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Record Clean and Clear Audio Everywhere

The DR-05X offers portable, high-quality stereo recording in MP3 or WAV format – including 96-kHz/24-bit high-resolution audio – using microSD, microSDHC or microSDXC media. A pair of omni-directional mics handles up to 125 dB SPL with the sensitivity to capture every detail. Users can also use their own microphone or line-level source through the mini-jack stereo input which includes plug-in power for microphones that need it.

Simple to Operate

The DR-05X is quick and easy to use with one thumb. Operations like recording, adjusting levels, deleting bad takes and adding marks are only a button press away. Other features like low-cut filtering, Variable Speed Audition, chromatic tuner and others more can be chosen from the multilingual menu (English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese). Three different auto level modes (Limiter, Peak Reduction, Auto Level) can help to prevent accidental distortion while recording.

There is also a Level Align function that allows to smooth out any sudden volume jumps during playback, and a built-in speaker is provided for quick check-back. Users may apply one out of six reverb effects to the input or output signal, and an Overdub feature allows to record other parts such as a guitar solo over a recording previously made such as at a rehearsal studio. Overdubbing creates a new file, leaving the original file unaffected, making it easy to re-record.

Transcript Your Voice Recordings

The new Dictation Mode enables the user to jump back and forth in preselected increments while playing back a file. It can be combined with speed control and a special dictation EQ making it useful for transcribing minutes recordings, for example. The new tape-style Overwrite mode with one level of undo allows users to select a drop-in time and replace part of an existing recording.

Turn Your Room Into a Studio – In a Minute

Apart from handheld recording, the DR-05X can also be used as a USB audio interface with two inputs and outputs, making it a tool for voiceover work, live streaming, podcasting and songwriting with studio-quality audio.

Two AA batteries can power the recorder for more than 17 hours, even while recording at CD quality. Operation by USB bus power or an optional AC adapter (PS-P520U) is also possible.

Videos

An overview of the DR-X series

How to use a Tascam DR-X as USB microphone for Zoom

How to record using the Auto Timer

Details

Still Safe If It’s Louder Than You Thought.

Tascam DR-05X | Peak Reduction

Peak Reduction works in rehearsal mode or in record. So even if the sound or performance is louder than the soundcheck you’re safe. Combined with Auto Level and Limiter for preventing distortion, you never have to worry about sudden level changes.

Tascam DR-05X | Overwrite Mode

If you don’t like the last part of a phrase you just recorded with your guitar, or if you change your mind and want to rephrase narration, the “Overwrite mode” is exactly what you need. It allows punch-in recording from a desired point. This means destructive editing with one level of undo.

Tascam DR-05X | Nondestructive Overdubbing

The overdubbing function makes it possible to record while playing a previously recorded file. This allows you to record other parts such as a guitar solo over a backing track made such as at a rehearsal studio. Overdubbing creates a new file, leaving the original file unaffected, thus making it easy to re-record.

Tascam DR-05X | 192 Hours Recording Time

The DR-05X supports SDXC cards as recording media, which are available with very large data capacities. If you record one stereo file in 44.1-kHz / 16-bit CD quality, it can be as long as 192 hours. In MP3 format at 320 kBit/s, such a card can hold up to 896 hours (that is 37 days!).

Comparison chart for DR-X series recorders
  DR-05X DR-07X DR-40X
Mic type / polar pattern Electret condenser / Omni-directional Electret condenser / Uni-directional Electret condenser / Uni-directional
Mic configurations AB (fixed) AB/XY (swivelling) AB/XY (swivelling)
Mid-side mic support no no yes
Audio tracks 2 2 4
Recording resolution WAV or MP3, up to 96 kHz / 24 bit WAV or MP3, up to 96 kHz / 24 bit WAV or MP3, up to 96 kHz / 24 bit
MP3 bit rates 32–320 kbit/s at 44.1/48 kHz 32–320 kbit/s at 44.1/48 kHz 32–320 kbit/s at 44.1/48 kHz
Recording media microSD up to 128 GB microSD up to 128 GB SD up to 128 GB
Power supply 2 × AA, USB, PS-P520E (optional) 2 × AA, USB, PS-P520E (optional) 3 × AA, USB, PS-P520E (optional)
Battery life 17+ hours 17+ hours up to 18 hours
Mic/line input Stereo 3.5-mm mini jack with plug-in power Stereo 3.5-mm mini jack with plug-in power Balanced XLR/jack combo with 48 V phantom power
Built-in speaker yes yes yes
Phones/line output Stereo 3.5-mm mini jack Stereo 3.5-mm mini jack Stereo 3.5-mm mini jack
Remote control no no RC-3F / RC-10
Low-cut filter 40/80/120 Hz 40/80/120 Hz 40/80/120/220 Hz
Frequency response 20 Hz – 40 kHz +1/−3 dB 20 Hz – 40 kHz +1/−3 dB 20 Hz – 40 kHz +1/−3 dB
Distortion (THD) ≤0.05 % ≤0.05 % ≤0.05 %
S/N ratio ≥92 dB ≥92 dB ≥92 dB
Dual recording no no dual-level
4-track recording no no internal mics + stereo line
Non-destructive overdubs yes yes yes
Dictation mode yes yes yes
Auto-level control Peak Reduction, Auto Level, Limiter Peak Reduction, Auto Level, Limiter Peak Reduction, Auto Level, Limiter
Auto recording by input level yes yes yes
Pre-recording buffer 2 seconds 2 seconds 2 seconds
Self-timer yes yes yes
Mark function yes yes yes
Variable speed audition yes yes yes
Playlist function yes yes yes
Playback EQ yes yes yes
Auto level align on playback yes yes yes
Reverb effect yes yes yes
Chromatic tuner yes yes yes
Multilingual menu yes yes yes
USB audio interface mode yes yes yes
Dimensions (W × H × D) 61 mm × 141 mm × 26 mm 68 mm × 158 mm × 26 mm 70 mm × 155 mm × 35 mm
Weight with batteries 165 g 171 g 282 g

