4-Track Hand-Held Recorder

US Tascam introduces the DR-40 with built-in mics and XLR inputs 19/09/11

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Tascam tell us that their new DR-40 packs adjustable condenser microphones, four track recording, XLR mic inputs and extended battery life into a portable recorder your can take anywhere. It captures up to four tracks from built-in condenser microphones, XLR mic or line inputs. Tascam say that the high-quality internal microphones are adjustable from XY to AB position, helping you to tailor your recording to the sound of the room and that a pair of great-sounding microphone preamps welcome condenser microphones with phantom power, recording at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution. The DR-40 accommodates balanced XLR or 1/4" line inputs using locking Neutrik Combo jacks and accepts SD or SDHC cards up to 32GB - a 2GB card is included.
Paul Jenkins, Senior Vice President for TEAC America, told us, "I believe our new feature rich DR-40 4-track portable recorder may be considered our new flagship product."
Once recorded, you can play back your takes with EQ and the optional Level Align feature to avoid volume jumps. A stereo reverb effect is also built-in, as well as a speaker and chromatic tuner. You can transfer recordings to computer using the USB 2.0 jack. Other features include overdub mode, variable speed playback, limiting and low cut filter, and much more.
An optional BP-6AA Battery Pack, which takes six AA batteries, increases the battery life of the DR-40 from 17.5 to over 50 hours. This battery pack is designed to attach itself to DR-40 and a tripod allowing users to record for a long period without the use of an AC adapter or a computer.
Features:

Handheld 4-track Portable Recorder
Built-in condenser microphones, adjustable to XY or AB position
XLR / 1/4" mic/line input with phantom power
Locking Neutrik Combi jacks
Record the built-in microphones with the XLR mic or line input for a four-track recording
Dual recording mode captures a safety track at a lower level to avoid distortion
Overdub mode allows recording along with a previous take
Peak reduction automatically sets the ideal recording level
15-hour battery life from three AA batteries
Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV/BWF or MP3 recording resolution
2-second pre-recording buffer
Variable speed playback from 50-150% speed without changing the pitch
Adjustable limiter and low cut filter (40 / 80 / 120 Hz)
Built-in speaker and chromatic tuner
1/8" headphone/line output
Playback EQ and level align
Stereo Reverb effect
Tripod mounting hole
SD/SDHC card slot supports up to 32GB media (2GB card included)
USB 2.0 jack and cable for transferring recordings to computer
Powered by three AA batteries, AC adapter (optional PS-P515U), external battery pack (optional BP-6AA), or USB bus power
Optional RC-3F footswitch and RC-10 wired remote control

Pricing and Availability:
The TASCAM DR-40 is available now at an estimated street price of $199.
BP-6AA will be available in October 2011. More information: