TASCAM’s DR-60DmkII, an update of the award winning DR-60D, is the audio recording solution for on-set filmmakers and videographers. The streamlined design fits perfectly under a DSLR camera rig, without relying on bulky recorders or the limited audio quality of the camera’s microphone in.
The DR-60DmkII is the next generation of 4-track solid-state recording, based on TASCAM’s decades of recording innovation. The upgraded HDDA microphone preamps provide up to 64dB of gain, capturing every nuance of a performance. Up to four channels at a time can be recorded to the internal SD Card, at up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV file resolution. Two of the mic inputs utilize locking XLR connectors with 48V phantom power, the other two use an 1/8” stereo connector for wireless and lavaliere microphones.
A Camera Output sends the mic mix to the camera for later synchronization, and a Camera Input is provided for monitoring playback. An additional headphone out and line out assist the crew during filming. The DR-60DmkII is designed for low-noise operation, including soft touch buttons and dedicated gain controls.
Multiple recording modes are available on the DR-60DmkII. Four-Channel Mode records all four microphone inputs. Dual Recording is an alternate setting, capturing a copy of your audio at a lower level for a distortion-free safety track. Menus and operation are well laid out, owing to decades of innovative recording design.
Reach beyond the limited performance of your camera’s audio to capture the other half of your film. At a cost less than competing preamps, the TASCAM DR-60DmkII is the ultimate 4-track recorder designed for filmmakers, television, live events and web broadcast.
High-quality Recording Technologies
High-Quality HDDA Mic Preamps
High quality mic preamps are a necessity for high-grade sound. The DR-60D’s HDDA mic preamplifiers (High Definition Discrete Architecture) employ discrete circuitry and premium parts, approved after months of evaluation testing. The HDDA s circuit achieves an incredibly high EIN (-120dBu) for the lowest noise level available. The DR-60DmkII mic preamps have been upgraded for up to 64dB of gain with new XLR input jacks for greater cable compatibility. A CIRRUS LOGIC’s AD converter (used also on the DR-40 portable recorder) is used to ensure detailed recording from any input signal.
A Variety of Inputs and Outputs With Internal Mixing DR-60DMKII
The DR-60DmkII can record up to 4-tracks simultaneously, allowing multiple microphones to be used while filming. Inputs 1/L and 2/R can be selected for mono or stereo link operation. Three sets of stereo outputs are provided. A Camera Out sends a reference track recording to the camera. The Line Out can feed a mixer or recorder. Finally, a powerful Headphone Out is available for direct monitoring. Each of these outputs has its own level control, and the Camera Out can be attenuated to microphone level without the need for an attenuating cable. The DR-60DmkII has an internal digital mixer for all 4 tracks. Adjust pan and level, add a Limiter or Hipass Filter (40/80/120Hz), and set individual channel Delay from the user-friendly set-up. The DR-60DmkII is ready to use right out of the box with its external, non-menu-intensive controls.
Multiple Record Modes Meet Any Challenge On-Set
The DR-60DmkII includes several recording modes to adapt to any recording scenario:
MONO/DUAL MONO mode:
Ideal for single source microphones, like using a shotgun together with a clip-on lavaliere mic
STEREO/DUAL STEREO mode:
These modes are ideal for shooting with a stereo or mid-side microphone. A Mid-Side Decoder is built in, and can be added either during monitoring or before recording
4CH mode:
This mode records all four microphone inputs to their own tracks.
DUAL MONO and DUAL STEREO mode:
Records a back-up safety track in case levels are set too high and clipping occurs. The safety track can be set to record from -6dB to -12dB below the initial take. If an actor suddenly screams a line, you have a backup recording that isn’t distorted
Custom-designed for DLSR Shooters
Soft-Touch Controls
Every aspect of the DR-60DmkII is designed specifically for DSLR Audio for Video Recording. The keys of the unit are designed specifically for quiet operation to eliminate handling noise. The Slate feature is designed to mark tracks easily while in production. The input and output layout is designed for versatile use. Whether the device is used under a camera, on a rig or strapped around a solitary sound engineer, TASCAM’s DR-60D will meet all on-site audio production needs.
Dedicated Camera Output
The CAMERA OUT connector sends the mix from the DR-60DmkII to your camera. An adjustable level control is provided, as many DSLR cameras lack an input control. The camera audio gets a clean mix from the DR-60DmkII to assist syncing tracks in editorial.
Most modern editors – including Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere – include a function to automatically synchronize audio recordings with camera clips. If your editing software lacks this feature, applications such as Red Giant PluralEyes can automate the process.
