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Tascam DR-60D MKII
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    Specs:

    • Four-track WAV or BWAV recording up to 96kHz/24-bit
    • Designed to attach to DSLR camera with top and bottom tripod mounts
    • Easy-to-use interface with switches instead of menus
    • Dual record mode captures a safety track so there’s a backup in case of overload
    • High-quality microphone preamps, analog/digital converters, and recording format (BWAV) – much better than the camera audio specs
    • Improved microphone preamp with up to 64dB of gain
    • Camera output pads down to mic level so it doesn’t overload the camera
    • Records to SD card media
    • Individual headphone and line outputs
    • Slate function plays a tone for easier syncronization with camera audio
    • Two XLR/1/4” combination jacks plus stereo 1/8” mini jack
    • Powered via AA batteries or USB input
    • $199 price

    Available at:

    Product page - http://tascam.com/product/dr-60dmkii/

    TASCAM’s DR-60DmkII is a portable recorder designed from the ground up to be the ideal recorder for DSLR filmmakers. The design of the DR-60DmkII contains a tripod mounting screw on top and socket hole on the bottom, integrating perfectly with cameras from Canon, Nikon, Sony, and others. The camera output attenuates down to mic level before passing the signal to the camera to prevent distortion. The new version includes an improved microphone preamp for up to 64dB of gain and a smoother sound.

    A pair of XLR microphone inputs feed TASCAM’s latest HDDA microphone preamps and provides phantom power for condenser microphones. The preamp gain and other controls are easily accessed from the front panel with physical controls instead of software menus for quick adjustment. These preamps are recorded at audiophile resolution using premium A-to-D converters, for audio quality that far outshines the camera audio. Individual headphone and line outputs allow an additional feed on-set.

    A second pair of inputs can be patched to wireless receivers or other sources for four-track recording. Alternatively, Dual Recording mode captures a safety track of your audio at a lower level. If an actor suddenly belts out a line, distorting the recorder, Dual Recording provides a non-distorted backup copy. There’s also a limiter and hipass filter to avoid overdriving your tracks.

    The DR-60DmkII records Broadcast WAVE files, time-stamped with the time of day, to SD card media. A slate function records a tone to the tracks for easier synchronization to camera audio. Modern editors like Premiere and Final Cut Pro Ten have automatic clip synchronization, and there is software for syncing up with older editors.

    At a cost less than competing preamps, the TASCAM DR-60DmkII is the ultimate 4-track recorder designed for filmmakers, television, live events and web broadcast.

  • 45 Replies sorted by
  • Can't really get an idea of what they've changed from the first version. Apart from the red bars!

  • Can't really get an idea of what they've changed from the first version. Apart from the red bars!

    Preamps mostly :-) In fact, it is most important thing in recorder.

  • Indeed. I've got the first one and its really good, but noise could always be improved.

  • I have the original 60D I bought just recently when the price dropped to $149 - I knew at that point a new one must be coming out. So far, I don't see a need to upgrade. If the preamps in the 60D were bad, or not very good, yes, I could see that - but the preamps in the 60D are good enough, you can't really hear the difference, IMO, from what are considered "expensive" ones, or at least I can't.

    The other thing you'd hope was that they fixed the xlr inputs, because there were a lot of complaints about connectors getting stuck in the 60D. For me, it would have been a much more attractive proposition if they added two more xlr and another two tracks of recording - the Zoom H6 has them - then I think I'd be much more likely to upgrade (great for running a bunch of wireless lavs).

    Of course, we have to wait for testing in real life before we can decide. But I love the price - $199... remember when the original 60D came out it was like $350 and people were saying "HOW CHEAP - WHAT A DEAL - GREAT!!!", and now they come out with a new one and it's $199! Often the pattern with gear has been new version comes out that is better, but they keep the price the same... not always, because for example in the Panasonic GH camera series, they just keep raising the price GH2, GH3, GH4 - I mean, I like that the gear is getting better, but I'd prefer for the price to go in the Tascam direction - lower :) or at least should stay the same, but no such luck with the cameras - of course you're still getting a lot cheaper compared to 10 years ago.

  • I have the original 60D I bought just recently when the price dropped to $149 - I knew at that point a new one must be coming out. So far, I don't see a need to upgrade

    It all depends on someone needs. Better preamps are always plus. It can also have fixed volume adjustment issues and add some other things.

    Looking at latest Wi-Fi enabled Tascam recorders they focused on preamps and AD converters now, this is good thing.

  • The base price is very nice, especially for someone without a preamp/recorder. The DR-60D's form-factor is not well suited to all situations or users though.

    Also, if they haven't improved the battery life, it will still be a hard sell for many users.

  • I have the old one and like it. Decent preamp. Battery life not an issue for me. Form factor was my disappointment. I dont like how it mates to dslr. Pissed i paid $300!!!

  • 199$ is nuts!! How are they making any money?

