FR-AV4
Professional 4-Track Field Recorder
32-Bit Float, Timecode & HDMI Sync, Cascadable
Perfect Sound,
Wherever Your Story Takes You
The FR-AV4 is more than just a 4-track field recorder – it’s an essential audio solution for videographers, content creators and audio professionals.
With dual A/D converters, Tascam’s Ultra HDDA low-noise microphone preamps, and 32-bit float resolution, the FR-AV4 captures every nuance, from the quietest of whispers to the largest explosions, all with crystal clarity and no fear of clipping. Thanks to a built-in timecode generator and HDMI sync to firmly lock audio to video, this compact and rugged tool is ideal for professional audio recording in virtually any environment.
Professional-Grade Audio Fidelity in Any Environment
Dual A/D converters and 32-bit float resolution capture every detail with over 133 dB of dynamic range and zero clipping. Each of the four XLR/TRS combo inputs features low-noise Tascam Ultra HDDA preamps (EIN –127 dBu), delivering pristine clarity, even in the most unpredictable environments.
Industry-Leading Recording and Mixing Technology
Record a full multi-microphone setup with confidence. With four inputs and two outputs, the FR-AV4’s built-in mixer offers flexibility while simultaneously capturing all four channels – plus a stereo mix – for 6-track recording directly to SDXC media.
Stay in Sync, Wherever You Shoot
A built-in timecode generator ensures solid synchronisation across your entire setup with no additional gear required. It offers a wide range of timecode sync options, including HDMI I/O, dedicated Timecode In and Out, timecode output for a camera and wireless sync with Atomos via Bluetooth (optional AK-BT2 adapter required).
With these features, the FR-AV4 integrates seamlessly into any video workflow.
Rugged, Portable and Ready for Production
Tough enough for demanding shoots, but compact enough for small mobile setups, the FR-AV4 is ideal for creators on-the-go. Its lightweight aluminium chassis is built to follow wherever your project leads you – be it in the studio, on location or in the field.
Pro-Grade 32-Bit Float Audio Interface
The FR-AV4 doubles as a 6-in/2-out USB-C audio interface for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android devices – delivering the same massive dynamic range and no-clip recordings you get on location.
Shoot Smarter with HDMI-Based Sync
Synchronisation via HDMI* aligns audio and video with precision using a shared master clock and timecode. Record trigger functionality allows you to start and stop audio recording directly from a supporting camera – no extra steps, no worry of missed takes. With full 4K/8K video pass-through and embedded multi-channel audio support, the FR-AV4 effortlessly integrates with monitor recorders such as Blackmagic and Atomos.
* works with Blackmagic, Canon, Fujifilm, Nikon, Panasonic, Sony and many other cameras
Sync with a Camera via HDMI
Simply connecting an FR-AV4 to a camera via HDMI ensures precise synchronisation of video and audio. This also enables the FR-AV4 to start and stop recording automatically in response to camera operation.
Video and Audio Embedded via HDMI
Four audio tracks plus a stereo mix can be recorded on the FR-AV4. The 4K/8K video signal passes through the FR-AV4, and is recorded on the monitor recorder. In addition, the FR-AV4 allows the camera’s audio to pass through, and be recorded as part of the multitrack audio on the monitor recorder.
Cascade Multiple FR-AV4 via HDMI
If four recording tracks are not enough, you can connect multiple FR-AV4 units via HDMI to achieve a cascade. This synchronises the clock between the devices, and recording can be started and stopped from the first device in the chain.
Wireless audio monitoring
With the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter, the FR-AV4 allows you to monitor your audio sources wirelessly. Both wired and wireless outputs can be used simultaneously with independent volume control, enabling multiple users to listen via headphones or speakers at the same time.
