Tascam has debuted the DR-10SG, a camera-mounted, audio recorder with a built-in shotgun microphone, weighing only 100 grams. It has an integrated shotgun microphone than can be placed on any camera with a hotshoe mount. The recorder creates mono recordings in WAV/BWF format with a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz at a resolution of 16 or 24 bits and offers automatic or manual level adjustment, a limiter, low-pass filter and EQ presets for different scenarios. It is also capable of dual recordings, with the second recording at a reduced level to protect against overloads/distortion.
A slate signal function and the ability to forward the sound signal to the camera simplify synchronisation during post-editing of the video material. The DR-10SG has a USB port for data exchange and is powered by a single AAA battery. A noise isolation arm and a wind shield for the microphone are included.
Tascam DR-10SG Features:
» Economical audio recorder with shotgun microphone for DSLR cameras
» Quality mono sound recording with easy setup
» Directly attachable to the camera with standard-size shoe mount
» Compact, lightweight chassis (only 110 g with battery)
» Shotgun microphone features super-cardioid directional pattern for clear direct sound even in noisy environments
» Auto or manual gain control
» Switchable limiter to prevent clipping
» Switchable low-cut filter conveniently reduces low-frequency noise
» EQ presets for different scenes of use
» Dual recording function allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels to provide a safety track in case of distortion
» Output connector to allow recording the audio also on the camera for later synchronization
» Slate tone generator to simplify synchronization of video files when editing
» Three LEDs for level monitoring
» Headphones connector for input monitoring and playback
» Floating structure to avoid operation noise
» USB 2.0 port for high-speed file transfer to computers
» Operates on one AAA battery (Alkaline, NiMH, Lithium) or USB bus power
» Recording medium: Micro SD/SDHC card
» Recording format: WAV (BWF), 44.1/48 kHz, 16/24 bit
» Included accessories:
— Isolation arm to reduce lens operation noise
— Windscreen to reduce noise in outdoor applications
The built-in shoe mount adapter attaches the DR-10SG directly to the camera while staying out of your way. A floating shock mount mechanism sits between the recorder and the shoe mount, reducing vibration and other noise transmitted from the camera body. The included noise isolation arm moves the recorder away from the camera, lens, and other sources of noise. This is especially useful to reduce noise generated by autofocus motors. The DR-10SG has an output jack for DSLR and video cameras. Connecting this to the camera allows it to record a copy of the sound that the DR-10SG picked up. This allows the audio recorded on camera to be a higher-quality and makes it simple to synchronize audio with the video in your editing software.
For compatibility with many cameras that come with different input sensitivities and levels, the DR-10SG has an output volume control to avoid distortion. A custom attenuation cable maximizes signal quality when a camera has just a mic-level input. The camera out jack can also be used as a headphones output. A built-in generator produces slate tones providing convenient reference points for lining up video and audio files after recording. Slate tones are automatically produced when recording starts and stops. The volume of slate tones can be set to OFF, LOW or HIGH. By connecting the DR-10SG back to the camera with the included cable, the camera’s video file also gets the slate tones. If you need perfect synchronization, zoom into your editing software and line up the sine waves.
The DR-10SG has been designed to be compact and lightweight to maintain mobility even when used on the lightest and smallest cameras, and the whole unit is compact enough to be held with action cameras like the GoPro. One easily obtained Alkaline AAA battery powers the DR-10SG for 8.5 hours continuously. The DR-10SG can also use disposable lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries. You can always monitor the battery level on the easy-to-read display. If the battery runs out in the middle of a recording, the unit will automatically save the file before turning off so your take isn’t lost. The case is designed specifically so that batteries can be changed without removing the unit from the camera shoe mount.
Tascam’s DR-10SG costs $199 and is available now.
Tascam
