Tascam DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder

June 24, 2011

As far as portable studio or microphone recordings go, nothing can go even smaller than the Tascam DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder. It is one of the product releases of Tascam that aims to take portability and affordability to the next level — without sacrificing recording quality or performance. This small piece of machinery measures at least 1.1 inches in thickness, 2.2 in width and 5.3 inches in length, and weighs only 4.5 ounces.

The product features a built-in stereo electret condenser microphone for external recordings. The device captures audio and stores it to an SD or SDHC media card, with the package having an included 2-Gigabyte SD card. The built-in USB 2.0 jack is for transferring files from the recorder to the personal computer for further editing. The 3.5mm stereo microphone input can accept a separate microphone outlet in case of farther or more focused vocal recordings. The device also has a headphones jack that is exclusive for recording playback.

In terms of recording function, the user may choose between writing music files at 48 kilohertz or 44.1 kilohertz, or 16 or 24-bit formats. The device may be powered by the two included AA batteries, or an optional PS-P520 power adapter.

Pro 1: Sleek and Portable Design

One of the key strengths of the device is its surprising design that features sleekness and portability. It weighs only 4.4 ounces after fitting the two AA batteries, and it can fit almost any kind of pocket. It is lightweight and does not impede the user’s choice of bringing the option for recording anywhere he or she desires.

Pro 2: Affordability

For the wide range of features of this small device, its portability goes hand-in-hand with its affordable price. For an impromptu interview, seminar, band jam session, lecture, press or other possible audio recordings, the device may be picked out instantly without worrying about financial problems, debts or bank withdrawal hassles.

Pro 3: Versatility

For something so small, the product boasts versatility in its recording options and functions. The device has the capability of offering any recording combination of quality, so if the user desires a 16-bit or 24-bit quality, or a 44.1 kilohertz or 48 kilohertz sample rate, then he or she may do so.

Pro 4: Easy to Use

With the simple interface and the easy-to-interpret buttons and manual that the device has, any person who is not in the professional recording business would be able to understand how to use this device. The user could even start immediately after placing the batteries and work around the device just using his or her intuition.

Con: Noisy Microphone Preamps

Perhaps the very noticeable flaw that this product has is its noisy microphone preamps. The hiss is considerably audible even during acoustic recording sessions or enclosed interviews. The hiss is still evident even at low-level volumes. The device is extremely sensitive to touch during recording, so a simple touch would be audible instantly.

What Others Are Saying About The Tascam DR-07 Digital Recorder

The Tascam DR-07 are a top rated recorder according to consumer reports on the net with an average of 4.5 out of 5 on Amazon. Here are a few comments:

“As a pure mp3 player , for which I initially bought this unit, it is an incredible performer… and you can change the SD-cards, so I have an unlimited number of possible tracks in my reach. The overall audio quality of this small unit is simply stunning ! Price/performance ratio is very high. Thank you Tascam. “

“I play solo acoustic guitar and needed to hear myself practicing while not concentrating on playing, you know like my audience, so within 10 minutes of opening the box ,putting in the battery I was able to record in full digital glory then send it to my computer and e-mail it to a club owner. how cool is that? It has already paid for itself. “

“Bought this for my wife so she could record her piano compositions. Thought it would have small built-in speakers, but soon learned it must be played back through some other device. It is simple to operate, but batteries don’t last very long, so I bought a universal power supply at Frys that works great. Very versatile recorder and does everything we need.”

“Very simple, easy to use and beautiful shape. We work in a Church and it is perfect for us. Also the delivery was exact like they say, we are happy with it.”

Final Thoughts: Good for Immediate Recording

The Tascam DR-07 Portable Digital Recorder is ideal if the user wants to record his or her new song creations in private or for hosts who would want to capture private interviews and seminars instantly. Professional audiophiles may be disappointed with this, but the product is unmistakably worth it considering its price, functions and portability.