It's a good idea to work with a retailer with a generous return policy. So=
metimes a recorder just doesn't meet your expectations. That's the case wi=
th the new Tascam DR-08.
I was excited to try the DR-08 because Tascam has produced several good per=
forming, moderately priced recorders in recent years. I also have a partic=
ular interest in machines that use a timer to start and stop recording. The=
DR-08 offers this feature.
After testing the DR-08, I am very disappointed. The mic preamp is so nois=
y it gives the impression you're recording in the bath with the shower runn=
ing. The overall construction is so light weight it feels flimsy. And the=
battery, recording at 24/96, barely reached the 3 hour mark.
A recorder like the DR-08 would work well for dictating field notes. The m=
achine is so light and compact you could carry it all day without noticing =
it's in your pocket. But I doubt the DR-08 would survive if you accidental=
ly sat on it.
The DR-08 costs about $175 today. There are personal dictation recorders a=
vailable from Olympus, Sanyo and Sony that do a good job of making audio no=
tes, and cost considerably less than $100. The Tascam DR-07 ($140) is comp=
letely different from the DR-08, and would make a much better field compani=
on.
So the DR-08 goes back to the retailer in tomorrow's post.
--oryoki
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