TASCAM DR-70D 4-Channel Portable Recorder User Manual

1. Taw qhia

The TASCAM DR-70D is a 4-channel portable audio recorder designed for videographers and filmmakers. It provides high-quality multi-track recording capabilities in a compact form factor, suitable for mounting on or below a camera. This manual provides detailed instructions for the setup, operation, and maintenance of your DR-70D unit and the included AK-DR70C accessory kit.

TASCAM DR-70D 4-Channel Audio Recorder for DSLR Cameras

Image 1.1: The TASCAM DR-70D 4-Channel Audio Recorder, designed for DSLR cameras.

2. Cov ntaub ntawv kev nyab xeeb

Please read and understand all safety precautions before using this product. Retain this manual for future reference.

Lub zog Source: Use only the specified power adapter or batteries. Ensure correct battery polarity when inserting.
Dej thiab noo noo: Do not expose the unit to rain, moisture, or liquids. Avoid using near water sources.
Qhov cua: Tsis txhob thaiv qhov cua nkag. Xyuas kom cua nkag tau txaus nyob ib puag ncig lub tshuab.
Thaum tshav kub kub: Khaws lub tsev kom deb ntawm qhov chaw cua sov xws li radiators, cov ntawv sau cua sov, qhov cub, lossis lwm yam khoom siv uas ua kom sov.
Ntxuav: Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosols.
Kev pab: Tsis txhob sim muab cov khoom no rau koj tus kheej. Xa mus rau txhua qhov kev pabcuam rau cov neeg ua haujlwm pabcuam uas tsim nyog.
Kev pov tseg: Pov tseg cov roj teeb thiab cov khoom siv hluav taws xob raws li cov cai hauv zos.

3. Cov ntsiab lus ntawm pob

Xyuas kom tseeb tias txhua yam khoom teev hauv qab no suav nrog hauv koj pob:

TASCAM DR-70D 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder
TASCAM AK-DR70C Accessory Kit, including:

Fuzzy Windscreen
Shock-absorbing Shoe Mount Adapter
Two 3.5mm Stereo Cables

USB Cable
Owner's Manual (cov ntaub ntawv no)

TASCAM AK-DR70C Accessory Kit components

Image 3.1: The TASCAM AK-DR70C Accessory Kit, including a fuzzy windscreen, two 3.5mm stereo cables, and a shoe mount adapter.

4. Khoom Tshajview

4.1. Pem hauv ntej vaj huam sib luag tswj thiab tso saib

The front panel of the DR-70D features the main display, input level controls, and recording buttons.

TASCAM DR-70D front panel with display and controls

Duab 4.1: Pem hauv ntej view of the TASCAM DR-70D, showing the LCD screen, input gain knobs, and recording controls.

LCD zaub: Shows recording levels, time, battery status, and menu options.
MENU khawm: Accesses the system settings and recording parameters.
DATA Knob: Navigates menus and adjusts values. Press to confirm selections.
Input Gain Knobs (1/L, 2/R, 3/L, 4/R): Adjusts the input level for each of the four channels.
Cov Cim Qhia PEAK: Lights up when the input signal is too high, indicating potential clipping.
REC khawm: Starts and stops recording.
DUAL REC Indicator: Lights up when Dual Recording mode is active.
SLATE Button: Generates a slate tone for easy audio/video synchronization.

4.2. Side Panels (Inputs/Outputs)

The DR-70D features various input and output ports for versatile connectivity.

TASCAM DR-70D side panels showing XLR inputs and other ports

Duab 4.2: Sab views of the TASCAM DR-70D, illustrating the XLR/TRS inputs on one side and the camera input/output, headphone jack, and remote port on the other.

XLR/TRS Inputs (1-4): Four balanced inputs with phantom power (24V/48V) for connecting professional microphones.
EXT IN 1/2: External input for connecting additional devices.
REMOTE Port: For connecting an optional remote control.
IN-●-OUT (Camera Input/Output): 3.5mm stereo mini-jack for connecting to a DSLR camera. The input allows monitoring camera audio, and the output sends the DR-70D's mix to the camera.
PHONES Jack: 3.5mm stereo headphone output for monitoring audio.
KAB TAWM: Stereo line output for connecting to external mixers or other audio devices.
USB Chaw nres nkoj: For data transfer and firmware updates.

