Tascam DR-05XP review

The Tascam DR-05XP is a portable stereo audio recorder designed for creators. It’s a standalone recorder, so if you just want to capture high-quality audio or voiceovers, then this is a simple choice, no need for any additional equipment. One of the big features here is that it has the ability to capture 32-bit float recording at up to 96 kHz, which essentially means that it can capture audio at a far higher quality than most cameras, which generally capture audio at 16-bit.

Another of the big features is the 2-in/2-out USB-C interface. This means that the recorder can be used as a USB microphone or audio interface, enabling you to record directly to computers and even iOS devices.

As with many cameras where tools and effects are now the norm, the DR-05XP includes built-in effects such as reverb with six presets, a chromatic tuner for instrument tuning, and multiple low-cut filter options (40 Hz, 80 Hz, 120 Hz, 220 Hz) to reduce unwanted low-frequency noise, which can be useful in noisy environments where you just want to focus on the vocals.

One of the features that I really like, especially for an audio recorder, is the fact that this unit runs off two AA batteries, which should enable up to 17.5 hours of continuous use.

If you’re used to the Tascam range, then one of the great aspects is that the audio is captured on an SD or MicroSD card, enabling plenty of flexibility. Again, here, the DR-05XP supports microSDXC cards up to 512 GB.

Of special interest to videographers is the Auto Tone Output for Video Sync, which helps with synchronising audio and video files during post-production. While most video editing applications feature an auto-align tool, boosting this with the features of the recorder should make that whole process much easier.

One of the great things about the Tascam products is that they enable high-quality recording and features at a relatively reasonable price. Here, the DR-05XP is of decent build quality with the usual matte black finish. On the front are the main control buttons, and what I liked here was that the control remains much the same as the DR-40, with a few fewer features, so nice and easy to navigate.

The DR-05XP is the entry-level model, and the stereo mics at the top are fixed, unlike the DR-07XP, which enables you to adjust the mic direction.

Also on the front is the mono LCD screen, and this seems incredibly dated compared to the touchscreen LCDs and graphic-designed interfaces that we see with many products these days. However, in use, you really can’t fault it. It just works and does exactly what you need. Sometimes, this level of simplicity is actually a huge benefit when it comes to overall functionality. Another aspect of this screen area that I really like is the two indicator lights at the top: the Peak, which flashes red if you’ve pushed the upper level too far, and the Rec, which flashes in pause and is constant when recording.

Below the screen are the stop and record buttons. One push of Record primes the recorder so you can adjust levels, another push starts recording, another push pauses the recording but on the same file, and Stop ends the recording so you can start anew.

On the front, there’s the mic, external in, and on the side, an audio line out/headphone for monitoring the audio recordings. Also on the same side is the hold button, so when recording, you don’t accidentally stop the recording or adjust any of the settings.

On the opposite side is the USB port for a host of different uses and the MicroSD card slot, which is securely covered with a decent-quality flap that’s easy to access. Finally, on the back is a 1/4-inch thread and the battery compartment that takes 2 AA batteries.

The overall design is quite small and lightweight, with dimensions of 60.5 x 142.3 x 27 mm (W x H x D) and weighing 174 g (including batteries).

A quick run-through of some of the major features of the DR-05XP really highlights how, even though this is aimed at the entry-level of the market, there’s enough here to appeal to all levels of a videographer who just want a simple, high-quality device to capture audio.

Features such as the auto and pre-recording modes, built-in chromatic tuner, and reverb and overdub functions start to hit the ceiling for entry-level users and show that this is a system that has its roots in professional-level kit. What it also means is that there’s plenty of flexibility when it comes to the quality of the recordings you capture.

The USB interface for PC/iOS is another interesting feature that enables you to use this as a mic for those devices, as well as a way to record audio at a far higher quality than you would be able to do directly on the device. What I also like here is that you can plug in external mics to make the most of the high-quality preamp, which will capture audio at a far higher quality than the vast majority of cameras.

As we’ve seen with other units in the DR range, there’s a small speaker built into the back of the device, so if you don’t have headphones, you can quickly play back the audio to check on the volume. It’s a bit manual, but this type of feature can be a lifesaver.

I’ve used the Tascam DR-40 for years and picked up my first unit in the B&H store in New York. That unit is still with me, and I’ve used it to record audio for almost all of my professional videos, and I still use it today.

The DR-05XP is an evolution of the design, but still with many of the same great features. Getting started with the DR-05XP felt like working with an old friend, and while there are differences to the interface if you’ve used a DR unit in the past, then this is all going to seem quite familiar to you. If you haven’t, then one of the reasons I originally went for the DR-40 was it seemed simple, and one of the other videographers I was with absolutely swore by them. Mainly because they were cheap, but he was also insistent that I buy one, so I did, and I have to say it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made. While the cameras and most other kits have changed, the DR-40 remains with me.

Starting out with the DR-05XP was much the same, and I dialled in the quality settings that I wanted and set the mics to stereo and then mono to check out both. When listening back to the audio through headphones and comparing this with audio directly recorded on the Canon EOS R5 C, there’s an instant and marked difference, as you would expect. However, then comparing the audio quality of the DR-05XP against audio recorded on the DJI Mic 2 and Canon EOS R5 C, the quality of the audio is surprising, as the Mic 2 system is capable of capturing audio at 32-bit, while the R5 C can only capture at the lower 16-bit. It was instantly apparent that either using it in isolation or with the DJI Mic 2 system would give far higher audio recording quality than recording directly into the camera. This meant that the camera’s audio track could be used as a base track, with the Tascam audio used as the main audio source.

After testing out the audio quality for use with the camera, I then connected the Tascam to the MacBook Pro M1 Max via USB. This required a delve into the device’s USB settings, then selecting Audio I/F > Connect to PC/Mac, then down to Connect and Exec to confirm. As soon as this was done, the ‘Allow’ connection on the Mac could be confirmed, and the Tascam was selected in the settings.

Here, the audio settings seemed to be limited to 48 kHz. Still, for voiceovers, that quality was far greater than you’d expect through other recording devices, and there’s the built-in ability to apply the low-cut filter with five options to reduce background noise if required.

At the end of the test, I was extremely impressed with the small and lightweight DR-05XP. For beginners, the interface and use are easy enough, and the quality of the audio is a huge step up from what you can expect to record in-camera, even if the mics you’re using are able to record at that higher input quality.

If you’re working on your own, then this audio recorder is an absolutely superb option, and the ease of use and flexibility will enable you to capture audio at a far higher quality than you would be able to directly into most cameras.

That audio quality isn’t just good; it’s along the same levels as most professional equipment, and that means there’s far more flexibility in the quality when it comes to editing.

However, the slimmed-down design does mean that the built-in mics are fixed in position, which can be a little limiting, especially when recording in busy environments where you need to isolate the vocals. Then there’s the lack of advanced inputs, although what is on offer will appeal to most users, as the standard 3.5 mm jack or USB can be used.

Ultimately, for the price, the features, audio quality and design are superb and offer you a professional tool with entry-level pricing.