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Type: Solid State Field Recorder
Item: Tascam DR-100 Digital Recorder
US $368.99 – $599.99
UK £320.00 – £349.00
Mic Scale
At a Glance: This handheld pro-audio recorder is effective for vocalists for self-critique, quick song demos and archiving one’s career trajectory. This product includes two sets of internal mics (one omni and one cardioid), a built-in speaker, a simple remote that can be used either wired or wirelessly and XLR mic/line inputs.
High Notes: The XLR phantom powered microphone inputs mean you can use your pro-grade condenser microphones. The interface is easy to use and the unit is pretty rugged.
Off Pitch: The DR-100 is great for basic recording and as a preamp/converter/recorder using external microphones but several reviewers felt that the internal mics are simply not up to scratch and really let this product down. Users also cited the lack of a charger as being a pain – it can be charged via the USB connection but the AC adapter is an optional extra.
A Singer Says: In my career as a singer/player, nothing has sped up the improvement factor better than recording performances. With a portable device like this, there’s a minimum of tweaking/fiddling with computer, mics, cables and all the things you need to make keeper recordings and a maximum of instant feedback. Mind you, sometimes listening is hard ;). –Tom Lang
More: Some reviewers preferred the Zoom H4n – while the Tascam gets higher praise at a much lower price tag.
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