TASCAM has announced the introduction of the DR-10L Pro 32-Bit Float Field Recorder and Lavalier Microphone. Building upon the strengths of the previous generation DR-10L Micro Linear PCM Recorder, the new DR-10L Pro is an ultra-compact, lightweight, portable 32-bit float recorder with clip-on microphone.

Featuring exceptional sound quality, long battery life, provisions for remote control, the ability to sync to timecode and more, the DR-10L Pro makes an exceptional choice to record premium audio for events like weddings, on-location cinema shoots, YouTube/content videos, and general dialog interviews where the rock-solid capability of a wired lavalier recorder is proven and assured.

The DR-10L Pro’s default 32-bit float recording mode employs dual ADCs to capture sounds across a huge dynamic range without distorting or introducing excessive noise — making it a great choice to capture a whisper, a scream, and everything in-between with impeccable fidelity, ultra-low noise, and no need to fine-tune gain levels. The included TM-10L lavalier microphone captures clear, detailed audio while handling loud sound pressure levels without distorting. The TM-10L microphone is the perfect lavalier mic for the DR-10L Pro’s 32-bit float recording mode.

The DR-10L Pro’s ultra-compact and lightweight form factor makes it the perfect choice when stealth is a priority. Fitting in the palm of one’s hand and weighing in at just 65 grams, this recorder is easy to hide at film shoots, weddings, stage performances, and similar events where invisibility is crucial. The included belt clip attaches easily and securely to clothing, facilitating the capture of great sounding audio without compromising the talent.

The new DR-10L also benefits from exceptional, long duration battery-enabled shooting sessions. Just two Lithium AAA batteries can power the DR-10L Pro personal recorder for up to 24.5 hours (16 hours with Alkaline batteries), minimising concerns over battery changes during the shoot that could interrupt workflow. In addition to its excellent battery duration time, the DR-10L Pro offers huge storage capacity, with support for microSDXC cards up to 512GB. Combined, the system offers both exceptional recording time and storage capability.

Field recording specialists will certainly appreciate the fact that up to five DR-10L Pro units can be remotely controlled using the optionally available AK-BT1 Bluetooth dongle. DR-10L Pro recorders can be controlled from iOS, iPadOS and Android devices wirelessly with the free DR-10L Pro CONNECT app. In addition to controlling up to five DR-10L Pro units remotely, the DR-10L Pro CONNECT app enables videographers to check device status and view the recorded waveforms real time for operation confirmation. Names and colours can be applied to individual devices for easy identification. Also, Metadata (project name, scene name, take number) can be recorded in the recording file (BEXT, iXML).

For those requiring timecode synchronisation, the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth dongle also enables the DR-10L Pro to wirelessly sync timecode with supported Atomos products. This enables videographers to perfectly align audio recordings with video, even when there is no audio on the camera. Timecode is crucial when videographers are dealing with multi-camera video shoots, and it saves valuable time in post-production.

Audio technicians will also appreciate the DR-10L Pro’s high-visibility OLED display, which enables one to confirm settings at a glance. This display makes it easy to check battery level, recording status, and input levels, with all advanced functions only a couple button presses away. And because of TASCAM’s long experience in this field, there are no irritating LED lights on the product which can leak through fabric and compromise a shot, especially at nighttime.

Just as the DR-10L makes it easy to confirm various settings, it is equally easy to monitor input and recordings. The DR-10L Pro is equipped with a headphone output for monitoring convenience. This provides the ability to monitor the input before or during recording, and check the quality of the recordings immediately without having to first transfer them to a computer.

In addition to its comprehensive feature set, the DR-10L Pro is bundled with a complimentary version of RX Elements, iZotope’s groundbreaking audio repair and noise reduction software. RX Elements brings videographers powerful audio restoration capabilities that must be experienced to be fully appreciated. With RX Elements, the ability to seamlessly remove coughs and background noises, as well as reducing wind and ambient noise is just a few clicks away. For addressing a variety of post-production challenges, RX Elements is the ideal choice. Equally notable, the new DR-10L Pro provides a USB Type-C port that enables connecting an extra battery as well as facilitating easy data exchange with computers.

Yosuke Matsuno, General Manager TASCAM Business Unit reflected on the new DR-10L Pro, “The DR-10L Pro is a remarkably capable recorder and lavalier system with an equally impressive compact form factor. And with its app control including wireless timecode synchronisation capabilities using Atomos products, the system provides a wide range of creative opportunities for capturing world-class audio. I’m confident the DR-10L Pro will find a home with many audio professionals.”

Paul Scurrell, SVP Product at Atomos commented, “We’re delighted to have another market-leading TASCAM recorder supporting the Atomos AirGlu BT wireless timecode sync ecosystem. The DR-10L Pro will be the perfect partner for our customers using our UltraSync Blue, Ninja V / V+ with Atomos Connect module and the Shogun Connect — even shooting video with the Atomos Pro Camera iOS app which supports AirGlu BT timecode. Many different use cases for our joint customers.”

Features:

• Ultra-lightweight, compact and wearable design is perfect when stealth is a priority
• TM-10L lavalier microphone with clothing clip and windscreen included (cable length: 160cm)
• 32-bit float recording and dual AD converter technology means you’ll never need to scrap a recording due to poor audio levels, and no need to fine-tune input levels
• Supports recording in MP3 format
• Huge storage capacity, with support for microSDXC cards up to 512GB
• Records at least 24.5 hours on two AAA batteries for all-day video shoots
• Optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter (sold separately) adds wireless control and synchronisation
• Free DR-10L Pro CONNECT app for iOS, iPadOS and Android allows you to control up to 5 units simultaneously
• Wireless time code synchronisation supported with compatible Atomos products such as BLUE or CONNECT series

TASCAM DR-10L Pro package includes:

• DR-10L Pro
• Belt clip
• USB cable (Type A – Type C)
• TM-10L Lavalier microphone
• Microphone clip
• Windscreen
• Start-up guide (including warranty)
• TASCAM ID registration guide
• iZotope RX Elements download card

Available To Order Now

DR-10LPRO
Linear PCM Recorder 32-Bit Float Recorder And Lav Mic
RRP A$519

Polyend’s Tracker Mini is a portable standalone audio workstation with eight tracks to sequence stereo audio and MIDI, audio-over-USB functionality, a built-in battery and microphone, gamepad quality buttons and a host of sampling and sound design tools. With an improved user interface, more memory, stereo sampling, and performance enhancements, we made it even more powerful. 

Only Small In Size

Building on the success of the original Tracker, the Polyend Tracker Mini is packed with features that make it an ideal companion for music producers on the go. The Mini is smaller, lighter, and more powerful than its predecessor. New features include stereo sample playback, audio over USB, a high-quality onboard microphone, and an onboard battery. The Mini also features lower latency and a faster CPU.

Polyend listened to feedback from users of the original Tracker and incorporated popular feature requests into the Mini, including upgraded headroom, easier project management, and a refined signal path for more transparent audio playback, making it the perfect tool for live performances and impromptu jam sessions.

According to Piotr Raczynski, CEO of Polyend, “The Polyend Tracker Mini is the portable instrument that I’ve been dreaming of for years. I’ve been using trackers since I was eleven, and I’ve always thought the interface was perfect as a travel companion. Before the original tracker was created, we started developing the platform as a portable battery-powered unit. Part delays and sourcing issues made us switch gears, so we built the original tracker in desktop format. The original Tracker was received so well that we extended development time and upgraded the Mini. Now we have a portable tracker that is more powerful with a lot of room for us to continue to develop the tracker and add new features well into the future.”

Despite its advanced features, the Polyend Tracker Mini is easy to use and suitable for both experienced and novice music producers. Whether you’re familiar with the original Tracker or new to the Polyend ecosystem, you’ll find that the Tracker Mini’s workflow is easy to pick up, allowing you to get creative in no time.