Features at a glance

  • High-quality handheld stereo recording
  • Small size and easy operation
  • Micro SD/SDHC/SDXC cards can be used as recording media (up to 128 GB)
  • Supported audio formats:
    • Linear PCM (WAV format) at 44.1 kHz / 16 bit (CD quality) or 44.1 kHz / 24 bit
    • Linear PCM (WAV format), 48 kHz / 24 bit
    • Linear PCM (WAV format), 96 kHz / 24 bit
    • Compressed (MP3 format): 32–320 kbit/s at 44.1/48 kHz (VBR files can be played but not recorded)
  • Can be used as a USB audio interface with Mac and Windows computers (two inputs, two outputs)

Recording

  • Built-in omni-directional stereo condenser microphone for lively, high-quality sound and high-resolution recording
    • Easy setup
    • Proven high sound pressure design for capturing sounds of up to 125 dB SPL, making it ideal for loud band recordings
    • Natural sound independent of the sound source’s position
    • Ideal for live music recording or news gathering with atmo
  • Switchable filter to minimize unwanted low-frequency noise (40 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz)
  • Manual recording level setting for music and field recording
  • Three options of automatic level control during recording: Peak Reduction, Auto Level, Limiter
  • Auto-recording function to automatically start recording based on input level
  • Marks can be added automatically when using the automatic recording function
  • Overwrite function for punch-in recording with one level of Undo
  • Dictation mode designed for human voice recording and transcription
  • Pre-recording buffer (2 seconds) allows a recording to start before the record key is pressed
  • Self-timer allows a recording to start 5 or 10 seconds after pressing the RECORD button
  • A new file can be created manually during recording or automatically when a certain file size is reached
  • Set marks to quickly locate certain audio positions (up to 99 per file)
  • Automatic tone generator convenient when editing with video on other equipment
  • Stereo mic/line input with plug-in power to connect an external source or microphone
  • File name format can be set to use a predefined word or the date

Playback

  • Automatic level align prevents uneven playback levels
  • Variable speed audition to change the playback tempo without affecting the key (50–200 %)
  • Repeat/loop function (repeat one track, all tracks or a marked section, convenient for practicing music and studying languages
  • Playlist feature to play files in a certain order
  • Resume function retains the last stop position and starts playback from that position when power is turned back on
  • Jump back function to instantly review playback (1–10, 20, 30 seconds)
  • Equalizer for tone control during playback
  • MP3 ID3 tag display (up to version 2.4)
  • Built-in loudspeaker
  • Headphones/Line output

Other features

  • QUICK menu button for easy access to various functions
  • Chromatic tuner function to tune your instrument
  • File divide function to cut unwanted noise or to extract parts from long recordings
  • Folder management to organize your files
  • Hold function to avoid inadvertent operation
  • Menu language can be selected between English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Korean, Japanese, Chinese
  • Clear, backlit LC display
  • USB 2.0 port for file transfer to/from computer
  • Power supply by 2 AA size Alkaline or NiMH batteries, USB bus power or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U)
  • Stand adapter (¼ inch) on bottom side to attach the unit to a tripod or microphone stand

Supported Operating Systems

Windows

  • Windows 11 (version 23H2)
  • Windows 11 (version 22H2)
  • Windows 11 (version 22H1)
  • Windows 10 (version 22H2)
  • Windows 10 (November 2021, version 21H2)
  • Windows 10 (May 2021, version 21H1)
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 7

