Tascam DR-44WL Portable Handheld Audio Recorder with Wi-Fi

Tascam DR-44WL Portable Handheld Audio Recorder with Wi-Fi

TASCAM's DR-44WL is the latest recording innovation from TASCAM. It starts with high-quality stereo condenser microphones, updated with a new XY pattern and high-performance mic components. Two locking XLR inputs feed TASCAM's latest microphone preamp design, with the lowest noise level and richest sound available in a portable recorder.

The DR-44WL revolutionizes handheld recorders with its new Wi-Fi feature. A free app for iOS or Android devices provides control, file transfer, and audio streaming to your smartphone. Start recording while on-stage or from anywhere in the room, while setting trim levels and check meters to make sure the transport is running. At the end of a performance, transfer recordings to your phone and instantly upload them to SoundCloud, Facebook, even email directly to fans.

With rugged construction, great sound quality, and TASCAM's famed ease of use, the DR-44WL is the ultimate portable recorder for anyone from beginning musicians to experienced professionals.

High-Quality Condenser Microphones

A pair of studio-quality condenser microphones top the DR-44WL, arranged in a true XY pattern for detailed imaging and phase coherence. The mic capsules are build to withstand up to 132dB SPL – as loud as a jet airplane – without distorting. Record concerts and rehearsals with the confidence that your recording won't be distorted.

In addition to the great-sounding new capsules, a new shockmounting system has been developed for lower handling noise and rumble. The capsules are suspended in a rubber mount that avoids low frequency noises when handheld, mounted on a camera, or used on a tripod.

Cardioid Condenser Mics in an X-Y Pattern

Cardioid condenser capsules are mounted in acoustically-tuned housings. As with all TASCAM recorders, the mic capsules were selected after extensive listening tests. The true X-Y pattern captures the stereo field in phase-alignment, for perfect imaging during playback.

Designed To Handle High Sound Pressure Levels – Up to 132dB SPL

The design of the DR-44WL allows it to record loud sound sources, including rehearsals and concerts, without distortion. Up to 132 dB SPL means that a volume level 22 times higher than the 105dB SPL maximum sound pressure of a movie theater can be captured without clipping. The high level capability also makes the DR-44WL ideal for sound effects gathering.

Shockmount Design Reduces Handling Noise

Each mic capsule is cradled in its own shockmount to prevent vibrations from creating low frequency rumbling on the track. Inspired by high-end studio microphone mounts, the rubber material between the capsule and the body of the unit effectively absorbs movement from trucks passing by, handheld operation, or mounting on a camera or tripod.

Dual-Level Recording Feature Helps Prevent Overload

If levels get so high that your track is distorted, that recording can't be saved with any kind of mastering. The DR-44WL includes a limiter to keep levels under control, but an even more effective system is the Dual-Level Recording feature. Dual-Level Recording is a function that solves this problem by simultaneously recording two stereo files at different levels. If your recording is distorted, you have a lower level "safety track" that won't be distorted.

* When the Dual-level recording function is enabled, a maximum of two stereo tracks can be recorded simultaneously.

XLR Combo Jacks For Use With Professional Gear

The XLR/TRS external input jacks accept either microphone or line level sources. Balanced or unbalanced signals can be plugged in, at either +4 or -10 levels, using the locking XLR connector or the 1/4" jack. The DR-44WL supplies 48V Phantom Power for condenser or ribbon microphones that require it. Both the internal mics and external inputs are used during 4-channel recording, perfect for live recording.

XLR/TRS Inputs Support Balanced Line or Mic-Level Sources

Two XLR/TRS combo input jacks are included for external inputs. The External Inputs accept mic or line level sources. For condenser mics, 48V phantom power is available. When set for line level, the inputs can accept -10 or +4 signal levels, balanced or unbalanced. High-quality XLR connectors with locking mechanisms are available, as well as a balanced or unbalanced 1/4" input.

Superior Microphone Preamp and A/D Converter for Quiet Operation

A programmable gain amplifier (PGA) is used to adjust the level of the audio inputs. In many devices, the audio codec level is adjusted to control levels. In the DR-44WL, the mic gain circuit is independent from the A/D converter for low noise performance as well as programmable gain (manual, automatic, or controlled over Wi-Fi.)

The CIRRUS LOGIC CS42L52 is used in the DR-44WL, a premium-quality audio codec. The A/D - D/A chip features both great audio performance and low power use for longer battery life. The built-in mics and the external inputs both pass through this low-noise audio input circuit.

Four-track Recording Mode

The DR-44WL can record both the internal microphones and the external inputs simultaneously for a four-track recording. This makes it the ideal live recording rig: use the microphones to capture the sound in the room while recording a board mix from the PA mixer. Other 4-channel applications include drum set recording, surround recording, and film production.

Remote Wi-Fi Control

TASCAM has revolutionized handheld recording with the new Wi-Fi control and transfer features. The DR-44WL creates its own Wi-Fi network with your iOS or Android phone, and a free app called DR Control controls remote operation without touching the unit. The app allows recording to be started and stopped, and can be used to check and adjust input levels. Any of the recording controls on the DR-44WL can be controlled over Wi-Fi.

Wi-Fi transmission range is about 65 feet (20m) – well beyond the reach of infrared remotes – so the recorder can be placed wherever the recording sounds best. Audio from the DR-44WL can also be streamed over Wi-Fi to check the recording. Plug headphones into your smartphone and listen to a near-realtime feed from the recorder.

Simple Wi-Fi Connections Without a Router

The DR-44WL connects with smartphones and other Wi-Fi devices directly. There is no need for a Wi-Fi router network or other external equipment. Wi-Fi connections can be established simply by inputting the information shown in the app. Connection status can be checked with an LED on the unit as well as the app screen. Even if the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted, recording will not stop.

Remote Control Using the Free DR Control App (iOS/Android)

The free DR Control app allows your iOS or Android phone to control the recorder from anywhere in the room. Start recording on-stage or from the back of the room, while placing the DR-44WL wherever the microphones sound best. Remote start also eliminates handling noise from pressing a button or moving the recorder.

In addition to recording, playback and other transport controls, DR Control can adjust the input levels, switch on the low-cut filter, change the mix, and more. A power-conservation mode is included to minimize battery consumption from Wi-Fi use.

* Functions that can hinder operation have been excluded from wireless control

Wireless Streaming to Monitor the Recorder

With DR Control, audio from the DR-44WL can be broadcast via Wi-Fi to your smartphone for streaming playback. Even when the DR-44WL is in a place that is out of reach, this capability allows you to check audio from the headphone jack. Ensure that you're getting the sound you want without leaving your seat.