD, and pause recording.
Eject SD card, transfer files to computer, or delete all data via Quick Format.
Visit the online Learning Hub for media production and copyright advice.
Find video guides on Kaltura for equipment usage.
Get quick questions answered at the Level 4 Helpdesk during specified hours.
Support available Monday-Thursday 9am-4.30pm and Friday 10am-4.30pm.
Ensure HOLD is off, press POWER/HOME, reset to defaults via MENU, insert headphones for monitoring.
Set format to WAV 24bit/48kHz via MENU > REC SETTINGS.
Set Level Mode to AUTO via QUICK > LEVEL MODE > AUTO then ENTER.
Use RECORD button for PRE-RECORD (flashing LED), then to start/pause.
Monitor audio, use windshield, understand PRE-RECORD, and pause recording.
Eject SD card, transfer files to computer, or delete all data via Quick Format.
Visit the online Learning Hub for media production and copyright advice.
Find video guides on Kaltura for equipment usage.
Get quick questions answered at the Level 4 Helpdesk during specified hours.
Support available Monday-Thursday 9am-4.30pm and Friday 10am-4.30pm.
The TASCAM DR-40X is a portable four-track digital audio recorder and USB interface designed for capturing high-quality audio. It's a versatile tool for various recording scenarios, from field recording to studio-like setups, and can also function as an audio interface for computer-based recording.
The primary function of the TASCAM DR-40X is to record audio digitally. It supports four-track recording, allowing users to capture multiple audio sources simultaneously, which is ideal for interviews, music performances, or ambient soundscapes. As a digital audio recorder, it stores audio files onto an SD card, making them easily transferable to a computer for editing and post-production. Beyond standalone recording, the DR-40X can also operate as a USB audio interface, enabling direct recording to a computer and leveraging its high-quality preamps and converters for improved audio input. This dual functionality makes it a flexible device for both on-the-go recording and more stationary studio work. The device is equipped with built-in stereo condenser microphones, which are suitable for capturing a wide range of sounds. Additionally, it features XLR/TRS combo inputs, allowing users to connect external microphones or line-level sources, including those requiring phantom power. This expands its capability to accommodate professional microphones, offering greater control over sound capture. The DR-40X also includes a headphone output for real-time audio monitoring, which is crucial for ensuring optimal recording levels and sound quality.
Operating the TASCAM DR-40X is designed to be intuitive, with a clear workflow for powering on, configuring settings, recording, and managing files.
Powering On and Setup: To begin, users must ensure the HOLD switch is disengaged. The device is powered on by pressing and holding the POWER/HOME button. For a fresh start or troubleshooting, the system can be initialized to default settings via the MENU > SYSTEM > INITIALIZE > EXEC path. Monitoring audio is essential, and this is done by inserting headphones into the dedicated jack.
Configuring Recording Settings: The recommended recording format for optimal quality is WAV 24-bit/48kHz. These settings can be configured by navigating through MENU > REC SETTINGS. Within this menu, users can select the desired FORMAT (WAV 24-bit) and SAMPLE rate (48kHz). Other options like TRACK INC and LOW CUT can also be adjusted here to suit specific recording needs.
Pre-Record and Recording: The DR-40X features a 'PRE-RECORD' function, which is activated by pressing the RECORD button once. This mode is indicated by a flashing LED and buffers a few seconds of audio before the actual recording starts, ensuring that no crucial moments are missed. To begin active recording, while in PRE-RECORD mode, users should press MENU > QUICK > LEVEL MODE > AUTO, then press ENTER to confirm. This sets the recording level automatically, simplifying the process. Pressing RECORD again will initiate the actual recording. During recording, the LED will be solid. If needed, pressing RECORD again will pause the recording.
Monitoring and External Input: The device's built-in microphones are suitable for many situations, but the XLR/TRS inputs offer flexibility. These inputs can supply 48V phantom power, enabling the use of condenser microphones that require external power. This feature is particularly useful for professional audio capture. The headphone output is critical for monitoring audio levels and quality during recording, allowing users to adjust settings as needed to prevent clipping or ensure clarity.
File Management and Transfer: After recording, files are stored on an SD card. To transfer files, users open the rubber flap on the side of the device and gently push the SD card to eject it. The card can then be inserted into a computer to transfer the recorded audio files. For situations where all data on the SD card needs to be erased, the device offers a quick format option via MENU > SYSTEM > QUICK FORMAT > EXEC.
The TASCAM DR-40X is designed for practical use, and some maintenance aspects are integrated into its operation and recommended practices.
Monitoring: Consistent use of headphones for monitoring is a key maintenance practice. It helps users identify and correct issues like clipping, background noise, or incorrect levels in real-time, preventing the need for re-recording and ensuring the integrity of the audio files.
Protection: When recording outdoors, using a supplied windshield is recommended. This helps to minimize wind noise, which can significantly degrade audio quality, and also offers a degree of physical protection to the built-in microphones.
SD Card Management: Regularly transferring files from the SD card to a computer and backing them up is crucial. This not only frees up space on the card for new recordings but also safeguards against data loss due to accidental deletion or card corruption. The quick format function is useful for preparing the SD card for new projects, ensuring it's clean and ready for optimal performance.
Pre-Record Mode Awareness: Understanding that 'PRE-RECORD' mode is not actively recording is important. This prevents users from mistakenly believing they are capturing audio when the device is only buffering. This awareness helps in proper usage and avoids lost takes.
Pausing Recordings: The ability to pause a recording by pressing the RECORD button again is a useful feature for managing long takes or making adjustments without creating multiple separate files. This contributes to a more organized workflow and reduces the need for extensive post-production editing to stitch together segments.
In summary, the TASCAM DR-40X is a robust and user-friendly digital audio recorder and USB interface, offering a comprehensive set of features for capturing, monitoring, and managing audio. Its design emphasizes ease of use while providing professional-grade capabilities, making it suitable for a wide range of audio recording applications.
General| Frequency range | 44100 - 96000 Hz |
|---|---|
| Recording modes | - |
| Built-in microphone | Yes |
| Maximum recording time | 18 h |
| Audio formats supported | MP3, WAV |
| Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) | 92 dB |
| Backlight color | Blue |
| Output power | 40 mW |
| Number of built-in speakers | 1 |
| Interface | USB |
| USB connector type | Micro-USB B |
| USB 2.0 ports quantity | USB 2.0 ports have a data transmission speed of 480 Mbps, and are backwards compatible with USB 1.1 ports. You can connect all kinds of peripheral devices to them. |
| Media types supported | Flash card |
| Compatible memory cards | SD, SDHC, SDXC |
| Built-in memory capacity | 128 GB |
| Compatible battery sizes | AA |
| Number of batteries supported | 3 |
| Bit rate | 320000 Kbit/s |
| Product color | Black |
| Speaker power | 0.3 W |
| Channels quantity | 4 channels |
| Microphone direction type | Unidirectional |
| Microphone input impedance | 10000 Ω |
| Mac operating systems supported | Mac OS X 10.12 Sierra, Mac OS X 10.13 High Sierra, Mac OS X 10.14 Mojave |
| Windows operating systems supported | Windows 10, Windows 7, Windows 8.1 |
Weight and Dimensions| Depth | 35 mm |
|---|---|
| Width | 70 mm |
| Height | 155 mm |
| Weight | 213 g |
