Tascam were showing their new DR701D audio recorder at the Interbee show in Tokyo this year. It is essentially an upgrade of their popular DR70 model, but the addition of timecode input, HDMI triggering and six channel audio. The preamps are also said to be improved and you can still send an audio signal back to your camera’s mic input for recording if you want to use the DR701D as an audio adapter.
The HDMI trigger requires you to connect the camera’s HDMI output to the recorder. It uses this to start and stop audio recordings (It doesn’t use the video signal for anything else). Being able to trigger audio recording at the same time as starting and stopping video on your DSLR or compact system camera is a great idea. This eliminates one of main annoyances of using an external recorder with cameras like the GH4.
The timecode input option is unique on a recorder of this size and price. It should make it a popular choice for use with DSLRs like the 5D mkIII, and also a range of professional cameras like the FS7 and Alexa Mini.
The DR701D can be camera mounted or worn on the body like a more traditional field mixer. Construction is of a magnesium alloy material and the recorder appears to be quite sturdy.
The DR701D should be available in January 2016. B+H already have it listed at $599 US.
