Tascam DR-05 User manual

User Manual of Product 1:
Tascam DR-05X Stereo Handheld Digital Audio Recorder and
USB Audio Interface, Black

D01231720C
REFERENCE MANUAL
DR-05
Linear PCM Recorder

2TASCAM DR-05
Table of Contents
1–Introduction ..........................................................4
Features.................................................................................4
Conventions used in this manual................................5
Trademarks and copyrights...........................................5
2–Names and Functions of Parts.............................6
Top panel .............................................................................6
Front panel...........................................................................7
Rear panel ............................................................................7
Left side panel ....................................................................8
Right side panel .................................................................8
Bottom Panel ......................................................................8
Home screen.......................................................................9
Recording screen............................................................ 10
Playback Control screen ...............................................11
Menu item list...................................................................11
Using menus..................................................................... 12
Basic operation................................................................ 12
3–Preparation .........................................................13
Powering the unit........................................................... 13
Using AA batteries ................................................... 13
Using an AC adaptor (sold separately)............. 13
Using USB bus power.............................................. 13
Start-up & shutdown..................................................... 14
Starting up the unit ................................................. 14
Selecting a language .............................................. 14
Setting the built-in clock....................................... 14
Shutting down .......................................................... 14
Resume function ...................................................... 14
Setting the date and time........................................... 15
Inserting and removing microSD cards................. 15
Inserting the microSD card................................... 15
Removing the card .................................................. 15
Preparing a microSD card for use............................. 16
Using the built-in speaker........................................... 16
Connecting monitors and headphones................ 17
4–Recording ............................................................18
Selecting file format/sampling frequency/type,
and maximum file size ................................................. 18
Set where to save the file ............................................ 19
Setting the input functions........................................ 19
Placing the unit and making connections............ 19
Recording with the built-in mics ....................... 19
Recording with external mics (MIC IN)............. 19
Recording an external device (EXT IN)............. 19
Adjusting the input level............................................. 20
Manually adjusting the input level.................... 20
Using the Level Control Function ...................... 20
Recording.......................................................................... 21
Recording playback and input sounds together
(overdubbing).................................................................. 22
Select the file you want to overdub.................. 22
Selecting file format................................................ 22
Simultaneous listening to playback and input
sound (Monitor Mix)................................................ 22
Adjusting the input level (simple adjustment) ... 23
Start the overdubbing............................................ 23
Recording automatically (AUTO REC)..................... 24
Creating and changeover to a new file during
continued recording (Track incrementing).......... 25
Manual track incrementation during recording ... 25
Automatic track incrementation by file size.. 25
Mark function .................................................................. 26
Adding marks manually to a recording ........... 26
Adding marks automatically to a recording .. 26
Moving to a mark position.................................... 26
Recording the moment before pushing RECORD
(PRE REC)............................................................................ 26
Self-timer function......................................................... 27
Using the AUTO TONE function................................ 27
Setting the AUTO TONE function....................... 27
Setting the AUTO TONE length........................... 28
Adjusting the AUTO TONE volume.................... 28
Recording duration ....................................................... 29
5–Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen) ... 30
Screen navigation .......................................................... 30
Icons on the BROWSE screen ..................................... 30
File operations................................................................. 30
Folder operations........................................................... 31
Creating a new folder ................................................... 31
6–Playback ..............................................................32
Adjusting playback volume........................................ 32
Setting the playback area (AREA) ............................ 32
Selecting a folder for the playback area (1).......... 33
Selecting a folder for the playback area (2).......... 33
Playlist................................................................................. 34
Adding tracks to the playlist ................................ 34
Editing the playlist ................................................... 34
Selecting files for playback (skip)............................. 35
Playback............................................................................. 36
Pausing......................................................................... 36
Stopping...................................................................... 36
Rewinding and fast-forwarding (search)......... 36
Repeat playback (REPEAT) .......................................... 36
Special Playback Control Functions........................ 37
Playback Control screen ........................................ 37
Repeated Playback of Selection (Loop Playback) .. 37
Changing the playback speed (VSA) ................ 38
Using the playback equalizer (PLAY EQ)................ 38
Moving back a few seconds for replay
(jump-back playback) .................................................. 39
7-Quick Operations................................................ 40
Features of the QUICK button ...................................40
Quick menu screen........................................................ 40
Closing the Quick menu screen.......................... 41
Deleting the selected file (Quick Delete).............. 41
Dividing the selected file (DIVIDE) .......................... 42
Increasing the perceived overall sound pressure to
enhance listenability (Level Alignment) .................... 42
8-Using the Effects................................................. 43
Setting the effect ........................................................... 43
Effects Preset List ........................................................... 43
9-Tuning a Musical Instrument (Tuner)................ 44
Using the tuner ...............................................................44
Setting the tuner......................................................44

