I just did a test with the following configuration, - JVC GY-LS300 set to 4K 60P External and timecode set to FREE RUN (this is the only way to get 4K from the HDMI out and time code out since the LS300 only produces time code and 4K when recording internally to SD card normally ) . - Atomos Ninja Inferno 4K in and set to output down to 1080P which passes thru the time code and start-stop trigger. - 1080P into the Tascam DR-701D with the external time code and start stop trigger from the Ninja passed from the LS300. In this configuration the Ninja Inferno and DR-701D will happily sync time code and start and stop to the GY-LS300 trigger. With the GY-LS300 set to record internally to SD cards in 4K 24P, 25P 30P etc. the camera will only output 1080P (as its designed to do) via HDMI. With time code and start stop triggers directly to the DR-701D it works perfectly in sync to time code from the HDMI port from the GY- LS300. So this configuration with the Ninja Inferno between the camera and the DR-701D with the output resolution set to 1080P may also work with other cameras that output 4K and time code via the HDMI port. Regards, Paul Cotto
Thanks Aaron. I didn't do a dedicated review of the 70D only because it is basically a 701D without the HDMI triggering features and with a plastic build. The preamps are pretty much the same as the 60D.
+PinnacleStudioPro I had it set to mid gain (+40dB) with the trim at about 50% in both cases. Peaks sat at about -12dB and then I normalized in post to -19.5LUFS.
Maybe they have upgraded the crystal oscillator since this review in later revisions without denoting it a "mark 2" model. I just bought a brand new 701D. I tested the clock following concerns you raise here. I Jam synced it with my smart phone using an android timecode generator app. Coming out of the smartphone headphone jack (3.5mm to phono with a BNC adaptor). I did two tests. First I just let it run in free-run ToD for an hour and a half and it remained stable. Second test I gave it some work to do, I had two lav mics inputted and set to dual record mode, Jam synced, I hit record and let it run in free-run for 3 hours, I also played around with the menu and manually incremented new files while recording trying to influence drift. But it never did. In both tests a combined total of 5 hours the clock did not drift. I would argue under normal conditions you would be fine in free-run for several hours before needing to re-jam. Things I noticed, I could only get the Tascam and my phone to sync within a few frames. The tascam seemed to be behind by 3 or 4 frames. Im not sure why. I'd speculate that its either a delay in my iffy bodged cable or its the difference between my phone screen and the Tascam LCD display time. But regardless it absolutley did not drift. The only function I found to be useless was the 'Power down Gen: On' function, which means the clock keeps running after the unit is turned off. Turning it back on it was out by a second, but they state this can happen in the manual.
@@curtisjudd Well, I haven't tried jamming with a camera yet as I don't have another TC source. I took a gamble after viewing your review as I needed TC. It did take a couple of tries to get them communicating. First time it recieved TC but was instantly out by 3 seconds. But I've successfully synced perfectly since.
I watched your dr60mkii videos and used the recorder for a year. Looking to step it up and use time code with my s1h & Bs1h interview setup. Think the 701d is too old and should look more towards the tascam x8 or does the 701d still hold up? Does the 701d have safety channel features? I’m looking to plug-in a rode ntg2 or videomic ntg and a lav mic using the rode go ii. What are your thoughts? Also, is the x6 worth checking out since it’s so close in price to the x8?
@@curtisjudd thank you! I ended up picking up an f3. The f6 was on my radar but I couldn’t find it for a cheaper lower price. The x8 looks amazing but I personally don’t like it’s form factor. I was looking more for something that could become part of my camera rig if needed and the f3 looks like it’ll fit the the bill. (It arrives tomorrow) thanks for your awesome videos and for replying to my comment!
Hey Curtis, it's been a while but a friend of mine was offering to trade his Zoom F4 for my Tascam DR-701D. Is it a good trade? Does the F4 perform better than the DR-701D in terms of audio and build quality?
Wow! I'd much rather work with the F4 than the DR-701D. You'd give up the HDMI triggering feature (which didn't work all that well in my tests), but otherwise, the F4 is superior in every way.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the quick reply man! I'd better grab it before he changes his mind, then! BTW, I've been following your content for a while now and just hit 7k subs making videos about tech products. Keep them videos coming so i can incrementally upgrade my gear!
Nice! My main indoor mic is the AT4053b. Best bang for the buck on a hyper for sure. I've thought about getting the 70D, but I have enough other options that I would only be getting it as a GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) purchase.
+Chad Johnson Thanks Chad. I agree on the 4053b, in fact I remember several years back listening to a comparison piece you did that helped me make my decision to buy the 4053b.
This product seems really cool, sounds like a perfect tool for recording surround sound audio as well, Really cool video! you got a subscribe and a like from me.
+Thurstan Naidoo thanks Thurstan. If you like this, you might also consider the Zoom F4 which we looked at here: th-cam.com/video/Rr7pSufelOY/w-d-xo.html
hey man. Just wondering if you can do another video to show what options of powerbanks/power packs do we have to use with this? and how can we mount it under this so we can have 1 piece of equipment instead of having the power packs dangling at the side?
Hey, I don't have this anymore (borrowed it from B&H for the review), but here are some battery options which I attach to my recorder using industrial hook tape (velcro): th-cam.com/video/r24SsG2LoeU/w-d-xo.html I hope that helps!
Hey man, nice review!! I'm trying to decide on getting this or the Zoom F4! I would be using it mostly for recording ambiences in the wild. My main issue is the preamps quality, which one would you say is cleaner and better sounding? How about the noise to ratio? That tascam menu which is just 18 pages I guess I'm not a big fan either but I'll get use to it if I get this recorder. Thanks for your information!
Hi Dan, I would, without hesitation, suggest the Zoom F4 over the Tascam DR-701D. The preamplifiers and converters are in a substantially higher league resulting in cleaner recordings and more dynamic range. Best wishes and happy recording!
Hi Curtis, first off super kudos for your videos as they are some of the best (if not the best) sound for picture gear reviews on TH-cam! I purchased a Tascam DR701D and have been trying to figure out how to power it with a USB power bank and received condescending and totally unhelpful "support" from Tascam (will never buy products from them again because of this). Do you have any experience with powering a Tascam DR701D from a USB power bank like the ones from Anker?
@@curtisjudd I watched the whole video and saw that but for some reason I can't get it to work on my end. The 2 power banks I've tried are the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD (1 USB-C (30W) and 2 USB (5V/3A) ports) & the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD, USB-C Portable Charger (18W), 10000mAh . When I plug them in, it does not say bus powered as it is supposed to.
@@Kamasutralovers Hmm. The USB-A outputs which deliver 5V/3A should do the job. If you have another USB cable you can try, perhaps that will work? If not, I know you had a bad experience with Tascam support. Did you purchase it from a retailer which might provide support - Like B&H or Sweetwater?
I have a great retailer so I’m going to put the pressure on Tascam through them because It won’t even connect to the computer to transfer files so there may be an issue with the micro-USB port. But thanks for your help on this! Off topic - Would love to see a review of some of the newer Nagra recorders
@@Kamasutralovers Best wishes! I would love to see a review of the newer Nagra recorders as well! Cannot afford them at the moment, but sure would love to try them out!
Hi Slav Guns, no, they're different. 701D has tougher build quality and timecode in/out as well as HDMI record triggering (if you can manage to get it working with your particular camera). Preamps seemed very similar in my tests.
@@curtisjudd thanks. Found it after a bit more research. Wad on the fence at $300 and $265 but when it came to $235 i figured well worth it, particularly as it has its onboard mics that seem pretty good to use just in case. And like the form factor over 60d. Thank to you i am getting more snobby on audio. Lol.
Thanks :) I ended up going with the Zoom H6 as I can use it as a 'run and gun', then when the F4 arrives I'll decide between that or an F8 for the 'studio' recorder. Adding a 4053b too, though I'm not sure if it will replace the 4050SM I'm currently using in 'scoop' position with a RF1 screen. I just finished the recording course, going with the post recording / audition one now :)
Judd, thanks for another great review, as always. Can you tell me what the Zoom H6 limiter is? Is it digital too? How does the H6 compare? Christmas blessings.
+RemekTek Yes, the limiter in all of the zoom H series and F8 recorders are digital. The H6 limiter has the same issue as the Tascam DR-701D in that it clips and distorts if the source sound gets too loud. Merry Christmas to you!
First off, thank you for such a thorough review. I was directed to it from Reddit. I just got a dr70d, and there is one key issue I can't seem to solve. As informative as this video is, it also didn't address it, but it's the inexplicable choice by Tascam not to label it's dB meters - I have no idea where 0db, or -6, or -12, or -24 is. All these years later, can you speak to this? It would be a huge help.
@@curtisjudd Thanks Chris. I did contact them, but no response. I was able to determine that it is -18db by setting the slate button to that level. Still, a really weird choice. It's kind of puzzling the very basic things this recorder overlooks or does poorly. But I thank you greatly for your help.
Excellent review, as ever, Curtis. Did you get an opportunity to test with any line-level devices, e.g., wireless receivers? Also, does it allow line-level input via the XLR ins, or just via the TRS jacks (i.e., is it settable in the menus)? Lastly, apologies if I missed this in the review, but did you comment at all on the quality of the headphone amp? If not, how does it sound? Thanks!
+Scott Vanderbilt Hi Scott, thanks. Good questions - yes, you can set each of the XLR inputs to line and that works with both XLR and 1/4" TRS. Nice. As for the headphone amp, it is decent. A little noisy if you need to push it, but quite decent when at reasonable levels (this subjective assessment is based on testing with Beyerdynamic DT770 80 ohm). No serious coloration. If you use headphones with a larger ohm spec, you may run into issues with noise in the preamp. Good to hear from you and I hope your prank channel on TH-cam is coming along nicely. ;-) Also, would love to hear about your experience doing sound on the latest film project you mentioned.
Whats the point of digital limiters if they are useless in this application? Anyway thanks for the review. I think because I own a shure FP33 I'm going with the tascam its $130 cheaper than the Zoom and my mixer ramps up the quality of my rig in terms of mixing, preamps and the limiter.
They are potentially useful for simplifying the process of loudness normalizing in post, but they won't save you from clipping incidents if you're gained too high. Best wishes.
Quick question, on the DR-701D does it allow for 4 separate playback tracks for audio control from each mic input in post or is it only a stereo track?
Another great review. I was just thinking about "shelf battery leakage" and wonder if you'd consider having your test units with new or fully charged batteries and having them sit unused on a shelf for a week and then look at the battery meter for a delta, provided you have loaners for at least that long. Nothing's worse than thinking you're grabbing a fully charged unit and find out on location half the charge has leaked somehow. Thanks again Curtis.
Hi there Curtis, I have watched your reviews on both this Tascam unit and the 60D, do you have any opinions on the middle sibling, aka DR-70D. Both it and the 60D are on sale and B&H and Amazon for very low prices (173 and 210 USD respectively) and was wondering if you thought the 70D was worth the extra ~40 dollars. Thanks for your great videos! Edit: you also might want to take a look at the Tascam TM-PC1 pencil condenser microphone set (also on sale), it looks very similar to the Samson C02 which you reviewed in the past, except these do have -10dB pads, Hi Pass Filters and small attachable Pop-Screens
Hi Daniel, Yes, the DR-70D is a nice recorder as well. I prefer the form factor of the 70D and 701D over the 60D but to get that smaller form factor, they had to get rid of some of the physical buttons and put those settings in the menu instead. So it is sort of a tradeoff. If I were buying today, I'd probably go for the 70D just because I really prefer its size and shape for attaching to a rig. I hope that helps! Thanks also for the tip on the TM-PC1. I hadn't heard of that.
I haven't used the Sony myself so I cannot say for sure. One difference is that the Tascam can record audio at 24 bit whereas most of the Sony cameras will record 16 bit audio.
Hello Curtis, The Tascam DR701 has the required 4 inputs with phantom power to operate the Rode NT SF Ambisonic microphones. What can you recommend for the calibration of the inputs on the recorder so that the gain of all 4 channels are perfectly matched? I do not think that the Behringer cable tester output tone is satisfactory for this purpose. The ability to gang all of the inputs to one control is very necessary when making on site surround recordings with widely variable levels.
Thanks Curtis, fantastic review. Not sure if this has been answered in the long thread however I was wanting to know if connecting the DR-701D to a DSLR/ Mirrorless in order to have the audio recorded to the camera would result be any loss of audio quality and if so how much do you think? I understand that the outline is seperate from the headphone jack but would it be best to still use an aattenuator cable to improve any loss of qaulity if there is any? Thinking of using this with the GH5 and BMCC. Thanks in advance
Hi Robert, running the audio from the recorder to cameras like the GH5 and BMCC will degrade the audio quality to some extent but whether that's a problem depends on your production value goals. The GH5 will record the audio to 16 bit whereas the recorder can record to 24 bit. That'll give you more resolution to work with the audio in post. But if you're not going to do a lot with the audio and need to be able to quickly turn around an edit, many people find the audio recorded to camera from the Tascam to be good enough. You shouldn't need an attenuator cable, at least for the GH5. Not sure about the BMCC.
