Tascam DR-05X User manual

D01353820B
REFERENCE MANUAL
DR-05X
Linear PCM Recorder

2TASCAM DR-05X
Table of Contents
1 – Introduction ....................................................................4
Features.................................................................................................. 4
Conventions used in this manual ................................................. 4
Trademarks and copyrights ............................................................ 4
About microSD cards........................................................................ 5
Precautions for use........................................................................ 5
2 – Names and Functions of Parts .......................................6
Front ........................................................................................................ 6
Front panel............................................................................................ 7
Rear panel ............................................................................................. 7
Left side.................................................................................................. 8
Right side............................................................................................... 8
Bottom.................................................................................................... 8
Home Screen........................................................................................ 9
Recording screen..............................................................................10
Playback Control screen.................................................................11
Menu item list....................................................................................11
Using the menu.................................................................................13
Basic operation..................................................................................13
3 – Preparation................................................................... 14
Preparing the power supply.........................................................14
Using AA batteries.......................................................................14
Using an AC adapter (sold separately).................................14
Using USB bus power.................................................................14
Turning the power on and off (standby mode).....................15
Turning the unit on.....................................................................15
Turning the unit off (standby).................................................15
Resume function..........................................................................15
Setting the date and time .............................................................16
Inserting and removing microSD cards....................................17
Inserting microSD cards............................................................17
Removing cards............................................................................17
Preparing microSD cards for use.................................................17
Using the built-in speaker.............................................................18
Connecting monitoring equipment..........................................18
4 – Recording ..................................................................... 20
Setting file format, sampling frequency, type and
maximum file size.............................................................................20
Setting where files are saved........................................................21
Making input settings.....................................................................21
Placing the unit and making connections ..............................22
Recording with the built-in mics............................................22
Recording with external mics (MIC IN).................................22
Recording an external device (EXT IN).................................22
Adjusting the input level...............................................................22
Manually adjusting the input level .......................................22
Using the LEVEL MODE function............................................24
Recording............................................................................................25
Recording playback and input sounds together
(overdubbing)....................................................................................25
Select the file you want to overdub......................................25
Selecting file format ...................................................................25
Simultaneous listening to playback and input sound
(MONITOR MIX) ............................................................................25
Adjusting the input level ..........................................................26
Conducting overdubbing.........................................................27
Recording automatically (AUTO REC)........................................27
Continuing to record in a new file (track incrementing)....28
Manual track incrementation during recording...............28
Automatic track incrementation by file size......................28
Capturing a few seconds before starting recording
(PRE REC)..............................................................................................29
Self-timer.............................................................................................29
Using tone output............................................................................30
Setting the AUTO TONE.............................................................30
Setting the AUTO TONE length...............................................30
Adjusting the AUTO TONE volume........................................30
Recording duration..........................................................................31
5 – Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen)..... 32
Screen navigation.............................................................................32
Icons on the BROWSE screen .......................................................32
File operations...................................................................................32
Folder operations .............................................................................33
Creating a new folder......................................................................33
6 – Playback........................................................................ 34
Adjusting the playback volume..................................................34
Setting the playback area (AREA)...............................................34
Selecting a folder for the playback area (1).............................35
Selecting a folder for the playback area (2).............................35
Using the playlist..............................................................................36
Adding files to the playlist........................................................36
Editing the playlist ......................................................................36
Selecting files for playback (skipping) ......................................37
Playing recordings ...........................................................................37
Pausing............................................................................................37
Stopping .........................................................................................37
Searching backward and forward .........................................37
Repeat playback (REPEAT).............................................................37
Special playback control functions............................................38
Playback Control screen............................................................38
Loop playback of a selection...................................................38
Changing the playback speed (VSA)....................................39
Setting the playback equalizer....................................................39
Increasing the perceived overall sound pressure to
enhance listenability (LEVEL ALIGN)..........................................40
Using the jump function................................................................40
Setting the jump back time .....................................................41
Setting the jump forward time...............................................41
7 – Quick Operations ......................................................... 42
Features of the QUICK button......................................................42
Quick menu ........................................................................................43
Deleting files ......................................................................................43
Dividing the selected file (DIVIDE) .............................................43
Overwrite recording........................................................................44
Selecting a file to overwrite record.......................................44
Activating overwrite recording mode..................................44
Conducting overwrite recording...........................................44
Checking the result of recording...........................................44
Undoing and redoing ................................................................44
Ending overwrite recording mode........................................44

