Tascam4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder for Videographers, 4 Combo XLR/TRS Inputs, 2 Internal Mics, Limiter, HP Filter (DR-70D)

This is the second unit I purchased for my Film and Television production class. The first one worked flawlessly until a student dropped it and broke the SDI input, which was a major reason for purchasing this model. We need timecode jam sync so students can learn tradition sync sound film production technique. This Tascam recorder is the least expensive option I've found with a professional timecode in port and high quality audio preamps.If you don't need timecode sync then get the cheaper version without the SDI in port. It's functionally identical. If you need timecode sync then this is a fantastic and reasonably priced option that will not disappoint.Quickly, for those who aren't sure why they might need timecode sync, here are a couple of examples:1) You want to record high quality audio with professional mics but your camera doesn't have the necessary inputs or function. You will need a separate audio recorder. While it's possible to sync the audio in post through matching waveforms, the best way to accomplish this is with matching timecode.2) You want to sync multiple cameras and audio. This might be necessary for recording a live event or concert. Practically speaking, the only way to do this reliably is with timecode. You can't rely on picture and audio staying in sync because some cameras may be far enough away from the audio source to create a delay between the visual and the audio.It must also be said that you could use a timecode generator that outputs timecode to an unused audio track. That would eliminate the need for the timecode input. That's an acceptable option but a proper timecode input is the better, more professional, and more flexible option and doesn't require special software to use.

This thing rocks my world. I record a podcast on it. Each speaker gets a track, so people with bad mic technique are easy to fix in post without messing up everyone else's sound. I don't have to carry a laptop with me to make it work. I haven't really used the built-in mics, but they seem as good as anything else you find on recording devices.On a per-track basis, you can control gain with the knobs, a separate customizable gain boost in the menu, panning, phantom power, recording on or off (no wasting disk space and battery to record silence from empty mic ports like on the Zoom H4N), and probably more that I'm forgetting.Battery life is okay, mostly I use it plugged in. One weird quirk: powering it with third party cables may not work properly, but the one that comes in the box works fine. Switches to battery power if it comes unplugged (but don't let it jiggle in and out or it can shut off). Mic ports are super secure, in fact so secure that I worry I might damage the device if I'm not careful in unplugging mics.Build quality feels about medium-durable. I've read that the tripod/camera mounts aren't well built and can damage the device if used roughly, so I don't use them and I treat the whole thing with kid gloves. The little circle thing on the top rattles, which is bad, but I cut off a thin slice of foam from the packaging and stuck it under and now it's still and silent. The knobs are a little hard to control individually, but if you have small to medium hands you'll be fine (mine are dainty and womanish). The battery compartment is fiddly but okay. Date and time resets when you change the batteries, but all other settings are stable.Formatting time on a 32 gig card is faster than my H4N on an 8 gig card. Sound quality is excellent. Having a headphone port and a separate line out is really nice. The device confirms phantom power usage whenever it's switched on, which is great (easy to forget you turned it on for a track).For the price, there is no competition. Fancy mixer interfaces still need a separate computer to work. Nobody has it cheaper than Amazon, at least not right now. Treat it gently and accept the occasional little bump in the road, and you'll love it like you've never loved a gadget before.