TASCAM DR-05 3
Table of Contents
Tuning a musical instrument ............................... 44
Adjusting the input level for tuning .................44
10–Connecting with a Computer ......................... 45
Transferring files to a computer ............................... 45
Transferring files from a computer.................... 45
Disconnecting from a computer........................ 45
11–Settings and Information................................ 46
Viewing File Information.............................................46
File information page............................................. 46
Card information page...........................................46
System information page...................................... 46
System Settings and Formatting.............................. 47
Setting the automatic power saving function .. 47
Setting the backlight.............................................. 47
Adjusting the display contrast ............................ 47
Setting the type of AA batteries......................... 47
Setting the language .............................................. 47
Restoring the factory settings............................. 47
Using QUICK FORMAT.............................................48
Using FULL FORMAT................................................ 48
Setting the format of file names ..............................48
File name format .....................................................48
Setting the WORD item.......................................... 48
12–Messages .......................................................... 49
13–Troubleshooting ...............................................51
14–Specifications....................................................52
Ratings................................................................................ 52
Input/output ratings..................................................... 52
Analog audio input/output ratings................... 52
Control input/output ratings............................... 52
Audio performance....................................................... 52
Other specifications ...................................................... 52
Dimensional drawings .................................................54

4TASCAM DR-05
1–Introduction
Thank you very much for purchasing the TASCAM
DR-05 Linear PCM Recorder. Please read this
Owner’s Manual carefully in order to maximize
your use of all the unit’s features. We hope that
you will enjoy using this recorder for many years
to come.
After you have nished reading this manual, please
keep it in a safe place for future reference.
You can also download the Reference Manual from the
TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com/).
Features
• Compact audio recorder that uses microSD/
microSDHC cards as recording media
• Omnidirectional stereo microphones allow high-
quality stereo recording
• 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, linear PCM (WAV format)
recording possible
• Compatible with WAV files in BWF format
• 32–320 kbps MP3 format recording possible
(compatible with ID3 tag v2.4)
• Overdubbing allows playback and input signals to
be mixed and recorded together as a new file
• Built-in 0.3 W monaural output speaker
• Built-in effect (reverb) can be used during recording
and playback
• Auto-record function starts recording automatically
when a set sound input level is detected
• Automatic tone insertion function convenient for
synchronizing with video files when editing
• Can start recording a new file automatically when a
maximum file size set in advance is reached without
interrupting recording
• A QUICK button is available for easy access to
various functions
• Track incrementing function allows a recording to
be split by creating a new file when desired
• Pre-recording (PRE REC) function allows the unit to
record the 2 seconds of sound before recording is
activated
• Peak reduction function is available to reduce the
level automatically in case of excessively large
input.
• Automatic level control is available to increase or
decrease the recording volume when the input
sound is too small or too large, respectively.
• Limiter function automatically reduces the level
suitably in particular portions where the input level
is too high
• Low cut filter conveniently reduces low-frequency
noise
• VSA function can change the playback speed in the
range from 0.5 to 1.5 times (in 0.1 increments) the
normal speed without changing pitch
• Repeat playback and IN-OUT loop playback
functions
• PB CONT button is available to show settings
screens for playback speed control and IN-OUT loop
• Tuner function to tune musical instruments
• Self-timer function to start recording after a set
period of time.
• Jump back and play function allows the last several
seconds of the currently played file to be replayed
again by simply pressing a button
• REC DELAY function can be used to avoid recording
the sound of pressing the RECORD button
• Playlist function
• DIVIDE function allows files to be split where
desired (only for WAV files)
• MARK function convenient for moving to specific
locations
• Equalizers function for playback, and level
alignment function to enhance the perceived
overall sound pressure
• File name format can be set to use a user-defined
word or the date
• Resume function to memorize the playback
position before the unit is turned off.
• 3.5mm (1/8”) jack for external stereo microphone
input (provides plug-in power) or external stereo
line input
• 3.5mm (1/8”) line/headphones output jack
• 128 x 64 pixel LCD with backlight
• Mini-B type USB 2.0 port
• Operates on 2 AA batteries, an AC adaptor (sold
separately: TASCAM PS- P520E), or USB bus power
• Tripod attachment screw-hole built into unit
• USB cable included

