Tascam DR-70D

A recorder designed for DSLR rigs and compact shoots

The Tascam DR-70D was conceived as a central piece of your audio capture for video: rather than relying on the often limited preamps of a camera, it allows capturing clean and usable tracks while remaining integrated into the rig. Its compact chassis, mounting solutions (threaded base and removable DSLR mount), and protective side handles make it a tool suited for mobile shoots, stabilizers, and lightweight setups, without sacrificing quality or connectivity.

Who the DR-70D is for and where it excels

The DR-70D is aimed at videographers, journalists, documentarians, and content creators who want to secure their audio without adding bulk to their setup. It is suitable for interviews (1 to 2 shotgun or lavalier mics), stereo ambience, and multi-source scenes where tracks need to be separated for clean mixing in post-production. Thanks to its two built-in omnidirectional microphones, it can immediately record natural ambience and becomes formidable when paired with external microphones (shotgun, statics, MS), all while maintaining a very compact configuration.

Key features: connectivity, recording safety, and video-dedicated tools

4 Combo inputs, built-in microphones, and flexible recording modes

With its four Combo inputs (XLR/TRS jack), the DR-70D accepts professional microphones and line sources, allowing recording of up to four channels simultaneously. The two built-in microphones add an immediate solution for ambience or a backup stereo pair. The routing and modes offered help adapt the recorder to each situation: mono, stereo, or creation of stereo files from a mix of inputs.

Built-in mixer, useful on-field processing, and MS compatibility

The DR-70D integrates a mixer allowing level and pan control, with practical tools for shooting: a limiter to avoid clipping, an adjustable high-pass filter to reduce handling or wind noise in the low frequencies, and delay to compensate for distance differences between microphones. Support for Mid-Side (MS) with switchable MS decoding is ideal for capturing an adjustable stereo image in post-production, especially for ambience or outdoor recordings.

HDDA preamps and 24-bit conversion: a clean foundation for post-production

Recording quality depends heavily on preamps: the DR-70D features Tascam HDDA preamps (discrete architecture) designed to deliver a clean and detailed signal, with a low noise floor and good headroom before clipping. Recording goes up to 96 kHz / 24-bit WAV (linear PCM), with support for BWF (Broadcast Wave) for a more "broadcast" workflow and better integration in editing.

Camera integration: dual recording, monitoring, and synchronization

To facilitate editing, the camera output sends a stereo mix to the camera to obtain a reference track directly in the video, while the main audio is recorded at superior quality in the DR-70D. Conversely, the Camera input allows listening to the signal coming from the camera body. The Slate Tone function generates a reference frequency (automatic or manual) to simplify audio/video alignment. Finally, the Dual Recording function records the same signal at two different levels in two separate files, very useful when a voice suddenly gets louder or an unexpected event occurs.

Technical specifications

Number of channels	4	Inputs	Jack, Stereo mini jack, Line in, XLR
Sampling frequency	96 kHz	Outputs	Headset, Audio, Stereo jack, 3.5 mm headphone
Max resolution	24-bits	Color	Black
Headphone outputs	Yes

Recording media	SD card (64 MB to 2 GB), SDHC (4 to 32 GB), SDXC (64 to 128 GB)	Maximum input level	+24 dBu (dynamic range: 20 dB)
Recording/playback formats	WAV 44.1/48/96 kHz at 16/24 bits; BWF 44.1/48/96 kHz at 16/24 bits	Additional unbalanced input for channels 1 and 2	3.5 mm stereo mini-jack, compatible with "plug-in" power
Maximum resolution	96 kHz / 24-bit (linear PCM)	Separate line output	3.5 mm mini-jack (distinct level)
Support for	BWF (Broadcast Wave Format)	Separate headphone output	3.5 mm mini-jack (distinct level)
Dual Recording function	same signal recorded at two different levels in two separate files	Automatic Slate insertion	start only, or start and end of recording
Specified EIN	-120 dBu	Manual Slate insertion	via SLATE button
A/D converters	Cirrus Logic	Backlit LCD screen	128 x 64
Adjustable high-pass filter	40 / 80 / 120 Hz	Tripod thread	1/4 inch pitch on the bottom
Phantom power on all 4 Combo inputs	+24 V / +48 V	Power supply	4 AA batteries (LR06)