Speed change (VSA) function for adjusting the speed from 0.5 to 1.5 times (in 0.1 increments), which is great for practicing music and language study hours (2ch MP3, 44.1kHz, 128kbps) Using built-in microphone + line 8 hours (4ch WAV, 96kHz, 24-bit) Connecting to a PC using USB Audio interface mode, and DR-40X becomes a tool for voiceover work, live streaming and songwriting with studio-quality audio. XY configuration allows mono compatible recordings and high sound localization acuity (lively interviews or field recordings with ambience)

Approx. 18 hours (2ch MP3, 44.1kHz, 128kbps) Using built-in microphone + line Approx. 8.5 hours (4ch WAV, 96kHz, 24bit) Create two stereo recordings from the built-in microphones and the external mic/line input at the same time Power supply by 3 AA size Alkaline or NiMH batteries (up to 15 hours continuous operation with phantom power off), USB bus power or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U) Menu language can be selected between English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Japanese, ChineseCreate two stereo recordings with different level settings from the built-in microphones or external mic/line input at the same time Approx. 15 hours (2ch MP3, 44.1kHz, 128kbps) Using built-in microphone + line Approx. 8 hours (4ch WAV, 96kHz, 24bit) Auto recording function that can detect the sound input signal level and automatically start recording

microSD card, USB connection cable, 3 AA batteries for confirming operation, Owner's Manual, Warranty card hours (2ch MP3, 44.1kHz, 128kbps) Using built-in microphone + line 8.5 hours (4ch WAV, 96kHz, 24-bit)

Features at a Glance

Input gain and phantom power are controlled via switches on the left side-panel.While batteries are included, there's no built-in storage and there's no SD card provided. There's no USB cable either, which is arguably a touch miserly — it's not that I begrudge spending the small amount these things now cost, but rather that it wouldn't cost the manufacturer much and most people will prefer the device to be record-ready out of the box. DR-40X allows high-quality recording with its stereo built-in condenser microphones. Every detail is captured from small whispers to loud sounds up to 125dB SPL. These built-in microphones are adjustable unidirectional microphones for recording in an X-Y pattern for tight stereo imaging, or in an A-B pattern for a more ambient recording. Simple operation The adjustable microphone capsules move as independently of one another as a cat's ears, but their polar patterns are cardioid, meaning that they are likely to provide the best results either spread outwards at 90 degrees to one another, providing a wide stereo soundfield, or facing in towards one another, in an X/Y configuration. The latter setup requires the capsules' left/right status to be reversed, and when the right-hand capsule is moved by a certain amount, a screen option to switch them pops up, which is a clever touch. As mentioned earlier, the DR40 is not the smallest product of its kind, so to get a sense of its size I put it next to Tascam's old DR1, which isn't particularly small itself. In every dimension other than width, the DR40 is significantly larger than the DR1. That's not to say that it is too large to be held comfortably, for it is still light and small enough to cradle in the palm of one hand, but its owner would need a mitt like a gorilla to be able to wrap their fingers right the way around. In truth, though, this isn't necessarily a problem: this product is designed to be programmed in the hand and then set down, or mounted on a tripod, to do the business of recording. Film-makers and videographers often experience sudden audio volume spikes during filming. An actor could suddenly scream, or a documentary subject could do almost anything.

Establishing a USB connection is very fast and trouble free. General operation is also fast, but delightfully simple too, benefiting from what seems to be just the right number of dedicated buttons and short menu lists.

Audio Performance