TASCAM 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder for Videographers, 2 Combo XLR/TRS", Dual 3.5mm Inputs, Limiter, HP Filter (DR-60DmkII)

Product works well. Connects good to cameras. Not difficult to use.

The Tascam DR-60DmkII includes enhanced pre-amps that are good enough not to not introduce any measurable noise on battery power with a quiet room and a Pyle podium mic that requires High mic gain setting. However using a USB to 5v adapter (not the Tascam adapter) did introduce noise. For this reason, I am using a BP-6AA identical to the one used on a Tascam DR-40 recorder installed in a church recording system. Though we can run the DR-40 or this DR-60DmkII off external USB port power, noise levels are typically much lower using the BP-6AA which I'll review separately. With such a low noise recorder, and with the BP-6AA using tripod mounts to attach to the top or base of the recorder, no brainer upgrade from 2+ yr old Tascam DR-40!Here are our usual pros and cons:Pros:+ lower noise, higher gain pre-amps than prior model DR-60D+ safety track record feature is a lifesaver when initial gain settings are too high! (DR-40 has this feature, too)+ consistent menus and operation to prior generations of Tascam DR series including when power or computer is externally attached via USB port+ available BP-6AA external battery pack gives reasonable life for rechargeable NiMH batteries, but see below...+ Broadcast Wave File (BWF) support - can be a lifesaver when merging audio and video from different recorders. To effectively use, you should keep the clock set correctly.Cons:- drains batteries rapidly compared to comparable Zoom or lower end Tascam DR series recorders- no integral MP3 compression, implying you shouldn't use compression with such a high end recorder! I'd like to make that decision!!- there should be a Li Ion external equivalent bolt-on like the BP-6AA instead of lower capacity and bulkier BP-6AA with NiMH batteries!- might want to think twice about putting a relatively heavy DSLR on top of recorder as shown in photos! This puts a lot of strain on the tripod mount in the bottom of recorder; just don't do it if a BP-6AA is used!- menus can be a bit confusing for the uninitiated and this generation manual is not as helpful as prior generations. Look for YouTube tutorials!I was going to put a small shotgun mic on top with a 1/4" to 5/8" adapter, but realized the DR-60DmkII + BP-6AA underneath + mic on top is not very stable. Better to use either a two-in-one bar tripod adapter or multiple tripods adjacent to one another. If a BP-6AA pack is mounted on top with nothing mounted on top of BP-6AA, then BP-6AA batteries may be changed without impacting setup. The DR-60DmkII batteries are accessible, but it isn't easy to pop them in the rear while the whole setup is sitting upright.Edited 07-31: Beware of open box items marketed as "new". I received one from a vendor sold as new that showed a bit of wear on the rear battery cover and underside. However, the style of packaging for this Tascam makes it difficult to tell whether this is a new, returned, or open box item!I have seen some "unboxing" videos on YouTube and this is the first Tascam DR series I've purchased that doesn't come in a sealed box with a plastic protector for the display and a sealed (at least taped) poly bag holding the recorder. I have seen this style of packaging on "professional" gear before. So how are we as consumers to tell whether an item is an "open box" or return? TEAC/Tascam saved perhaps a few pennies but it would be great to go back to providing a screen protector and tape the poly bags!

The TASCAM DR-60DmkII is just marvelous. I use it with a Sony A65 DSLR and my favorite configuration is with a Sennheiser shotgun mic in channel 1 and a Sennheiser wireless handheld mic in channel two. I consider this my perfect field documentation setup. I also use the Dual Record mode, Limiter and Bass Roll Off settings on all of my recordings. I attach it to the bottom of my camera and use a Gitzo Tripod with a Manfrotto 503 HDV fluid video head for a solid field shooting platform. Some complain that stacking the TASCAM unit and the camera together makes the configuration too tall. These people obviously haven't used older professional video cameras that are over a foot tall and two feet long, plus those dinosaurs weighed in upward 25 to 35 pounds. If placed on a solid tripod head rated for the weight of your gear you'll be perfectly fine. Some complain the unit has a plastic feel but I find the unit to be quite well made and the camera mount quite sturdy. Some complain that the menu is too complicated. They obviously haven't used a Zoom, Marantz PMD660 or a Marantz PMD670. I sat down on my stoop, fiddled with the buttons and knobs and figured out the menu in less than 5 minutes without looking at the manual. Remember it is a TASCAM, their manuals read like stereo instructions. If you have used digital audio recorders in the past, you will find the menu quite intuitive. If not good, luck with the manual. The pre-amps are absolutely wonderful, but test and know your input settings in relation to your mics before going to the field. Just make sure your audio levels peak above the -12db delta mark without hitting the 0db Clip wall. This is where your Dual Record mode can save you if audio gets too loud. When using the channel adjustment knobs be careful of stair-stepping the digital signal by turning the knob too much at one time. Only make micro adjustments while recording. If you find yourself slightly clipping just fall back on the Dual Record tracks rather than messing with the knobs. That is what the Dual Record function is for, it is your safety net. Finally, I love-love-love the Slate function. It makes post-production audio syncing a breeze. In summation this TASCAM unit turns my Sony A65 into a truly professional video production camera. I like it so much I ordered a second one. The TASCAM DR-60mkII is perfect for most of my production needs and the price tag didn't put a huge dent in my wallet.