TASCAM DR-05X 3
Table of Contents
Transcribing recorded files (DICTATION PLAY).......................45
Enabling DICTATION PLAY mode ...........................................45
Adjusting the playback equalization....................................45
Changing the playback position............................................45
Changing the playback volume and speed.......................45
Exiting DICTATION PLAY mode...............................................45
8 – Mark functions ............................................................. 46
Adding marks manually.................................................................46
Adding marks automatically to a recording ...........................46
Moving to mark positions .............................................................46
Clearing marks...................................................................................46
9 – Using the effects .......................................................... 47
Setting the effect..............................................................................47
Effects Preset List..............................................................................47
10 – Tuning an instrument................................................ 48
Using the tuner .................................................................................48
Setting the tuner..........................................................................48
Tuning a musical instrument...................................................48
Adjusting the input level for tuning.....................................48
11 – USB Connections........................................................ 49
Powering the unit with USB bus power ...................................49
Using as an SD card reader ...........................................................49
Disconnecting the unit from a computer................................50
Transferring files from a computer.............................................50
Using as a USB audio interface....................................................50
Setting the connected device type.......................................51
Connecting ....................................................................................51
12 – Settings and Information.......................................... 52
Viewing information (INFORMATION).........................................52
File information page (FILE)...................................................52
Card information page ..............................................................52
System information page.........................................................52
System Settings.................................................................................53
Setting the automatic power saving function..................53
Setting the backlight..................................................................53
Adjusting the display contrast................................................53
Setting the battery type............................................................53
Set the language..........................................................................53
Restoring the factory settings.................................................54
Formatting microSD cards .......................................................54
Completely formatting SD cards............................................54
Setting the file name format ........................................................55
File name format..........................................................................55
Setting the WORD item .............................................................55
13 – Messages .................................................................... 56
14 – Troubleshooting ........................................................ 58
15 – Specifications............................................................. 59
General.................................................................................................59
Input/output ratings .......................................................................59
Analog audio input/output ratings ......................................59
Control input/output ratings ..................................................59
Audio performance .........................................................................59
Other specifications.........................................................................59
Dimensional drawings....................................................................61