Mac

  • macOS Sonoma (14.0)
  • macOS Ventura (13.0)
  • macOS Monterey (12.0)
  • macOS Big Sur (11.0)
  • macOS Catalina (10.15)
  • macOS Mojave (10.14)
  • macOS High Sierra (10.13)
  • macOS Sierra‎ (10.12)

iOS

  • iOS 17 / iPadOS 17
  • iOS 16 / iPadOS 16
  • iOS 15 / iPadOS 15
  • iOS 14 / iPadOS 14
  • iOS 13 / iPadOS 13
  • iOS 12
  • iOS 11

Options

Tascam WS-11 | Windscreen for Portable Audio Recorders
WS-11: Windscreen for Portable Audio Recorders
Tascam AK-DR11 | Accessory Pack for DR Series Audio Recorders
AK-DR11: Accessory Pack for DR Series Audio Recorders
Tascam TM-10L | Lavalier Microphone With Screw-Lock Connector
TM-10L: Lavalier Microphone With Screw-Lock Connector
Tascam PS-P520U | 5-Volt AC Adapter
PS-P520U: 5-Volt AC Adapter
Tascam BP-6AA | Battery pack
BP-6AA: Battery pack

Specifications

General
Recording media microSD card (64 MB – 2 GB)
microSDHC card (4–32 GB)
microSDXC card (48–128 GB)
Recording/playback formats WAV: 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24 bit
MP3: 44.1/48 kHz, 32/64/96/128/192/256/320 kbit/s
Number of channels 2 channels (stereo)
Compatible computers Windows computer with a USB port (2.0 or higher)
Mac (Intel and Apple Silicon M1 or M2 hardware) with a USB port (2.0 or higher)
Inputs and outputs
External Mic input (can provide plug-in power) 3.5-mm stereo mini jack
Headphones / Line output 3.5-mm stereo mini jack
Built-in loudspeaker 0.3 W (mono)
Control input/output
USB port Micro-B connector
  Format USB 2.0 High Speed mass storage class
Audio performance
Frequency response 20 Hz – 20 kHz +0/−1 dB
(MIC/EXT IN to LINE OUT, Fs 44.1 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz – 22 kHz +0/−1 dB
(MIC/EXT IN to LINE OUT, Fs 48 kHz, JEITA)
20 Hz – 40 kHz +0/−1.5 dB
(MIC/EXT IN to LINE OUT, Fs 96 kHz, JEITA)
Total harmonic distortion ≤0.01 %
(MIC/EXT IN to LINE OUT, Fs 44.1/48/96 kHz, JEITA)
S/N ratio ≥94 dB
(MIC/EXT IN to LINE OUT, Fs 44.1/48/96 kHz, JEITA)
Note: JEITA indicates compliance with JEITA CP-2150
Approximate battery operation time (continuous operation)
Alkaline batteries (Evolta)
  WAV, 96 kHz, 24 bit 15:30 (recording with built-in mics)
  WAV, 44,1 kHz, 16 bit 17:30 (recording with built-in mics)
  MP3, 44,1 kHz, 128 kbit/s 16:30 (recording with built-in mics)
  MP3, 48 kHz, 320 kbit/s 11:00 (recording with built-in mics)
  WAV, 96 kHz, 24 bit 14:00 (playback using headphones or built-in speaker)
  WAV, 44,1 kHz, 16 bit 16:30 (playback using headphones or built-in speaker)
  MP3, 44,1 kHz, 128 kbit/s 16:30 (playback using headphones or built-in speaker)
  MP3, 48 kHz, 320 kbit/s 15:30 (playback using headphones or built-in speaker)
NiMH rechargeable batteries (Eneloop)
  WAV, 96 kHz, 24 bit 12:30 (recording with built-in mics)
  WAV, 44,1 kHz, 16 bit 14:30 (recording with built-in mics)
  MP3, 44,1 kHz, 128 kbit/s 13:00 (recording with built-in mics)
  MP3, 48 kHz, 320 kbit/s 10:00 (recording with built-in mics)
  WAV, 96 kHz, 24 bit 13:00 (playback using headphones)
12:00 (playback using built-in speaker)
  WAV, 44,1 kHz, 16 bit 14:00 (playback using headphones)
15:00 (playback using built-in speaker)
  MP3, 44,1 kHz, 128 kbit/s 13:30 (playback using headphones)
13:00 (playback using built-in speaker)
  MP3, 48 kHz, 320 kbit/s 13:30 (playback using headphones)
13:00 (playback using built-in speaker)
Power supply and other specifications
Power requirements 2 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH)
USB bus power from a computer
AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U, sold separately)
Power consumption 1.7 W (maximum)
Dimensions (W × H × D) 61 mm × 141 mm × 26 mm
Weight 116 g (without batteries)
165 g (with batteries)
Permissible operating temperature range 0–40 °C

Design and specifications subject to change without notice.

Page last modified: 2024-01-13 11:18:15 UTC