4.3. Built-in Microphones

The DR-70D includes two built-in omnidirectional microphones for capturing ambient sound or quick stereo recordings without external mics.

TASCAM DR-70D mounted on a camera, highlighting built-in microphones

Image 4.3: The TASCAM DR-70D mounted on a DSLR camera, with indicators pointing to the built-in omnidirectional microphones (Mic 1 and Mic 2).

4.4. Kev xaiv Mounting

The compact design allows for versatile mounting options, including above or below a camera, or on a tripod.

Image 4.4: The TASCAM DR-70D showcasing its compact and robust design, suitable for various mounting configurations.

Tripod Threads: Located on the bottom for mounting on tripods or follow-focus cages.
Khau Kub Mount: The optional AK-DR70C adapter allows mounting the DR-70D on a camera's hot shoe.

5. Teeb tsa

5.1. Lub Hwjchim Lub Cev

The DR-70D can be powered by AA batteries (x4), a USB power bank, or an optional AC adapter.

Kev teeb tsa roj teeb: Open the battery compartment on the rear of the unit and insert four AA batteries, observing correct polarity.
USB fais fab: Connect a USB power bank to the USB port for extended operation.

5.2. Inserting SD Card

The DR-70D records to SD, SDHC, or SDXC cards (up to 128GB).

Locate the SD card slot on the side of the unit.
Insert the SD card until it clicks into place. To remove, push the card in again until it springs out.

5.3. Connecting Microphones

Connect your microphones to the XLR/TRS inputs (1-4) or use the built-in microphones.

For condenser microphones requiring phantom power, enable 24V or 48V phantom power in the menu settings for the respective input channels.
The 3.5mm stereo mini jack input (EXT IN 1/2) supports standard video camera mics with plug-in power.

5.4. Mounting ntawm lub koob yees duab

To mount the DR-70D on a DSLR camera:

Attach the shock-absorbing shoe mount adapter (from AK-DR70C) to the bottom of the DR-70D.
Slide the adapter into your camera's hot shoe.

TASCAM DR-70D mounted on a DSLR camera with windscreen

Image 5.1: The TASCAM DR-70D mounted on a DSLR camera, demonstrating a typical setup for videography.

5.5. Connecting to DSLR (Input/Output)

Use the provided 3.5mm stereo cables to connect the DR-70D to your DSLR camera.

Connect the DR-70D's LINE TAWM to your camera's audio input for recording the mixed audio directly to your camera.
Connect your camera's audio output to the DR-70D's IN-●-OUT (Camera Input) to monitor the camera's audio through the DR-70D's headphone jack.

Image 5.2: Close-up of the TASCAM DR-70D's camera input jack, used for monitoring audio from the camera.

Image 5.3: Close-up of the TASCAM DR-70D's camera output jack, used for sending the recorder's audio mix to the camera.

6. Cov lus qhia ua haujlwm

6.1. Cov ntaub ntawv yooj yim

Power on the DR-70D.
Connect your microphones and set input levels (see 6.2).
Nias lub REC button once to enter record-ready mode.
Nias lub REC button again to start recording. The REC indicator will light up.
Txhawm rau kom tsis txhob kaw, nias lub REC khawm.

6.2. Input Level Adjustment

Adjust the input gain for each channel using the dedicated knobs on the front panel. Aim for levels that peak around -6dB to -12dB on the meter to avoid clipping.

Yog tias PEAK indicator lights up frequently, reduce the input gain.
The DR-70D features high-quality HDDA mic preamps with up to 64dB of gain.

TASCAM DR-70D with 'Ultra HDDA Mic Preamp' label

Image 6.1: The TASCAM DR-70D features Ultra High Definition Discrete Architecture (HDDA) mic preamps for clear audio capture.

6.3. Hom Kev Kaw Suab

The DR-70D offers multiple recording modes to suit different scenarios:

MONO/DUAL MONO: Ideal for recording a single performer. Dual Mono records a safety track at a lower level.

Image 6.2: Illustration of the DR-70D in MONO/DUAL MONO recording mode, suitable for single-source audio.

STEREO/DUAL STEREO: Best for recording with the built-in microphones or an external stereo mic. Dual Stereo records a safety track.

TASCAM DR-70D in STEREO/DUAL STEREO mode

Image 6.3: Illustration of the DR-70D in STEREO/DUAL STEREO recording mode, for stereo sound capture.

