Tascam DR-70

The following is a quick set up guide to using the Tascam DR-70

This great little recorder will let you record up to 4 XLR inputs at the same time. Your typical drama can use two radio mics plus one or even two boom mics. It also has two built in mics that can be used in conjunction with the XLRs should you need them.

Getting Started

Batteries go in the rear, but we recommend using an external Varta USB battery which will last longer and save the planet. Ask Olly (on the Asset Store) if there is a bag you can take the Tascam in, which the Varta and your radio mic receivers can all sit in together.

Plug in the Varta into the USB input at the side. When you turn the device on with the slider switch on the other side, the display will ask you if you want to use BUS POWER (USB POWER) or STORAGE (batteries)

Whilst you are there, check you have an SD card in place. Careful as you close the back if you have used AA batteries.

Now turn on the recorder, pressing the slider down at the side.

Formatting the card

Press the menu button and use the wheel below to scroll down, up ,left and right. Press to enter.

Scroll down to ‘OTHERS’ then onto ‘SYSTEM’ then onto ‘QUICK FORMAT’ and ‘ENTER’

Once you have done that, set your date and time to help match your files to your footage in post. (assuming you have set your camera date and time as well)

Apart from the Scroll wheel, you need to use the FAST/FORWARD and REWIND buttons as well.

Set your FILE NAME, TYPE to DATE, and go down to COUNT INIT select and enter EXEC at the start of the day so your files start at number 1

Setting the channels inputs using the BASIC menu

Press the menu button and choose BASIC

On this page you can turn the highlighted channel ON or OFF

Set PAN to CENTER (so you can hear a mono signal from a mic in both ears)

Set the gain to MID (you can always go up to high if the level is too low later)

INPUT ½ XLR / TRS

Once you have done this, if you continue down you will get to CH2 which you can turn on or off, then you can cycle through to channels 3 and 4.

Note:

It is always best to only turn on (arm) the channels you need so when you get to the edit, you don't have empty sound channels in your sound files and you use less data on the card.

Using the INPUT Menu

Press the Menu button and go to Input

You can choose your Input under INPUT GAIN.

You will normally choose MIC+PHANTOM. For a powered mic its MIC and from a mixer or a sound desk its LINE. Do this for each channel you are using. Leave everything else off

Record settings

In the menu go to RECORD

Choose

FILE TYPE : MONO

FORMAT : WAV 24bit

SAMPLE : 48k

If you scroll down one more line you can get to DUAL RECORD.

Here you can record a copy of a track at a different level. It's common to do this if your subject is going to talk at different levels, so you can record at a lower level to accommodate some shouting. You can't do this if you are recording in all the channels as there is a limit, so if you don't need it, set the level to ‘OFF’

Plugging in and setting levels

There are 4 XLR inputs you can use at any one time once you have armed the channels and set Phantom if the mic needs it.

Each channel has its own dial to set the level. Most of the time you aim to get your dialogue averaging to the small arrow. Do not let it peak as the sound will distort.

Monitoring

Don't forget to listen carefully to what you're recording. The headphone socket and volume wheel are on the LH side.

Written by FR

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