At Interbee in Japan, Tacam were showing their new DR-10L digital audio recorder for the US market. The tiny recorder is very similar to the company’s existing DR-10C models which are unavailable in the US. (The DR-10C has a useful pass-through function that allows it to output to a wireless mic transmitter and we can only assume that it can’t be sold in the US for legal or commercial reasons).
The new recorder comes with its own Lavalier microphone. If you prefer to use a different microphone the DR10L’s screw-down locking connector is compatible with most Sennheiser lavalier mics.
A compact digital audio recorder can be very handy if you are working somewhere where a radio mic might encounter interference, or need to record audio from subjects a long way from you. It can also be used alongside a radio mic as a back up, or used as a stand alone audio system if you are on a budget and can’t afford radio mics.
The DR-10L can record in 24-bit mono and 48 kHz BWAV (Broadcast Wav) file format. It can record up to 32GB on microSD or microSDHC media. There is a 1/8″ headphone-output jack for monitoring of recordings and the recorder runs on a single AAA battery, which lasts for up to 10 hours.
A limiter function automatically reduces the input level to prevent distortion and the dual recording mode records to two files simultaneously with different gain levels. This is important as you are not going be monitoring the audio levels, so having the same audio source recording at two different levels gives you flexibility of which track to use.
The OLED display has a wide viewing angle, and the built-in micro-USB-B port provides for external power and file transfer to a computer.
The DR-10L should prove to be a good back up audio solution or budget friendly alternative to using a radio mic. It enters the market alongside the more expensive Lectrosonics PDR and the Juicedlink Little DARling.
