Camera-mountable audio recorder with shotgun microphone DR-10SG
Capture audio that sounds as good as your image looks
The TASCAM DR-10SG packs problem-solving punch into a small package. Combining both a purpose built shotgun microphone and a professional quality digital recorder in a single unit, the DR-10SG addresses many issues faced by today’s DSLR videographer. First and foremost, the DR-10SG features an extremely directional supercardioid microphone and an integrated shock-resistant mounting foot. The dual benefits of this design include the rejection of unwanted ambient sound during filming and the avoidance of physically transmitted noise from shutter or lens mechanisms.
Coupled with this is a professional quality digital recorder featuring four selectable EQ modes, audio pass-through to the camera and an on-board audio slate for synchronization during post production. As an added safeguard against unexpected volume spikes, the DR-10SG also features TASCAM’s unique Dual Recording mode which automatically records a second “safety take” at a lower level.
Designed to deliver excellent quality, while addressing the inherent issues of on-camera audio, the DR-10SG will prove to be a valuable tool in your audio arsenal.
What’ new on V2.00
Support for MP3 recording at both 128kbps and 192kbps
An all-new shotgun capsule was designed by TASCAM for the DR-10SG. The super-cardioid pickup pattern picks up sound in the direction it is pointing, rejecting ambient noise and reverberation. The design of this microphone is purpose-built to capture your subject’s voice from your camera, without noise from traffic, surf, echo, and other distractions.
Level meters are now active during both recording and playback
Level meters were previously active only during input monitoring. With V2.00 they are live during recording and playback as well.
Level selection with dual recording function added
The dual recording function enables simultaneous creation of a backup “safety recording” at a lower level. Previously, this backup track was fixed at -6 dB lower than the main track. A new option of -12 dB now been added.
POLY file dual recordings
POLY file mode can be used to record a mono sound source input as a stereo file. V2.00 also supports dual recording when in this mode.
Overall performance improvements
Overall performance has been enhanced, and microSD card writing/processing has been improved. Capture audio that sounds as good as your image looks
An all-new shotgun capsule was designed by TASCAM for the DR-10SG. The super-cardioid pickup pattern picks up sound in the direction it is pointing, rejecting ambient noise and reverberation. The design of this microphone is purpose-built to capture your subject’s voice from your camera, without noise from traffic, surf, echo, and other distractions.
DR-10SG
Camera shoe attachment with shockmount for maximum mobility
The DR-10SG’s built-in shoe mount adapter attaches it directly to the camera while staying out of your way. Even when guerilla shooting or grabbing hand-held shots, the DR-10SG focuses on your subject for great-sounding results.
DR-10SG
Four EQ presets to match the subject and setting
The DR-10SG’s built-in equalizer tailors the recording to sound best in your environment. It includes the following four presets:
NATURAL: Flat response for a natural-sounding recording.
STANDARD: Standard EQ for a video camera shotgun mic, adding clarity.
INTERVIEW: EQ optimized for voice recordings in interviews, conversations and similar scenes.
FIELD: Ideal EQ for recording sound effects and other background sounds.
High-quality audio that’s simple to use
The DR-10SG provides digital recording with the convenience of a camera accessory. Detailed electrical design includes rejection of power supply and camera noise in a compact design. Controlled listening tests during the design stage led to consisent improvements in the design, from the best shotgun capsule design to the need for high-performance capacitors in the power supply.
Shock mount mechanism and noise isolation arm reduce handling and lens operation noise
A floating shock mount mechanism sits between the recorder and the shoe mount, reducing vibration and other noise transmitted from the camera body. Also included, a noise isolation arm moves the recorder away from the camera, lens, and other sources of noise. This is especially useful to reduce noise generated by autofocus motors.
DR-10SG
Audio from the DR-10SG Camera Out jack can be recorded on the camera
The DR-10SG has an output jack for DSLR and video cameras. Connecting this to the camera allows it to record a copy of the sound that the DR-10SG picked up. This allows the audio recorded on camera to be higher quality, and makes it simple to syncronize audio with the video in your editing software.
