Tascam DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder Review
The Tascam DR-07 portable digital recorder is a stereo recorder at a low price. The internal microphone is highly-sensitive and provides great quality recordings. Musicians will likely find this recorder a very affordable alternative to the much more expensive professional devices, with features such as slowing down audio without pitch modification and looping MP3s, and even an included tripod stand.
Tascam DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder Review – Features at a glance
- Size (width x height x length): 2.2″ x 1.1″ x 5.3″
- Weight: 0.275 lbs
- built-in stereo condenser microphone
- runs on 2 AA batteries or optional adapter (the PS-P520 is the recommended Tascam DR-07 power supply, although a universal adapter can be used)
- USB 2.0
- writes to MP3 or WAV file formats
- stereo line input & output
- record to SD or SD-HC cards
The following video advertises the main features of the Tascam DR-07 portable digital recorder:
Click here to view more product features.
Tascam DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder Review – Pros and cons
The Tascam DR07 portable digital recorder has several pros which make it an attractive choice of recorder for most recording needs. These include:
- Great sound quality with built-in stereo, highly-sensitive mics and records to WAV/MP3.
- Very useful features for musicians, such as: variable-speed audition function (slows down audio during playback without modifying pitch) and the ability to loop MP3s.
- Included camera tripod mount allows for flexible recording anywhere.
- Attractive design! This is a strange feature to consider when buying a portable digital recorder, but for those who care about appearances, don’t fret: the Tascam DR-07 is one of the best-looking portable recorders around.
- Easy-to-use, intuitive user interface.
- USB 2.0 connection for speedy transfer between recorder and your PC.
However, the Tascam DR07 handheld digital recorder does have some flaws. The following are the main cons of the device.
- No built-in speakers; headphones or earphones are required if you wish to listen to your recordings.
- Recording sound quality is not great when used in open, noisy environments such as a live rock concert, at least when using the internal mic. You do have the option to connect an external mic for better quality.
Tascam DR 07 Handheld Digital Recorder Review – Who is it for?
Don’t let the above listed cons scare you away from the device. Thanks to its versatility, and in spite of its cons, the Tascam DR-07 portable digital recorder has been used successfully by satisfied owners in a myriad of ways in various environments. These include recording interviews, acoustic guitar practice or performance sessions, or band rehearsals.
However, as mentioned before, don’t expect to get superb quality recording live rock shows with the internal mics alone. This is to be expected considering the low price point of the Tascam DR 07 handheld digital recorder.
Check out the snippet of this Amazon.com testimonial from a customer who used the device in an interesting manner: soundscape recording.
“…I bought it originally to capture some high quality ambient sounds; planes going overhead, children laughing and playing, birds flying by, the wind blowing or the rain falling. Even general office and restaurant hubbub. Mostly sounds we hear everyday without even taking any notice of them…I love how this thing sounds and the price was right. I didn’t need anything with every bell and whistle and the specifications on this unit seemed to be what I was looking for…[continued]”
The following is from yet another happy customer using the recorder in a different way:
“…I bought this for one purpose: to record directly from the audio out on my synth to the line in to create .wav or .mp3 files that could be emailed immediately without having to go through any kind of conversion from midi. I need to be able to send files to recipients with varying degrees of computer skills so that they can just play them without any fuss. This device is perfect for this…[continued]”
Finally, how about gifting the recorder? Check out the following testimonial from yet another Amazon.com user:
“…Perfect for what I wanted. Does an outstanding job recording large group of instruments such as a band, orchestra or choir. Everyone that listens to what it produces is impressed with it! Perfect gift for a music director!…[continued]”
Tascam DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder Review – Bottomline
The Tascam DR-07 portable digital recorder is a great-looking, easy-to-use stereo recording device at a very affordable price. At this price range, you should not expect professional-quality recordings. Nonetheless, the device is highly suitable for a variety of uses and in different scenarios, including recording band jamming sessions, instrumental practice sessions or interviews.
Tascam DR-07 Review – Best deals
So, where’s the best place to buy Tascam DR-07? Amazon.com is a great place to check out for some of the best deals on the Tascam DR-07 portable digital recorder. You can find brand new units listed for less than $160, instead of over $250 elsewhere, as well as great bargain listings for used units.
Filed under: Tascam DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder.