Tascam DR-05XP 32-bit Float Portable Handheld Field Recorder And Usb-c Audio Interface — Digital Stereo Recording Of Music, Sound, Voice, Audio For Video And Podcasting

Tascam DR-05XP 32-bit Float Portable Handheld Field Recorder

The Tascam DR-05XP is a 2-channel portable handheld recorder and USB-C audio interface with 32-bit float recording. It records to microSD cards at sampling frequencies up to 96 kHz, uses built-in stereo omnidirectional condenser microphones that handle levels up to 125 dB SPL, and can also serve as a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface for a computer. 32-bit float capture provides very wide dynamic range in the recorded file, reducing the risk of clipped recordings from unexpected peaks and allowing quiet material to be raised in level during editing. It is a compact recorder for music, field recording, interviews, podcasting and video sound.

Key features

• 32-bit float, 24-bit and 16-bit WAV recording up to 96 kHz
• Two built-in omnidirectional condenser microphones in stereo configuration
• Microphone maximum SPL handling of 125 dB
• Records to microSD, microSDHC and microSDXC cards up to 512 GB
• Functions as a 2-in/2-out USB-C audio interface
• Stereo mini-jack external microphone input with plug-in power
• Powered by two AA batteries or USB bus power

32-bit float recording explained

In conventional recording, setting the input gain too high clips loud peaks and setting it too low buries quiet detail in noise. With 32-bit float WAV recording, the file stores a much wider range of levels, so a sudden shout, drum hit or environmental peak that exceeds the expected level can be reduced in volume in editing software without the flat-topped distortion of a clipped fixed-point file, and quiet passages can be raised cleanly. The DR-05XP also records standard 16-bit and 24-bit WAV (BWF) files at 44.1, 48 and 96 kHz, and MP3 files at 44.1 and 48 kHz with bit rates from 32 to 320 kbit/s for long-form capture where file size matters more than maximum quality.

Microphones and inputs

The built-in microphones are a stereo pair of omnidirectional condensers suited to ambient sound, live music, rehearsals, nature and location recording. For other sources, the 3.5 mm stereo mini-jack MIC/EXT IN input accepts an external stereo microphone and can provide plug-in power. Input impedance is 18 kohms or more with plug-in power off and 2 kohms or more with it on, with a nominal input level of -20 dBV and a maximum input level of -4 dBV. A combined phones/line output on a 3.5 mm stereo mini jack provides headphone monitoring and line output, with maximum output power of 20 mW plus 20 mW into a 32 ohm load, and a built-in 0.3 W mono speaker allows quick playback checks without headphones.

USB interface and connectivity

Connected by USB Type-C, the DR-05XP works as a USB audio interface with two input channels and two output channels at 44.1 or 48 kHz and 24-bit depth, for recording and playback with a computer. The USB connection also supports mass storage operation for transferring files from the card. Frequency response is rated at 20 Hz to 20 kHz at 44.1 kHz, 20 Hz to 22 kHz at 48 kHz and 20 Hz to 40 kHz at 96 kHz, measured from MIC/EXT IN to line output, with total harmonic distortion of 0.01 percent or less.

Power, size and applications

Power comes from two AA batteries, alkaline or NiMH, from USB bus power, or from an optional dedicated AC adapter. The recorder measures approximately 61 mm wide by 142 mm high by 27 mm deep and weighs 174 g including batteries, or 126 g without. Applications include field and nature recording, live music and rehearsal capture, interviews and dictation, podcasting, classes and meetings, and as a compact audio interface or backup recorder for video production.

For recordists who want simple handheld operation without constant gain anxiety, the Tascam DR-05XP pairs 32-bit float recording, proven stereo microphones, expandable microSD storage and USB interface operation in a pocket-sized unit.