TASCAM DR-05 5
1–Introduction
Conventions used in this
manualThe following conventions
are used in this manual.
• When we refer to a button or connector or control
on the DR-05, the typeface looks like this: MENU.
• When we show messages, for example, that appears
on the screen, the typeface looks like this: ON .
• “microSD memory card” is sometimes abbreviated
as “microSD card”.
• Additional information is introduced in the styles
below when needed:
TIP
We give hints and tips on using the DR-05 when you see
this icon.
NOTE
A note provides additional explanations for special
situations.
CAUTION
A caution shows that you may lose data (recordings) if
you do not follow the instructions.
Trademarks and copyrights
• TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC CORPORATION,
registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• microSDHC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.
• MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology licensed
from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.
• Supply of this product does not convey a license
nor imply any right to distribute MPEG Layer-3
compliant content created with this product
in revenue-generating broadcast systems
(terrestrial, satellite, cable and/or other distribution
channels), streaming applications (via Internet,
intranets and/or other networks), other content
distribution systems (pay-audio or audio-on-
demand applications and the like) or on physical
media (compact discs, digital versatile discs,
semiconductor chips, hard drives, memory cards
and the like). An independent license for such
use is required. For details, please visit http://
mp3licensing.com.
• Other company names, product names and logos
in this document are the trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective owners.

6TASCAM DR-05
2–Names and Functions of Parts
Top panel
1Built-in stereo microphone
Omnidirectional stereo electret condenser
microphone. If you connect an external
microphone or external input to the MIC/EXT IN
jack on the rear panel, the built-in microphone
becomes inactive.
2 PEAK indicator
Lights when the input volume is too high.
3Display
Shows a variety of information.
4¤(HOME) [8] button
Press this button during playback to cause the
playback to pause at the current position. Press
this button during pause time to return to the
beginning of the track.
Press this button during recording or recording
standby to cause the recording to stop.
When any other screen is open, press this button
to return to the Home screen. Use this button to
answer “NO” to a conrmation message.
Press and hold this button to turn the unit’s power
ON or OFF.
5+ button
When the Home or TUNER screen is displayed, press
this button to increase the output level from the
built-in speaker or /LINE OUT jack. During
adjustment, a volume indicator will be displayed in
a pull-up window.
When the Playback Control screen is displayed,
press this button to increase the playback speed.
When a setting screen is open, use the button to
change the setting of the selected item.
6MENU button
When the Home screen is displayed, press this
button to open the MENU screen.
Press this button to return to the MENU screen from
the various setting screens.
When the MENU screen is displayed, press this
button to return to the Home screen.
When the IN and OUT points are set in the track
and the Playback Control screen is displayed, press
this button to turn on or o loop playback.
7.button
Press this button to return to the beginning of
a track that is playing or stopped in the middle.
When the IN and OUT points are set between the
current position and the beginning of the track,
pressing this button skips to those points.
If you press this button when a track is stopped at
its beginning, the unit will skip to the beginning of
the previous track.
Press and hold this button to search backwards.
Press this button while pressing and holding the
MARK button to return to the previous mark.
On the setting screens, use this button to move the
cursor left. On the BROWSE screen, press this button
to move up a level.
Press this button during recording or recording
standby to decrease the input level from the
built-in microphone or MIC/EXT IN jack. During
adjustment, a pull-up window is shown in the
display.
8 PB CONT button
This button activates the Playback Control screen.
When the Playback Control screen is displayed,
press this button to return to the Home screen.
Press this button during recording standby to
turn o the self-timer function or change the time
period.

TASCAM DR-05 7
2–Names and Functions of Parts
9 – button
When the Home screen or the TUNER screen is
displayed, press this button to decrease the output
level from the built-in speaker or /LINE OUT jack.
During adjustment, a volume indicator will be
displayed in a pull-up window.
When the Playback Control screen is open, press
this button to decrease the playback speed.
When a setting screen is open, use the button to
change the setting of the selected item.
0REC indicator
The indicator ashes during recording standby. The
indicator lights while recording.
qRECORD [0] button
When stopped, press this button to put the unit
into recording standby. REC indicator starts to
ash. When INPUT is ON on the MONITOR MIX screen
(Monitor Mix is ON), a pop-up menu appears to ask
whether overdubbing is ON/OFF.
w QUICK button
When playing back, stopped, paused or in
recording standby in the Home screen or when
the Playback Control screen is displayed, press
this button to display the Quick Menu screen. The
function to be shown depends on the state of the
unit when the button is pressed.
• Stopped: delete, division, or level alignment for
the current song
• Playback/Playback Control screen: level
alignment
• Recording standby: level control
Press this button to divide the recording by
creating a new le.
When the BROWSE screen or PLAYLIST screen is
displayed, press this button to show or cancel the
popup menu for le/folder operations.
e/button
Press this button during playback or when
playback is stopped to skip to beginning of the
next track. When the IN and OUT points are set
between the current position and the end of the
track, pressing this button skips to those points.
Press and hold this button to search forward.
On the setting screens, use this button to move the
cursor right.
Press this button while pressing and holding the
MARK button to move to the next mark.
On the Browse screen, press this button to move
down a level. If a le is selected, the le is loaded
and the unit returns to the Home screen.
Press this button during recording or recording
standby to increase the input level from the
built-in microphone or MIC/EXT IN jack. During
adjustment, a pull-up window is shown in the
display.
r 7button
When the Home screen is displayed and playback
is stopped, press this button to start playback.
During playback, press this button to start jump-
back playback.
When a setting screen is open, use this to conrm
selections.
When a le or folder is selected in the BROWSE
screen, press this button to return to the Home
screen and play the le or the rst le in the folder
from the beginning.
tMARK button
When recording, use it to add markers manually.
Press the .or /button while pressing and
holding this button to move to the previous or
next mark, respectively.
When the Playback Control screen is open,
use this button to set the IN (start) and OUT (end)
points of the interval that you want to set for loop
playback. When the IN and OUT points are already
set, press this button to cancel loop playback and
clear the IN and OUT points.
Front panel
yStrap attachment
Use this to attach a strap.
Rear panel
uMIC/EXT IN jack
Use this input jack to connect a stereo mini-jack
microphone or an external input device. This jack
provides plug-in power when set to do so on the
REC SETTING screen.
The built-in microphone is disabled if an external
microphone is connected to the MIC/EXT IN jack.