For compatibility with many cameras that come with different input sensitivities and levels, the DR-10SG has an output volume control to avoid distortion. A custom attenuation cable maximizes signal quality when a camera has just a mic-level input. The camera out jack doubles up as a headphone output.
Slate tone simplifies synchronization with video files
A built-in generator produces slate tones providing convenient reference points for lining up video and audio files after recording. Slate tones are automatically produced when recording starts and stops. The volume of slate tones can be set to OFF, LOW or HIGH. By connecting the DR-10SG back to the camera with the included cable, the camera’s video file also gets the slate tones. If you need perfect syncronization, zoom into your editing software and line up the sine waves.
Dual recording records two files simultaneously at different levels
Film-making often involves sudden audio volume jumps. An actor could decide to scream a line and a documentary subject could do almost anything. On a single-person shoot, the camera operator has enough to worry about without keeping their hand on the volume knob for dialog level changes.
The DR-10SG has several features to prevent distorted audio, but the most secure is Dual Recording. This feature captures a copy of your signal at a lower level, as a safety track in case of distortion.
Automatic file closing saves file data before the battery runs out
You can always monitor the battery level on the easy-to-read Organic EL display. If the battery runs out in the middle of a recording, the unit will automatically save the file before turning off so your take isn’t lost. And the case is designed so that batteroes can be changed quickly, without removing the recorder from the camera shoe mount.
Automatic level, limiter and other functions solve common recording level problems
If the input sound level is too low or too high, an automatic level function can increase or decrease the recording volume to an appropriate level. The limiter prevents distortion caused by sudden input overloads. These functions save you from worrying about recording level settings in situations when there is no second chance.
Compact and lightweight body that is only 3.9 oz. including battery
The DR-10SG has been designed to be compact and lightweight to maintain mobility even when used on the lightest and smallest cameras. The single AAA battery lasts for hours and won’t put a strain on the camera’s shoe mount. And the whole unit is compact enough to be held with action cameras like the GoPro.
DR-10SG
Operates for 8.5 hours continuously on a single alkaline AAA battery
One easily obtained Alkaline AAA battery powers the DR-10SG for 8.5 hours continuously. The DR-10SG can also use disposable lithium or rechargeable NiMH batteries.
Features at a glance
Supercardioid shotgun mic built in.
Shoe adapter (ISO/JIS standard) attaches to the camera accessory shoe.
Records to microSD and microSDHC cards.
Records 44.1k / 48 kHz, 16/24-bit, mono or poly linear PCM (WAV/BWF) files.
Built-in clock stamps BWF files with time-of-day information for additional convenience when editing or searching for files.
Equalizer has four presets that can be selected to match the recording conditions.
Limiter automatically reduces high input levels to suitable levels.
Dual recording for two files to be recorded simultaneously with different gain levels.
Slate tone for conveniently synchronizing with video files.
Camera out jack (combined with headphone jack) outputs audio to a camera.
Automatic file closing prevents the loss of data before the battery runs out.
Included noise isolation arm reduces lens operation noise.
Included attenuation cable matches output audio signal level when connected to a camera.
Included cable clip secures attenuation and headphone cables.
Tripod threads (ISO/JIS standards for mounting directly to a camera tripod or rig.
Playback to headphones to check recorded file contents immediately.
Time track increment silently and seamlessly splits a recording by creating a new file at regular intervals (about 15
minutes) for easier editing.
File naming based on a user-specified word or the current date.
Operates on 1 AAA battery (alkaline, rechargeable NiMH or disposable lithium) or USB bus power.
Secondary lithium-ion battery maintains date and time information.
1/8” (3.5mm) headphone jack built in.
Easy to read 96×16 dot OEL display with wide viewing angle.
Micro-B USB 2.0 port to easily transfer files to a computer.
V2.00
Support for MP3 recording at both 128kbps and 192kbps
Level meters are now active during both recording and playback
Independent level settings are now supported within the dual recording function
POLY file dual recording is now possible
Overall performance enhanced
Spec description
Recording media
microSD card (64MB to 2GB)
microSDHC card (4GB to 32GB)