You should refresh this video and show how to use the Tascam DR-701D with the Sony a7iii since alot of cinematographers are switching to Sony cameras. I have been having issues with trying to get the timecode to work and when you hook the HDMI cable into the Sony a7iii, it turns the screen black making it unable to be used. Can you shine any light on this? Thanks
Thanks Henderson Hangout, I had a lot of issues with the timecode via HDMI on the 701D with my non-Sony cameras as well. I don't know whether they've made any firmware updates since I reviewed this several years ago. I don't have an A7iii on hand, but if I happen across this combination (I also don't own the 701D, just borrowed it for this review), I'll try to see what I can work out. Sorry I couldn't help more but best wishes!
Thanks so much for this review! I was actually looking for a review of the Tascam DR-70D, but I don't see one in your video library. I watched this video as well as the one for the DR-60DmkII. I believe I heard you mention the DR-70D during the review. It looks like a slight upgrade from the 60DmkII in terms of the extra inputs, and the Neutrik jacks, but lacking the timecode feature and stereo mix recorder of the 701D. I'd love to know what is your overall impression of the unit.
+Tai Chi Runner hi! I've used the 60DmkII extensively and the 701D for a few weeks for this review. I've only used the 70D for one short shoot and it was very similar to the 701D in terms of operating it (with the exception of the additional features of the 701). I was pleased with what it provided for the price and prefer its form factor over the 60D. I honestly didn't find the timecode feature on the 701D to be very impressive. The 70D is definitely built more like a consumer grade device with its plastic body but if you aren't too rough, I never found that to be a major issue (with the 60Ds similar plastic build.) best wishes!
Thanks so much! I found a good deal on a 70D on ebay yesterday so I went ahead and ordered it. I think I'll hook it's audio output into my camera and it should be relatively easy to sync in post. I found your review to be very helpful and I really appreciate all your work. Even the your reviews on products I'm not buying are still packed with great tips that help me improve my videos. Thanks again!
Foremost, thanks for the incredible wealth of knowledge you freely pass on! Would you recommend Tascam 70d as the very first recorder to learn on? I can get a second hand one for 120 and a H4n pro for even cheaper. I don't earn from any of this so its a huge consideration. :O
Hello, I have been enjoying your videos and as a beginner I am in a dilemma between Tascam DR-701D Audio Recorder and Tascam DR-60DmkII. Which one would you suggest (for recording ambient sounds in nature). Thanks in advance
The 701D is physically tougher and has more inputs. But do they still even make it all these years later? Check to make sure it is available in your part of the world.
Thank you very much for the awesome and very helpful review, Curtis. Quick question, does the DR-701D allow you to monitor and level each channel separately? I read that the DR 60DMKII does allow this but I could not find any information about the DR-701D. I believe the DR-70D is missing this feature if I am correct so I wasn't sure if the DR-701D was also missing it. Thank you for your time! :)
+Valentino Escada Yes, the monitor button on the front of the unit allows you to choose which channel to send to the headphones: Channels 1-4 individually, camera in, channels 1-2 together, or channels 3-4 together. Not missing on the 701D!
+Curtis Judd Thank you very much for researching this for all of us, Curtis. This is awesome! I am looking forward to getting one of these now. :) Merry Christmas!
Curtis … is there any inline, pre-mic input powered limiter device you might recommend for the Tascam Dr-701D, per your highlight of this potential distortion issue of the unit?
Nice Review Curtis, So you think Zoom F8 or Tascam DR701D is better? I am setting up a new video studio to record dialogue (lectures etc) for the first time and learning all of that through these truly valuable videos just like this one, wish to take time to thank you and others like you. I am holding on for now since I heard GH5 Camera is coming out, but I have bought all the lighting stuff and have setup my room for video shooting. I also watched your Microphone videos and decided to get MK50. I now need to get an audio recorder and I do need timecode since I dont know postproduction that well for now. I will be using FCPX on MBPr though. So you recommend I should go for Tascam DR701D or Zoom F8? For the moment I dont have any budget issues, so I wanna buy things that I can use down the lane with my planned purchases (Canon C300Mk2 and stuff by the mid of 2016)
+Optimistic Simplicity If I had to choose, I'd stick with the Zoom F8. The Tascam is good, but for me, the rock solid clock, slightly better build quality, hirose input for pro level batteries make shooting days a lot less stressful. Best wishes on setting up your studio, sounds like a fun project!
+Curtis Judd You are great man with your quick replies here. Wow HUGE THUMBS UP MAN. Thank you so very much. One quick question if you mind? And yes I actually have watched your Review on F8 AFTER I left above comment and had decided to go for F8, truly thanks for your really valuable review videos. you are doing a great job for people like us. thanks again . 1) So the question is, I am going to record a lot of lectures in my studio, and am looking to buy a microphone, right now considering: Schoeps CMIT or DPA 4017. Or AT4053b or Sennheiser MK50 or MK8060 Can you recommend which one should I go for? 99.9% of the time I will be recording indoor dialogues (Lectures sitting on a chair)? thanks 2) What wired and wireless Lavalier mic would you recommend for the same indoor dialogue setup? currently I am considering Sennheiser AVX MKE2. What you recommend I should go for mic and lav both? 3) Also off the topic, Shall I buy GH4 for the moment for my indoor lectures 55 minutes long each lecture sitting on chair and table? (because I can't wait for GH5 and I want to start shooting ASAP) Also for the very same setup, which lens or lenses should I buy with Gh4? Or if you have any better suggestions? please, thanks in advance
+Optimistic Simplicity I'm not sure how reverberant your studio is (do you have any acoustic treatment?), but my preference is for a cardioid indoors vs. a shotgun. So I'd go with either the Sennheiser MKH50 or Audio Technica AT4053b. They're very close, with the Sennheiser being slightly brighter in my experience. The two compared: th-cam.com/video/gAaVSlB7Vpg/w-d-xo.html Review of the Sennheiser: th-cam.com/video/JXTpL4Ovr2I/w-d-xo.html Of the wireless lavalier systems I've used, I like the RODELink and the Sennheiser AVX. The MKE2 is a better, cleaner, more natural sounding mic than the RODE Lavalier (included with the RODELink Filmmaker kit). I would consider the RODELink with a Countryman B6: RODELink: th-cam.com/video/CONhcUiyIXg/w-d-xo.html Countryman B6: th-cam.com/video/Lh1qVoBieVI/w-d-xo.html Sennheiser AVX: th-cam.com/video/U9RjMXtmVLc/w-d-xo.html A GH4 would be a fine choice. Get a really big memory card if you want to shoot 55 minutes straight. Plan on lighting well as the GH4 is amazing except at ISOs above 800. Best wishes!
+Curtis Judd Thank you so so so so soooooo much Curtis Judd. You have been so kind and prompt and all the knowledge you shared is really very informative and helpful. So here are the conditions: 1) My bedroom is 12'x16' which I converted to studio (quite dark since 3 sides wall and 4th has a small window but I have done acoustic treatment for better sound. 2) I will shoot 99.9% of the time on tripod only coz talent/subject will be sitting on a chair and table in front, around 5 feet away from the camera with black or white background. Only indoors. For now I have absolutely no plan to do any shoot handheld or outdoors. 3) Bought 3 Lights 12”x12” LED Bi-Color Variable Color 3200 - 5600 with Dimmer. So I was actually planning to buy Sennheiser AVX MKE2 but I will now watch countryman B6 and see whether thats better. Thanks again for the review links :) you are great help. Actually I am still considering GH4 or AVG- DVX200. I would highly appreciate your opinion in above scenario of equipments etc. Once again thank you so very much for the help :)
+Optimistic Simplicity That sounds like a great setup. The most important thing is working with this gear enough to become familiar with it and dialing in a process that works for you and gets the results you want. Results are at least 50% skill, 50% gear. Good luck!
I enjoyed all your lectures / documentaries.I have been looking around for multi-track digital recorder for some time. It as got to be robust / reliable/easy to use/ best sound quality/ light weight and small.I do a lot of P.A work for a number of bands in midlands,( U.K ).Laptops & external sound cards are prime target that gets stolen.
Dear Curtis Judd, First of all, Many Thanks for your reviews, I've been following you for a few years now and it is really impressive the detail of the reviews, the comparisons, the tests and the fast appearance of the reviews on youtube, regarding the official release of the products, for all that, my huge Congrats and thanks!!! Now, a quick question, I know that you haven't used the DR-70D extensively and that you now use the ZOOM F8 as your main digital audio recorder (product that I intend to buy next year, maybe when they upgrade it, if they do). As a recent owner of a DR-70D I would like to ask if you did a comparison about the difference between the preamps self noise of both units DR-70D and DR-701D? As I am a sound guy (focused in soundscapes, nature and urban sounds, quiet and loud sounds), not working with video at all (so all the video features for me are unnecessary), I would like to know if the self noise difference is significant enough to consider an upgrade in the next weeks? If you didn't do this comparison and might still have in your possession the DR-701D, could you please do a quick test, preferably with a link to wav files? THANKS in ADVANCE!!! Keep up with the great work!! All My Best
+Marc Hosh Hi Marc, Thanks! I don't have a DR-70D so I didn't compare it against the 701D. However, my experience with the 70D suggests that its preamps are very, very similar to the 60DmkII which I did compare. In that comparison I found a 4-5dB difference in terms of noise between the two with the same mic in the same room, both normalized to -24LUFS. I cannot say for sure that this translates to the 70D but I suspect it is close. Tascam indicates that the 701D is using a new generation analogue to digital converter and may have also upgraded the analog preamp. I would suggest you save up for the Zoom as planned if its feature set looks like it fulfills your goals and skip the 701D. I was worried when I saw the announcement for the 701D that I may have overspent on the F8. After having used both, I have no regrets.
+Curtis Judd dear Curtis Thanks for the quick and clarifying reply. I will take your suggestion and keep saving for the F8, also because the DR-701D costs significantly more than the DR-70D due, principally I assume, too the HDMI and time code new features. I also read that the preamps are better, but then again I think you are right and that it is worth to spare the difference and keep saving for the ZOOM F8. Thanks for your advice!! All My Best
Great review man. One question. When hooking up a GH4 through hdmi, will the tascam pass through 4k 4:2:2 10bit video to an external monitor such as an Atomos Ninja Assassin?
Thank you Curtis, I enjoyed your review of the Zoom H6 vs the Tascam DR70, I'd love to hear what you think about the DR-701D vs H6 for filmmakers (solo shooters), and their practicality and usability for camera rigs/cages.
+Steven Brunton Hi! I prefer the form factor of the Tascam DR701D to the Zoom H6 but that is a purely subjective matter for individual rigs. I will say that I do not mount the tascam under my camera as intended because I am almost always shooting fairly static scenes (interviews, talking head) so I put the recorder on a cart or a table. I also like that the Tascam's screen is easier to read when shooting outdoors in the sun. If you want or need the HDMI features, the 701D has a little edge there as well. But the H6 is a pretty nice kit, too. If you want those built-in, interchangeable microphones, there aren't any better options on the Tascam side. I hope that helps a little.
+Curtis Judd Thanks for your reply! Yeah, I actually think the DR701D could be the superior device, especially after watching your reviews. I created a Twitter Pole, but the DR701D seems to be struggling against the H6: twitter.com/stevenbrunton/status/711747175294898176
+Steven Brunton Everyone has their preference for how they prefer to work and I think that's fine. I think they're both fine Prosumer recorders. If the question is which recorder with integrated microphone is "best," The DR-701D is definitely the odd-product out because its integrated mics are really only useful as slate mics (at least in my opinion). If the question is about recorder preference when recording with external XLR based mics, the results of a poll might differ.
Hi Curtis, hope you are doing well. Please tell me if I can use Tascam DR-701D in Cakewalk by Bandlab and or Pro Tools First? And if yes, how to connect it with these DAWs. I tried through the USB port and MIDI out port with a MIDI to USB converter also but got no result. DR-701D is not being recognized as a MIDI device by these DAWs. Is Tascam DR-701D not a MIDI audio interface like Focusrite Scarlette? Please help me out of this confusion.
Did you find it difficult to tighten and loosen either the DR-701D or 60DmkII from a video head on a tripod? Does the body get in the way at most or all positioning?
+RocKofNine I did not find it difficult to tighten or loosen the recorders. With my cameras, I didn't find the recorder or camera to have any conflicts in terms of accessing any of the controls. (I shoot with a Panasonic GH4, Nikon D750, and Sony a6000)
Hey Curtis another great video. I plan to work solo and I previously used the dr60 but I plagued with RF Interference. Would you think the dr701 would be a good upgrade for Documentary work. Thanks jF
Hey Curtis, maybe I missed it in the review, but how is the solo / pfl monitoring on the DR701D? Can you listen to individual tracks with a button, or do you have to go wading through menus?
+Laughing with the Storm It isn't a single button, but not too bad: You press the monitor button and then select the channel you want to PFL with the select dial.
The best review of the Tascam DR-701D that I have found! As for recorded files on the SD card, can the four channels be output to be mixed in post? Or if I am recording backup audio on a LAV and boom mic for a talking head, can it output the channels separately on the card, or are they one stereo output that has to be manually separated? Thanks for all of your help!
