Tascam DR-60DmkII 4-Input / 4-Track Multitrack Field Recorder

Dual locking XLR-1/4″ TRS combo jacks support mic level and +4 dBu line level, allowing you to record external microphones or balanced outputs from a professional multichannel mixer. With individually switchable phantom power (24V or 48V) and up to 64 dB of gain, the low-noise HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps can serve a variety of microphones such as dynamic, ribbon, or condenser types.

For maximum intelligibility and optimal vocal tone, recordists often prefer to use lavalier microphones that can be attached to their subject’s clothing. The DR-60DmkII’s 3.5mm mini-jack input is designed for precisely that situation; clip a lav mic (available separately) to the talent, then plug it into the 3.5mm input on the DR-D60mkII. Knowing that many lav mics require a small amount of voltage called plug-in power, Tascam offers a selectable setting to supply plug-in power to the 3.5mm input. If you need to record the output of a wireless microphone receiver or an audio mixer, the 3.5mm input can accommodate it because it supports mono and stereo inputs, as well as line-level signals, and handles a maximum input level of +10 dBV.

The DR-60DmkII boasts three 3.5mm outputs for simultaneous hookup to your camera, a secondary recorder, and headphones. Each is designated for a specific type of level—mic, line, and headphone—and offers separate volume controls next to each jack for efficient management of levels. Plus, the side-panel 3.5mm camera input is ideal for simple monitoring of playback from your camera.

To minimize size and maximize portability, the DR-60DmkII records directly to media cards (available separately). It supports SD and SDHC cards (up to 32GB capacity) for long recording times in standard or high resolution. With an 8GB card, the DR-60DmkII can record in stereo for over 13 hours at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz using the uncompressed, BWF-compliant WAV format.

Using four AA alkaline batteries (available separately), you can power the DR-60DmkII for up to 4.5 hours of stereo recording time at 16-bit / 44.1 kHz resolution. For long-duration sessions that require extended recording time, the DR-60DmkII may be powered via a USB connection to a computer, mobile battery, or optional BP-6AA battery pack, or through the Tascam PS-P515U AC adapter (available separately).

The DR-60DmkII’s body was manufactured with rigid plastic for a durable and lightweight design. In addition to its light weight, the DR-60DmkII is only 5.25″ wide, so it won’t interfere with camera operation. All batteries can be replaced without removing the device from the camera or tripod/rig.

The DR-60DmkII can be placed between a DSLR camera and a tripod, or mounted to a cage or follow-focus rig. A tripod socket is on the bottom of the unit, and a removable tripod bracket is mounted on the top. Also, handles on the front left and right sides protect the screen, and permit the attachment of a shoulder belt.

In the likely event that you need to press buttons while shooting, you don’t need to worry about picking up clicks in the recording. The DR-60DmkII’s soft-touch rubber keys are designed for quiet operation to eliminate handling noise.

Filmmakers and videographers often experience sudden audio volume spikes during filming. An actor could suddenly scream, or a documentary subject could do almost anything. The DR-60DmkII has a dual-recording mode that captures a copy of your take (from a selectable mono or stereo input) at a lower level as a safety track in case of sudden distortion.

Enhance the sonic impact of your audio with the DR-60DmkII’s built-in level modes and signal processing. Engage automatic level control to increase or decrease the recording volume when the input sound is too quiet or loud, and switch on the limiter to compress the signal before it reaches the point of distortion. In rehearsal mode or while recording, the peak reduction function automatically reduces the input gain to a suitable level.

Mitigate wind noise and low-frequency rumble by selecting the low-cut filter, which can be set at 40, 80, or 120 Hz. Upon playback, treble, mid, and bass frequencies may be boosted or reduced for custom output tone.

The DR-60DmkII offers several recording functions that simplify your workflow and save you from missing the beginning of a performance. Once enabled, the pre-record setting keeps the DR-60DmkII in standby mode, which allows it to capture up to two seconds of signal before you press the record button. The DR-60DmkII is also capable of recording in response to input signal; its auto-record function can begin recording at a user-selectable decibel threshold of -6, -12, -24, or -48. If you’ll be recording yourself playing an instrument such as piano or drums, use the self-timer mode to initiate recording after 2 or 10 seconds.

An internal tone generator makes it easy to synchronize files recorded on the DR-60DmkII and your camera. When the DR-60DmkII is connected to a camera, the adjustable slate tone may be sent to the camera and recorded to the DR-60DmkII. The resulting tones can be used as guides when synchronizing the files in video-editing software. Generate slate tones automatically at the head (or head and tail) of each clip, or manually via the slate button.

Hand- or foot-operated remote control is possible via the RC-3F footswitch or RC-10 wired remote (both available separately); start/stop recording, make marks, increment tracks, and more without having to touch the DR-60DmkII.

• 128 x 64 pixel graphic LCD with backlight
• Quick menu button for easy access to various functions
• Simple, efficient file transfer via USB 2.0 connection to a computer
• Adjustable delay function eliminates time lags caused by differences in the distances of two sets of inputs from the sound source
• Hold switch prevents accidental operation
• Internal mixer with pan and level controls
• MS decoding function allows proper stereo monitoring of a mid-side mic configuration
• High-power headphone amplifier delivers 50mW per channel
• Automatically creates a new file when the maximum file size is reached
• File divide/delete functions
• Loop/repeat playback
• Resume function retains the last stop point even when the DR-60DmkII is powered off/on
• Jump-back-and-play feature (1 to 10 seconds or 10/20/30 seconds)
• Up to 99 marks (locate points) per track
• Track incrementing function allows a recording to be split by creating a new file when desired
• File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date
• The first six characters of the file name for recording can be set freely