While this might not be true as a blanket statement, it’s pretty much the standard sentiment these days: audio isn’t that fun. At least when compared to video and cinematography. Audio is often an afterthought, and that can be a huge problem—especially if it’s ignored.
To help any interested shooters or video crews level up their audio games, TASCAM has introduced a new FR-AV4 4-channel field recorder and quickswap battery holder that is set to offer a wide range of helpful audio recording features. Let’s check it out.
The TASCAM FR-AV4
Designed to bring production-grade audio to your modern camera rigs and workflows, this slim, aluminum chassis field recorder is easy to mount and durable enough for location work.
The TASCAM FR-AV4 features a dedicated camera screw mount that can help speed up setup, while quick-swap BH-4AA battery trays, USB bus power, or an optional AC adapter can cover everything from run-and-gun shoots to all-day studio sessions.
Plus, with a 1.9” color touchscreen teamed with a jog wheel, crews will have fast access to routing, metadata, and file management, even when they’re moving.
HDMI and Timecode Features
Along with four XLR/TRS combo inputs that feed TASCAM Ultra HDDA microphone preamps (EIN -127 dBu) and dual A/D converters for low-noise capture with extended headroom, the TASCAM FR-AV4 will feature 32-bit float recording with up to 133 dB of usable range.
The TASCAM FR-AV4 will also feature a built-in timecode generator and HDMI-based sync that uses a shared master clock. A Record Trigger will further let compatible cameras start and stop the FR-AV4 automatically, minimizing missed takes.
Users will also be able to keep their video path intact with 4K/8K pass-through and embedded multichannel audio that plays nicely with monitor-recorders from brands like Blackmagic and Atomos.
TASCAM FR-AV4
Credit: B&H
Price and Availability
The TASCAM FR-AV4 is available for preorder now, with units expected to ship at the end of next month, in October. Here are the full specs and purchase options.
- Location Recording and Production Sound
- 32-Bit Float, No-Clip Recording
- 4 XLR/TRS Inputs, Ultralow-Noise Preamps
- Record 4 Input Channels Plus Stereo Mix
- 133 dB Dynamic Range, Dual Converters
- Wireless Control/Monitoring with AK-BT2
- Runs on 4 AA Batteries, USB, or AC
- Records to SDXC Card
- HDMI and 3.5mm Timecode In/Out
- 6-In / 2-Out USB-C Audio Interface
TASCAM FR-AV4 4-Channel 32-Bit Float Field Recorder with Mixer, Timecode, and HDMI Sync
The TASCAM FR-AV4 brings production-grade audio to modern camera rigs with a slim, aluminum chassis that’s easy to mount and tough enough for location work.
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