Slate Tone Generator for Tighter Lock
The internal slate tone generator produces various tones for easy track making and recognition. Slate tones can be generated two ways:
Automatic: Tones are added to the head or the head and tail of each clip (from 0.5 – 3 sec)
Manual: Push the SLATE button to record a tone
Ch 3 & 4 Inputs Support High-Output Microphones
The channel 3/4 input connector supports a high-level maximum input – up to +10dBV. Many microphones designed for use with video cameras have a high-level output and a 3.5mm output connector. Plug-in power is also available for microphones that need it.
Tripod Mounting on Top and Bottom
The DR-60D can be placed between a DSLR Camera and a tripod, or mounted to a cage or follow-focus rig. A tripod socket is on the bottom of the unit, and a (removable) tripod bracket is mounted on the top.
Lightweight Body Designed for Rugged Portability
The DR-60DmkII’s body was manufactured with very rigid plastic for a durable but lightweight design. TASCAM understands how important weight is to steady camera movement when filmmaking. In addition to its light weight, the feature-rich DR-60DmkII is extremely compact. Only 5.25″ wide, the DR-60DmkII won’t interfere with camera operation. All batteries can be replaced without removing the device from the Camera or tripod / rig.
Remote Control Options
The REMOTE jack accepts either the TASCAM RC-3F footswitch-type remote control or TASCAM RC-10 wired remote control (both sold separately). They add the following control functions:
Features at a glance
Record to SD/SDHC card (Up to 32GB)
Simultaneously record up to 4 tracks
Record Modes: MONO, STEREO, DUAL MONO, DUAL STEREO, 4-CHANNEL
Recording format: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16 or 24-bit, WAV/BWF
TASCAM HDDA microphone preamps wth 120dB EIN and 64dB of gain
Recording levels can be adjusted independently for the 1/L, 2/R and 3-4 inputs
Two combo XLR/TRS inputs support +4dBu mic/line level input
Phantom power to channels 1/2 (24V or 48VDC on XLRF)
Plug-in power and high-output mic input supported on inputs 3-4
CAMERA OUT connector for output from the DR-60DmkII mixer (adjustable gain)
CAMERA IN connector for sound monitoring from the camera
Independent adjustable LINE OUT and HEADPHONE jacks for high-quality sound output
50mW/ch headphone amplifier
Tripod mounting socket (bottom) and mounting screw attachment (top)
Handles protect the screen and can be used to attach a shoulder strap
Soft-Touch Rubber Keys for silent operation
HOLD switch to prevent accidental operation
QUICK button feature for easy access to various functions
128×64 pixel LCD with backlight
USB 2.0 connection for high-speed transferring of files
Mini USB cable included
Operates on 4-AA batteries, an AC adapter (sold separately) or USB bus power
Can extend battery life with BP-6AA battery pack (sold separately)
Dedicated remote control jack for the wired RC-10 remote control or RC-3F footswitch (both sold separately)
Internal mixer: PAN and LEVEL controls
Low cut filter (40/80/120Hz)
Limiter (1/L and 2/R can be selected for linked operation)
Delay function for microphone distance adjustment (up to 150ms)
M-S decode functionSlate tone generator (AUTO/MANUAL)
Selectable duration of slate tone from four positions (0.5/1/2/3 sec, when auto-generated)
Selectable slate tone generation. (3 positions: OFF/HEAD/HEAD+TAIL, when auto-generated)
File naming format can be set to use a user-defined word or date
Dual-recording function allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels
Auto-record function can automatically start and stop recording at set leve
lPre-recording function allows the unit to record a 2 second sound buffer before recording is activated
Self-timer function for solo recording
New file starts recording automatically without interruption when maximum file size is reached
Track incrementing function allows a recording to be split by creating a new file when desired
Jump back and play function
Equalizer function for playback, and level alignment function to enhance the perceived overall sound pressure
Resume function to memorize the playback position before the unit is turned off
MARK function up to 99 points per audio track
Spec description
Recording media
SD card (64MB to 2GB), SDHC card (4GB to 32GB)
