What is the primary function of the Tascam DR-10X?

The Tascam DR-10X is a compact digital recorder that plugs directly into the XLR output of a handheld microphone to record audio onto a microSD card.

Does the Tascam DR-10X provide phantom power?

No, the DR-10X does not provide phantom power. It is designed to be used with dynamic microphones that do not require external power.

What type of microphones are compatible with the DR-10X?

It is compatible with most dynamic microphones featuring an XLR output, such as the Shure SM58, Sennheiser e945, and Electro-Voice RE20.

What storage media does the DR-10X use?

The device uses microSD or microSDHC cards to store captured audio files.

How do you transfer files from the DR-10X to a computer?

Audio files can be transferred by connecting the unit to a computer via a USB cable or by removing the microSD card and using a card reader.

Is the XLR connection on the DR-10X secure?

Yes, the unit features a locking mechanism to ensure it remains firmly attached to the microphone during use.

What is the typical price for a Tascam DR-10X?

The typical price for the Tascam DR-10X is approximately £115.

Can the DR-10X prevent audio clipping?

Yes, it includes a dual recording feature that captures a secondary track at a lower volume level to act as a safety backup against distortion.

Who is the DR-10X designed for?

It is primarily designed for news gatherers, journalists, and videographers who need a mobile, cable-free recording solution.

Can the DR-10X be used with the Shure SM58?

Yes, the Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone and is perfectly compatible with the DR-10X for handheld recording.

Does the DR-10X require a wireless receiver?

No, the DR-10X is a standalone recorder; it saves audio locally to its internal card rather than transmitting it wirelessly to a remote receiver.

Is the DR-10X suitable for recording musical instruments?

While designed for vocals and news, it can be attached to instrument mics like the Shure SM57 to record acoustic instruments or amplifiers in the field.

Gear article

Tascam DR-10X Mic-Attachable Audio Recorder

The Tascam DR-10X is a compact, mic-attachable digital audio recorder designed to connect directly to handheld microphones via an XLR interface. It captures high-quality audio onto microSD media, making it an essential tool for electronic news gathering and field reporting where wireless interference or cable runs are a concern.

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Overview

The Tascam DR-10X is a specialised linear PCM recorder that eliminates the need for cables or wireless transmitters during interviews. By plugging directly into a standard XLR microphone, it transforms a dynamic mic into a self-contained recording system. The device is purpose-built for the rigours of field journalism and location recording where speed and reliability are paramount.

Design and Connectivity

The unit features a locking XLR input that attaches securely to the base of a handheld microphone. Its compact form factor ensures it does not significantly alter the balance or handling of the microphone. Data is stored on microSD or microSDHC cards, and files can be easily transferred to a computer via a USB connection for editing and distribution.

Shure SM58 Dynamic Cardioid Vocal Microphone

Sound Character and Recording Features

Designed to capture transparent, broadcast-quality audio, the DR-10X supports standard sample rates suitable for professional news gathering. It includes features to prevent audio clipping, such as a dual recording mode that creates a backup track at a lower level. This ensures that sudden peaks in volume—common in live reporting environments—do not ruin the recording.

Use Cases and Suitability

The DR-10X is highly suited for:

News Gathering: Ideal for journalists who need a quick, mobile setup without the complexity of wireless receivers.
Interviews: Simplifies the recording process for podcasts or documentary work.
Backup Recording: Provides a redundant audio source when used alongside traditional wireless systems.

It is specifically designed for use with dynamic microphones rather than condenser microphones that require phantom power.

Compatibility and Alternatives

The device is compatible with industry-standard dynamic microphones, including the Shure SM58, Beta 58A, and SM57, as well as the Sennheiser e935 and e945 series. For broadcast applications, it pairs well with the Electro-Voice RE20 or Sennheiser MD 441-U. While alternative systems include traditional bodypack wireless transmitters, the DR-10X offers the advantage of localized recording, bypassing potential radio frequency interference issues.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary function of the Tascam DR-10X?: The Tascam DR-10X is a compact digital recorder that plugs directly into the XLR output of a handheld microphone to record audio onto a microSD card.
Does the Tascam DR-10X provide phantom power?: No, the DR-10X does not provide phantom power. It is designed to be used with dynamic microphones that do not require external power.
What type of microphones are compatible with the DR-10X?: It is compatible with most dynamic microphones featuring an XLR output, such as the Shure SM58, Sennheiser e945, and Electro-Voice RE20.
What storage media does the DR-10X use?: The device uses microSD or microSDHC cards to store captured audio files.
How do you transfer files from the DR-10X to a computer?: Audio files can be transferred by connecting the unit to a computer via a USB cable or by removing the microSD card and using a card reader.
Is the XLR connection on the DR-10X secure?: Yes, the unit features a locking mechanism to ensure it remains firmly attached to the microphone during use.
What is the typical price for a Tascam DR-10X?: The typical price for the Tascam DR-10X is approximately £115.
Can the DR-10X prevent audio clipping?: Yes, it includes a dual recording feature that captures a secondary track at a lower volume level to act as a safety backup against distortion.
Who is the DR-10X designed for?: It is primarily designed for news gatherers, journalists, and videographers who need a mobile, cable-free recording solution.
Can the DR-10X be used with the Shure SM58?: Yes, the Shure SM58 is a dynamic microphone and is perfectly compatible with the DR-10X for handheld recording.
Does the DR-10X require a wireless receiver?: No, the DR-10X is a standalone recorder; it saves audio locally to its internal card rather than transmitting it wirelessly to a remote receiver.
Is the DR-10X suitable for recording musical instruments?: While designed for vocals and news, it can be attached to instrument mics like the Shure SM57 to record acoustic instruments or amplifiers in the field.