Details
Flexible Monitor Selection
Quickly route and monitor any channel using the dedicated monitor select screen. A mix of the sounds …
Full Control via Touch, Jog, and Mobile App
A responsive colour touchscreen and jog wheel offer full control – even with gloves on. Plus, with the …
Advanced Input Processing
Shape your audio before recording with features such as onboard EQ, low-cut filter, limiter …
High-Capacity Recording for Long Shoots
Supporting SD cards with a capacity of up to 512 GBytes and USB bus power, the FR-AV4 is …
Ambisonic Audio Recordings
Capture spatial audio in A-format and B-format (AmbiX and FuMa) for cutting-edge …
Auto File Save For Data Security
Tascam’s unique Auto File Save feature automatically saves recordings every 20 seconds to …
Quick Swap Battery Replacement
A BH-4AA battery holder, which holds four AA batteries, is included. To keep your shoot …
Securely Locked Connections
The HDMI and USB ports are prepared for cable locks which can prevent accidental disconnection and …
Integrate with the Tascam Ecosystem
Thanks to Bluetooth* connectivity, you can monitor waveforms, batch edit metadata on …
FR-AV4 and Tascam Audio File Manager
Not all audio editing software is equally useful. With the free Audio File Manager software from Tascam …
Videos
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Features at a glance
Main features
- Record six tracks (four tracks + stereo mix) to an SDXC card
- Wide analogue dynamic range of 133 dB with dual A/D converters and 32-bit float resolution
- Crystal-clear audio quality thanks to ultra-low-noise preamplifiers (Ultra HDDA, EIN –127 dBu) on all four XLR/TRS combo inputs
- Built-in mixer for blending up to four inputs into two outputs
- Built-in timecode generator, synchronisation via HDMI, Timecode In/Out, USB
- Atomos Bluetooth sync
- Precise AV synchronisation via HDMI clock, along with cascade and record trigger control, supporting 4K/8K video pass-through
- Wireless audio monitoring (using app Tascam Recorder Connect)
- Portable, lightweight and slim design, ideal for mobile recording and studio production
Other features
- Selectable recording format to suit any project (24-bit/32-bit float, 48/96/192 kHz)
- 6-in/2-out USB-C audio interface (24-bit or 32-bit float)
- Free ‘Tascam Recorder Connect’ app for iOS and Android allows control of up to 5 devices (including FR-AV2 and DR-10L Pro)*
- Monitor button allows quick and easy selection of monitoring sources
- Assignable key can instantly recall a preferred function
- Built-in low-cut filter, EQ, limiter and noise gate
- Selectable input and output delay (0–300 ms)
- High-accuracy clock generator (TCXO) for Jam Sync and timecode generation
- Supports ambisonics audio recording in A or B format (AmbiX, FuMa)
- Automatic file closing function to prevent loss of recorded data in the event of a power failure
- Phantom power (24/48 V) can be switched on/off for each XLR input individually
- 3.5-mm TRS Camera/External input (mono/stereo) with plug-in power (2.5 V or 5 V)
- 3.5-mm stereo Camera/Timecode/Line output
- 3.5-mm stereo headphones output with level control
- Built-in tone generator for easy level matching between devices
- 1.9-inch (4.8 cm) LCD touchscreen and intuitive jog wheel for easy operation
- Camera screw hole for use with camera rigs or tripods
- Power supply by four AA batteries, USB mobile battery or optional AC adapter (Tascam PS-P520U)
- Replaceable battery holder (BH-4AA) for quick and easy swaps (additional holders available as an option)
* Requires optional Bluetooth adapter Tascam AK-BT2
Specifications
| Recorder specifications | |
|---|---|
| Recording media | SD/SDHC/SDXC (up to 512 GBytes) |
| Recording/playback formats | |
| WAV (BWF) | Sampling frequency: 48 kHz, 96 kHz, 192 kHz Quantization bit depth: 24 bit, 32 bit float Metadata support: BEXT, iXML |
| MP3 | Sampling frequency: 48 kHz Bit rate: 128 kbit/s, 192 kbit/s, 256 kbit/s, 320 kbit/s |
| Input channels | 4 |
| Number of recording/playback tracks | 6 (4 inputs + stereo mix) |
| Timecode specifications | |
| Mode | Off / Free Run (Custom, Time of Day), File TC Offset |
| Sync master | Internal / TC In / HDMI / ATOMOS¹ / Jam Sync |
| Output | TC Out, Camera/TC/LINE Out, HDMI, USB |
| Frame Rate | 23.98 fps, 24 fps, 25 (50) fps, 29.97 (59.94) fps, 29.97DF (59.94DF) fps, 30 (60) fps² |
| ¹ For video with frame rates of 50 fps and higher, timecode of half the frame rate is used. | |
| ² AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter required |
| Analogue audio inputs | |
|---|---|
| Mic/Line inputs 1–4 (balanced) | XLR-3-31 (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) 6.3-mm standard TRS jacks (Tip = HOT, Ring = COLD, Sleeve = GND) |
| When MIC is selected | |
| Maximum input level | +4 dBu |
| Minimum input level | –76 dBu |
| Input impedance | ≥2 kΩ |
| Phantom power | 24 V, 48 V |
| When LINE is selected | |
| Maximum input level | +24 dBu |
| Nominal input level | +4 dBu (GAIN at minimum) |
| Input impedance | ≥8 kΩ |