+Zac Grimaldo Hi Zac, you can set it up to do isolated tracks or as a poly file with all channels in one file and you can also include or exclude a stereo mix. So yes, you can definitely mix each channel separately in post.
+Curtis Judd Thanks for your reply, I ended up getting the unit! Do you need a preamp for it, Like a JuicedLink or similar, or have you found that it does the job well enough by itself?
Hello, I just discover your channel and I love your reviews ( kind of binge-watch then right now). I discover your channel because I need to use xlr mic on my camera ( only 3.5 jack) because I don't really want to separate the video recording and the sound recording. I'm kind of lost honestly. So for something mid-budget, not for professional production. Mostly focus on voice and ambient sound while using only 1 ( maybe 2 in the future if I see the need) mics. What do you advise?
Hi Curtis. I’m looking to add a small external XLR audio recorder with HDMI record triggering to my Sony NX80 camcorder (due to an inherent noise issue on their XLR handle which they can’t or won’t solve) It seems to come down to the Tascam DR-701D or for £100 more, the Sound Devices Mix Pre 3ii. Which would you say is better for this job? I only need the two inputs so anything bigger is overkill. I looked at the Zoom F6 but it doesn’t seem to have HDMI trigger for record. Many thanks
For a long-term investment, the extra ￡100 is worth the investment for the MixPre-3II to me. The Tascam is frankly overpriced for what it has to offer. And unless they fixed that HDMI functionality since I tested it several years ago, it was really spotty.
You might also contact Sound Devices support to confirm the MixPre HDMI triggering works with your camera. The camera manufacturers are not all consistent in how they send start/stop flags.
Curtis Judd Thanks again, will do. (PS I don’t know where I got that price I quoted earlier from, it’s actually more like £250 difference but I think it still might be worth it especially if the Tascam record trigger is flaky)
Hi Curtis, great reviews, I particularly enjoyed the one about 633. So I can't find a solid answer, how much time does it takes for it to slip a frame in timecode? Without any sync boxes, on its own
The Sound Devices 633 or the Tascam? I've shot for about 8 hours straight on the 633 without losing a frame. For the Tascam, I had to return it but it doesn't do nearly as well. Its clock slips pretty quickly.
Another great review! Thanks Curtis. I especially liked the Rec On/Off sync to camera via HDMI, so that the camera triggers the audio recording. I am especially interested in the Zoom F8, but I don't think that the F8 has HDMI connectors, so can the F8 recording be activated by the camera?
+RemekTek Media No, the F8 does not have that feature, unfortunately. I really think that the Tascam is a nice option for solo shooters, especially if that HDMI record trigger sounds like it would be useful to you. You'll just want to make sure that your particular camera sends HDMI control data. Of course the F8 is a great device as well, but I think it is aimed at a slightly different audience - more at small crew productions where you may have a dedicated sound operator/mixer in at least some cases. Traditional stand-alone timecode is definitely more solid on the F8 than the Tascam. Dual memory cards and more power options (albeit, more expensive options) are good as well. Its a tough call. Rent the F8 first if you can. Most of the major production sound rental houses carry them.
+Curtis Judd Thanks for your reply. Today I spoke to the Zoom importers, here in Australia and there were 400+ on BACK order! I then happened to visit a music store and they had one F8 on the shelf! Well, I am only human, so I had to grab it! Been playing with it now for 4 hrs and am VERY impressed. Your F8 review was significant in my purchase decision. Thanks for all your reviews which are top notch.
Curtis, Can you give a quick clarification on the HDMI & 4k issue? Is the issue that it can't take a 4k signal in and pass it through the hdmi out, or that it can't handle 4k at all? Personally, I'd be ok with it not being able to pass-through a 4k signal, as long as I could feed it 4k 30p and it properly handled the rss and time code sync.
Hi Dan, unfortunately, at the time I tested it, it was both: Couldn't receive or pass through a 4K signal. Looking at the release notes for their more recent firmware updates, it looks like the max it handles is 1080p60.
Thanks for the clarification Curtis. I'm waiting for the GH5 to release, hopefully it will have a time code input so it can be synced with the Zoom F4 or something similar. I've been avoiding dual system sound because I don't want to do the sync manually.
Hey Curtis, Great video! Thanks for putting this together. I just got the 701D, and I was curious about the dual audio recording function. It seems like it's only possible to do dual recording with one source at a time, or the builtin mics. As far as you know, is that the case? Specifically, I was wondering if there's any way to do dual recording of, say, a shotgun mic in one channel, while also recording a single version of the built-in mics, or vice versa. I know that's a really specific question, but if you have any ideas, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks again!
+Ivan Weiss Hi Ivan, page 26 in the manual has some info on seeing up the dual recording feature. You can certainly set it up to work with two microphones. Whichever mic you have assigned to channel 1 will also record to channel 2 at a lower input level, and whichever mic you have assigned to channel 3 will record to channel 4 at a lower input level. That means you will need to assign one of the internal mics to channel 3. I hope that makes sense and good luck!
Hi Curtis, hope you are fine. Please tell me if I can record audio directly from a powered amplifier through the Line in jack into my DR-701 D safely? Is there any kind of risk to do so? If I can do it safely, please tell me the procedure also. Thank you.
Hi Brihaspati TV, usually you would take a feed from a mixing board rather than a power amplifier. Here are some tips on that: th-cam.com/video/Tzm3G46ozxQ/w-d-xo.html Best wishes!
Curtis, thanks for the great video. I'm using this recorder with a Nikon D810. The start/stop trigger is not working. Do I have to change something on either the recorder or the camera for this to function? Tascam's website clearly states that the start/stop trigger has been tested with this camera. I'm assuming that the trigger is set off when record button on camera is pressed, but I tried it the other way as well (on recorder first). Neither way worked. When HDMI cable is plugged in, it says "HDMI" on recorder's screen. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
+TripHoney I had to update the firmware on the Tascam and my GH4 to get it working. On the GH4 I also had to enable HDMI control. There is also a setting on the Tascam to enable HDMI control. Best wishes!
So I was researching about a timecode generator/syncing and I came across your video. It didn't really answered my question so I thought I asked. Basically I want to timecode sync 2 or more GH4s together. Is there a better way of doing it that you know of? Thanks.
Hi Curtis, I joined your,"Learn Light and sound" and it is amazing. I have a Tascam 701D and have a question that I may have overlooked in your courses, yet the manual doesn't really explain. In the input of the tascam, When the SEL is "Ext In" and gain can only be Low, Mid, Hi, Hi+, but when the SEL is "In 1-2" I get the "Line" option. Do I want to use the Line Option in the gain when I am recording from a Mixer at a conference? Does it matter if I use SEL "Ext In" or "1-2"? Lastly, does line just cause me to lose control of gain giving all control to the mixer? I guess my big question is, "What exactly is the line for and how do i use it correctly?" If you can better explain this or point me to the video in your course, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!
Hi Nick, yes, when you set the input to external input, this means line level input. With a line level input, you do not need to adjust the gain like with a microphone. And yes, when you are sending a feed from a mixer to the Tascam, you will want to set it to line level. When you set the recorder to line level, you are essentially telling it that the audio has already been amplified by another device, in this case, the mixer. I hope this helps and best wishes!
Thank you Curtis for the review. I would like to know if it's possible to change audio levels while it's recording. I seem to remember that it was not possible in the DR70D.
Thanks Keefe, those are for securing the recorder in a sound bag. Most dedicated sound bags have straps with hooks which connect to the bars. Some people also use them to attach a strap to the recorder and just sling the strap over their shoulder.
+Bryce Dearden Yes, definitely enjoying it! It has a few warts but they're all expected (short battery life, wonky menus) and at its current price it is worth every penny! Impressive video and great still images too.
My budget is between two units. The Tascam Dr 701D (current Price $399.) or the Beachtek DXA-Micro-Pro $139. (I realize Beachteck does not record) Which is a better unit from a sound quality standpoint? Recommendation? Thanks for all your great videos!!
From a sound quality perspective, probably the DR-701D, though in 2020, it isn't my favorite choice. At a regular price of $499 USD, I'd save up an additional $50 and go for the Zoom F4.
@@curtisjuddat a price point of $200 (new in box, clearance item) does it now become a solid choose? Versus a Zoom H6, Portacapture X6, or a Zoom F3? Specifically the preamp quality (lower noise).
This is really good Curtis! actually i'm hoping any a-b comparison with the two of DR701D to Zoom H6 series. As i'm still searching for an independent portable recorder with this kind of budget, it's really helpful to see any comparison of these two 600$ budget recorder. Regards.
+Aditya Diveranta Hi! Unfortunately, I don't have a Zoom H6 on hand but when I evaluated it earlier this year, I got a pretty good feel for it. I would say that the Tascam DR-701D and the H6 both have preamps that sound very good, both have about the same amount of gain, and in terms of self-noise, the Tascam is 4 to 5dB cleaner. However, there is a $200 price gap and several features on each that the other does not share. If you're shooting with a camera that has HDMI out and can send timecode via HDMI, the Tascam is a nice option. I hope that helps!
+Curtis Judd well thanks, even though i'm still searching any kind of a-b comparison between them. I'm a newbie location sound mixer still seeking any portable recorder to fit my kind of needs, maybe giving more focus to the preamp quality and how many inputs i get in there.
+Curtis Judd yupp but F8 doesn't available in my country for now :(. besides, maybe i have to save a little bit more for that too... for now i think H6 would be enough but suddenly DR701d came & bumped me with the good preamp here... i have to choose one, and you may be can help. :p
+Akshay Sarma I did. There is a big limitation there. The HDMI ports on the Tascam do not appear to support 4K pass through so that limits the usefulness of this recorder with 4K cameras (unless I was doing something wrong but I didn't see any options to enable that). Switching the GH4 to HD output via its HDMI port, sending that to the Tascam and then from the Tascam to the Shogun worked fine. But sort of a big bummer that 4K doesn't work. I don't know if the limitation on the Tascam is a hardware limitation or just a software limitation that could be addressed with a firmware update.
+retrofraction Interesting idea, I didn't try that before I had to send the recorder back to B&H Photo. Definitely worth a try. I don't remember whether I can set the resolution for the output on the Shogun, but if so, that might work.
Thanks for the quick response on this... Do you have any contacts at either BH or Tascam to confirm? Lack of 4K pass-through support could be a deal killer for a $600 recorder. I'm imagining many people willing to purchase at this price point plan on using it with an external recorder. If I could get all my footage recorded on the Shogun with HDMI sound synced from this unit then I am buying it in a heartbeat (hoping both units can be triggered from camera record button).
+Akshay Sarma Hi Akshay, I don't have any particular technical contacts at B&H but they train their staff quite well but I'd bet that they'd track that down for you. I haven't ever spoken with Tascam (which is funny since I love many of their recorders) other than a couple of the marketing guys at NAB last year. Anyone from +Tascam out there able to respond?
Hi Curtis, very interesting video, thanks! I bought DR-701D recently, so I have a very simple question: to use 4 AA batteries rechargeable, or non-rechargeable? Sorry, I know it’s a very stupid question.
Great review. I just picked up a DR-701D after watching your video. Wonder if you can answer a question: like you, I'm using it with a Panasonic GH4, and I've been able to get the DR-701 to sync with and display the GH4's time code. But I haven't been able to get the GH4 to automatically start or stop recording via HDMI from the GH4, as it's apparently supposed to. Any hints or tips on which settings to use in the menus or otherwise to make this work? ( I've made sure that both the GH4 and the 701 have the latest firmware.)
+jeffholmanvids Hi Jeff, I don't have my GH4 here with me but there's an HDMI Control setting in the GH4 menus and a corresponding option in the 701D's menu as I recall (I had to send the Tascam back to B&H as I only had it on loan for a month). You'll know the GH4 is set correctly as an HDMI CTRL control will show on the LCD of the camera. Once those are both setup, it should send the signal to the Tascam when you press record on the GH4.
Thanks Curtis. Now I'm getting the Tascam DR-701D to start and stop, as well as follow time code, from the GH4 (no instructions on this in the GH manuals, since these features were added in a firmware update). The HDMI control function doesn't always work for me -- sometimes the Tascam unit won't start recording or read time code even though my settings are exactly the same as the last time it did work. Then I just unplug the hdmi cable from the GH4, wait a few seconds, plug it back in, and everything works again. I'm guessing there is there some kind of a hdmi hardware handshake issue going on. But things are functional enough, anyway.
+jeffholmanvids Interesting. I did have trouble with one HDMI cable when I tested it but when I switched to another cable, it was solid and reliable. Not sure whether I was lucky or one or both of the devices is picky about HDMI cables...
Hi! I really like your reviews and video, very informative. I do a lot of video interviews and I just switched my system from a Canon XF300 to a GH5. The Canon had two XLR input and minimal controls which were very easy to use for any kind of mic (wireless lavalier to shotgun type). Now with the GH5 I'm gonna need some better audio solution than one 1/8 mic input. I would prefer to record the sound directly on the camera, so that I don't have any sound sync to do (I usually don't need more than 2 channels, and if so, I have a H4n). Is it possible with this Tascam? I was looking around for the Beachtek DXA-SLR ULTRA (active). Are they doing a similar job? Thanks for the great stuff!
Hi Olivier, Yes, it is possible but there are two other options I would encourage you to consider first: 1) Panasonic has a 2 XLR audio adapter for the GH5 which I am in the process of reviewing and should have that posted here on TH-cam before the end of the week. 2) Sound Devices just released the MixPre-3 which is roughly the same price as this but has some features which may make it a better option. I'll be reviewing that as soon as I am able to get one. It was just announced this morning.
Thanks for the fast feedback! The XLR1 from Panasonic was second in the line beside the DXA-SLR Ultra. Glad to hear we will have some thoughts on it from you! The Panasonic is appealing to me since its form factor is so much like what I've used before. I mainly have XLR mics, so I need OK performance on that front. I wonder if the mic input of the camera can still be used with the XLR1 connected to the flash hotshoe. Unfortunately, Sound Devices products are hard to come by in Canada (sales restricted to US in most online store, same for juicedlink and other audio stuff, wich is why I lean towards Beachtek stuff), I wish it was easier to find, hearing only good things about them. Looks like the MixPre-3 would have answered all my prayers. Thanks again!
Hi Curtis, thanks for the review, it's super helpfull. I was wondering how do you compare this Tascam vs the Zoom H6 (I think the H6 is the natural rival of the 701D, considering the price range and the amount of inputs). I'm about to buy a recorder and I can't decide between this two. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VIDEOS AND HELP.
Hi Juan, they're pretty similar in terms of audio quality so it is more a matter of ergonomics between these two from my point of view. The H6 has always seemed like a device originally designed for musicians but many filmmakers have put it to good use as well. The Tascam was designed for filmmaking. My sense is that the mics on the DR-701D were intended as slate/scratch audio microphones rather than as high fidelity mics. I didn't do a head to head test vs the H6 so I don't know for certain on that factor. I can't really point you to one or the other but can say that if I were choosing (so all my biases are bearing on this), I would go with the Tascam.
Have you tested the physical stability of the device? For instance with a ~ 200 or 300mm FF eqiv focal length lens mounted on the camera, is there a noticeable difference in stability compared with the camera being mounted directly on the tripod head?
+Malcolm MacLean Just tried based on your question and that scenario poses a practical issue: My Nikkor 80-200mm has a tripod yoke which I normally use when mounting this to a tripod. This is so that there isn't so much stress on the camera mount such as there would be if you mounted the camera to the tripod. When I attempt to use the lens yoke as the mounting point, the camera hangs down right in front of all of the recorders controls making it pretty much impossible to operate the recorder. So I'd say that mounting a camera with a long lens on top of the DR-701D (or any other audio recorder for that matter) isn't a great solution, unfortunately. I'd be more inclined to use a camera cage and attach the Tascam to the cage.
Hello! Thanks for your video. It's very helpful! I've got few questions. You said there are some sor t of "standards" for broadcasting in terms of sound. Are there any standards in cinema production? How can I make my dialouges to sound more cinematic?
Hi Edward, I was referring to TV loudness standards. I don't believe there are any formal loudness standards for cinema sound but usually cinema screening involves reasonably decent sound systems so the need to compress and optimize loudness is not quite as critical as it is for TV broadcast or Internet distribution. Thanks and I hope that helps!
Yannis Hello Curtis. I intend to buy a Tascam DR 701 for using it with a Rode SVMX. I don't want to use the xlr's inputs with phantom power, but instead the plug in power stereo mini jack. Are the excellent preamps in the range of (124 dBu - 127 dbu) the same for both xlr's and (1/8”) stereo mini jack input?
Glad you asked, no, the 3.5mm input is not nearly as good as the XLR inputs. I would NOT buy the DR-701D for the purpose of using the 3.5mm input. Not worth the money at all.
@@curtisjudd Thanks a lot Curtis for the information. I' ll stay with the Rode, as my main camera mic. Since i want to capture some ambient nature sounds, one option is to pair the Tascam or something similar in terms of quality with the Clippy EM272 XLR Matched Stereo Pair.
Hello Curtis, you say the timecode drifted by 5 Seconds in 1 hour, were you able to assess how much actual lip sync drift there was in a 1 hour period ?
Question: if you use the HDMI out from a camera to the HDMI in on the tascam, then the HDMI out from the tascam to a atomos recorder, does it give you the same quality as you'd get going straight into the atomos?
Hi John, yes, the signal should not be degraded however, note that the DR-701D's HDMI port only supports up to full HD so it wont work with 4K signals.
Judd, as you was kind enough to respond to my comments I wonder does the DR-701D HDMI input / output limit what video resolution it passes through? The manual has not much about what resolutions are accepted aside battery drain on 1080/60i HDMI feed. 1) I assume this device does not pass through 4K. Am I right? 2) I assume it supports beside 1080/60i also 1080 60p resolution and frame rate? Thank you in the advance! 3) If 1) is correct would 4K support be mere firmware upgrade hassle?
Hi lennutrajektoor, Yes, I believe it only supports up to 1080. For frame rates, I believe it supports up to 30p or 60i. I do not have this recorder as I only borrowed it for the review so I am not sure whether there are any firmware updates to extend the capabilities. Generally the firmware updates are simple as long as one follows the documented instructions. Best wishes!
Curtis Judd Thank you! I watched Tascam's rep interview on NAM 2016 (?) and she didn't specify either. I'll check with Tascam support then. And thanks again for your answer!
+Catarsis Producciones control signals are sent via the HDMI cable. Each device still records separately, you can just start them together and monitor them together. I hope that makes sense.
Curtis, do you know if the Sony a6300 can hook up with this Tascam? and then i know i would need a external battery that would power all including an extra monitor that i might add.
Hi Curtis, I got the Tentacle Sync E with BNC in green mode connected to the 701D, I have the BW format for it to allow Timecode, and in LTC mode. Does it support a Tentacle? Nothing ever happens when its plugged in. Clocks don't change and I've tried few modes on the 701D. Thanks.
Hi Mauricio, I don't have the 701D here to test (I borrowed it for the review and had to give it back), but the first thing I would check is that the tentacle is set with its output level at Line level. If that doesn't work, may need to contact Tascam support. Best wishes!
Thankful wishes, of course, you knew what was wrong! The only thing I didn't have was Sync E on Line level, (had it on mic to mic for the fs7) all worked now, solved by@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions ! (thanks)
Hi Curtis, love your videos. I'm trying to figure out how to send my controls out of my GH4 to the Tascam 701D as you did in this video. I got the time codes to sync, but recording on the GH4 does not trigger the Tascam to begin recording. What feature controls this? Thanks!
Hi Garrett, in the GH4's HDMI menu, I believe that there is a setting for HDMI control codes which needs to be on (I'm sorry, I sold the GH4 some time ago so I don't have it on hand to confirm). Best wishes!
I have a lunatec v2 preamp and a benchmark Ad2k, which I send a digital signal to my tascam hd-p2. Now I want a second recorder but none seem to have a digital input. All these new recorders are all analog in. So what recorder would you recommend for a backup recorder from my v2 preamp, since none will take a digital in from my Ad2k. Any recommendations? In other words, I still want to use my v2 preamp and avoid the signal from going thru a second preamp. Will any of these recorders allow me to turn off the amp and just do the digital conversion?
If you switch to line level on a quality recorder, the preamp shouldn’t create any problems and simply trim the signal and pass it over to the ADC. On cheaper recorders, when set to line level they just apply a pad and still send the signal through the preamp. So I’d look at something like a Sound Devices MixPre which probably does not use a pad when set to line level.
@@curtisjudd One more question, my Ad2k has AES digital output; is there a way to take that signal from the AES cable and convert to USB-C output? I was also wondering if I can just save to my phone or into a Usb-C flashdrive, since I still monitor my levels with Benchmark Ad2k? Hope that makes sense
Thanks for such helpful information. I am having problems with my WAV files though. I am currently editing a video for which I had the audio recorded separately. After doing the sinking, the audio only plays on computers but never on cellphones except when using headphones. Sounds strange to me. has somebody encountered such problems. I tried to convert into different formats but nothing. Can you help?
Nothing is wrong on your end, that's just to illustrate that I did other tests (e.g., tested the 3.5mm input with a lavalier microphone). Not meant to be in sync with the voiceover you're hearing, and is not to illustrate drift issues.
![[Eng Sub] Tascam Portacapture X8 multi-functional recorder](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kIrS7kYJiMY/mqdefault.jpg)
![[Eng Sub] Tascam Portacapture X8 multi-functional recorder](/img/tr.png)
You're the only one I know who can pull off this kind of long form video :)
Very thorough and informative as usual! Thanks!
+The Photo/Video Show Haha! I just give non-audio-nerds an out by putting the summary up front. :)
Your reviews are always amazingly thorough!
+CZsWorld Thanks!
+CZsWorld I agree good video. Also hey nice channel CZs
Its my first time to listen to you and you're very detailed Curtis. I now know what to buy. Thanks for good work.
+Adams Munene Thanks Adams.
It's 2020 and this video is really helping me to confirm that the 701D is the one that suits me.
👍
Did you end up getting it? If so, could you tell me about using the 3.5mm input. Can you set it to only use input 1 then have an XLR connection on 2?
As always Curtis, another superb video and in fact it is off of the back of this that I have bought the Tascam 701, thank you for helping me decide.
You bet! Happy recording!
I think this is the unit for me. Thanks Curtis! Always honest reviews. Real talk!
Thanks!
I just did a test with the following configuration,
- JVC GY-LS300 set to 4K 60P External and timecode set to FREE RUN (this is the only way to get 4K from the HDMI out and time code out since the LS300 only produces time code and 4K when recording internally to SD card normally ) .
- Atomos Ninja Inferno 4K in and set to output down to 1080P which passes thru the time code and start-stop trigger.
- 1080P into the Tascam DR-701D with the external time code and start stop trigger from the Ninja passed from the LS300.
In this configuration the Ninja Inferno and DR-701D will happily sync time code and start and stop to the GY-LS300 trigger.
With the GY-LS300 set to record internally to SD cards in 4K 24P, 25P 30P etc. the camera will only output 1080P (as its designed to do) via HDMI. With time code and start stop triggers directly to the DR-701D it works perfectly in sync to time code from the HDMI port from the GY- LS300.
So this configuration with the Ninja Inferno between the camera and the DR-701D with the output resolution set to 1080P may also work with other cameras that output 4K and time code via the HDMI port.
Regards,
Paul Cotto
Thanks Paul, very useful!
Great reviews of the 60dmkii and 701d. I'd like to see a review from you on the taskcam dr70d (you even mention that one in this video).
Thanks Aaron. I didn't do a dedicated review of the 70D only because it is basically a 701D without the HDMI triggering features and with a plastic build. The preamps are pretty much the same as the 60D.
It seemed like your levels are kind of hot on the front of the 701D but your audio in the video sounded fine. How many db did you have the 701 at?
+PinnacleStudioPro I had it set to mid gain (+40dB) with the trim at about 50% in both cases. Peaks sat at about -12dB and then I normalized in post to -19.5LUFS.
Appreciate the info Curtis.
Love your honest approach Curtis
Thanks Mychal.
Maybe they have upgraded the crystal oscillator since this review in later revisions without denoting it a "mark 2" model. I just bought a brand new 701D. I tested the clock following concerns you raise here.
I Jam synced it with my smart phone using an android timecode generator app. Coming out of the smartphone headphone jack (3.5mm to phono with a BNC adaptor). I did two tests. First I just let it run in free-run ToD for an hour and a half and it remained stable. Second test I gave it some work to do, I had two lav mics inputted and set to dual record mode, Jam synced, I hit record and let it run in free-run for 3 hours, I also played around with the menu and manually incremented new files while recording trying to influence drift. But it never did. In both tests a combined total of 5 hours the clock did not drift. I would argue under normal conditions you would be fine in free-run for several hours before needing to re-jam.
Things I noticed, I could only get the Tascam and my phone to sync within a few frames. The tascam seemed to be behind by 3 or 4 frames. Im not sure why. I'd speculate that its either a delay in my iffy bodged cable or its the difference between my phone screen and the Tascam LCD display time. But regardless it absolutley did not drift. The only function I found to be useless was the 'Power down Gen: On' function, which means the clock keeps running after the unit is turned off. Turning it back on it was out by a second, but they state this can happen in the manual.
Thanks for the detailed test results! Would be great if they could get everything exactly on.
@@curtisjudd Well, I haven't tried jamming with a camera yet as I don't have another TC source. I took a gamble after viewing your review as I needed TC. It did take a couple of tries to get them communicating. First time it recieved TC but was instantly out by 3 seconds. But I've successfully synced perfectly since.
I watched your dr60mkii videos and used the recorder for a year. Looking to step it up and use time code with my s1h & Bs1h interview setup. Think the 701d is too old and should look more towards the tascam x8 or does the 701d still hold up? Does the 701d have safety channel features? I’m looking to plug-in a rode ntg2 or videomic ntg and a lav mic using the rode go ii. What are your thoughts? Also, is the x6 worth checking out since it’s so close in price to the x8?