8TASCAM DR-05
2–Names and Functions of Parts
Left side panel
i/LINE OUT jack
Use this to connect with headphones or the line
input jack of an amp or other equipment.
oHOLD switch
Shift to the left end (in the direction of the arrow)
to engage the hold function.
All buttons are inoperative when hold is ON.
Right side panel
pUSB port
Use the included USB cable to connect with a
computer USB port.
Power can be supplied through the USB cable
provided with the unit or an AC adaptor (sold
separately: TASCAM PS-P520E).
amicroSD card slot
Insert a microSD card into this slot.
Bottom Panel
sMono speaker
Use this built-in speaker to listen to recordings.
Sound is not output during recording, when the
unit is in recording standby, when headphones are
connected, when the speaker is disabled, or when
Monitor Mix is enabled.
dTripod attachment screw-hole (1/4-inch)
Use this to attach the unit to a tripod or mic stand.
CAUTION
• Tighten the unit securely to the tripod or microphone
stand to prevent it from falling off.
• Place the tripod or microphone stand on a level surface
when using it with this unit.
fBattery compartment cover
gBattery compartment
Install batteries (2 AA) in this compartment to
power the unit. (See“Using AA batteries”on page
13.)

TASCAM DR-05 9
2–Names and Functions of Parts
Home screen
1Playback speed setting status
Icon Playback speed
x1.0
x1.1 - x1.5
x0.5 - x0.9
Playback speed not controllable
2Loop/repeat playback status
: Single playback
: Single track repeat playback
: All track repeat playback
: Loop playback
3Monitor Mix function status
This shows whether the Monitor Mix function is
on or o.
: Monitor Mix o
: Monitor Mix on
4 Effect status
Shows whether the eect function is ON or OFF.
: Eect o
: Eect on
5 Power supply status
When a battery is being used, a battery icon shows
the amount of power remaining in bars
( , , ). The battery is almost dead and the
power will soon turn o if the icon has no bars
. When using the PS-P520E AC adaptor (sold
separately) or USB bus power, appears.
NOTE
Sometimes a “ Battery Low ” warning appears when
recording or conducting other demanding operations
even when battery power remains.
6Recorder operation status
8Stopped
9Paused
7Playing back
,Fast-forwarding
mFast-rewinding
/Skipping forward
/Skipping backward
7Level meter
The level of the input or playback sounds is shown.
When Monitor Mix function is ON, the level of the
combined input and playback sounds is shown.
8File information
The le name or tag information of the le
currently being played back is shown.
ID3 tag information is shown when available for an
MP3 le being played.
NOTE
ID3 tag information includes the titles and artists names
that can be saved in MP3 files.
9Playback position display
The current playback position is shown by a bar. As
playback progresses, the bar extends to the right.
0Elapsed time
Shows the elapsed time (hours: minutes: seconds)
of the currently playing track.
qRemaining time
Shows the remaining playback time of the current
track (hours: minutes: seconds).
wPeak value in decibels (dB)
The maximum level that occurs in a xed period of
time is displayed digitally.
eMonitoring output
: Headphones
: Built-in speaker
rPlayback area
ALL : All les in the MUSIC folder
FOLDER : All les in the selected folder
P.LIST : All les added to the playlist
tLoop playback IN (starting) and OUT
(ending) points
The set starting and ending points of the loop are
shown.
The icon appears at the playback position when
the starting point is set.
The icon appears at the playback position when
the ending point is set.
yPlayback file number/total number of
files
The total number of les in the playback area and
the number of the current le are shown.

