Tascam DR-05X Stereo Handheld Digital Recorder

This is exactly the portable recorder that I was looking for. I use it to record live music and rehearsal sessions.

The good things:
– It’s the right size.
– It has a good range of easy to use features. Easy to navigate menus.
– I can operate it with one hand using a thumb.
– The recording and sound quality are quite good for my use.
– It’s a Tascam product – I have had good experience with Tascam and don’t need to save a couple of bucks by buying a knock off or copycat.
– It records WAV and a variety of MP3 densities. No proprietary format that must be converted!
– It stores files on a removable Micro USB card, not on board. Files can be easily transferred by USB cable or simply transferring the card to a computer.
– It uses two AA batteries (included) which means I am not tethered to a charger. This is perfect for longer recording periods as I can swap out new batteries on the fly so to speak. I was able to record / playback for over 40 hours on the supplied set of batteries.
– It has a mounting screw port and can be attached to a mic stand or desk mounted stand.
– It is cheap enough that if I lose it or break it I won’t freak out.

Could be better:
– A bluetooth I/O link would be nice (it is available on more expensive recorders)
– You’ll need to use a stereo capable 1/8″ jack patch cord if you want to use an external speaker or patch into another device.
– Being a small device with a small screen, setting recording levels can be a bit tedious.
– Settings are lost when the recorder is turned off.

Notable mentions:
– I ended up purchasing and returning a Refurbished recorder. Typically I have had good success with refurbished items but this item was “locking up” as I browsed recordings and switched menus quickly.
– I have had one instance of Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) while recording. It comes across as a clicking sound. I wasn’t able to isolate what was causing the interference but it was not a guitar or bass amp. The RFI was transient and only occurred once in 78 recordings on the unit that I returned.
– Amazon handled the return as they always do. Efficient and easy.
– The lack of a micro-USB card with the recorder is not a big deal. Many people including myself have several micro-usb cards from other retired devices I could use. Memory cards are quite inexpensive these days and you can just order one when you purchase the recorder. Get a 128Gig card because if you are like me you will use it.

Although the packaging that it comes in will provide great protection when it’s not in use, I am purchasing a case that can fit spare batteries, a short USB cable, and the 1/8″ stereo output cable in one place.

I bought the DR-05 back in 2011 and frequently used it for live band recordings. It died last week after 10+ yrs. I was tempted to try another brand but since I was happy with the quality of the TASCAM recordings, I stuck with TASCAM. For editing software, I use free Audacity and Studio One. Some of my recordings sound excellent. I also recorded my drums for youtube videos with the DR-05.
This DR-05X has some extra features like brighter screen and added effects like reverb. I like the portability of the unit as it fits in my drumstick bag easily. The interface is very easy to use. The unit comes with batteries but does NOT include micro SD card and cable for PC. So, right out of the box, you cannot use the recorder unless you have a micro SD card on hand. The unit has no built-in memory. But for under a hundred bucks, I can’t complain. I’ll be happy if I get at least another 10 years out of this new unit. You can spend more on other recorders, but this little recorder is a great buy at this price point. One small issue – I had to return the first DR-05X I received due to the display light flickering. Amazon provided a replacement right away which works fine.

A qualidade de som é excelente em comparação a de câmeras ou celulares ou microfones ‘de escritório’. Imagino que as versões mais avançadas do equipamento como DR07 ou DR40 sejam ainda melhores, mas este certamente já atende para a gravação amadora.

A qualidade de som quando utilizado isolado é excelente, porém ela piora consideravelmente ao ser utilizado via USB diretamente, imagino que por a alimentação USB ser grande fonte de ruído, então a pesar de o equipamento oferecer esta funcionalidade, não é o modo de operação mais recomendado.

You know when i got it? I was a little disappointed cuz it look kinda cheap. The built in speaker doesn’t give it any faith either.

BUT!!

i ordered some stereo small headset so i don’t look suspicious out n about. Girl! U gotta use it with headsets to really hear the crazy quality behind this beast! I have it at 50% input n i can still hear myself breathing! The audio captured with this device is impressive as hell! I been capturing things my own ears cant! Literally picks up cars running at 2-3 blocks away. I am in my room n it picks up the motor of my fan at 10 feet away from it. Tried vaping in the room and at 1-2 feet away it picks up the button press, the heat up mechanism and even the circuitry powering on! Thats crazy! The left n right channels are very sensitive, u can walk around it n its like i am whispering to myself. This is the best pull of a trigger investment i ever done!

To use with your phone? Dont forget to get a usb cable and a usb male c/lightning to usb A and power. Then go to settings and activate usb options. Your blogging will go up like crazy. I paired my rig with a bluetooth mic and i dual record environments and high quality sound effects.

My door does like a very light creek sound but this thing turns that gentle sound into horror movie quality. If you are an audiophile? This is the best not to expensive option! Sd is up to 128gb no biggie u can just buy a stack for cheap.

Would had liked it to be bluetooth but i know the usb will deliver just fine. No latency delay or crackling just raw audio.

I highly recomend for anybody wanting a high quality mic option u can just strap to your body or camera n get better audio quality with phones etc. u may have to play with input, at lower input your voice sounds crisps n cleaner due to not picking up things miles away. Full input? Get yourself headphones that can handle the high pitch of everything all at once. I tested it in my room with close door. It picks up conversations through walls coming from the tv in the living room!

Dont forget to buy the furry wind thingy it does not bring one. I chose no case option n just bought a pair of fleece socks. They keep my baby safe n cozy. Easy to take out and keep the accessories in the other sock.