Tascam DR-44WL

Tascam DR-44WL
The DR-44WL revolutionises handheld recorders with its new Wi-Fi feature. A free app for iOS or Android devices provides control, file transfer, and audio streaming to your smartphone or tablet computer. Start recording while on stage or from anywhere in the room. Set trim levels, check meters and control the transport. At the end of a performance, transfer recordings to your smartphone and instantly upload them to SoundCloud or Facebook, or even e-mail directly to fans.

The DR-44WL has a pair of high-quality stereo condenser microphones built from high-performance components and arranged in XY pattern. These mics can handle high sound pressure levels without distortion. Two locking XLR inputs for external mics or sources are also available.

With four independent recording tracks, built-in mixer with reverb effect plus a bounce feature, the DR-44WL offers the ability to create true multitrack recordings. Or record two tracks in different formats (WAV/MP3) or with different level settings.ASCAM has once again revolutionized handheld recording! The DR-44WL creates its own Wi-Fi network, and a free dedicated app can be used for remote operation without touching the unit. Since the Wi-Fi transmission range is about 20 metres, this feature can be used with the recorder in places that are normally out of reach. Not only does the app allow recording to be started and stopped, it can also be used to check and adjust input levels from an iOS or Android device. Everything related to recording can be done by Wi-Fi.

In addition, audio can be checked by Wi-Fi after recording. The audio quality can be checked through headphones connected to a smartphone. With operation capabilities and flexibility that exceeds infrared remotes and reliability that approaches that of wired remotes this handheld recorder allows freedom of placement that far surpasses that of previous models.

Starting with firmware version 2.0 it is also possible to connect via an existing router or access point. Advantages are that (1) you can use other web services like e-mail or sharing portals at the same time with your mobile device, and (2) Wi-Fi range thus control range might be larger, depending on the router capabilities. A direct connection, in contrast, is ideal when there is no Wi-Fi available or you don’t have permission to use it.