Tascam NAMM roundup: US800, DR2, DR08, DR680, HS8 and HS2
By Paul Dakeyne
| Posted in Music Technology
Tascam US800, DR2, DR08, DR680, HS8 and HS2 are all new products launched by this reliable and quality manufacturer. Tascam products have mostly been sturdy work-horses, technically reliable and usually long term studio partners, so this announcement at NAMM 2010 will no doubt serve to reinforce these facts.
The new US800 8 channel audio interface bridges the gap between the US144Mk2 and the massively popular US1641. It has the capability to record at 192kHz with all expected incoming signal connectivity in place for the unit: 6 analog inputs – 2 mic/instrument combo jack inputs and 4 mic/line combo jacks. Output is taken care of with 2 rca phono analogue outputs and one spdif (acting as a digi-in as well of course). MIDI in/out, USB 2.0 support and a bundled Cubase LE package round off the new device.
The Tascam DR2 is a stereo field recorder which replaces the prior DR1, adding to the ‘superb quality and brilliant features of its predecessor’ with 96kHz recording capability, dual recording, a built-in speaker plus a handy remote control. The perhaps mysterious ‘dual recording’ feature is in fact the capability to record two sets of stereo files with different recording levels simultaneously. This ensures if one recording level exceeds, causing distortion, the other does not – a nice safety feature we reckon. Another bonus is an ‘overdub’ feature allowing perhaps a voice-over on top of a previously recorded musical piece, which sounds useful for podcasting perhaps?
Continuing on the same theme as the above, the pocket-sized DR-08 field recorder arrives and replaces the DR-07. Incorporating a stylish new look, Tascam have added 96kHz recording capability and integrated variable angle microphones. The unit allows both manual and automatic recording level control to accommodate more dynamic field recording scenarios, right through to uni-level lectures and conferences. The Tascam DR-680 raises the field and portable recording bar to a new level, offering professional multi-track capabilities. The available 8 tracks offer 24-bit/192kHz quality with analogue limiting on each output and can record Wav or MP3 format directly to SD cards.
The HS8 is Tascam’s next generation of solid state recorder which is directly replaces the industry standard DTRS machines (such as the ubiquitous DA88). It features 8 channels of broadcast quality Wav recording and is fitted as standard with XLR, AES and ADAT connectivity allowing recording and playback in most studio scenarios. The all new user friendly TFT colour touch-screen makes for clarity of status and ease of use too.
A member of the same group of products is the new Tascam HS2. This unit is ideal for final mastering situations, being capable of 24-bit/192kHz recording direct to its internal solid state media. Analogue and digital I/O with ethernet connection, time-code and a remote control complete this pro-unit’s specification and features.
So, once again, it looks like Tascam are delivering better spec’d and, hopefully again, very reliable long-haul products firmly aimed at specific studio and field recording tasks. Great products we think, from a great manufacturer.
Tags: DR08, DR2, DR680, HS2, HS8, Tascam, US800