I would look at newer recorders. I believe they discontinued the 701 within the last year or so, if I remember correctly.
@@curtisjudd thank you! I ended up picking up an f3. The f6 was on my radar but I couldn’t find it for a cheaper lower price. The x8 looks amazing but I personally don’t like it’s form factor. I was looking more for something that could become part of my camera rig if needed and the f3 looks like it’ll fit the the bill. (It arrives tomorrow) thanks for your awesome videos and for replying to my comment!
Hey Curtis, it's been a while but a friend of mine was offering to trade his Zoom F4 for my Tascam DR-701D. Is it a good trade? Does the F4 perform better than the DR-701D in terms of audio and build quality?
Wow! I'd much rather work with the F4 than the DR-701D. You'd give up the HDMI triggering feature (which didn't work all that well in my tests), but otherwise, the F4 is superior in every way.
@@curtisjudd Thanks for the quick reply man! I'd better grab it before he changes his mind, then! BTW, I've been following your content for a while now and just hit 7k subs making videos about tech products. Keep them videos coming so i can incrementally upgrade my gear!
Nice! My main indoor mic is the AT4053b. Best bang for the buck on a hyper for sure. I've thought about getting the 70D, but I have enough other options that I would only be getting it as a GAS (Gear Acquisition Syndrome) purchase.
+Chad Johnson Thanks Chad. I agree on the 4053b, in fact I remember several years back listening to a comparison piece you did that helped me make my decision to buy the 4053b.
Nice job as usual Curtis, thanks for sharing!
Thumbs up!
+TripleThreatRC Thanks!
This product seems really cool, sounds like a perfect tool for recording surround sound audio as well, Really cool video! you got a subscribe and a like from me.
+Thurstan Naidoo thanks Thurstan. If you like this, you might also consider the Zoom F4 which we looked at here: th-cam.com/video/Rr7pSufelOY/w-d-xo.html
hey man. Just wondering if you can do another video to show what options of powerbanks/power packs do we have to use with this? and how can we mount it under this so we can have 1 piece of equipment instead of having the power packs dangling at the side?
Hey, I don't have this anymore (borrowed it from B&H for the review), but here are some battery options which I attach to my recorder using industrial hook tape (velcro): th-cam.com/video/r24SsG2LoeU/w-d-xo.html I hope that helps!
Hey man, nice review!! I'm trying to decide on getting this or the Zoom F4!
I would be using it mostly for recording ambiences in the wild.
My main issue is the preamps quality, which one would you say is cleaner and better sounding?
How about the noise to ratio?
That tascam menu which is just 18 pages I guess I'm not a big fan either but I'll get use to it if I get this recorder.
Thanks for your information!
Hi Dan, I would, without hesitation, suggest the Zoom F4 over the Tascam DR-701D. The preamplifiers and converters are in a substantially higher league resulting in cleaner recordings and more dynamic range. Best wishes and happy recording!
Excellent review and exactly what I was looking for - a comparison to the Zoom F8 - thanks
Thanks David.
Hi Curtis, first off super kudos for your videos as they are some of the best (if not the best) sound for picture gear reviews on TH-cam! I purchased a Tascam DR701D and have been trying to figure out how to power it with a USB power bank and received condescending and totally unhelpful "support" from Tascam (will never buy products from them again because of this). Do you have any experience with powering a Tascam DR701D from a USB power bank like the ones from Anker?
Hi, thanks! Yes, jump to 9:23 in the video.
@@curtisjudd I watched the whole video and saw that but for some reason I can't get it to work on my end. The 2 power banks I've tried are the Anker PowerCore+ 26800 PD (1 USB-C (30W) and 2 USB (5V/3A) ports) & the Anker PowerCore Slim 10000 PD, USB-C Portable Charger (18W), 10000mAh . When I plug them in, it does not say bus powered as it is supposed to.
@@Kamasutralovers Hmm. The USB-A outputs which deliver 5V/3A should do the job. If you have another USB cable you can try, perhaps that will work? If not, I know you had a bad experience with Tascam support. Did you purchase it from a retailer which might provide support - Like B&H or Sweetwater?
I have a great retailer so I’m going to put the pressure on Tascam through them because It won’t even connect to the computer to transfer files so there may be an issue with the micro-USB port. But thanks for your help on this! Off topic - Would love to see a review of some of the newer Nagra recorders
@@Kamasutralovers Best wishes! I would love to see a review of the newer Nagra recorders as well! Cannot afford them at the moment, but sure would love to try them out!
Is the Tascam DR-701D vastly different from the DR70d? Just picked up one on Wish.com app for $235 with tax/shipping. Seemed like a very good deal.
Hi Slav Guns, no, they're different. 701D has tougher build quality and timecode in/out as well as HDMI record triggering (if you can manage to get it working with your particular camera). Preamps seemed very similar in my tests.
@@curtisjudd thanks. Found it after a bit more research. Wad on the fence at $300 and $265 but when it came to $235 i figured well worth it, particularly as it has its onboard mics that seem pretty good to use just in case. And like the form factor over 60d. Thank to you i am getting more snobby on audio. Lol.
@@SlavGuns Hahaha! Audio is a fine thing to get snobby on. 👍 Well, not too snobby, but to care.
awesome video, thank you for sharing this Curtis, peace friend - Zach Van Harris JR
Thanks Zach, peace!
as expected to curtis judd! best review person about audio and video stuff!
Thanks!
On your word i bought one
I I love it!!!!
👍 Happy recording!
Watched your video, enrolled on your course :)
This looks like it's *exactly* what I need to take my TH-cam channel to the next level x x
+Danielle Hallett welcome to the school! Looking forward to taking the audio on your channel to the next level!
Thanks :)
I ended up going with the Zoom H6 as I can use it as a 'run and gun', then when the F4 arrives I'll decide between that or an F8 for the 'studio' recorder. Adding a 4053b too, though I'm not sure if it will replace the 4050SM I'm currently using in 'scoop' position with a RF1 screen.
I just finished the recording course, going with the post recording / audition one now :)
That sounds like a good plan on the recorders. Thanks and best wishes!
Judd, thanks for another great review, as always. Can you tell me what the Zoom H6 limiter is? Is it digital too? How does the H6 compare?
Christmas blessings.
+RemekTek Yes, the limiter in all of the zoom H series and F8 recorders are digital. The H6 limiter has the same issue as the Tascam DR-701D in that it clips and distorts if the source sound gets too loud. Merry Christmas to you!
First off, thank you for such a thorough review. I was directed to it from Reddit. I just got a dr70d, and there is one key issue I can't seem to solve. As informative as this video is, it also didn't address it, but it's the inexplicable choice by Tascam not to label it's dB meters - I have no idea where 0db, or -6, or -12, or -24 is. All these years later, can you speak to this? It would be a huge help.
I believe the vertical line is -12dB full scale. You might check with Tascam support to confirm.
@@curtisjudd Thanks Chris. I did contact them, but no response. I was able to determine that it is -18db by setting the slate button to that level. Still, a really weird choice. It's kind of puzzling the very basic things this recorder overlooks or does poorly. But I thank you greatly for your help.
Great review as always Curtis. I have a quick question. Is the Line out a Balanced signal?
Hi Carlos, it is unbalanced.
Excellent review, as ever, Curtis.
Did you get an opportunity to test with any line-level devices, e.g., wireless receivers? Also, does it allow line-level input via the XLR ins, or just via the TRS jacks (i.e., is it settable in the menus)? Lastly, apologies if I missed this in the review, but did you comment at all on the quality of the headphone amp? If not, how does it sound?
Thanks!
+Scott Vanderbilt Hi Scott, thanks. Good questions - yes, you can set each of the XLR inputs to line and that works with both XLR and 1/4" TRS. Nice. As for the headphone amp, it is decent. A little noisy if you need to push it, but quite decent when at reasonable levels (this subjective assessment is based on testing with Beyerdynamic DT770 80 ohm). No serious coloration. If you use headphones with a larger ohm spec, you may run into issues with noise in the preamp.
Good to hear from you and I hope your prank channel on TH-cam is coming along nicely. ;-) Also, would love to hear about your experience doing sound on the latest film project you mentioned.
2021 making a whole load of sense
Not sure I follow. But I hope 2021 is a good one!
Whats the point of digital limiters if they are useless in this application? Anyway thanks for the review. I think because I own a shure FP33 I'm going with the tascam its $130 cheaper than the Zoom and my mixer ramps up the quality of my rig in terms of mixing, preamps and the limiter.
They are potentially useful for simplifying the process of loudness normalizing in post, but they won't save you from clipping incidents if you're gained too high. Best wishes.
Quick question, on the DR-701D does it allow for 4 separate playback tracks for audio control from each mic input in post or is it only a stereo track?
Yes, it will record 4 isolated tracks (one for each microphone input) in addition to a stereo mix track.
Another great review. I was just thinking about "shelf battery leakage" and wonder if you'd consider having your test units with new or fully charged batteries and having them sit unused on a shelf for a week and then look at the battery meter for a delta, provided you have loaners for at least that long. Nothing's worse than thinking you're grabbing a fully charged unit and find out on location half the charge has leaked somehow. Thanks again Curtis.
Good idea. I don't always get to keep them for that long if they're on loan, but for the items I buy myself...
Hi there Curtis, I have watched your reviews on both this Tascam unit and the 60D, do you have any opinions on the middle sibling, aka DR-70D. Both it and the 60D are on sale and B&H and Amazon for very low prices (173 and 210 USD respectively) and was wondering if you thought the 70D was worth the extra ~40 dollars. Thanks for your great videos!
Edit: you also might want to take a look at the Tascam TM-PC1 pencil condenser microphone set (also on sale), it looks very similar to the Samson C02 which you reviewed in the past, except these do have -10dB pads, Hi Pass Filters and small attachable Pop-Screens
Hi Daniel, Yes, the DR-70D is a nice recorder as well. I prefer the form factor of the 70D and 701D over the 60D but to get that smaller form factor, they had to get rid of some of the physical buttons and put those settings in the menu instead. So it is sort of a tradeoff. If I were buying today, I'd probably go for the 70D just because I really prefer its size and shape for attaching to a rig. I hope that helps!
Thanks also for the tip on the TM-PC1. I hadn't heard of that.
Thanks for your 2 cents, the form factor and the extra XLR ports are the main selling points for me.
Glad to help out and give back a tiny bit!
How does this device's audio quality compare to the Sony XLR-K1M?
I haven't used the Sony myself so I cannot say for sure. One difference is that the Tascam can record audio at 24 bit whereas most of the Sony cameras will record 16 bit audio.
Hello Curtis, The Tascam DR701 has the required 4 inputs with phantom power to operate the Rode NT SF Ambisonic microphones. What can you recommend for the calibration of the inputs on the recorder so that the gain of all 4 channels are perfectly matched? I do not think that the Behringer cable tester output tone is satisfactory for this purpose. The ability to gang all of the inputs to one control is very necessary when making on site surround recordings with widely variable levels.
Tone from another recorder would be my first thought.
Thanks Curtis, fantastic review. Not sure if this has been answered in the long thread however I was wanting to know if connecting the DR-701D to a DSLR/ Mirrorless in order to have the audio recorded to the camera would result be any loss of audio quality and if so how much do you think? I understand that the outline is seperate from the headphone jack but would it be best to still use an aattenuator cable to improve any loss of qaulity if there is any? Thinking of using this with the GH5 and BMCC. Thanks in advance
Hi Robert, running the audio from the recorder to cameras like the GH5 and BMCC will degrade the audio quality to some extent but whether that's a problem depends on your production value goals. The GH5 will record the audio to 16 bit whereas the recorder can record to 24 bit. That'll give you more resolution to work with the audio in post. But if you're not going to do a lot with the audio and need to be able to quickly turn around an edit, many people find the audio recorded to camera from the Tascam to be good enough. You shouldn't need an attenuator cable, at least for the GH5. Not sure about the BMCC.
You should refresh this video and show how to use the Tascam DR-701D with the Sony a7iii since alot of cinematographers are switching to Sony cameras. I have been having issues with trying to get the timecode to work and when you hook the HDMI cable into the Sony a7iii, it turns the screen black making it unable to be used. Can you shine any light on this? Thanks
Thanks Henderson Hangout, I had a lot of issues with the timecode via HDMI on the 701D with my non-Sony cameras as well. I don't know whether they've made any firmware updates since I reviewed this several years ago. I don't have an A7iii on hand, but if I happen across this combination (I also don't own the 701D, just borrowed it for this review), I'll try to see what I can work out. Sorry I couldn't help more but best wishes!
Thanks so much for this review! I was actually looking for a review of the Tascam DR-70D, but I don't see one in your video library. I watched this video as well as the one for the DR-60DmkII. I believe I heard you mention the DR-70D during the review. It looks like a slight upgrade from the 60DmkII in terms of the extra inputs, and the Neutrik jacks, but lacking the timecode feature and stereo mix recorder of the 701D. I'd love to know what is your overall impression of the unit.
