TASCAM DR-05X Stereo Handheld Digital Audio Recorder / USB Audio Interface

TASCAM DR-05X – 2-Channel Portable Handheld Recorder with USB Audio Interface

The TASCAM DR-05X sets the standard for stereo handheld recorders with excellent sound quality, a simple interface, and powerful features for creators who need clean audio anywhere. It’s a top choice for meetings, music, audio-for-video, dictation, rehearsal capture, and everyday portable recording.

Record Clean, Clear Audio Anywhere

Dual internal stereo omnidirectional condenser microphones capture detailed sound—from subtle room ambience to loud sources—handling up to 125 dB SPL. Record in WAV/BWF for maximum quality (up to 96kHz / 24-bit) or choose MP3 for long recording times and easy sharing.

Fast, One-Thumb Operation

The DR-05X layout is designed for quick control on the move. Key actions like record, level adjustment, deleting takes, and adding markers are just a button press away.

• Quick Menu access to common functions
• Markers (up to 99 points per track) for fast navigation
• Jump-back playback and variable speed for review and transcription
• 10 menu languages: ENG / ESP / FRA / ITA / DEU / RUS / CHI / KOR / JPN / PRT

USB Audio Interface – Turn Your Room Into a Studio

Switch to USB Audio Interface mode and the DR-05X becomes a simple, studio-quality tool for voiceovers, live streaming, podcasting, and songwriting. Use the built-in mics as USB microphones and get great results without complicated setup.

Audio-for-Video Tools

• Auto tone for easy on-site audio adjustments
• Internal slate tone generator for quick track marking and identification
• Accessory kit AK-DR11C recommended for DSLR connectivity (sold separately)

Never Miss the Moment

• Auto Recording starts recording automatically when input reaches a set level
• Pre-Record (up to 2 seconds) captures audio before you press record
• Limiter / Auto Level / Peak Reduction help prevent distortion on unexpected peaks

Punch-In, Overwrite, and Overdub Options

• Overwrite (Punch-In) mode for replacing a section with one level of Undo
• Overdubbing lets you record over a previously recorded file while keeping the original file intact

Features at a Glance

• Stereo omnidirectional condenser microphones
• 2-in / 2-out USB Audio Interface for Mac, PC, or iOS recording
• Dictation mode optimized for voice recording and transcription
• Reverb effects (Hall/Room/Studio/Plate presets)
• Low-cut filters (40 / 80 / 120Hz)
• VSA speed change (0.5× to 2.0× in 0.1 steps; 44.1k/48k only)
• Level Align, EQ presets, loop/repeat, resume playback
• Divide/delete functions, playlist function
• Chromatic tuner built-in
• Tripod mounting screw hole

Specifications

• Recording Media: microSD (64MB–3GB), microSDHC (4GB–32GB), microSDXC (up to 128GB)
• File System: FAT16/32, exFAT
• Recording Format (WAV / BWF): 44.1 / 48 / 96 kHz; 16 / 24-bit
• Recording Format (MP3): 44.1 / 48 kHz
• MP3 Record Bitrates: 32 / 64 / 96 / 128 / 192 / 256 / 320 kbps
• MP3 Playback: 32–320 kbps, VBR, ID3TAG Ver. 2.4
• Channels: 2-ch (Stereo) / 1-ch (Mono)
• Playback Speed Control: 0.5× to 2.0× (0.1 steps) (44.1k/48kHz only)
• Built-in Microphone: Omnidirectional, Stereo
• MIC/EXT IN: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini (unbalanced, plug-in power)
• Nominal Input Level: -20 dBV
• Maximum Input Level: -4 dBV
• Input Impedance: 18kΩ or more (Plug-in Power OFF); 2kΩ or more (Plug-in Power ON)
• PHONES/LINE OUT: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini (unbalanced)
• Line Nominal Output Level: -14 dBV (10kΩ load)
• Line Maximum Output Level: +2 dBV (10kΩ load)
• Output Impedance: 12Ω
• Headphone Output Power: 20mW + 20mW (32Ω load)
• USB: Micro-B; USB 2.0 High Speed
• USB Features: Mass Storage Class; Audio Interface (44.1kHz, 48kHz)
• Built-in Speaker: 0.3W (mono)
• Low-Cut Filter: 40 / 80 / 120 Hz
• Chromatic Tuner: C1–B6; A4 = 435–445 Hz (1Hz steps)
• Effects: 6 presets (Hall 1, Hall 2, Room, Studio, Plate 1, Plate 2)
• Tripod Mount: 1/4" tripod attachment screw hole
• Power: 2× AA batteries, USB bus power, or optional AC adapter (AC 100–240V)
• Power Consumption: 1.7W (max)
• Battery Life (Recording):
• Alkaline (EVOLTA): approx. 17.5 hours (2ch WAV, 44.1kHz/16-bit, built-in mic)
• Ni-MH (eneloop): approx. 15.5 hours (2ch WAV, 44.1kHz/16-bit, built-in mic)
• Dimensions (W × H × D): 2.4" × 5.55" × 1.02" (61 × 141 × 26 mm)
• Weight: 4.1 oz (116 g)

Audio Performance

• Frequency Response:
• Fs 44.1kHz: 20Hz–20kHz, +0/-1dB (EXT IN to LINE OUT)
• Fs 48kHz: 20Hz–22kHz, +0/-1dB (EXT IN to LINE OUT)
• Fs 96kHz: 20Hz–40kHz, +0/-1.5dB (EXT IN to LINE OUT)
• Total Harmonic Distortion: 0.01% or less (Fs 44.1k/48k/96kHz, EXT IN to LINE OUT)
• Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 94 dB or higher (Fs 44.1k/48k/96kHz, EXT IN to LINE OUT)

Notes

• microSD/microSDHC/microSDXC cards sold separately unless otherwise stated.
• Optional accessories (e.g., AC adapter, DSLR connection kit) sold separately.
• Specifications are subject to change without notice.