TASCAM DR-100MKIII Professional Handheld Recorder User Manual

DR-100MKIII
Professional Handheld Recorder

Multi-lingual menu: EN
The DR-100MKIII is Tascam’s top-of-the-line portable, delivering the best audio performance in the history of Tascam stereo handheld recorders. Designed to meet the needs of the most demanding audio designers and engineers, this third generation of the DR-100 combines robust reliability, an easy-to-use interface, and studio-quality sonic performance.

You can record directly from the built-in uni-directional or Omnidirectional stereo microphones, connect your own mics to the rugged locking Amphenol XLR/TRS connectors, use a camera microphone or line source for recording or record from a digital SPDIF source. 24 or 48 volts of Phantom power on the XLR inputs are available for the use of studio condenser mics and Mid/Side microphone configurations can be decoded before or after recording. This ensures that virtually all fields of application are covered – from music, speech, and atmosphere recordings to meeting minutes and live concert recordings.
Many other improvements and new features as well as the multilingual menu make the DR-100MKIII an easy-to-use companion for sound recordings at the highest level.

Details

World-class audio performance

High-quality converters

Used in a variety of combinations, depending upon the selected function, the DR-100MKIII features dual AKM AK4558 converters with VELVET SOUND architecture, providing both high sound quality and low power consumption, achieving a signal-to-noise ratio of 102 dB.
The dual ADC mode uses two AK4558 AD converters in parallel. The signal-to- noise ratio is maximized and audio fidelity is improved, delivering an S/N ratio of 109 dB as compared to the (already excellent) 102 dB achieved when recording in standard mode.

Note: As the S/N ratio when recording exceeds the S/N ratio of the entire circuit, data recorded in dual mono ADC mode will be limited to an S/N ratio of 102 dB when played back on the DR-100MKIII. This does not affect the S/N ratio of the actual file, which is maintained at 109 dB.

XLR/TRS inputs and low-noise HDDA preamps for external microphones
The XLR/TRS inputs used to connect external mics, deliver the highest sound quality and lowest noise of any Tascam Handheld Digital Recorder. HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps are also included to maintain a pristine audio signal path throughout.

High sample rates for high-definition recordings
The DR-100MKIII supports high-definition recording at both 96 kHz / 24 bits and 192 kHz / 24 bits, ensuring that remote recordings achieve the same sonic fidelity as their studio-born counterparts.

Onboard dual (directional/omnidirectional) stereo microphones
A newly designed microphone housing for the directional mics is based on exhaustive research of previous Tascam handheld recorders and achieves the perfect marriage of protection and performance. Similarly, the omnidirectional stereo microphone setup accepts sound pressure levels up to 125 dB SPL – able to withstand virtually any audio environment.
An integrated shock mount structure for the directional stereo microphone suppresses unwanted vibration and handling noise.

Reliability and features designed for professionals in the field

Redundant power supply for long-term operation
With a dual battery structure that allows the built-in high-capacity lithium- ion battery to be used in concert with AA batteries, the operation is possible for extended periods of time. This ensures that the DR-100MKIII is ready to go when you are. Additionally, the recorder can be rapidly charged by connecting an AC adapter and even supporting USB Bus power from an external battery pack is commonly used to charge mobile phones and tablets.

Dual-Level recording helps to protect your recordings
The Dual Level Recording function simultaneously records a secondary backup file at a lower gain level than the primary recording. This safety file, recorded at a 12 dB lower level protects your recording session from unexpected volume spikes and accidental overload.

A high-precision clock ensures stability when combining recordings with other material
The precision of the built-in clock is crucial when digital recordings are made on what device are to be used in conjunction with materials recorded on other devices, such as when combining digital audio and video assets. To ensure stability, the DR-100MKIII utilizes the same Temperature-C Compensated Crystal Oscillator (TC XO) used in professional studio master recorders. Moreover, the TC XO is not affected by the temperature of the environment – critical for a portable device that must maintain its precision in support of high-quality recording.

Reliability through many details
Locking XLR/TRS combo jacks made by Amphenol ensures high reliability in the field and protects against unwanted connectivity issues.
Marrying light weight with long-term reliability, the DR-100MKIII’s tough aluminium body ensures many years of trouble-free use.

Streamlined usability based on user feedback

When working on location, decisions must be made quickly and efficiently, and an intuitive and consistent User Interface is critical. By gathering feedback from users of the original DR-100 and the MKII, we have been able to add a variety of usability enhancements designed to streamline workflow and help audio professionals achieve success quickly and efficiently.
The user interface has been designed to maximize visual confirmation and includes a large LC D screen (double the size of the screen on the DR- 100MKII), dedicated status LEDs for record levels and status, and easy-to-read legends on the casework.