+Tai Chi Runner hi! I've used the 60DmkII extensively and the 701D for a few weeks for this review. I've only used the 70D for one short shoot and it was very similar to the 701D in terms of operating it (with the exception of the additional features of the 701). I was pleased with what it provided for the price and prefer its form factor over the 60D. I honestly didn't find the timecode feature on the 701D to be very impressive. The 70D is definitely built more like a consumer grade device with its plastic body but if you aren't too rough, I never found that to be a major issue (with the 60Ds similar plastic build.) best wishes!
Thanks so much! I found a good deal on a 70D on ebay yesterday so I went ahead and ordered it. I think I'll hook it's audio output into my camera and it should be relatively easy to sync in post. I found your review to be very helpful and I really appreciate all your work. Even the your reviews on products I'm not buying are still packed with great tips that help me improve my videos. Thanks again!
Foremost, thanks for the incredible wealth of knowledge you freely pass on! Would you recommend Tascam 70d as the very first recorder to learn on? I can get a second hand one for 120 and a H4n pro for even cheaper. I don't earn from any of this so its a huge consideration. :O
Hi Sara, yes, I think the Tascam 70D is a great choice to learning. In fact, I'd recommend it over the H4n Pro.
@@curtisjudd thank you! Look forward to recording clean audio 😁
Hello, I have been enjoying your videos and as a beginner I am in a dilemma between Tascam DR-701D Audio Recorder and Tascam DR-60DmkII. Which one would you suggest (for recording ambient sounds in nature). Thanks in advance
The 701D is physically tougher and has more inputs. But do they still even make it all these years later? Check to make sure it is available in your part of the world.
@@curtisjudd If I dig deep enough I will find it😂. Thank you for your fast response. If you have any other suggestions, I'm all ears
Thank you very much for the awesome and very helpful review, Curtis. Quick question, does the DR-701D allow you to monitor and level each channel separately? I read that the DR 60DMKII does allow this but I could not find any information about the DR-701D. I believe the DR-70D is missing this feature if I am correct so I wasn't sure if the DR-701D was also missing it. Thank you for your time! :)
+Valentino Escada Yes, the monitor button on the front of the unit allows you to choose which channel to send to the headphones: Channels 1-4 individually, camera in, channels 1-2 together, or channels 3-4 together. Not missing on the 701D!
+Curtis Judd Thank you very much for researching this for all of us, Curtis. This is awesome! I am looking forward to getting one of these now. :) Merry Christmas!
+Valentino Escada Thanks and Happy Christmas to you!
Curtis … is there any inline, pre-mic input powered limiter device you might recommend for the Tascam Dr-701D, per your highlight of this potential distortion issue of the unit?
No, I haven't seen any in-line limiters, though that's a great idea!
Nice Review Curtis,
So you think Zoom F8 or Tascam DR701D is better?
I am setting up a new video studio to record dialogue (lectures etc) for the first time and learning all of that through these truly valuable videos just like this one, wish to take time to thank you and others like you.
I am holding on for now since I heard GH5 Camera is coming out, but I have bought all the lighting stuff and have setup my room for video shooting.
I also watched your Microphone videos and decided to get MK50.
I now need to get an audio recorder and I do need timecode since I dont know postproduction that well for now. I will be using FCPX on MBPr though. So you recommend I should go for Tascam DR701D or Zoom F8?
For the moment I dont have any budget issues, so I wanna buy things that I can use down the lane with my planned purchases (Canon C300Mk2 and stuff by the mid of 2016)
+Optimistic Simplicity If I had to choose, I'd stick with the Zoom F8. The Tascam is good, but for me, the rock solid clock, slightly better build quality, hirose input for pro level batteries make shooting days a lot less stressful. Best wishes on setting up your studio, sounds like a fun project!
+Curtis Judd You are great man with your quick replies here. Wow HUGE THUMBS UP MAN. Thank you so very much.
One quick question if you mind?
And yes I actually have watched your Review on F8 AFTER I left above comment and had decided to go for F8, truly thanks for your really valuable review videos. you are doing a great job for people like us. thanks again
.
1) So the question is, I am going to record a lot of lectures in my studio, and am looking to buy a microphone, right now considering:
Schoeps CMIT or DPA 4017.
Or AT4053b or Sennheiser MK50 or MK8060
Can you recommend which one should I go for? 99.9% of the time I will be recording indoor dialogues (Lectures sitting on a chair)? thanks
2) What wired and wireless Lavalier mic would you recommend for the same indoor dialogue setup? currently I am considering Sennheiser AVX MKE2.
What you recommend I should go for mic and lav both?
3) Also off the topic, Shall I buy GH4 for the moment for my indoor lectures 55 minutes long each lecture sitting on chair and table? (because I can't wait for GH5 and I want to start shooting ASAP)
Also for the very same setup, which lens or lenses should I buy with Gh4?
Or if you have any better suggestions? please, thanks in advance
+Optimistic Simplicity I'm not sure how reverberant your studio is (do you have any acoustic treatment?), but my preference is for a cardioid indoors vs. a shotgun. So I'd go with either the Sennheiser MKH50 or Audio Technica AT4053b. They're very close, with the Sennheiser being slightly brighter in my experience.
The two compared: th-cam.com/video/gAaVSlB7Vpg/w-d-xo.html
Review of the Sennheiser: th-cam.com/video/JXTpL4Ovr2I/w-d-xo.html
Of the wireless lavalier systems I've used, I like the RODELink and the Sennheiser AVX. The MKE2 is a better, cleaner, more natural sounding mic than the RODE Lavalier (included with the RODELink Filmmaker kit). I would consider the RODELink with a Countryman B6:
RODELink: th-cam.com/video/CONhcUiyIXg/w-d-xo.html
Countryman B6: th-cam.com/video/Lh1qVoBieVI/w-d-xo.html
Sennheiser AVX: th-cam.com/video/U9RjMXtmVLc/w-d-xo.html
A GH4 would be a fine choice. Get a really big memory card if you want to shoot 55 minutes straight. Plan on lighting well as the GH4 is amazing except at ISOs above 800.
Best wishes!
+Curtis Judd Thank you so so so so soooooo much Curtis Judd. You have been so kind and prompt and all the knowledge you shared is really very informative and helpful.
So here are the conditions:
1) My bedroom is 12'x16' which I converted to studio (quite dark since 3 sides wall and 4th has a small window but I have done acoustic treatment for better sound.
2) I will shoot 99.9% of the time on tripod only coz talent/subject will be sitting on a chair and table in front, around 5 feet away from the camera with black or white background. Only indoors.
For now I have absolutely no plan to do any shoot handheld or outdoors.
3) Bought 3 Lights 12”x12” LED Bi-Color Variable Color 3200 - 5600 with Dimmer.
So I was actually planning to buy Sennheiser AVX MKE2 but I will now watch countryman B6 and see whether thats better. Thanks again for the review links :) you are great help.
Actually I am still considering GH4 or AVG- DVX200.
I would highly appreciate your opinion in above scenario of equipments etc.
Once again thank you so very much for the help :)
+Optimistic Simplicity That sounds like a great setup. The most important thing is working with this gear enough to become familiar with it and dialing in a process that works for you and gets the results you want. Results are at least 50% skill, 50% gear. Good luck!
Very good documentary & very clear for first timer.
+Kevin Beckenham thanks!
I enjoyed all your lectures / documentaries.I have been looking around for multi-track digital recorder for some time. It as got to be robust / reliable/easy to use/ best sound quality/ light weight and small.I do a lot of P.A work for a number of bands in midlands,( U.K ).Laptops & external sound cards are prime target that gets stolen.
Dear Curtis Judd,
First of all, Many Thanks for your reviews, I've been following you for a few years now and it is really impressive the detail of the reviews, the comparisons, the tests and the fast appearance of the reviews on youtube, regarding the official release of the products, for all that, my huge Congrats and thanks!!!
Now, a quick question, I know that you haven't used the DR-70D extensively and that you now use the ZOOM F8 as your main digital audio recorder (product that I intend to buy next year, maybe when they upgrade it, if they do). As a recent owner of a DR-70D I would like to ask if you did a comparison about the difference between the preamps self noise of both units DR-70D and DR-701D? As I am a sound guy (focused in soundscapes, nature and urban sounds, quiet and loud sounds), not working with video at all (so all the video features for me are unnecessary), I would like to know if the self noise difference is significant enough to consider an upgrade in the next weeks? If you didn't do this comparison and might still have in your possession the DR-701D, could you please do a quick test, preferably with a link to wav files? THANKS in ADVANCE!!!
Keep up with the great work!!
All My Best
+Marc Hosh Hi Marc, Thanks!
I don't have a DR-70D so I didn't compare it against the 701D. However, my experience with the 70D suggests that its preamps are very, very similar to the 60DmkII which I did compare. In that comparison I found a 4-5dB difference in terms of noise between the two with the same mic in the same room, both normalized to -24LUFS. I cannot say for sure that this translates to the 70D but I suspect it is close. Tascam indicates that the 701D is using a new generation analogue to digital converter and may have also upgraded the analog preamp. I would suggest you save up for the Zoom as planned if its feature set looks like it fulfills your goals and skip the 701D. I was worried when I saw the announcement for the 701D that I may have overspent on the F8. After having used both, I have no regrets.
+Curtis Judd
dear Curtis
Thanks for the quick and clarifying reply. I will take your suggestion and keep saving for the F8, also because the DR-701D costs significantly more than the DR-70D due, principally I assume, too the HDMI and time code new features. I also read that the preamps are better, but then again I think you are right and that it is worth to spare the difference and keep saving for the ZOOM F8. Thanks for your advice!! All My Best
Looks like the time code error has been fixed with a firmware update as the 701d was thinking 23.976 was in fact 24 fps
Thanks for the updated info!
Great review man. One question. When hooking up a GH4 through hdmi, will the tascam pass through 4k 4:2:2 10bit video to an external monitor such as an Atomos Ninja Assassin?
+Kash Yusaf unfortunately no, it only takes an HD signal.
Thank you Curtis, I enjoyed your review of the Zoom H6 vs the Tascam DR70,
I'd love to hear what you think about the DR-701D vs H6 for filmmakers (solo shooters), and their practicality and usability for camera rigs/cages.
+Steven Brunton Hi! I prefer the form factor of the Tascam DR701D to the Zoom H6 but that is a purely subjective matter for individual rigs. I will say that I do not mount the tascam under my camera as intended because I am almost always shooting fairly static scenes (interviews, talking head) so I put the recorder on a cart or a table. I also like that the Tascam's screen is easier to read when shooting outdoors in the sun. If you want or need the HDMI features, the 701D has a little edge there as well. But the H6 is a pretty nice kit, too. If you want those built-in, interchangeable microphones, there aren't any better options on the Tascam side. I hope that helps a little.
+Curtis Judd Thanks for your reply!
Yeah, I actually think the DR701D could be the superior
device, especially after watching your reviews. I created a Twitter Pole, but the DR701D seems to be
struggling against the H6: twitter.com/stevenbrunton/status/711747175294898176
+Steven Brunton Everyone has their preference for how they prefer to work and I think that's fine. I think they're both fine Prosumer recorders. If the question is which recorder with integrated microphone is "best," The DR-701D is definitely the odd-product out because its integrated mics are really only useful as slate mics (at least in my opinion). If the question is about recorder preference when recording with external XLR based mics, the results of a poll might differ.
Hi Curtis, hope you are doing well. Please tell me if I can use Tascam DR-701D in Cakewalk by Bandlab and or Pro Tools First? And if yes, how to connect it with these DAWs. I tried through the USB port and MIDI out port with a MIDI to USB converter also but got no result. DR-701D is not being recognized as a MIDI device by these DAWs. Is Tascam DR-701D not a MIDI audio interface like Focusrite Scarlette? Please help me out of this confusion.
Hi, no, the Tascam DR-701 does not work as an audio interface or a MIDI interface.
@@curtisjudd Thank you.
Did you find it difficult to tighten and loosen either the DR-701D or 60DmkII from a video head on a tripod? Does the body get in the way at most or all positioning?
+RocKofNine I did not find it difficult to tighten or loosen the recorders. With my cameras, I didn't find the recorder or camera to have any conflicts in terms of accessing any of the controls. (I shoot with a Panasonic GH4, Nikon D750, and Sony a6000)
+Curtis Judd Thank you!
Hey Curtis another great video. I plan to work solo and I previously used the dr60 but I plagued with RF Interference. Would you think the dr701 would be a good upgrade for Documentary work. Thanks jF
At this point, I’d go for a Zoom F4 instead.
@@curtisjudd many thanks. Jf
Hey Curtis, maybe I missed it in the review, but how is the solo / pfl monitoring on the DR701D? Can you listen to individual tracks with a button, or do you have to go wading through menus?
+Laughing with the Storm It isn't a single button, but not too bad: You press the monitor button and then select the channel you want to PFL with the select dial.
The best review of the Tascam DR-701D that I have found! As for recorded files on the SD card, can the four channels be output to be mixed in post? Or if I am recording backup audio on a LAV and boom mic for a talking head, can it output the channels separately on the card, or are they one stereo output that has to be manually separated? Thanks for all of your help!