10 TASCAM DR-05
2–Names and Functions of Parts
Recording screen
This screen appears when recording or in recording
standby.
1Level control function status
: Level control o
: Peak reduction on
: Automatic level control on
: Limiter on
2Plug-in power status
: o
: on
3Prerecording or Auto recording function
status
: appears when the prerecording function is
ON, and in recording standby.
: appears when the auto recording function
is ON, and recording.
4Low cut filter status
: Low cut lter o
: Low cut lter on (when set to 40Hz , 80Hz , or
120Hz )
5Auto tone function status
This icon shows whether the auto tone function is
on or o. (See “Using the AUTO TONE function”on
page 27.)
: Auto tone o
: Auto tone on
6Recorder operation status
8Recording standby9Recording paused
(Recording standby)
0Recording
7Recording level meters
The input signal level is shown.
During overdub recording, the level of the
combined input and playback sounds is shown.
A bmark is given at the -12dB position on the
scale as a guide mark for input level adjustment.
8File name
The le name that will automatically be given to
recorded les is shown.
9Recording mode
Recording le format, sampling frequency, and
stereo/mono ( ST / MONO ) status are shown.
0Elapsed recording time
The elapsed recording time of the track appears as
hours: minutes: seconds.
qRemaining recording time
The remaining recording time until the selected
max le size is reached appears in hours: minutes:
seconds.
If the remaining recording time on the card is less
than the remaining time until the selected max le
size is reached, the remaining recording time on
the card is displayed.
wPeak value in decibels (dB)
Peak recording level values are shown digitally.
eInput level display buttons
The .and /buttons are shown on the
display to indicate that the input level can be
changed using these buttons.
Press the button (.or /) to display the
pull-up window that shows the input level at this
position.

TASCAM DR-05 11
2–Names and Functions of Parts
Playback Control screen
The Playback Control screen is displayed if the PB
CONT button is pressed during playback or when
playback is stopped.
Recording cannot be performed while this screen is
displayed. Press the .or /button to skip to the
I/O point or the beginning/end, instead of the previous
or next le.
1Loop playback status
The icon is displayed when loop playback is
enabled.
2Playback speed
Playback speed as compared with the normal
speed is shown.
VSA shown on the left to indicate that the VSA
(variable speed audition: enables the tempo to be
changed without changing the pitch) function is
enabled.
3Playback position display
The current playback position is shown by a bar. As
playback progresses, the bar extends to the right.
4Loop playback IN (starting) and OUT
(ending) points
The set starting and ending points of the loop are
shown.
The icon appears at the playback position on
the bar when the starting point is set.
The icon appears at the playback position on
the bar when the ending point is set.
5Available buttons
The buttons available in the Playback Control
screen are as follows.
MARK : Creates or deletes an IN or OUT point.
MENU : Switch over between ON and OFF status of
the loop playback function.
NOTE
Unlike the other screens, the QUICK button in this screen
works to display the quick menu containing only the
LEVEL ALIGN function, and no other functions will be
available.
Menu item list
This list provides an overview of the various menu
items.
Menu item Function Pages
REC SETTING
Recording mode settings 18
PLAY SETTING
Play area select, repeat
setting, playback equalizer,
jump-back settings
32,
36,
38,
39
BROWSE
microSD card le and folder
operations
30
SPEAKER
ON/OFF status of built-in
speaker
16
OTHERS OTHERS submenu display Next
table
The OTHERS submenu appears when OTHERS is selected
in the MENU screen. The menu items contained are as
follows.
INFORMATION
Information about the le,
microSD card, and system
46
MONITOR MIX
Monitor Mix settings 22
TUNER
Tuner settings 44
EFFECT
Eect settings 43
FILE NAME
File name settings 48
DATE/TIME
Date and time settings 15
SYSTEM
Various system settings 47
CAUTION
• When recording or in recording standby, only the
following screens and items are shown.
REC SETTING screen: MIC POWER , LOW CUT and AUTO
REC items (AUTO REC setting cannot be changed)
MONITOR MIX screen: INPUT and PB INPUT items
(INPUT setting cannot be changed)
EFFECT screen: all items
• The MENU button is disabled in the Playback Control
screen, but works to change over between ON and OFF
status of the loop playback function. (See “Repeated
Playback of Selection (Loop Playback)” on page 37.)

12 TASCAM DR-05
2–Names and Functions of Parts
Using menus
Use the MENU screen to make various settings.
Example: setting the playback area
1 Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.
2 Use the + or – button to select a menu item
(highlighted), and use the 7button to move to
various settings screens.
Example: PLAY SETTING screen
3 Use the + or – button to select a menu item
(highlighted) to be set.
Example: AREA is selected.
4 Use the /or 7button to move the cursor to
highlight the value of the setting.
5 Use the + or – button to change the setting.
6 Press the .button to set a different item in
the same menu.
This enables you to select a new item. Use the +
or − button again to select an item to be set.
7 Repeat step 3 to 6 as necessary to set each item.
8 To open the MENU screen, press the MENU button.
To return to the Home screen (or OTHERS submenu
screen), press the ¤(HOME) [8] button.
Basic operation
Use the following buttons to operate the various
screens.
MENU button:
Opens the MENU screen.
PB CONT button:
This opens the Playback Control screen.
¤(HOME) [8]button:
When any other screen is open, press this to return
to the Home screen. Use this to answer “ NO ” to a
confirmation message.
7button:
Use this to confirm the selection of a setting item or
to answer “ YES ” to a confirmation message.
/button:
Use this to move the cursor (the highlighted area)
to the right on the screen, and to open folders on
the BROWSE screen.
/button:
Use this to move the cursor (the highlighted area)
to the left on the screen, and to close folders on the
BROWSE screen.
+button:
Use this to move the cursor (the highlighted area)
upward on the screen, or increase values.
–button:
Use this to move the cursor (the highlighted area)
downward on the screen, or decrease values.
QUICKbutton:
This opens the Quick menu.
A popup menu is turned on or off in the BROWSE
screen or PLAYLIST screen.

TASCAM DR-05 13
3–Preparation
Powering the unit
DR-05 can operate on two AA batteries, or through an
optional AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520E) or USB cable
provided with the unit (USB bus power).
Alkaline or Ni-MH batteries can be used.
Using AA batteries
Open the battery compartment cover on the back
of the unit. Fit two AA batteries to the + and – marks
shown in the compartment, and close the battery
compartment cover.
When using AA batteries, set the type of battery
in order to accurately show the amount of power
remaining and allow the unit to accurately determine
whether power is available for proper operation. (See
“Setting the type of AA batteries” on page 47.)
NOTE
• Manganese dry cell batteries (R6) cannot be used with
this unit.
• This unit cannot recharge Ni-MH batteries. Use a
commercially available recharger.
• The included alkaline batteries are for confirming
operation of the unit and might not last very long.
Using an AC adaptor (sold separately)
Connect the PS- P520E AC adaptor and the USB cable
to the USB port of the unit as shown in the illustration.
AC Outlet
TASCAM
PS-P520E
USB (mini B) plug
CAUTION
• Never use any adaptor other than the designated PS-
P520E AC adaptor. Use of a different adaptor could cause
malfunction, fire or electric shock.
• Noise may occur when recording with a microphone if
the unit is too close to the AC adaptor. In such a case,
keep sufficient distance between the AC adaptor and the
unit.
NOTE
When both batteries are installed and the AC adaptor is
connected, power will be supplied from the AC adaptor.
Using USB bus power
Connect the unit to a PC using the attached USB cable
as shown in the illustration.
PC USB (mini B)
The USB SELECT screen appears to choose between USB
bus power for power supply or connection with a PC
through the USB cable when USB cable is connected
after the unit is turned on or when the unit is turned on
after connecting the USB cable. Use the + or – button
to select BUS POWER and press the 7button to select
power supply from the USB port. The Home screen will
appear.
NOTE
Power is supplied from the USB port if the USB cable is
connected to the unit that contains batteries (USB bus
power prioritized).