Features:

Ins & Outs

• Stereo Line In
• Stereo Line/Headphones Out MIDI In
• MIDI Out
• USB-C

In The Box

• Polyend Tracker Mini Hard case
• Polyend Tracker Mini Essential References book USB‐A power adapter
• USB-C cable (2m)
• Stereo 3.5mm to 2x Mono 6.3mm adapter Minijack to MIDI DIN adapter (Type B)
• 16 GB MicroSD Card
• MicroSD to USB-A Adapter

Size & Weight

• Height (w/buttons): 0.82 inches (2.1cm)
• Width: 6.70-inch (17cm)
• Depth: 5.12-inch (13cm)
• Weight: device: 0.77lbs, incl. hard case: 1.34lbs (device: 350g, incl. hard case: 606g)

Price & Availability

The Polyend Tracker Mini is available for pre-order now directly from Polyend Online Store, with orders shipping July 12, 2023. The Tracker Mini is available exclusively at Polyend Online Store in the EU and at select dealers worldwide.

TASCAM is pleased to announce the debut of the Portacapture X6 32-bit float Portable Audio Recorder. Featuring 96 kHz/32-bit float recording technology, a 2.4-inch high-visibility colour touch screen for easy operation, 2x XLR inputs and dual built-in microphones with switchable AB / true XY microphone patterns — plus an intuitive GUI — the new Portacapture X6 is an ideal tool for videographers, podcast/YouTube creators, sound designers, and musicians in search of high-quality stereo mix recordings for smaller scale production projects.

As the Portacapture X6 can be used for numerous audio production tasks, it features an easy-to-use GUI tailored to the launcher screen that offers multiple recording modes for different scenarios. These recording modes include Field recording, Voice, Music, Podcast and ASMR in addition to Manual, which allows access to all set-up parameters manually. The compact size of the unit is particularly good for dialog recording and interviews with or without a camera and high-quality stereo music recording. As a multi-track recorder, the unit provides for 6 simultaneous tracks (4 tracks plus 2 mix) of recording with support for upwards of 96 kHz, 32-bit float recording resolution.

For such a compact unit, the Portacapture X6 is remarkably versatile. This next generation handheld recorder is equipped with 2x XLR input terminals with support for both mic and line-level (maximum input level: +24dBu), AUX-IN/CAMERA IN and LINE OUT/CAMERA OUT connections. Additionally, the two XLR inputs are compatible with phantom power (24V/48V) to support recordings with multiple mic/line inputs. Equally notable, the recorder provides dual built-in microphones with switchable AB / true XY microphone patterns that offer tremendous recording flexibility on location.

The new Portacapture X6 also features onboard processing for efficient postproduction tasks. The onboard processing functions include Low cut and Noise gate for reducing background noise and frequencies, a Limiter and Compressor for signal level management, plus 4-band EQ for defining the character and tone of the recording. This 4-band EQ also offers presets for several common scenarios in addition to full manual setup with an intuitive GUI. To eliminate wind noise and plosives even more, TASCAM is announcing the new WS-86 Wind Screen, which is a custom form fit design made for the Portacapture X6, Portacapture X8, DR-40X and other large-format portable audio recorders.

The Portacapture X6 also has a USB interface function without the need for any additional drivers. As a result, the unit can be used as a compact mixer with built-in microphones for live streaming via OBS (Open Broadcaster Software) or similar platforms. It also offers direct recording of narration and dialogue directly to DAW and editing software. The system can stream the total mix via the USB Type-C connector.

For those people seeking remote control functionality, the Portacapture X6 delivers. By adding the optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter, users can gain this functionality by using TASCAM’s Portacapture Control app on their phone or tablet, which is available for both iOS and Android. The app can be downloaded free of charge via the Apple store or Google Play.

Throughout the company’s history, TASCAM has long provided updates to products that increase its functionality. The Portacapture X6 is no exception. Shortly after its initial introduction, TASCAM will release the Version 1.10 update for the Portacapture X6. This update will include support for 32-bit float point USB transmission that will enable DAW recording with wider dynamic range, higher resolution and audio quality, plus editing capability.