+Zac Grimaldo Hi Zac, you can set it up to do isolated tracks or as a poly file with all channels in one file and you can also include or exclude a stereo mix. So yes, you can definitely mix each channel separately in post.
+Curtis Judd Thanks for your reply, I ended up getting the unit! Do you need a preamp for it, Like a JuicedLink or similar, or have you found that it does the job well enough by itself?
+Zac Grimaldo No, not at all. The Tascam's preamps are very good on their own!
Awesome! Thanks, time to do some testing!
Hello, I just discover your channel and I love your reviews ( kind of binge-watch then right now).
I discover your channel because I need to use xlr mic on my camera ( only 3.5 jack) because I don't really want to separate the video recording and the sound recording. I'm kind of lost honestly.
So for something mid-budget, not for professional production. Mostly focus on voice and ambient sound while using only 1 ( maybe 2 in the future if I see the need) mics. What do you advise?
Maybe a Tascam DR-60DmkII.
@@curtisjudd Thank you, i will look at it.
Hi Curtis. I’m looking to add a small external XLR audio recorder with HDMI record triggering to my Sony NX80 camcorder (due to an inherent noise issue on their XLR handle which they can’t or won’t solve)
It seems to come down to the Tascam DR-701D or for £100 more, the Sound Devices Mix Pre 3ii. Which would you say is better for this job? I only need the two inputs so anything bigger is overkill. I looked at the Zoom F6 but it doesn’t seem to have HDMI trigger for record.
Many thanks
For a long-term investment, the extra ￡100 is worth the investment for the MixPre-3II to me. The Tascam is frankly overpriced for what it has to offer. And unless they fixed that HDMI functionality since I tested it several years ago, it was really spotty.
Curtis Judd Cheers Curtis, the Mix Pre it is then. I appreciate your reply, thank you.
You might also contact Sound Devices support to confirm the MixPre HDMI triggering works with your camera. The camera manufacturers are not all consistent in how they send start/stop flags.
Curtis Judd Thanks again, will do. (PS I don’t know where I got that price I quoted earlier from, it’s actually more like £250 difference but I think it still might be worth it especially if the Tascam record trigger is flaky)
Great review thanks Curtis...
+John Jefferies Thanks John!
This product looks great indeed, Do you still prefer the Zoom F4?
Yes, still prefer the F4 for its better preamps, build quality.
Hi Curtis, great reviews, I particularly enjoyed the one about 633. So I can't find a solid answer, how much time does it takes for it to slip a frame in timecode? Without any sync boxes, on its own
The Sound Devices 633 or the Tascam? I've shot for about 8 hours straight on the 633 without losing a frame. For the Tascam, I had to return it but it doesn't do nearly as well. Its clock slips pretty quickly.
Thanks for the reply! The tascam, although I expected it'll be less than an hour. Cheers!
I would love a comparison of the Tascam 70D vs Tascam 701D in 2022
Hmm, the 701D seems a bit too expensive for what you get, especially in 2022.
Another great review! Thanks Curtis.
I especially liked the Rec On/Off sync to camera via HDMI, so that the camera triggers the audio recording. I am especially interested in the Zoom F8, but I don't think that the F8 has HDMI connectors, so can the F8 recording be activated by the camera?
+RemekTek Media No, the F8 does not have that feature, unfortunately. I really think that the Tascam is a nice option for solo shooters, especially if that HDMI record trigger sounds like it would be useful to you. You'll just want to make sure that your particular camera sends HDMI control data.
Of course the F8 is a great device as well, but I think it is aimed at a slightly different audience - more at small crew productions where you may have a dedicated sound operator/mixer in at least some cases. Traditional stand-alone timecode is definitely more solid on the F8 than the Tascam. Dual memory cards and more power options (albeit, more expensive options) are good as well. Its a tough call. Rent the F8 first if you can. Most of the major production sound rental houses carry them.
+Curtis Judd Thanks for your reply.
Today I spoke to the Zoom importers, here in Australia and there were 400+ on BACK order! I then happened to visit a music store and they had one F8 on the shelf! Well, I am only human, so I had to grab it! Been playing with it now for 4 hrs and am VERY impressed.
Your F8 review was significant in my purchase decision. Thanks for all your reviews which are top notch.
+RemekTek Media Thanks and happy recording with your new F8!
Curtis,
Can you give a quick clarification on the HDMI & 4k issue?
Is the issue that it can't take a 4k signal in and pass it through the hdmi out, or that it can't handle 4k at all?
Personally, I'd be ok with it not being able to pass-through a 4k signal, as long as I could feed it 4k 30p and it properly handled the rss and time code sync.
Hi Dan, unfortunately, at the time I tested it, it was both: Couldn't receive or pass through a 4K signal. Looking at the release notes for their more recent firmware updates, it looks like the max it handles is 1080p60.
Thanks for the clarification Curtis. I'm waiting for the GH5 to release, hopefully it will have a time code input so it can be synced with the Zoom F4 or something similar. I've been avoiding dual system sound because I don't want to do the sync manually.
Hey Curtis, Great video! Thanks for putting this together. I just got the 701D, and I was curious about the dual audio recording function. It seems like it's only possible to do dual recording with one source at a time, or the builtin mics. As far as you know, is that the case? Specifically, I was wondering if there's any way to do dual recording of, say, a shotgun mic in one channel, while also recording a single version of the built-in mics, or vice versa. I know that's a really specific question, but if you have any ideas, I'd greatly appreciate it! Thanks again!
+Ivan Weiss Hi Ivan, page 26 in the manual has some info on seeing up the dual recording feature. You can certainly set it up to work with two microphones. Whichever mic you have assigned to channel 1 will also record to channel 2 at a lower input level, and whichever mic you have assigned to channel 3 will record to channel 4 at a lower input level. That means you will need to assign one of the internal mics to channel 3. I hope that makes sense and good luck!
+Curtis Judd thanks curtis!
HI Curtis. Nice review. How do you spec' USB power banks for this unit? Will any usb battery do or does it need to be 5v, etc.? Many thanks.
I was able to power the recorder with a 2.1amp 5V USB battery bank.
One bit of information I cannot find anywhere is whether or not this will accept the timecode output from the NX1.
Tascam has a compatibility chart at the bottom of this page: www.tascam.eu/en/dr-701d.html
I did not see the NX1 listed.
@@curtisjudd They also don't have the GH5 on that list.
Agreed. I’m not sure how many cameras they have actually tested.
Thank you Curtis.
Hi Curtis, hope you are fine. Please tell me if I can record audio directly from a powered amplifier through the Line in jack into my DR-701 D safely? Is there any kind of risk to do so? If I can do it safely, please tell me the procedure also. Thank you.
Hi Brihaspati TV, usually you would take a feed from a mixing board rather than a power amplifier. Here are some tips on that: th-cam.com/video/Tzm3G46ozxQ/w-d-xo.html
Best wishes!
@@curtisjudd Thank you very much! I'll try it.
Curtis, thanks for the great video. I'm using this recorder with a Nikon D810. The start/stop trigger is not working. Do I have to change something on either the recorder or the camera for this to function? Tascam's website clearly states that the start/stop trigger has been tested with this camera. I'm assuming that the trigger is set off when record button on camera is pressed, but I tried it the other way as well (on recorder first). Neither way worked. When HDMI cable is plugged in, it says "HDMI" on recorder's screen. Any insight is appreciated. Thanks in advance.
+TripHoney I had to update the firmware on the Tascam and my GH4 to get it working. On the GH4 I also had to enable HDMI control. There is also a setting on the Tascam to enable HDMI control. Best wishes!
So I was researching about a timecode generator/syncing and I came across your video. It didn't really answered my question so I thought I asked.
Basically I want to timecode sync 2 or more GH4s together. Is there a better way of doing it that you know of? Thanks.
Tentacle Sync is the first thing that comes to mind: th-cam.com/video/7HOVTuq6BV8/w-d-xo.html
Great! Thanks!
Hi Curtis, I joined your,"Learn Light and sound" and it is amazing. I have a Tascam 701D and have a question that I may have overlooked in your courses, yet the manual doesn't really explain. In the input of the tascam, When the SEL is "Ext In" and gain can only be Low, Mid, Hi, Hi+, but when the SEL is "In 1-2" I get the "Line" option. Do I want to use the Line Option in the gain when I am recording from a Mixer at a conference? Does it matter if I use SEL "Ext In" or "1-2"? Lastly, does line just cause me to lose control of gain giving all control to the mixer? I guess my big question is, "What exactly is the line for and how do i use it correctly?" If you can better explain this or point me to the video in your course, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!
Hi Nick, yes, when you set the input to external input, this means line level input. With a line level input, you do not need to adjust the gain like with a microphone. And yes, when you are sending a feed from a mixer to the Tascam, you will want to set it to line level. When you set the recorder to line level, you are essentially telling it that the audio has already been amplified by another device, in this case, the mixer. I hope this helps and best wishes!
Thank you Curtis for the review.
I would like to know if it's possible to change audio levels while it's recording.
I seem to remember that it was not possible in the DR70D.
+VideosProva Yes, definitely possible to adjust the gain and the fader.
Thanks for the excellent review. What are the red bars for on the side of the device?
Thanks Keefe, those are for securing the recorder in a sound bag. Most dedicated sound bags have straps with hooks which connect to the bars. Some people also use them to attach a strap to the recorder and just sling the strap over their shoulder.
How are you liking the a6000, I just got one and I couldn't be happier.
+Bryce Dearden Yes, definitely enjoying it! It has a few warts but they're all expected (short battery life, wonky menus) and at its current price it is worth every penny! Impressive video and great still images too.
well done. thank you lots of very accessible information
Thank you Guy!
My budget is between two units. The Tascam Dr 701D (current Price $399.) or the Beachtek DXA-Micro-Pro $139. (I realize Beachteck does not record) Which is a better unit from a sound quality standpoint? Recommendation? Thanks for all your great videos!!
From a sound quality perspective, probably the DR-701D, though in 2020, it isn't my favorite choice. At a regular price of $499 USD, I'd save up an additional $50 and go for the Zoom F4.
@@curtisjuddat a price point of $200 (new in box, clearance item) does it now become a solid choose? Versus a Zoom H6, Portacapture X6, or a Zoom F3? Specifically the preamp quality (lower noise).
@@tkarim Will they still support it? I believe they've discontinued the DR-701D at this point.
@@curtisjudd yes, customer service confirmed that they will.
What's your pick between the Zoom F4 and Tascam DR-701D? Thanks. All of your videos are making me purchase a new recorder lol
Zoom F4 would definitely be my pick. The preamps are much better than the Tascam's. Build quality is better. Timecode generator keeps very good time.
Thanks Curtis!
This is really good Curtis! actually i'm hoping any a-b comparison with the two of DR701D to Zoom H6 series. As i'm still searching for an independent portable recorder with this kind of budget, it's really helpful to see any comparison of these two 600$ budget recorder. Regards.
+Aditya Diveranta Hi! Unfortunately, I don't have a Zoom H6 on hand but when I evaluated it earlier this year, I got a pretty good feel for it. I would say that the Tascam DR-701D and the H6 both have preamps that sound very good, both have about the same amount of gain, and in terms of self-noise, the Tascam is 4 to 5dB cleaner. However, there is a $200 price gap and several features on each that the other does not share. If you're shooting with a camera that has HDMI out and can send timecode via HDMI, the Tascam is a nice option. I hope that helps!
+Curtis Judd well thanks, even though i'm still searching any kind of a-b comparison between them. I'm a newbie location sound mixer still seeking any portable recorder to fit my kind of needs, maybe giving more focus to the preamp quality and how many inputs i get in there.
+Aditya Diveranta Ah, ok. Sorry about that. Have you also considered the Zoom F8?
+Curtis Judd yupp but F8 doesn't available in my country for now :(. besides, maybe i have to save a little bit more for that too... for now i think H6 would be enough but suddenly DR701d came & bumped me with the good preamp here... i have to choose one, and you may be can help. :p
+Aditya Diveranta I would choose the Tascam :)
Hey Curtis, have you used the 701D with a Atomos Shogun? Should the HDMI from the camera go to the Tascam first or to the Shogun?
+Akshay Sarma I did. There is a big limitation there. The HDMI ports on the Tascam do not appear to support 4K pass through so that limits the usefulness of this recorder with 4K cameras (unless I was doing something wrong but I didn't see any options to enable that). Switching the GH4 to HD output via its HDMI port, sending that to the Tascam and then from the Tascam to the Shogun worked fine. But sort of a big bummer that 4K doesn't work. I don't know if the limitation on the Tascam is a hardware limitation or just a software limitation that could be addressed with a firmware update.
+Curtis Judd
So I know its not ideal at all, but is it possible to use the output signal on the Shogun to sync in the time-code?
Have you tried it?
+retrofraction Interesting idea, I didn't try that before I had to send the recorder back to B&H Photo. Definitely worth a try. I don't remember whether I can set the resolution for the output on the Shogun, but if so, that might work.
Thanks for the quick response on this... Do you have any contacts at either BH or Tascam to confirm? Lack of 4K pass-through support could be a deal killer for a $600 recorder.
I'm imagining many people willing to purchase at this price point plan on using it with an external recorder. If I could get all my footage recorded on the Shogun with HDMI sound synced from this unit then I am buying it in a heartbeat (hoping both units can be triggered from camera record button).
+Akshay Sarma Hi Akshay, I don't have any particular technical contacts at B&H but they train their staff quite well but I'd bet that they'd track that down for you. I haven't ever spoken with Tascam (which is funny since I love many of their recorders) other than a couple of the marketing guys at NAB last year. Anyone from +Tascam out there able to respond?
Hi Curtis, very interesting video, thanks! I bought DR-701D recently, so I have a very simple question: to use 4 AA batteries rechargeable, or non-rechargeable? Sorry, I know it’s a very stupid question.
Hi TRS236, rechargeable AAs will generally last longer so I'd go that direction. Best wishes and happy recording!
Hi Curtis, thanks for your advice. Now I am gradually studying this device. Good luck!
Great review. I just picked up a DR-701D after watching your video. Wonder if you can answer a question: like you, I'm using it with a Panasonic GH4, and I've been able to get the DR-701 to sync with and display the GH4's time code. But I haven't been able to get the GH4 to automatically start or stop recording via HDMI from the GH4, as it's apparently supposed to. Any hints or tips on which settings to use in the menus or otherwise to make this work? ( I've made sure that both the GH4 and the 701 have the latest firmware.)
+jeffholmanvids Hi Jeff, I don't have my GH4 here with me but there's an HDMI Control setting in the GH4 menus and a corresponding option in the 701D's menu as I recall (I had to send the Tascam back to B&H as I only had it on loan for a month). You'll know the GH4 is set correctly as an HDMI CTRL control will show on the LCD of the camera. Once those are both setup, it should send the signal to the Tascam when you press record on the GH4.
Thanks Curtis. Now I'm getting the Tascam DR-701D to start and stop, as well as follow time code, from the GH4 (no instructions on this in the GH manuals, since these features were added in a firmware update). The HDMI control function doesn't always work for me -- sometimes the Tascam unit won't start recording or read time code even though my settings are exactly the same as the last time it did work. Then I just unplug the hdmi cable from the GH4, wait a few seconds, plug it back in, and everything works again. I'm guessing there is there some kind of a hdmi hardware handshake issue going on. But things are functional enough, anyway.
+jeffholmanvids Interesting. I did have trouble with one HDMI cable when I tested it but when I switched to another cable, it was solid and reliable. Not sure whether I was lucky or one or both of the devices is picky about HDMI cables...
Curtis, is the audio on the line out clean?
It is OK, not great. I wouldn’t recommend this recorder in 2022.
Hi! I really like your reviews and video, very informative. I do a lot of video interviews and I just switched my system from a Canon XF300 to a GH5. The Canon had two XLR input and minimal controls which were very easy to use for any kind of mic (wireless lavalier to shotgun type). Now with the GH5 I'm gonna need some better audio solution than one 1/8 mic input.
I would prefer to record the sound directly on the camera, so that I don't have any sound sync to do (I usually don't need more than 2 channels, and if so, I have a H4n). Is it possible with this Tascam? I was looking around for the Beachtek DXA-SLR ULTRA (active). Are they doing a similar job?
Thanks for the great stuff!
Hi Olivier, Yes, it is possible but there are two other options I would encourage you to consider first: 1) Panasonic has a 2 XLR audio adapter for the GH5 which I am in the process of reviewing and should have that posted here on TH-cam before the end of the week. 2) Sound Devices just released the MixPre-3 which is roughly the same price as this but has some features which may make it a better option. I'll be reviewing that as soon as I am able to get one. It was just announced this morning.
Thanks for the fast feedback! The XLR1 from Panasonic was second in the line beside the DXA-SLR Ultra. Glad to hear we will have some thoughts on it from you! The Panasonic is appealing to me since its form factor is so much like what I've used before. I mainly have XLR mics, so I need OK performance on that front. I wonder if the mic input of the camera can still be used with the XLR1 connected to the flash hotshoe. Unfortunately, Sound Devices products are hard to come by in Canada (sales restricted to US in most online store, same for juicedlink and other audio stuff, wich is why I lean towards Beachtek stuff), I wish it was easier to find, hearing only good things about them. Looks like the MixPre-3 would have answered all my prayers. Thanks again!
Hi Curtis, thanks for the review, it's super helpfull. I was wondering how do you compare this Tascam vs the Zoom H6 (I think the H6 is the natural rival of the 701D, considering the price range and the amount of inputs). I'm about to buy a recorder and I can't decide between this two. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR VIDEOS AND HELP.
Also I was wondering if do you have an opinion about the built in mics of the Tascam in comparison with the zoom h5/6 standard x-y mics.
Hi Juan, they're pretty similar in terms of audio quality so it is more a matter of ergonomics between these two from my point of view. The H6 has always seemed like a device originally designed for musicians but many filmmakers have put it to good use as well. The Tascam was designed for filmmaking. My sense is that the mics on the DR-701D were intended as slate/scratch audio microphones rather than as high fidelity mics. I didn't do a head to head test vs the H6 so I don't know for certain on that factor. I can't really point you to one or the other but can say that if I were choosing (so all my biases are bearing on this), I would go with the Tascam.
crystal clear, thanks again!
Have you tested the physical stability of the device? For instance with a ~ 200 or 300mm FF eqiv focal length lens mounted on the camera, is there a noticeable difference in stability compared with the camera being mounted directly on the tripod head?
+Malcolm MacLean Just tried based on your question and that scenario poses a practical issue: My Nikkor 80-200mm has a tripod yoke which I normally use when mounting this to a tripod. This is so that there isn't so much stress on the camera mount such as there would be if you mounted the camera to the tripod. When I attempt to use the lens yoke as the mounting point, the camera hangs down right in front of all of the recorders controls making it pretty much impossible to operate the recorder. So I'd say that mounting a camera with a long lens on top of the DR-701D (or any other audio recorder for that matter) isn't a great solution, unfortunately. I'd be more inclined to use a camera cage and attach the Tascam to the cage.
Hello! Thanks for your video. It's very helpful! I've got few questions. You said there are some sor t of "standards" for broadcasting in terms of sound. Are there any standards in cinema production? How can I make my dialouges to sound more cinematic?
Hi Edward, I was referring to TV loudness standards. I don't believe there are any formal loudness standards for cinema sound but usually cinema screening involves reasonably decent sound systems so the need to compress and optimize loudness is not quite as critical as it is for TV broadcast or Internet distribution. Thanks and I hope that helps!
Yannis
Hello Curtis. I intend to buy a Tascam DR 701 for using it with a Rode SVMX. I don't want to use the xlr's inputs with phantom power, but instead the plug in power stereo mini jack. Are the
excellent preamps in the range of (124 dBu - 127 dbu) the same for both xlr's and (1/8”) stereo mini jack input?
Glad you asked, no, the 3.5mm input is not nearly as good as the XLR inputs. I would NOT buy the DR-701D for the purpose of using the 3.5mm input. Not worth the money at all.
@@curtisjudd
Thanks a lot Curtis for the information. I' ll stay with the Rode, as my main camera mic. Since i want to capture some ambient nature sounds, one option is to pair the Tascam or something similar in terms of quality with the Clippy EM272 XLR Matched Stereo Pair.
@@kotzaorman 👍
Hello Curtis, you say the timecode drifted by 5 Seconds in 1 hour, were you able to assess how much actual lip sync drift there was in a 1 hour period ?
+jaymachik The longest take I did was 20 minutes and the drift was negligible (no more than a frame or so).
Question: if you use the HDMI out from a camera to the HDMI in on the tascam, then the HDMI out from the tascam to a atomos recorder, does it give you the same quality as you'd get going straight into the atomos?
Hi John, yes, the signal should not be degraded however, note that the DR-701D's HDMI port only supports up to full HD so it wont work with 4K signals.
Judd, as you was kind enough to respond to my comments I wonder does the DR-701D HDMI input / output limit what video resolution it passes through? The manual has not much about what resolutions are accepted aside battery drain on 1080/60i HDMI feed. 1) I assume this device does not pass through 4K. Am I right? 2) I assume it supports beside 1080/60i also 1080 60p resolution and frame rate? Thank you in the advance! 3) If 1) is correct would 4K support be mere firmware upgrade hassle?
Hi lennutrajektoor, Yes, I believe it only supports up to 1080. For frame rates, I believe it supports up to 30p or 60i. I do not have this recorder as I only borrowed it for the review so I am not sure whether there are any firmware updates to extend the capabilities. Generally the firmware updates are simple as long as one follows the documented instructions. Best wishes!
Curtis Judd Thank you! I watched Tascam's rep interview on NAM 2016 (?) and she didn't specify either. I'll check with Tascam support then. And thanks again for your answer!
I can score one or a 70D on FB but wonder if either will double as an audio interface. Do you know? Thank you Curtis.
No, they didn't set these up to operate as USB interfaces. Big miss for Tascam.
Hey Curtis, great review!
about using 2 devices conected via HDMI so you can have 8 inputs.
How is that posible via HMDI?
+Catarsis Producciones control signals are sent via the HDMI cable. Each device still records separately, you can just start them together and monitor them together. I hope that makes sense.
Curtis, do you know if the Sony a6300 can hook up with this Tascam? and then i know i would need a external battery that would power all including an extra monitor that i might add.
Hi Jeff, unfortunately I don’t have an a6300 on hand to test but I’d try contacting Tascam support who should be able confirm. Good luck!
Hi Curtis, I got the Tentacle Sync E with BNC in green mode connected to the 701D, I have the BW format for it to allow Timecode, and in LTC mode. Does it support a Tentacle? Nothing ever happens when its plugged in. Clocks don't change and I've tried few modes on the 701D. Thanks.
Hi Mauricio, I don't have the 701D here to test (I borrowed it for the review and had to give it back), but the first thing I would check is that the tentacle is set with its output level at Line level. If that doesn't work, may need to contact Tascam support. Best wishes!
Thankful wishes, of course, you knew what was wrong! The only thing I didn't have was Sync E on Line level, (had it on mic to mic for the fs7) all worked now, solved by@@LearnLightAndSoundSessions ! (thanks)
@@mauriciopaiz745 Excellent! Happy recording!
Nice review! Is it possible to get timecode function in to the tascam recorder via wireless hdmi RS TS system?
+Kitch studio Unfortunately I didn't test that while I had the 701D on loan. Sorry about that.
How was it Curtis. Can you use the Dr-70D as a USB computer interface?
+rimmersbryggeri unfortunately no, the Tascam DR recorders do not work as computer interfaces.
Hi Curtis, love your videos. I'm trying to figure out how to send my controls out of my GH4 to the Tascam 701D as you did in this video. I got the time codes to sync, but recording on the GH4 does not trigger the Tascam to begin recording. What feature controls this? Thanks!
Hi Garrett, in the GH4's HDMI menu, I believe that there is a setting for HDMI control codes which needs to be on (I'm sorry, I sold the GH4 some time ago so I don't have it on hand to confirm). Best wishes!
Thanks for getting back to me, I actually figured it out moments after messaging you (of course). Keep up the great work!
I am shooting interviews for a youtube channel , would you recommend the tascam 701d over the zoom h6 ?
Not really, they’re roughly equivalent.
I have a lunatec v2 preamp and a benchmark Ad2k, which I send a digital signal to my tascam hd-p2. Now I want a second recorder but none seem to have a digital input. All these new recorders are all analog in. So what recorder would you recommend for a backup recorder from my v2 preamp, since none will take a digital in from my Ad2k. Any recommendations? In other words, I still want to use my v2 preamp and avoid the signal from going thru a second preamp. Will any of these recorders allow me to turn off the amp and just do the digital conversion?
If you switch to line level on a quality recorder, the preamp shouldn’t create any problems and simply trim the signal and pass it over to the ADC. On cheaper recorders, when set to line level they just apply a pad and still send the signal through the preamp. So I’d look at something like a Sound Devices MixPre which probably does not use a pad when set to line level.
@@curtisjudd One more question, my Ad2k has AES digital output; is there a way to take that signal from the AES cable and convert to USB-C output? I was also wondering if I can just save to my phone or into a Usb-C flashdrive, since I still monitor my levels with Benchmark Ad2k? Hope that makes sense
Thanks for such helpful information. I am having problems with my WAV files though. I am currently editing a video for which I had the audio recorded separately. After doing the sinking, the audio only plays on computers but never on cellphones except when using headphones. Sounds strange to me. has somebody encountered such problems. I tried to convert into different formats but nothing. Can you help?
The picture in picture video is off-sync from the audio -- I'm guessing you are demonstrating the drift? Or is something wrong with my stream?
Nothing is wrong on your end, that's just to illustrate that I did other tests (e.g., tested the 3.5mm input with a lavalier microphone). Not meant to be in sync with the voiceover you're hearing, and is not to illustrate drift issues.