Tascam FR-AV2 Field Recorder

Tascam FR-AV2 Compact 32-Bit Float Field Recorder with Timecode

The Tascam FR-AV2 is a compact field recorder aimed squarely at videographers and location recordists who need professional audio without a sound department. It records in 32-bit float at sample rates up to 192kHz, carries two proper XLR inputs with Tascam’s Ultra HDDA preamps, and – unusually at this size and price – generates its own timecode, so multi-camera shoots can sync audio and picture without a separate timecode box. At 99mm wide and 195 grams without batteries, it mounts on a camera rig, hides in a kit bag or rides in a pocket.

The two XLR/TRS combo inputs accept microphones or line-level sources, with phantom power for condensers and a 3.5mm extension input alongside. The Ultra HDDA preamps are quiet – equivalent input noise of -127dBu – which matters when you are recording dialogue, ambience or nature sounds at a distance and cannot afford hiss in the recording. Onboard input processing (low-cut filter, compressor, limiter and noise gate) can be applied before capture when a job needs audio that is closer to finished straight off the card.

Key Features

• 32-bit float recording with dual ADCs at 48, 96 or 192kHz – clipping and too-quiet takes are recoverable in post
• Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with Ultra HDDA preamps (EIN -127dBu) and phantom power
• Built-in timecode generator with TCXO accuracy, timecode in/out and Jam Sync
• Wireless monitoring, timecode sync and app control with the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter
• Doubles as a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface with 32-bit float for computers and iOS
• Records to microSDXC up to 512GB, with automatic file saving to protect takes
• 2-inch colour LCD, powered by 3 AA batteries or USB

Why 32-Bit Float Changes Location Recording

On a conventional 24-bit recorder, setting the input gain is a gamble: too hot and a shout or a door slam clips beyond repair; too low and quiet dialogue sits down in the noise. The FR-AV2’s dual converters capture such a wide dynamic range that the gamble largely disappears. Levels can be normalised afterwards in your editor, raising quiet speech without raising a noise floor or rescuing peaks that would have clipped a fixed-point recording. On fast-moving shoots – weddings, documentaries, run-and-gun interviews – that translates directly into fewer retakes and fewer ruined takes.

Timecode Built In

The built-in generator runs from a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator for stable sync over long takes, with timecode input/output on the 3.5mm extension port and Jam Sync support for slaving to an external source. With the optional AK-BT2 adapter, the recorder also syncs wirelessly with Atomos timecode ecosystems and can be monitored and controlled from the Tascam Recorder Connect app, which can supervise up to five Tascam recorders at once – a practical way to run several planted recorders on one set. The full technical specification is in the Additional Information table on this page.