This review is from: Tascam DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder (Electronics)
I purchased this to record my daughter's piano recitals. I researched the options and found this to give me the best feature set for the money. What was important to me was easy transfer of files to my PC, good battery life, cheap and expandable media, ease of use, choice of manual and auto record levels, and the ability to change recording levels once recording has started. And of course it should make good sounding recordings!
This device met all of these criteria both on paper an in actual use. To play around with it, I have been recording my daughter's practice sessions. I was shocked at the sound quality even from the built in microphones. The resulting recording had no hiss, had good punch in the low end, didn't audibly distort even when the peak light would light, and had great stereo imaging. Wow! Transferring files to my PC is literally drag-n-drop since the device appears as an external drive when connected to the PC. I've recorded about 5 hours along with about 3 hours of playback and the battery charge indicator still hasn't dropped. This is using the provided alkaline batteries.
I upgraded to a 16GB memory card that cost me <$30. That's what I call a cheap storage upgrade from the 2GB card provided!
To really put it through it's paces, I brought it along to record my daughter's school play. The resulting recroding sounded awesome and was very faithful to how it sounded live. I was afraid that the audience clapping would really overload the microphones since I set the levels manually for the performers. Though there is clipping during the applause sections, it is not bad at all. I didn't even feel the need to round out the clipping during post processing. My daughter was very excited to hear the recording afterwards and agreed that it sounded great. As a point of reference, I've been making all of my recordings as stereo 16 bit 44kHz WAV files (aka CD quality/spec).
There is a little bit of handling noise, but that is to be expected with a device with built in microphones. But if you are careful, you can minimize this. I tweaked the levels at the start and you can barely tell I was pushing buttons on it. During the entire performance, I just laid the DR-05 on the empty chair next to me.
The only downside I can find with this device is that the input is really hot for line-in. If you do not have control of the output you connect to the line-in, you may have a problem. This is stated in the manual. From my reading, the more expensive models have a true line-in where this isn't a problem. If you plan to use this device to record from the outputs of a soundboard or other device, you may want to move up to a model that supports a true line-in. I don't plan on using this device this way, so it isn't an issue for me.
Coming from using a Sony HiMD Minidisc recorder for similar tasks in the past, I can't tell you how much of a pleasure the DR-05 is to use. It is so easy to use and produces great results straight out of the box. I highly recommend this device.
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This Item  TASCAM DR-05 Portable Digital Recorder (Version 2) |  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $170.00 | -24% $36.99 List: $48.99 | -18% $65.99 List: $79.99 | $274.00 | -20% $79.99 List: $99.99 | $89.00 |
| Delivery | — | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 | Get it as soon as Saturday, May 4 | Get it as soon as Thursday, May 2 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Battery life | ||||||
| Sound quality | ||||||
| Easy to use | ||||||
| Sold By | Fanci Innovations LLC | GARMAY | TCTEC | Safe 'N Quick | PlusDigUSA | Amazon.com |
| hardware interface | usb2.0 | usb3.0 c | usb3.0 c | usb2.0 | usb | usb |
| memory capacity | 32 GB | 48 GB | 96 GB | 32 GB | 4 GB | 128 GB |
| display size | 2.4 inches | 8 inches | — | 2.4 inches | 1.5 inches | — |
| format | mp3 audio, wav | digital | — | — | wma, mp3 audio | live |
| battery quantity | 2 aa, 2 aaa, 1 lithium ion | 1 a, 1 lithium ion, 1 9v | 1 lithium ion | — | 1 c, 1 lithium polymer, 2 aaa, 1 lithium ion | 2 aa, 1 lithium ion |
| weight | 0.95 pounds | 90 grams | 3 ounces | — | 50 grams | 0.7 pounds |
| mic form factor | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In | Built-In |
| mic operation mode | Stereo | Stereo | — | — | Stereo | Stereo |
Reviews with images
Works great and I received the newest “Version 2"
I bought the TASCAM DR-05 because I wanted something smaller than my DR-100 MKII for recording while traveling and wandering around town. My DR-05 was labeled “Version 2 Enhanced Performance” on the box and shipped with a 4GB microSD card and USB cable. Performance enhancements appear to be minor internal changes (hence no "MK II" moniker): nondestructive overdubbing, reverbs, auto tone (sync with DSLR guide tracks) and a few more firmware tweaks related to auto record modes. This is a bare bones package with no case, handle or wind muff (dead kitten).APPEARANCE & BUILD: Styling and control layout are similar to the DR-07 and DR-40: dark gray plastic, raised buttons and pumpkin orange monochrome LCD. The small LCD is 1990s tech but readable in both bright sunlight and dark venues. Fit and finish appear excellent but build is light duty consumer grade and will not survive heavy rain or a drop onto concrete. It's considerably smaller and lighter than the DR-40 and DR-100 MKII, fitting comfortably in my medium sized hands.CONTROLS: Physical controls are basic but the important ones—record, stop, levels, pause, hold, etc.—fall easily under the fingers. The DR-05 may be held in the palm like a smartphone and controlled with a single thumb. Unlike touchscreens, physical buttons are raised, varied in shape and positioned so they can be operated by feel in the dark.Level adjustments are global—no individual channel adjustment—but may be quickly accessed on the arrow keys. Most other features are buried in the menus. You can set the limiter with the “Quick Menu” but will need to swim through a half dozen submenus to enable mic power, format or set a low cut filter.CONNECTIONS: Audio input options are twofold: built-in omnidirectional mics or a 3.5mm jack for a powered stereo mic. Once I enabled mic power in the menu, my Tascam TM-2X cardioid stereo mic worked flawlessly.Output consists of headphone/line out from a single mini stereo jack. Adapters are needed to interface with studio and home stereo systems. However, I suspect most recordists are like me: the Mini SD card goes straight into the computer for storage, playback and editing. The DR-05 has a mini-USB port for buss power or uploading to a computer, but is not enabled for playback, recording or battery charging.BATTERIES: Two AA batteries provide power. I use Eneloop rechargeables and they easily last through an all day rehearsal. If I need to track longer, I plug a USB battery pack into the USB port.SOUND QUALITY: I use the DR-05 to record rehearsals, lessons and ambient nature sounds. The built-in omnidirectional mics sound very good--clean, full range and accurate--and easily records sounds throughout the room. The DR-05 is not a good choice for reportage as omnidirectional mics pickup too much surrounding ambience for sidewalk interviews. A unit with directional cardioid mics is a better choice if audience or street sounds need to be reduced, e.g., DR-07 MKII or DR-40.Mics are slightly on the bright side but mellower and more diffuse than the mics on the DR-100 MKII and DR-40. The preamps have plenty of gain and I was able to record soft finger picked classical guitar with optimal levels at 75 to 80%. Unlike the DR-100 MKII and DR-40, the DR-05 lacks a gain sensitivity menu/switch but the default seems equivalent to “high” on the DR-100 MKII.Wav files recorded at 48kHz 24-bits or 92kHz 24-bits sound excellent and process easily in Bias Peak Pro or Apple Logic. For the best sound, guitar and voice tracks need a slight EQ boost in the lower midrange.LAST BLURB: The DR-05 is extremely portable and easily slips into a camera bag or pant pocket. It’s intuitive to operate and, indeed, tracks from the DR-05 sound great on studio monitors and headphones. Features are mainly aimed at musicians but it's also a good general use recorder for dialogue and DSLR audio in spaces where omnidirectional mics are appropriate. I’m pleased with this little recorder: most of the audio quality of the DR-100 MKII but at one third the cost and a much easier carry.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on June 19, 2012
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2016
APPEARANCE & BUILD: Styling and control layout are similar to the DR-07 and DR-40: dark gray plastic, raised buttons and pumpkin orange monochrome LCD. The small LCD is 1990s tech but readable in both bright sunlight and dark venues. Fit and finish appear excellent but build is light duty consumer grade and will not survive heavy rain or a drop onto concrete. It's considerably smaller and lighter than the DR-40 and DR-100 MKII, fitting comfortably in my medium sized hands.
CONTROLS: Physical controls are basic but the important ones—record, stop, levels, pause, hold, etc.—fall easily under the fingers. The DR-05 may be held in the palm like a smartphone and controlled with a single thumb. Unlike touchscreens, physical buttons are raised, varied in shape and positioned so they can be operated by feel in the dark.
Level adjustments are global—no individual channel adjustment—but may be quickly accessed on the arrow keys. Most other features are buried in the menus. You can set the limiter with the “Quick Menu” but will need to swim through a half dozen submenus to enable mic power, format or set a low cut filter.
CONNECTIONS: Audio input options are twofold: built-in omnidirectional mics or a 3.5mm jack for a powered stereo mic. Once I enabled mic power in the menu, my Tascam TM-2X cardioid stereo mic worked flawlessly.
Output consists of headphone/line out from a single mini stereo jack. Adapters are needed to interface with studio and home stereo systems. However, I suspect most recordists are like me: the Mini SD card goes straight into the computer for storage, playback and editing. The DR-05 has a mini-USB port for buss power or uploading to a computer, but is not enabled for playback, recording or battery charging.
BATTERIES: Two AA batteries provide power. I use Eneloop rechargeables and they easily last through an all day rehearsal. If I need to track longer, I plug a USB battery pack into the USB port.
SOUND QUALITY: I use the DR-05 to record rehearsals, lessons and ambient nature sounds. The built-in omnidirectional mics sound very good--clean, full range and accurate--and easily records sounds throughout the room. The DR-05 is not a good choice for reportage as omnidirectional mics pickup too much surrounding ambience for sidewalk interviews. A unit with directional cardioid mics is a better choice if audience or street sounds need to be reduced, e.g., DR-07 MKII or DR-40.
Mics are slightly on the bright side but mellower and more diffuse than the mics on the DR-100 MKII and DR-40. The preamps have plenty of gain and I was able to record soft finger picked classical guitar with optimal levels at 75 to 80%. Unlike the DR-100 MKII and DR-40, the DR-05 lacks a gain sensitivity menu/switch but the default seems equivalent to “high” on the DR-100 MKII.
Wav files recorded at 48kHz 24-bits or 92kHz 24-bits sound excellent and process easily in Bias Peak Pro or Apple Logic. For the best sound, guitar and voice tracks need a slight EQ boost in the lower midrange.
LAST BLURB: The DR-05 is extremely portable and easily slips into a camera bag or pant pocket. It’s intuitive to operate and, indeed, tracks from the DR-05 sound great on studio monitors and headphones. Features are mainly aimed at musicians but it's also a good general use recorder for dialogue and DSLR audio in spaces where omnidirectional mics are appropriate. I’m pleased with this little recorder: most of the audio quality of the DR-100 MKII but at one third the cost and a much easier carry.
Works great and I received the newest “Version 2"
Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2016
I bought the [[ASIN:B004OU2IQG TASCAM DR-05]] because I wanted something smaller than my DR-100 MKII for recording while traveling and wandering around town. My DR-05 was labeled “Version 2 Enhanced Performance” on the box and shipped with a 4GB microSD card and USB cable. Performance enhancements appear to be minor internal changes (hence no "MK II" moniker): nondestructive overdubbing, reverbs, auto tone (sync with DSLR guide tracks) and a few more firmware tweaks related to auto record modes. This is a bare bones package with no case, handle or wind muff (dead kitten).Reviewed in the United States on September 17, 2016
APPEARANCE & BUILD: Styling and control layout are similar to the DR-07 and DR-40: dark gray plastic, raised buttons and pumpkin orange monochrome LCD. The small LCD is 1990s tech but readable in both bright sunlight and dark venues. Fit and finish appear excellent but build is light duty consumer grade and will not survive heavy rain or a drop onto concrete. It's considerably smaller and lighter than the DR-40 and DR-100 MKII, fitting comfortably in my medium sized hands.
CONTROLS: Physical controls are basic but the important ones—record, stop, levels, pause, hold, etc.—fall easily under the fingers. The DR-05 may be held in the palm like a smartphone and controlled with a single thumb. Unlike touchscreens, physical buttons are raised, varied in shape and positioned so they can be operated by feel in the dark.
Level adjustments are global—no individual channel adjustment—but may be quickly accessed on the arrow keys. Most other features are buried in the menus. You can set the limiter with the “Quick Menu” but will need to swim through a half dozen submenus to enable mic power, format or set a low cut filter.
CONNECTIONS: Audio input options are twofold: built-in omnidirectional mics or a 3.5mm jack for a powered stereo mic. Once I enabled mic power in the menu, my Tascam TM-2X cardioid stereo mic worked flawlessly.
Output consists of headphone/line out from a single mini stereo jack. Adapters are needed to interface with studio and home stereo systems. However, I suspect most recordists are like me: the Mini SD card goes straight into the computer for storage, playback and editing. The DR-05 has a mini-USB port for buss power or uploading to a computer, but is not enabled for playback, recording or battery charging.
BATTERIES: Two AA batteries provide power. I use Eneloop rechargeables and they easily last through an all day rehearsal. If I need to track longer, I plug a USB battery pack into the USB port.
SOUND QUALITY: I use the DR-05 to record rehearsals, lessons and ambient nature sounds. The built-in omnidirectional mics sound very good--clean, full range and accurate--and easily records sounds throughout the room. The DR-05 is not a good choice for reportage as omnidirectional mics pickup too much surrounding ambience for sidewalk interviews. A unit with directional cardioid mics is a better choice if audience or street sounds need to be reduced, e.g., DR-07 MKII or DR-40.
Mics are slightly on the bright side but mellower and more diffuse than the mics on the DR-100 MKII and DR-40. The preamps have plenty of gain and I was able to record soft finger picked classical guitar with optimal levels at 75 to 80%. Unlike the DR-100 MKII and DR-40, the DR-05 lacks a gain sensitivity menu/switch but the default seems equivalent to “high” on the DR-100 MKII.
Wav files recorded at 48kHz 24-bits or 92kHz 24-bits sound excellent and process easily in Bias Peak Pro or Apple Logic. For the best sound, guitar and voice tracks need a slight EQ boost in the lower midrange.
LAST BLURB: The DR-05 is extremely portable and easily slips into a camera bag or pant pocket. It’s intuitive to operate and, indeed, tracks from the DR-05 sound great on studio monitors and headphones. Features are mainly aimed at musicians but it's also a good general use recorder for dialogue and DSLR audio in spaces where omnidirectional mics are appropriate. I’m pleased with this little recorder: most of the audio quality of the DR-100 MKII but at one third the cost and a much easier carry.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Alejandro
Excelente grabadora para principiantes.
Reviewed in Mexico on December 7, 2020
AP
A great, durable recorder that gives you the ability to record fantastic audio with ease.
Reviewed in Canada on June 25, 2015