Product Overview: Tascam DR 44WL
By Erik Jarvis
Finding a portable recorder that is both compact and powerful can be tricky. I often find it easier to use my cell phone, which I always have with me, and allows me to e-mail demos to myself. However, the voice memo function on a phone is not necessarily intended for recording live music.
It also drains my phone battery, limiting my use of the phone itself, and the microphone sucks. Tascam’s DR 44 has the ease and portability of a cell phone, but with far superior power and sound quality.
Tascam has a reputation of offering portable recorders in every size and style imaginable, and I was not surprised to find that the DR 44 has more tricks per square inch than any other recorder I’ve worked with.
Built-in cardioid X-Y condenser microphones, two XLR inputs, remote Wi-Fi control, and wireless sharing capabilities are just a few of the features packed into this gadget.
For me, the most important feature of a portable recorder is that it actually be portable. The DR 44 is small and light, but still durable. Much of its portability and ease-of-use comes from the Wi-Fi features.
Download the Tascam DR Control app for your phone, tablet, or laptop, and you can control volume settings and monitor battery life right from your phone.
This is so essential if you are using the built-in mics and the recorder’s placement is not near you. I play Rhodes at rehearsals, so I can have the recorder in the center of the room, or pushed away from the drums, and keep my phone on top of the keyboard to run levels.
I mentioned earlier that my phone used to be my default recorder because it was so easy to e-mail myself the files. The DR 44 also solves that problem, as its wireless capabilities extend to file sharing.
The recording possibilities seem endless. If you use the multi-track function, you could track a whole EP and easily transfer the files to your laptop for mixing. You can even add reverb!
As an independent musician without much disposable income, I have a hard time justifying the purchase of almost any gear. I always have to run an intense cost-benefit analysis.
This portable recorder passes my test. Its versatility and power are unparalleled. For composers, performers, videographers, and everything in between, the DR-44 will surpass its intended purpose.
Musicpage.com user Michael Howard won this product in a Music Page contest last month. You can read our interview with him about the product here.