  • I can still return my unused DR-60D. Any idea when the MKII will ship?

  • I got mine from Adorama and tested it out with my Audio Technica at897 shotgun mic during my filming of the youtube channel, JoanneTechlover. It works great and it's super clean. I especially love the ability to run the clean audio into my Sony RX10.

    I haven't had much experience w/ the original DR60D, but compared to the Tascam DR100mkII that we have, the DR60D mkII can produce excellent, professional quality audio.

  • but compared to the Tascam DR100mkII that we have, the DR60D mkII can produce excellent, professional quality audio.

    It is very good news, very good.

    May be you can make short video with comparison (on not very strong signal using two recorders)?

  • @fotosiamo Are you saying that audio quality of this new DR60D is as good as the DR100mkII? That would be amazing and all for only $200.

  • Are you saying that audio quality of this new DR60D is as good as the DR100mkII?

    I think he means that preamps are better :-)

  • I just bought the DR60-D MKII , but there is no 3.5 mm cable included: I need to get the recorded audio on 2 separate channels (So left shotgun / right wireless) to the mic input of the GH4. (I only want to use the DR60 recording as backup, as the editor doesn't want to sync all audio).

    Is that possible, what cable is needed for this? Or just normal 3.5 mm stereo mini jack ? If you guys have settings suggestions (GH4 audio -12, etc) I would love to hear.

    I hope it is more easy to 'mount' for a run / gun situation, but I still need to find a place to put the wireless receiver.

    The price in Europe is 288 euro, so the same as the DR 100 MKII. As this last one also has 2 extra mics , I wonder if I made the right choice. I will test it out, and otherwise return it.

  • @fotosiamo, @tommy : Could you guys please confirm if the volume adjustment issues were fixed? Thanks!

  • will this cable work from the DR60 D MK II to get 2 separate (left/ right) channels on the GH4 ?

    male -3.5 mm mini jack stereo angle - male ?

    http://www.ebay.nl/itm/Cable-Audio-Stereo-Jack-3-5mm-Coude-Angle-Droit-Male-Longueur-50cm-006115-/261223834272?pt=FR_Image_son_C%C3%A2bles_audio_adaptateurs&hash=item3cd22762a0

    @Cid I just got it... still have to figure everything out. What volume adjustment issues are you referring to? I did see something at DSLR Noob, that if you lower or raise the volume during the record there is a click. Is that what you mean?

  • @ tommy: Yes thats it. See

    at 2min:41 sec. Thanks again!

  • @cid what was the volume issue? Are you talking about the stepped pots? I don't have a proper way to test it out, but when I put my Audio Technica AT897 XLR shotgun mic to my TV's speaker and dial up the dial, I don't notice the audible clicks that was pointed out with the JuicedLink video.

    If I really concentrate, I can sometimes detect a slight step, but it's really, really faint and it may just be my ears playing with my head. It's really hard to tell from this environment.

    What's the best way to really test this out?

    UPDATE: Actually, if I do twist the dial quickly from min to max, I do heard the click and a sudden change in volume, so it seems to occur on major change in gain, but not subtle, minor changes.

  • @cid thanks I ordered, sure hope it will keep the 2 channels splitted on the GH4

    I ordered the BP 6AA batterypack for the DR60D MKII. (see picture) The screw (photo on the right) doesn't fit in the hole of the DR60D. Also the cable included doesn't fit the DR60 D (as that only has a micro USB2.0)

    • So is this batterypack only for DR40 / DR100 and not for the DR60D?
    • Are there alternatives?
    • I would prefer a bigger (lithium?) batterypack, without AA bateries that also could be used for the GH4. (Doesn't exist right ?... .grrrr )
    bp-6aa-external-battery-pack-to-power-tascam-dr-series-audio-recorder-2.jpg
    1024 x 683 - 106K
  • @tommy The input to the GH4 will probably be stereo which is two channels formed into L and R. In post production you then have to separate these "stereo" channels into two individual mono channels. Nearly all audio software is capable of this. Someone with a GH4 can maybe confirm if there is a 'line in' setting because cameras usually amplify the input signal by default. In which case you should turn the gain level on the camera all the way down to avoid additional gain (and distortion).

    For example, I cannot use the GH2 with my Sound Devices MixPre because the line out level is too 'hot'. But I can use it with my Tascam DR-100 headphone output because it send a lower signal level.

    Yeah, and digital gain control that jumps in steps is pretty ugly compared to a smooth analog gain knob.

  • @fotosiamo: Thanks a lot for your answer and time!

  • @tommy : Sorry, I have no experience with the DR60. I´m looking for a better audio recording system, but still didn´t made up my mind and cash... I have the nice Zoom H1, wich I use as MirrorMan discribed but in a Pocket Camera.

  • Well, anyone in the Long Beach area is free to check out my Tascam Dr60D mkII, lol!