Recording format
WAV
44.1k/48k/96k Hz, 16/24-bit
BWF
44.1k/48k/96k Hz, 16/24-bit
Number of channels
4-channel (stereo x2)
Analog audio input
1/L, 2/R connectors
Connector
XLR-3-31 (1:GND, 2:HOT, 3:COLD) / 1/4″ (6.3mm) TRS standard jack
Set to “MIC / MIC+PHANTOM”
Input impedance
2kΩ
Phantom power
48V ±4V (10mA/CH) / 24V ±4V (10mA/CH)
Maximum input level
0dBu
Minimum input level
–72dBu
MIC input gain
TRIM MAX
LOW
+11dB
MID
+36dB
HIGH
+52dB
HIGH+PLUS
+64dB
Set to “LINE”
Input impedance
10kΩ or more
Standard input level
+4dBu
Maximum input level
+24dBu
3-4 connector
Connector
1/8″ (3.5mm) stereo mini jack (this connector can be supplied plug-in power)
Input impedance
10kΩ
Maximum input level
+10dBV
Minimum input level
–50dBV
MIC input gain
TRIM MAX
LOW
+3dB
HIGH
+26dB
HI + PLUS
+38dB
CAMERA IN connector
Connector
1/8″ (3.5mm) stereo mini jack
Input impedance
10kΩ
Standard input level
–10dBV
Maximum input level
+6dBV
Analog audio output
CAMERA OUT connector
Connector
1/8″ (3.5mm) stereo mini jack
Output impedance
200Ω
Standard output level
–50dBV
Maximum output level
–30dBV
LINE OUT connector
Connector
1/8″ (3.5mm) stereo mini jack
Output impedance
200Ω
Standard output level
–10dBV
Maximum output level
+10dBV
PHONES connector
Connector
1/8″ (3.5mm) stereo mini jack
Maximum output level
50mW + 50mW
USB
Connector
Mini-B type
Format
USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
REMOTE
Connector
2.5mm TRS jack
Power
Four AA batteries (Alkaline or NI-MH),
USB bus power,
Dedicated AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520U, sold separately),
Dedicated external battery pack (TASCAM BP-6AA, sold separately)
Power consumption
5.4W
Continuous operation time
2ch WAV, 44.1kHz, 16-bit Rec, *All times are approximate.
DR-60D alone
Alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)
2-½ hours (Phantom ON)
4-½ hours (Phantom OFF)
NI-MH batteries (eneloop)
3-¼ hours (Phantom ON)
5 hours (Phantom OFF)
NI-MH batteries (eneloop pro)
3-¾ hours (Phantom ON)
6 hours (Phantom OFF)
DR-60D with BP-6AA
Alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)
5-½ hours (Phantom ON)
10-½ hours (Phantom OFF)
NI-MH batteries (eneloop)
7-½ hours (Phantom ON)
12 hours (Phantom OFF)
NI-MH batteries (eneloop pro)
9-½ hours (Phantom ON)
14-½ hours (Phantom OFF)
Dimensions (W×H×D)
5.2″ × 3.7″ × 3.1″ / 133 × 93.2 × 78 mm (with the top adapter attached)
Weight
1.12 lbs. / 510 g (excluding batteries)
Operating temperature
32˚F to 104˚F / 0˚C to 40˚C
Standard accessories
USB cable, warranty card, Owner’s manual
Computer compatibility
Windows
OS
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8
CPU
Pentium 300MHz or more
RAM
128MB or more
USB
recommended: USB2.0
Macintosh
OS
Mac OS X Jaguar (V10.2), Mac OS X Panther (V10.3), Mac OS X Tiger (V10.4),
Mac OS X Leopard (V10.5), Mac OS X Snow Leopard(V10.6.8), OS X Lion(V10.7),
OS X Mountain Lion(V10.8)
CPU
Power PC, iMac, G3, G4 266MHz or more
64MB or more
USB
recommended: USB2.0
Audio performance
Frequency response
20Hz to 20kHz +0.5/–2dB (LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT, Fs 44.1k/48k Hz, JEITA)
20Hz to 40kHz +0.5/–3dB(LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT, Fs 96kHz, JEITA)
Distortion
0.02% or less (LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT Fs 44.1k/48k/96k Hz, JEITA)
S/N ratio
92dB or more (LINE IN or MIC IN to LINE OUT Fs 44.1k/48k/96k Hz, JEITA)
Equivalent input noise
–120dBu or less
Recording Duration
The table below shows the maximum recording time on SD/SDHC cards of different capacities for different file formats for recording.
File format (recording setting)
SD/SDHC card capacity (hours:mintes)
1GB
2GB
4GB
8GB
WAV/BWF 16-bit (STEREO)
44.1kHz
1:41
3:22
6:44
13:28
48kHz
1:33
3:06
6:12
12:24
96kHz
0:46
1:33
3:06
6:12
WAV/BWF 24 bit (STEREO)
44.1kHz
1:07
2:15
4:30
9:00
48kHz
1:02
2:04
4:08
8:16
96kHz
0:31
1:02
2:04
4:08
The recording times shown above are estimates. They might differ depending on the SD/SDHC card in use.
The recording times shown above are not continuous recording times, but rather they are the total possible recording times for the SD/SDHC card.
If recorded in mono in WAV files, the maximum recording time will be double the figures above.
For dual and 4-channel recording in WAV/BWF format, the recording times are about half those shown above.