14 TASCAM DR-05
3–Preparation
Start-up & shutdown
CAUTION
• The unit goes in standby mode if shut down when the
unit is operating on AC power supplied through the AC
adapter (TASCAM PS-P520E, sold separately), or bus
power supplied from a USB port of a PC.
• Turn down the volume of the sound system connected to
the unit before starting up or shutting down the unit.
• Do not use headphones when starting up or shutting
down the unit. Otherwise, a large noise would cause
damage to headphones or your ears.
Starting up the unit
To start up the unit from the stopped state, press and
hold the ¤(HOME) [8]button until TASCAM DR-05
(start-up screen) is displayed on the display.
Start -Up screen
Selecting a language
The rst time you turn a new unit on after purchase,
the following setting must be made.
A screen appears to set the language shown on the
display.
Press the +or −button to move the cursor and select
(highlight with light letters on a black background) the
language to be shown on the display.
English : use English
日本語 : use Japanese
Français : use French
Español : use Spanish
Deutsch : use German
Italiano : use Italian
Русский : use Russian
中文 : use Chinese
After selection, press the 7button to conrm it.
NOTE
You can change this setting with the SYSTEM screen
LANGUAGE item. (See “Setting the language” on page
47.)
Setting the built-in clock
When the unit is started up for the rst time (or when
the built-in clock is reset after being left unused
without batteries), the DATE/TIME screen appears before
the start-up screen to adjust the date and time.
Press the .or /button to move the cursor
(highlighted area), and use the + or −button to change
values.
Press the 7button to x the settings.
The start-up screen is displayed, and then the Home
screen appears after the unit has started up.
Date/time adjustment may be skipped by pressing the
7button, and made later. (See “Setting the date and
time”on page 15.)
Shutting down
Press and hold the ¤(HOME) [8] button until
LINEAR PCM RECORDER appears on the display.
The power turns o after the unit completes its
shutdown process.
CAUTION
Always use the ¤(HOME) [8] button to shutdown
the unit.
Do not remove the batteries or disconnect the power
cable (AC adapter TASCAM PS-P520E or USB cable)
accidently while the unit is operating. If you do so, the
unit cannot shut down properly and all recordings,
settings and other data will be lost. Lost data cannot be
restored.
Resume function
The unit has resume function. When started up, the
unit is located to the position (time) where it left o
when shut down previously.
If the Ábutton is pressed after start-up, the track the
unit was playing when shut down previously starts to
be played from the position (time) where the unit left
o when shut down.
NOTE
The required data are stored in the microSD card. The
resume function does not work if the card is exchanged
or formatted.

TASCAM DR-05 15
3–Preparation
Setting the date and time
Using its internal clock, this unit remembers the date
and time when a le is recorded.
1 Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.
2 Use the + or – button to select the OTHERS menu
item (highlighted), and press the 7button.
The OTHERS screen is displayed.
3 Use the + or – button to select the DATE/TIME
menu item, and press the 7button.
The DATE/TIME screen is displayed.
4 Press the .or /button to move the cursor
(highlighted area), and use the + or – button to
change values.
5 Press the 7button to confirm the change and
return to the OTHERS screen.
NOTE
You can set the unit to automatically add the date to file
names. (See “Setting the format of file names” on page
48.)
CAUTION
The date and time setting can only be maintained for a
few minutes if the unit is not powered from batteries or
through the AC adaptor TASCAM PS-P520E or the USB
cable. When using batteries, replace them before they
completely lose power.
Inserting and removing microSD
cards
Inserting the microSD card
NOTE
A microSD card is already installed when the unit is
shipped from the factory. If you want to use this card to
record and play tracks, there is no need to reinstall it.
1 Open the microSD slot cover on the right side
panel.
2 Insert the microSD Card into the slot as shown in
the following illustration until it clicks into place.
Removing the card
1 Open the microSD slot cover on the right side
panel.
2 Press the microSD card in gently and then
release it to allow it to come out.
CAUTION
• Do not remove the microSD card from the unit when it is
connected to a computer by USB.
• microSD cards that meet microSD or microSDHC
standards can be used with this unit.
• A list of microSD cards that have been confirmed to
work with this unit can be found on the TEAC Global Site
(http://teac-global.com/).

16 TASCAM DR-05
3–Preparation
Preparing a microSD card for use
In order to use a microSD card in this unit, you must
format it rst.
1 Confirm that a microSD card is installed and turn
the power ON.
2 The following message appears when a new card
or a card formatted for use with another device
is installed in the unit.
3 Press the 7button to start formatting.
4 When formatting ends, the Home screen opens.
You can also reformat the card in this unit at any
time. (See “System Settings and Formatting” on
page 47.)
CAUTION
• When formatting a card, the unit should be operating on
AC power supplied through the PS-P520E adapter (sold
separately), USB bus power supplied from a computer, or
batteries with sufficient remaining power.
• Formatting a card erases all the data on it.
Using the built-in speaker
Enable SPEAKER on the MENU screen to allow the unit to
play over the built-in speaker.
1 Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.
2 Use the + or – button to select the SPEAKER and
press the 7button.
The SPEAKER screen is displayed.
3 Use the + or – button to select ON .
4 When finished, press the ¤(HOME) [8]
button to return to the Home screen.
NOTE
Even if SPEAKER is enabled, the unit will not play
through the speaker when the unit is recording sound,
in recording standby, or muted with headphones or
external speaker system connected.

TASCAM DR-05 17
3–Preparation
Connecting monitors and
headphones
To listen with headphones, connect them to the /
LINE OUT jack.
To listen with an external monitoring system to the /
LINE OUT jack.
Headphones Powered monitor speakers or
amplier and speakers

18 TASCAM DR-05
4–Recording
In addition to using the built-in microphone, you can
record using an external microphone or record the
output signal from a mixer or other audio source. You
can select among MP3 (44.1/48 kHz, 32–320 kbps)
and WAV (44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit) audio recording
formats.
As the unit is compatible with the BWF format for WAV
les, marks added to the WAV les during recording
are available when playing back the les using a BWF
compliant software, etc.
With this unit, you can mix and record a sound input
through the built-in mic or one of the input jack with
an audio le that is played back using the overdubbing
function.
Selecting file format/sampling
frequency/type, and maximum
file size
Select the audio le type that you want to record
before you start recording.
1 Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.
2 Use the + or − button to select REC SETTING , and
press the 7button.
REC SETTING screen appears.
3 Use the + or − button to select FORMAT , and press
the /or 7button.
Set the file format with the + or − button to from
the following:
WAV: 16bit (default), WAV 24bit
MP3: 32kbps, 64kbps, 96kbps, 128kbps, 192kbps,
256kbps, 320kbps
NOTE
• Higher values provide better recording quality.
• WAV files are higher quality than MP3 files, but they
take up more space, so MP3 formats allow for longer
recordings.
4 Press the .button to show settings.
5 Use the + or – button to select TYPE , and press the
/or 7button.
The procedure to select the creation of a stereo or
mono file is as follows.
Use the + or – button to select STEREO (default) or
MONO .
If MONO is selected, a mono file is created, and the
same signals are sent to both L and R level meters
and output channels.
If sound is recorded in MONO in WAV format, the file
size will be half that recorded in STEREO , allowing
long time recording.
6 Press the .button to show settings.
7 Use the + or – button to select SAMPLE , and press
the /or 7button.
Set the sampling frequency with the + or −
button to one of the following options.
44.1k (default), 48k , 96k
NOTE
96k cannot be selected if FORMAT is set to MP3.
8 Press the .button to show settings.
9 Use the + or – button to select SIZE , and press the
/or 7button.
Set the maximum file size with the + or − button
to one of the following options.
64M , 128M , 256M , 512M , 1G , 2G (default)
NOTE
• If the maximum set file size is exceeded during recording,
the unit will automatically continue recording in a new file.
• Depending on the file format, the amount of recording
time will differ for the same file size. The amount of
recording time is shown on the right of the setting value
(in parentheses).
• If the recording time exceeds 24 hours, the unit will
automatically continue recording in a new file.
10 Press the ¤(HOME) [8] button to return to
the Home screen.

TASCAM DR-05 19
4–Recording
Set where to save the file
Set the folder where recorded les are saved. The
created sound le will be saved in the currently
selected folder. For details, see“ SELECT ” popup menu
under “Folder operations”on page 31.
If no setting is made, new recording les are placed in
the MUSIC folder.
Setting the input functions
1 Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.
2 Use the + or − button to select REC SETTING , and
press the 7button.
REC SETTING screen appears.
The following input settings are made in this screen.
Use the .or /button or the +or −button to
select the following settings.
MIC POWER :
When connecting a microphone that requires plug-in
power, set this to ON . The factory default is OFF .
LOW CUT :
The factory default setting of the low cut lter is OFF ,
but you can also select 40Hz , 80Hz or 120Hz as the cut-o
frequency for a low cut lter.
CAUTION
• Set MIC POWER to OFF when using the built-in mic or
connecting a dynamic microphone or microphone with
a built-in battery. If set to ON, the plug-in power may
damage such microphones.
• Use headphones to monitor when you are recording with
a microphone. If you use speakers to monitor, the sound
output from the speakers may also be recorded, causing
a poor recording and even feedback.
NOTE
MIC POWER and LOW CUT can be set when recording/in
recording standby.
TIP
• The low cut filter can reduce noise such as offensive wind
noise from air-conditioners and projectors.
• Use the built-in effects of this unit as necessary on the
input source. (See “Setting the effect” on page 43.)
Placing the unit and making
connections
Recording with the built-in mics
Point the mics at the sound source and place the unit
in a stable location where there is little vibration.
Recording with external mics (MIC IN)
Connect an external mic to the MIC/EXT IN connector.
Point the mics at the sound source and place the unit
in a stable location where there is little vibration.
Recording an external device (EXT IN)
Use a stereo miniplug cable to connect to the output of
an external audio device.
Other audio equipment or
external sound source
CAUTION
• Reduce the output level of the external audio device if the
input sound is distorted even when reducing the input
gain level on the unit.
• When an external audio device with a fixed output line
level is connected, it would be impossible to control the
gain level appropriately because of excessively large input
signals. In such cases, use the headphone jack or other
level-controllable output for connection to the unit.