Introduction
The Tascam DR-10L is a compact and reliable audio recording solution that excels in capturing high-quality audio for various purposes.
Design and Portability
- Compact, light design for easy portability.
- Clip-on style allows discreet attachment to clothing.
- Intuitive controls for easy operation, ideal for beginners.
Audio Quality
- Delivers clear and crisp audio recordings.
- Omnidirectional lavalier microphone ensures versatile sound capture.
- Adjustable settings for optimizing sound quality in different environments.
Features
- Dual recording mode for a backup track at a lower level.
- Low-cut filter to reduce background noise and rumble.
- Easy-to-read OLED display for monitoring and adjustments.
Performance
- Long battery life for longer recording sessions.
- MicroSD card slot for easy storage and transfer of recordings.
- Reliable performance in various settings, from interviews to film making.
Recorder Pros
- Exceptional portability and discreet design.
- High-quality audio recording capabilities.
- User-friendly for easy operation.
- Impressive battery life for long usage.
Recorder Cons
- Limited control over microphone settings.
- Lack of rechargeable battery.
- No MicroSD card in the package.
Conclusion
The Tascam DR-10L is a small, easy to use, and dependable audio recorder that works well for many different uses. Even though it has a few small cons, its great portability and sound quality make it really useful for both experts and people just starting out.
JJT NC –
I had a wedding to shoot but unfortunately my item wasnt received (although it said it was delivered) in time for it so i never got to actually use it for what i most importantly needed it for. However, things were eventually straightened out and i was sent one. Just testing it, kinda vlog style recording it sounds really crisp. Youll probably need some little mic fluff ball covers cause its sensitive and youll get that annoying sound when the mic is rubbing up against your clothing. Other than that it seems solid. I wish i couldve reviewed it based on a job like a wedding tho.
Kevin –
I’ve been a video professional for 25 years and I really like this mic! The sound quality is great. I love the dual-record option. And it’s so compact. I included a pic of it next to the AAA battery that powers it for scale.
I typically use a rechargeable battery that I recharge after a day of shooting so I can’t really say just how long the battery will last. But you can shoot at least all day on one battery with no problem.
It’s ideal for location recording because you don’t have to worry about using a transmitter/receiver pair (especially on really compact cameras that you can’t mount a receiver on). Just use the camera’s built-in mic to get scratch audio and sync up this audio in post.
The on/off/record switch takes a little getting used to. But I get that it’s designed to avoid anyone wearing the mic from accidentally stopping recording or powering it off. Overall a great mic! Especially for the price and it coming w 2, 32GB cards.
Filiberto Abarca –
Love this recorder. Crystal clear audio, super compact and easy to use, I have 2 now and wouldn’t be without them.
10/10
Kevin –
Used professionally at only two weddings, but constantly for personal projects. This thing is INCREDIBLE. The included microphone is a bit bulky, but perfect for most scenarios. The two 32gb micro sd cards mean you get about 60 hours of high quality recording with a backup track, limiter, and so much more. Read the description if you want to know the amazing things it does soooo well. Just the fact that the groom or officiant would have a hard time turning it off or stopping the recording once I start it is enough for me, much less that the mic likely won’t be in the shot, the recorder hides easily under most clothing, I don’t have to worry about wireless interference, the AAA battery lasts FOREVER, and the custom options for file naming lets me keep everything super organized when I load everything onto my computer after a shoot. Buy these. Buy 6 of them. Or 50. Mic your family at Christmas morning. Mic yourself on your next date to hear how dumb you sound. Stop worrying about where to place your microphone when you record your youtube videos and just lav yourself up. If you film weddings, mic up the groom, the bride, the officiant, random guests, the dj… idk. The point is these things are some of the most well-crafted pieces of gear ever and you need to have them in your kit, if for nothing else than being able to film yourself from 50 feet away, but still have perfect audio.
George –
This unit is simply great. It solves a lot of problems that wireless systems have including RF interference and distance limitations. My wireless units required 2 AA batteries each for the transmitter and the receiver. This unit requires 1 AAA battery. My tests show that after 4 hours of recording, the alkaline battery was about 1/2 charged. The amount of battery usage is dependent on the settings. A lithium battery should do even better. The quality of the sound is very good. After 4 hours only about 1 GB of storage was used. Because I am not recording the production sound at the camera location I have to synch up in post. (In camera I just record ‘reference’ sound.) But there is some help with this. One of the options of the unit is to create a new WAV file every 15 minutes. So if the time is the same in the camera and in the DR-10L, then I can quickly associate the video with the sound. Using a “clapper” always helps too. The menu system operation is pretty easy once you take a few seconds to read the manual, which is good. In the back of the manual are detailed descriptions of each option. I found that it was best to go through each option before using the unit. It is in kind of a basic state when you receive it, so you will want to modify the settings. This includes the date and time setting.
Aaron Trevino –
Me gustó muy práctico
Amazon Customer –
I have been using this specific model for years now and have personally purchased 3 and purchased 6 more through my different employers for their equipment kits. It auto-levels and is super efficient on battery use. I think the updated ones can do -6db and -12db which is cool, but I would probably never use -12dB
My only gripes: I wish the bit rate was higher than 24, just to get a little more dynamic range as peaking can definitely throw you off every once in awhile even with auto leveling.
And also I wish the belt clip was not so stiff/hard to clip on. Sometimes it’s difficult to attach to clothing or I’m afraid it will actually damage dresses/ clothing that I clip the mic pack on to other people.
Anyway, if you’re tired of all the baggage and glitches that come with radio-transmitted sounds and you are a one-man videography band I highly recommend.
Kim Borzatti –
Best purchase for filming weddings I have made!
The Roysters –
I love this recorder! I use this for weddings primarily, interviews second. My previous tool for this was a wireless Shure lav package, but this is so much better.
Quality out of the included lav is awesome, no need for me to upgrade for now.
Battery lasts more than long enough for one or two weddings and an 32gb card is perfect for the wav files it outputs.
Functionality-wise, the menus are a bit weird to access and adjust, but it’s okay since you don’t really have to change them often. Once you start recording, it basically locks itself so the talent won’t accidentally press something and stop recording.
An amazing feature that’s been super helpful is the dual level recording, which records two tracks; one with your regular dB level and one that’s 6 dB lower in case your talent gets loud or something clips your audio. This is super helpful to recover something that otherwise would’ve been distorted.
Great little mic, I’ll be buying another one soon!