Select hardware switches for quick setting control
Dedicated hardware controls have been implemented for the most commonly accessed features to enable quick, positive operation in the field.

Dual format recording provides a master and a web file
The Dual format recording function allows simultaneous recording of both uncompressed WAV (BWF) and MP3 files.
This provides the user with instant access to both the original, full- resolution master file and a compressed MP3 file (with a much smaller size) for easy emailing or posting to social media sites.

XRI saves recording information with BWF files
Tascam’s XRI (eXtended Recording Information) function keeps track of all recording settings as part of the file. These powerful features allow the user to easily double-check the details of the original recording for logging or replication of recording conditions at a later date. This information includes the date and time of recording, input sources selection, and levels, ADC mode on/off status, and more. XRI information is stored as part of the BWF data block.

Features at a glance

• Handheld digital stereo recorder for professional use

• Rugged aluminium chassis

• Two separate types of batteries used together allow for many hours of operation as well as the ability to change batteries while recording

• Recording medium: SD card (64 MB – 128 GB)

• Selectable recording formats:
  Linear PC M (WAV/BWF), resolution: 16/24 bits, sampling rate: 192/176.4/96/88.2/48/44.1 kHz
  MP3, bit rate: 128/192/256/320 KBit/s, sampling rate: 44.1/48 kHz
  Dual recording allows a second recording to be created in parallel at a lower level or in a different
  format

• 102 dB S/N ratio

• A/D converters switchable to dual-mode for an even higher S/N ratio

• Four built-in high-quality condenser microphones
  Two uni-directional microphones with internal shock mount for stereo sound recording
  Two enhanced Omni-directional microphones for minutes recording or ambience

• Two lockable XLR/jack combo mic/line inputs with switchable 48V phantom power

• High-performance preamps provide a wide range of gain (–58 dBu to +24 dBu)

• Additional stereo input with adjustable level to connect other sources (mini jack, mic/line level, switchable plugin power)

• Rotary control for the intuitive setting of analogue  input signals

• Digital input (to be used with included conversion cable, supports SPDIF and AES/EBU)

• Switchable low-cut filter (40/80/120/220 Hz)

• Mic input level attenuation (PAD, hardware switchable)

• Switchable auto gain control

• Limiter to prevent clipping (hardware switchable)

• Built-in monitor speaker (hardware switchable on/off)

• Headphones output with level control (mini jack)

• Separate stereo line output with adjustable level (mini jack)

• Pre-recording buffer (2 seconds) allows a recording to start before the record key is pressed

• Delayed recording feature to prevent the unit from recording a touch noise of keystroke

• The auto-record function can automatically start and stop recording at set levels

• Instant recording starts with a press of a button when switching the unit on

• Tone generator for creating slate tones

• Mark function (automatic or manual)

• Create a new audio file during recording (manually or by file size)

• File divide function (to cut unwanted noise, for instance, WAV format only) Playback features include:
  In/Out loop
  Folder or playlist playback
  Switchable VSA function (change playback tempo without affecting the key)

• XRI function allows information on recording settings to be stored with a BWF file

• Multi-language menu (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Japanese)

• Metal mic stand adapter (¼ inch) on the bottom side to attach the unit to a tripod or microphone stand

• USB 2.0 connection for file transfer with computer

• Power supply by the built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, two AA batteries (Alkaline, NiMH or Lithium) or optional battery pack

• (Tascam BP-6AA)

• Power supply by optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U) or USB power

• Digital input adapter cable included as standard

• Remote control (Tascam RC-10) and footswitch (Tascam RC-3F) available as an option