A USB MIX MINUS function for use with the PODCAST app will also be added, and Input Settings for the low-cut filter, compressor, limiter, auto gain control, noise gate, and other effect functions will be able to be saved to 3 preset locations and loaded for each recording app. Additionally, Unit settings and recording app settings will be able to be saved to 3 USER SETTINGS and recalled with a single tap from the Launcher screen. And for those requiring the ability to synchronise audio to video, wireless timecode sync using supported devices from Atomos UltraSync Blue with TASCAM’s optional AK-BT1 Bluetooth adapter will become available.

The TASCAM Portacapture X6 32-bit float Portable Audio Recorder is slated to become available in Q1, 2023.

Portacapture X6
RRP A$899.00
SSP A$699.00

Zoom has released a trio of 32-bit float, portable recording devices with it’s new MicTrack range. Offering clipping-free audio, the M2 hand-held recorder, M3 on-camera recorder, and M4 4-track recorder provide content creators with an extraordinary breadth of versatility in a wide array of situations and applications.

The M2 MicTrak is Zoom’s latest innovation in portable recording, and with its all-new X/Y mic capsule design the M2 MicTrak always gives you great sound in one take. The mic provides several monitoring options: through the headphone out; the on-board speakers; or visually, via the LCD screen. Its glossy finish also contributes to a reduction in handling noise.

The M3 MicTrak shotgun mic gives filmmakers the ability to elevate their content with pristine audio. By default, this on-camera stereo microphone / recorder saves a backup mid-side RAW to allow for the adjustment of stereo width in post, and has a specially designed shock-mount to minimise handling noise.

The M4 MicTrak is the first portable recorder equipped with 32-bit float recording and built-in timecode generator, giving filmmakers and musicians everything they need to capture outstanding audio. It features X/Y capsules, with two additional mic inputs via the XLR inputs, and colour LCD display for visual feedback of the waveform in realtime.

More information about 32-bit float audio here.

M2 MicTrak
RRP A$399

M3 MicTrak
RRP A$399

M4 MicTrak
RRP A$799

Zoom refer to the F2 as a ‘field recorder’, but I think how you name and frame a device is important. Yes, I can use the F2 outside, and I could wear it while riding a horse or for recording sounds, but I think it could be better classified as a ‘self-contained lav mic recorder’. This might seem picky, but to me it’s clear that the F2’s strength is in capturing voice recordings essentially anywhere and anytime.

Another point of nomenclature worth noting: the F2 has a Bluetooth-enabled version called the F2-BT, which is the model I have for review.
Like other contemporary Zoom recorders, the F2 uses 32-bit recording. Thanks to the extended dynamic range afforded by the greater bit depth, I can get on with the business of recording dialogue and never care about the input peaking. If I am conducting a quiet interview or I am yelling while riding that horse, then the device will capture it all with virtually endless dynamic range — in fact, the F2 doesn’t even have a gain pot.

FLYING SOLO

For recording your own voice the device is simple and easy to operate, but when used for an interview or using a pair of F2-BTs there is a free App created by Zoom that allows you to operate the device via Bluetooth. You could easily activate your own device and then remotely activate a second device on someone else as you speak on camera or conduct a wandering interview. 

The mic has a ring at the input plug that allows it to be screwed onto the F2 so the mic cannot pull loose, this, combined with a hold function, means it is very unlikely to be disrupted during recording. The Hold switch on the device does not block the App functionality and, in fact, the controller App allows the user to lock and unlock the controls from the App.

I like that Zoom acknowledge the need of a good interface. While the device is nice and small, that size constrains the control you can provide. Instead of trying to create awkward combinations of functions by combining the few physical buttons on the device, Zoom has instead provided a free editor app for PC and Mac that allows you to define the setup of your F2-BT device. Using either the mobile app via Bluetooth or the computer app via a USB cable, you can access the many standard functions of recording format, filenames, battery type and other functions that would otherwise require a bigger unit with a screen. Taken to its logical conclusion I expect one day to see a Zoom device that is entirely controlled via an app and is no bigger than a tiny battery, SD card and input plug!

The F2 invites sound recordists to set the talent up with the mic and recorder, hit Record, activate the Hold switch (to ensure the unit doesn’t accidentally get knocked out of Record) and leave it — set ’n’ forget, for up to a quoted 14 hours of record time from a couple of AAA batteries.