The parade of feature-filled, dirt-cheap handheld digital recorders continues unabated. The latest is the DR-05 from affordable audio equipment specialist TASCAM. Price: $99.
The DR-05 uses microSD (and microSDHC) cards for media. The dual top-mounted condenser mics are set in place but said to be a cut above standard built-in mics. A 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) input allows for use of external microphones.
Recording formats are MP3 (32–320 kbps) and WAV (BWF), up to 24-bit/96 kHz. A limiter, low-cut filter and playback EQ curve are included. Basic clip editing functions and marking points are included. There’s a two-second record buffer. Operation and navigation is via a thumb toggle.
A nice goodie is an onboard chromatic tuner. A USB port allows for offloading of files without removing the microSD card and for power and battery (two AA) recharging.