2MIX/DUAL 2MIX: Creates stereo files from two or more mixed inputs. Dual 2MIX creates a backup track at up to 12dB lower levels to prevent distortion.

Image 6.4: Illustration of the DR-70D in 2MIX/DUAL 2MIX recording mode, showing a setup with multiple microphones.

6.4. Using the Built-in Mixer

The DR-70D includes a built-in mixer for its four inputs, allowing for individual recording and stereo mixing. Access mixer functions via the MENU button.

TASCAM DR-70D display showing mixer interface

Image 6.5: The TASCAM DR-70D's display showing the built-in mixer interface with four inputs and two outputs.

Yias: Adjusts the stereo position of each input.
Limiter: Prevents input signals from exceeding a set level, reducing distortion.
Low-Cut Lim: Reduces unwanted low-frequency noise (e.g., wind, rumble).
Mid-Side Decoding: For use with Mid-Side microphone configurations.

6.5. Slate Tone Generator

The slate tone generator produces reference tones to simplify audio/video alignment in post-production.

Nias thiab tuav lub SLATE button to generate a tone manually.
Slate tones can also be set to generate automatically at the start and/or end of recordings via the menu.

Image 6.6: Close-up of the TASCAM DR-70D's SLATE button, used for generating alignment tones.

6.6. Saib Xyuas Suab

Txuas lub mloog pob ntseg rau lub PHONES jack to monitor your audio during recording and playback. Adjust headphone volume using the dedicated knob.

6.7. Ua si rov qab

Use the transport controls (Play, Stop, Fast Forward, Rewind) on the front panel to review koj cov ntaub ntawv.

7. Kev tu

Ntxuav: So lub tsev nrog ib daim ntaub mos, qhuav. Tsis txhob siv cov tshuaj abrasive los yog cov kuab tshuaj.
Cia: Store the DR-70D in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Remove batteries if storing for extended periods.
Hloov tshiab Firmware: Tshawb xyuas TASCAM website periodically for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance.

8. Kev daws teeb meem

Teeb meem	Ua Tau	Kev daws
Unit tsis power on.	Dead batteries; incorrect battery insertion; no power source.	Replace batteries; check battery polarity; connect USB power or AC adapter.
No sound recorded.	Microphones not connected; input gain too low; phantom power off for condenser mics; incorrect recording mode.	Check mic connections; increase input gain; enable phantom power; verify recording mode settings.
Distorted suab.	Input gain too high; limiter off.	Reduce input gain; enable limiter.
SD card yuam kev.	Card not inserted correctly; incompatible card; card full; card corrupted.	Reinsert card; use compatible SD/SDHC/SDXC card; delete files or use new card; format card (will erase data).
No headphone output.	Headphone volume too low; headphones not connected; incorrect monitoring source.	Increase headphone volume; check headphone connection; select correct monitoring source in menu.

9. Cov lus qhia tshwj xeeb

Feature	Specification
Hom	Tascam
Qauv	DR-70D
Kev Kho Vajtse Interface	Ruaj Ntseg Digital Card
Microphone Form Factor	Built-In, Lavalier, Shotgun (via inputs)
Audio Format	WAV
Lub mloog pob ntseg Jack	3.5 hli
Lub Sijhawm Teev Tseg Digital	Up to 120 hours (depending on card size and settings)
Hom Kev Ua Haujlwm Microphone	Stereo (built-in mics)
Cov tswv yim	4 x XLR/TRS combo, 1 x 3.5mm stereo mini-jack (EXT IN 1/2)
Cov zis	1 x 3.5mm stereo mini-jack (LINE OUT), 1 x 3.5mm stereo mini-jack (PHONES)
Phantom Lub Zog	24V/48V selectable
Cia Media	SD card (64MB to 2GB), SDHC card (4GB to 32GB), SDXC card (48GB to 128GB)

10. Warranty thiab Support

For warranty information and technical support, please refer to the warranty card included with your product or visit the official TASCAM webqhov chaw. Khaws koj cov ntaub ntawv pov thawj ntawm kev yuav khoom rau kev lees paub.

Cov ntaub ntawv online: The TASCAM website provides FAQs, driver downloads, and additional support documentation.
Hu rau kev txhawb nqa: Contact TASCAM customer service for assistance with product issues or repairs.

Tascam DR-70D