Options

AK-DR11: Accessory Pack for DR Series Audio Recorders

PS-P520U: 5-Volt AC Adapter

BP-6AA: Battery pack

TM-10L: Lavalier Microphone With Screw-Lock Connector

RC-10: Wireless/wired remote control

RC-3F: Footswitch

Related products

DR-40X: Portable Four-Track Digital Audio Recorder and USB Audio Interface

DR-680MKII: 8-Track Field Recorder

Specifications

General

Recording media| SD card (64 MB−2 GB)
SDHC card (4−32 GB)
SDXC card (48–128 GB)
Recording/playback formats| W AV (BW F): 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz, 16/24 bits
MP3: 44.1/48kHz, 128/192/256/320 Kbit/s
Number of audio channels| 2 channels (stereo)
Analogue audio inputs and outputs
MIC/LINE IN jacks (XLR support phantom  power)| XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
6.3-mm  standard TRS jacks (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD,
Sleeve: GND)
When MIC input source selected
Maximum  input level| –14 dBu (PAD on)
Minimum  input level| –70.5 dBu (PAD off)
Input impedance| XLR: ≥2 kΩ
TRS: ≥20 kΩ
W hen LINE input source selected
Maximum  input level| +24 dBu
Nom in input level| +4 dBu
Input impedance| ≥20 kΩ
EXT IN jack (can provide plug-in power)|
When EXT MIC input source selected
Maximum  input level| –2.8 dBu (PAD on)
Minimum  input level| –46.8 dBu (PAD off)
Input impedance| ≥50 kΩ
When EXT LINE input source selected
Maximum  input level| +6 dB
Nom in input level| −10 dB
Input impedance| ≥2 kΩ
LINE OUT jack| 3.5-mm  stereo mini-jack
Output impedance| 200 Ω
When LINE input source selected
Nom in output level| –14 dB
Maximum  output level| +6 dB
In other situations
Nom in output level| –10 dB
Maximum  output level| +6 dB
Headphones jack| 3.5-mm  stereo mini-jack
  Maximum  output power| 40 m W  + 40 m W  (headphones connected, 32 Ω load)
Built-in speaker| 0.4 W  (mono)
Digital input
DIGITAL IN connector| 3.5-mm  TRS jack (using dedicated conversion cable)
  Form at| IEC60958-3 (SPDIF)
Other inputs and outputs
USB port| Micro-B connector
Form at| USB 2.0 HIGH-SPEED mass storage class
Other inputs and outputs
REMOTE jack| 2.5-mm  TRS jack
Audio performance
Frequency response| MIC/LINE IN (MIC, PAD On) to LINE OUT
MIC/LINE IN (LINE) to LINE OUT
EXT IN (MIC, PAD On) to LINE OUT
EXT IN (LINE) to LINE OUT
44.1/48 kHz sampling frequency (JEITA)| 20 Hz − 20 kHz +0.5 dB/−1 dB
88.2/96 kHz sampling frequency (JEITA)| 20 Hz − 40 kHz +0.5 dB/−2 dB
176.4/192 kHz sampling frequency (JEITA)| 20 Hz − 80 kHz +0.5 dB/−4 dB
Distortion| MIC/LINE IN (MIC, PAD On) to LINE OUT
MIC/LINE IN (LINE, +20dBu In) to LINE OUT
EXT IN (MIC, PAD On) to LINE OUT
EXT IN (LINE) to LINE OUT
  44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz sampling frequency
(JEITA)| ≤0.007 %
S/N ratio| MIC/LINE IN (MIC, PAD On) to LINE OUT
MIC/LINE IN (LINE) to LINE OUT
EXT IN (MIC, PAD On) to LINE OUT
EXT IN (LINE) to LINE OUT
  44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz sampling frequency
(JEITA)| ≥102 dB
Equivalent input noise (EIN)| ≤–124 dBu
Note: based on JEITA CP-2150
Power supply and other specifications
Power supply| Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery
2 AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH or lithium-ion)
USB bus power from  a computer
AC adapter (Tascam  PS-P520U, sold separately)
Battery pack (Tascam  BP-6AA, sold separately)
Power consumption| 7.5 W  (maximum )
Approxim ate battery operation time (continuous operation
in hours: minutes)|
Use conditions| UNI MIC (built-in directional m ic) input
Phantom  power unused
STEREO W AV (BW F)/44.1 kHz, 16-bit recording
Using built-in (lithium-ion rechargeable) battery| 12:00
Using lithium  batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium )| 7:00
Using NiMH battery (Eneloop)| 3:30
Using alkaline batteries (Evolta)| 2:45
Use conditions| MIC/LINE IN jack/m ic input
Phantom  power used (+48V, 2 × 3 m A)
STEREO W AV (BW F)/44.1 kHz 16-bit recording
Using built-in (lithium-ion rechargeable) battery| 6:00
Using lithium-ion batteries (Energizer Ultimate Lithium )| 3:30
Using NiMH battery (Eneloop)| 2:15
Using alkaline batteries (Evolta)| 1:00
Charging time| By USB: about 10 hours
Using PS-P520U: about 4½ hours
Dim tensions (w × h × d)| 80 mm  × 156 m m  × 35 mm  (excluding protrusions)
Weight| 425 g (including batteries)
375 g (excluding batteries)
Operating temperature range| 0–40 °C

Design and specifications are subject to change without notice.

Page last modified: 2021-03-26 09:00:21 UTC

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