| Line/Camera input (unbalanced) | 3.5-mm stereo mini jack (Tip: L ch, Ring: R ch, Sleeve: GND) |
| Maximum input level | 1 dBV |
| Nominal input level | –19 dBV (GAIN at minimum) |
| Minimum input level | –79 dBV |
| Input Impedance | ≥6 kΩ (plug-in power off) ≥1.6 kΩ (plug-in power on) |
| Plug-in power | 2.5 V, 5 V |
| Analogue audio outputs | |
|---|---|
| Line/Camera/Timecode output (unbalanced) | 3.5-mm stereo mini jack |
| When timecode is disabled | (Tip: L ch, Ring: R ch, Sleeve: GND) |
| Maximum output level | +6 dBV |
| Nominal output level | –14 dBV |
| Output impedance | 210 Ω |
| When timecode is enabled | (Tip: timecode, Ring: audio output, Sleeve: GND) |
| Output level | 10 mVpp |
| Output impedance | 150 Ω |
| Format | LTC (SMPTE ST 12-1 compliant) |
| Headphones output | 3.5-mm stereo mini jack |
| Maximum output power | 50 mW + 50 mW (THD+N <0.1 % at 32 Ω) |
| Recommended headphones impedance | 16–600 Ω (Low-sensitivity headphones may not produce sufficient volume even within the recommended range.) |
| Other inputs and outputs | |
|---|---|
| Timecode input (TC IN) | 3.5-mm stereo mini jack (Tip: timecode, Ring: –, Sleeve: GND) |
| Input voltage | 0.5–5 Vpp |
| Input impedance | ≥10 kΩ |
| Timecode output (TC OUT) | 3.5-mm stereo mini jack (Tip: timecode, Ring: –, Sleeve: GND) |
| Output voltage | 1.8 Vpp |
| Output impedance | 1 kΩ |
| Format | LTC (SMPTE ST 12-1 compliant) |
| HDMI inputs/outputs | Type-A connector Can be used with ATEN LockPro 2X-EA12 |
| HDMI Version | Version 2.1, supports 4k@60 Hz and 8k@30 Hz |
| USB | USB Type-C connector (compatible with single-screw lock connectors) |
| Transfer format | USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED |
| Device Class | Mass Storage Class USB Audio Class 2.0 |
| USB Audio | Sampling frequency: 48 kHz, 96 kHz Quantization bit depth: 24 bit, 32 bit float Number of inputs/outputs: 2/6 channels |
| Bluetooth adapter connector | Designed for Tascam AK-BT2 |
| Audio performance | |
|---|---|
| EIN (equivalent input noise, mic preamp) | ≤–127 dBu |
| Frequency response (input jacks to PCM data) | 48 kHz: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, +0 dB / –0.5 dB 96 kHz: 20 Hz – 40 kHz, +0.5 dB / –1 dB 192 kHz: 20 Hz – 60 kHz, +0.5 dB / –3 dB |
| Dynamic range (input jacks 1–4 to PCM data) | ≥133 dB (20-kHz LPF, A-weighted, JEITA) |
| Total harmonic distortion ratio (THD+N, input jacks 1–4 to PCM data) | ≤0.01 % (1 kHz sine wave, −2 dBFS input, input level at minimum, 20-kHz LPF, JEITA) |
| Note: JEITA indicates conformance to JEITA CP-2150 |
| Battery operation time | |
|---|---|
| Alkaline battery (Evolta) | |
| 09:00 | Inputs 1–2, Phantom power off, 48 kHz stereo WAV (BWF), 24-bit recording |
| 02:30 | Inputs 1–4, Phantom power on (48 V, 4 × 3 mA), 48 kHz 6-channel WAV (BWF), 32-bit float recording, headphones connected, HDMI not connected |
| 01:30 | Inputs 1–4, Phantom power on (48 V, 4 × 3 mA), 48 kHz 6-channel WAV (BWF), 32-bit float recording, headphones connected, HDMI not connected |
| NiMH battery (Eneloop) | |
| 08:00 | Inputs 1–2, Phantom power off, 48 kHz stereo WAV (BWF), 24-bit recording |
| 03:00 | Inputs 1–4, Phantom power on (48 V, 4 × 3 mA), 48 kHz 6-channel WAV (BWF), 32-bit float recording, headphones connected, HDMI not connected |
| 02:00 | Inputs 1–4, Phantom power on (48 V, 4 × 3 mA), 48 kHz 6-channel WAV (BWF), 32-bit float recording, headphones connected, HDMI not connected |
| Lithium battery (Energizer Ultimate Lithium) | |
| 17:00 | Inputs 1–2, Phantom power off, 48 kHz stereo WAV (BWF), 24-bit recording |
| 06:30 | Inputs 1–4, Phantom power on (48 V, 4 × 3 mA), 48 kHz 6-channel WAV (BWF), 32-bit float recording, headphones connected, HDMI not connected |
| 04:00 | Inputs 1–4, Phantom power on (48 V, 4 × 3 mA), 48 kHz 6-channel WAV (BWF), 32-bit float recording, headphones connected, HDMI not connected |
| Note: When using phantom power, operation times may vary depending on the microphones being used. |
| Supported operating systems | |
|---|---|
| FR-AV4 | Windows*, macOS, iOS/iPadOS, Android * Operation is not guaranteed using the Tascam driver with ARM64 CPUs. |
| FR-AV Series Settings Panel | Windows, macOS |
| Tascam Recorder Connect | iOS/iPadOS, Android |
| Audio drivers | |
| Windows | ASIO 2.0, WDM |
| macOS, iOS/iPadOS | Core Audio |
| Compatibility has been confirmed, but this does not guarantee operation with all devices. |
| Power supply and other specifications | |
|---|---|
| Power sources | 4 AA batteries (alkaline, NiMH, lithium-ion) USB bus power TASCAM PS-P520U AC adapter (sold separately) |
| Power consumption | 5.4 W (maximum) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D, overall) | 184 mm × 42 mm × 130 mm |
| Weight | 756 g (including batteries) 660 g (without batteries) |
| Operating temperature range | 0–40 °C |
| Included items | Safety guide, Tascam ID registration guide |
Design and specifications subject to change without notice.
Page last modified: 2025-09-25 10:56:53 UTC