Description
The Tascam DR-40X is a versatile portable recorder that also doubles as an audio interface for Mac and PC computers. Users will be able to capture sound with the device independently using its integrated microphones and transfer the sound files to their computers via USB or use it as a direct audio input device for whatever software they are using that requires audio input. What does all of this mean? Practically speaking, you can use your Tascam for many things, including as a microphone for Zoom meetings, as a recording device for your rehearsals and performances, and as an audio interface to lay down tracks directly into a Digital Audio Workstation.
Resources
Introduction to the Tascam – Video #1
The TASCAM DR-40X at first glance can look a little overwhelming, but in this video Allie Westbrook gives you a run down on what all the buttons do, how to make a recording, how to adjust the levels on your TASCAM so you can capture all your sound, and why you would change the direction of your stereo mic pair between the A-B or X-Y pattern. This video also goes over some nitty-gritty details like setting the date and time on your TASCAM, as well as changing your Record Settings to 16bit depth and 48 kilohertz sample rate.
Introduction to the Tascam – Video #2
In this video, Allie outlines potential uses for the TASCAM DR-40X in your music recording endeavors. Not only is the TASCAM a recording device, but it’s also an audio interface and a USB microphone. We’ll cover how to use the device for these features in other videos, but it’s important for you to know how versatile this equipment is so that you can explore and use the TASCAM to its full potential. This video also goes over the parts of a microphone stand, how to set up a stand, and safety procedures you should adhere to, to prevent any drops or breakage to your TASCAM. Included is a recording example of just how clear the microphone can sound when set up correctly. This video also explains how you can listen back to your recordings on your TASCAM via headphones with an aux jack.
Introduction to the Tascam – Video #3
In this video, Allie explains how to transfer, download and move files from your TASCAM DR-40X to a computer, as well as general organization tips like how to create folders within your TASCAM to store clips, name those files, and move files around within your TASCAM’s SD storage card. This may seem like a tedious ordeal to name files and put them in specific files, but it will save you so much time and prevent major headaches in the long-run. This video also explains what bit depth and sample rate are, and why it’s so important to record in particular bit depths and sample rates to be able to get the best sound recording possible.
Introduction to the Tascam – Video #4
The Tascam can serve as an external microphone for your computer. In this video, Cecil Nelson shows you how to use the Tascam device as a microphone for Zoom sessions, specifically.
Introduction to the Tascam – Video #5
The Tascam can serve as an audio interface, which allows you to record tracks directly into a Digital Audio Workstation. In this video, Cecil Nelson shows you how to set up your Tascam as an audio interface with ProTools. Cecil also uses an external microphone and an electric guitar in this setup.