4TASCAM DR-05X
1 – Introduction
Features
iCompact audio recorder that uses microSD/microSDHC/
microSDXC cards as recording media
iHigh-performance stereo unidirectional microphone pair
i44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, linear PCM (WAV format)
recording possible
iBWF format WAV files supported
i32–320kbps MP3 format recording possible (compatible
with v2.4 ID3 tags)
iOverdubbing allows playback and input signals to be
mixed and recorded together as a new file
iBuilt-in 0.3 W mono output speaker
iBuilt-in effect (reverb) can be used during recording and
playback
iAutomatic recording function starts recording automati-
cally when a set sound input level is detected
iWhen a maximum file size set in advance is reached, a
new file can be started automatically without interrupting
recording
iQUICK button provides easy access to various functions
iTrack incrementing function allows a recording to be split
by creating a new file when desired
iPre-recording function allows the unit to record 2 seconds
of sound before recording is activated
iAutomatic peak reduction function automatically reduces
the level suitably when the input level is too high
iAutomatic level control can increase or decrease the
recording volume when the input sound is too quiet or
loud
iLimiter function automatically reduces the level suitably in
parts when the input level is too high
iLow cut filter convenient for reducing low-frequency noise
iVSA function can change playback speed in a range from
50-200% (0.5 to 2.0 in 0.1 increments) of normal without
changing pitch
iRepeat playback and IN-OUT loop playback functions
iPB CONT button opens screen for playback speed and
IN-OUT loop settings
iTuner function to tune musical instruments
iSelf-timer function to start recording after a set period of
time.
iJump function that moves backward or forward a small
amount during playback or when paused (DICTATION PLAY
mode only)
iPlaylist function
iDIVIDE function allows files to be split where desired (only
for WAV files)
iMARK function convenient for moving to specific locations
iPlayback equalizer function and level alignment function to
enhance the perceived overall sound pressure
iFile name format can be set to use a user-defined word or
the date
iResume function to memorize the playback position before
the unit is turned off.
i3.5mm (1/8”) jack for external stereo microphone input
(provides plug-in power) or external stereo line input
i3.5mm (1/8”) line/headphone output jack
i128×64-pixel LCD with backlight
iMicro-B type USB 2.0 port
iOperates on 2 AA batteries, a TASCAM PS-P520E AC adapter
(sold separately) or USB bus power
iTripod attachment screw hole
iUSB audio interface functions
iDictation playback mode
iOverwrite recording function
Conventions used in this manual
The following conventions are used in this manual.
iWhen we refer to a button or connector or control on the
DR-05X, the typeface looks like this: MENU.
iWhen we show messages, for example, that appear on the
unit’s display, the typeface looks like this: ON.
iWe abbreviate “microSD memory card” as “microSD card”.
iWords that appear on the computer display are shown in
quotation marks like this: “DR-05X”.
iAdditional information is provided as necessary in tips,
notes and cautions.
TIP
These are tips about how to use the unit.
NOTE
Notes provide additional explanations for special situa-
tions.
CAUTION
Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage
to equipment or lost recording data, for example.
VCAUTION
Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury.
Trademarks and copyrights
iTASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.
iThe microSDXC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.
iThe MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology is licensed
from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.
iSupply 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)

TASCAM DR-05X 5
1 – Introduction
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.
iASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies
GmbH.
iOther company names, product names and logos in this
document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.
Information is given about products in this manual
only for the purpose of example and does not indicate
any guarantees against infringements of third-party
intellectual property rights and other rights related
to them. TEAC Corporation will bear no responsibility
for infringements on third-party intellectual property
rights or other liabilities that occur as a result of the
use of this product.
Properties copyrighted by third parties cannot be
used for any purpose other than personal enjoyment
and the like without the permission of the right
holders recognized by copyright law. Always use this
equipment properly.
TEAC Corporation will bear no responsibility for rights
infringements committed by users of this product.
About microSD cards
This unit uses microSD cards for recording and playback.
A list of microSD cards that have been confirmed for use
with this unit can be found on the TEAC Global Site (http://
teac-global.com). Check the page for this product. You can
also contact TASCAM customer support service.
Precautions for use
microSD cards are delicate media.
In order to avoid damaging a card or the card slot, please take
the following precautions when handling them.
iDo not leave them in extremely hot or cold places.
iDo not leave them in extremely humid places.
iDo not let them get wet.
iDo not put things on top of them or twist them.
iDo not hit them.
iDo not remove or insert them during recording, playback,
data transmission or other access.
iAlways put memory cards in cases when transporting
them.

6TASCAM DR-05X
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Front
1 Built-in stereo microphone
This is a stereo pair of unidirectional electret condenser
mics.
If you connect an external microphone or external input
to the MIC/EXT IN jack between the mics, the built-in mic
pair becomes inactive.
2 PEAK indicator
Lights when the input volume is too high.
3Display
Displays a variety of information.
4 ¤(HOME) [8] button
Press during playback to pause playback at the current
position. Press when paused to return to the beginning of
the track.
Press when recording or in recording standby to stop
recording.
When any other screen is open, press to return to the
Home Screen.
Press and hold to turn the unit on and off (put into
standby).
5+ button
When the Home or TUNER screen is open, press to increase
the output level from the built-in speaker or /LINE OUT
jack. During adjustment, a volume indicator will appear in
a pull-up window.
When the Playback Control screen is open, press to
increase the playback speed.
When a setting screen is open, use this button to change
the setting of the selected item.
6 MENU button
When the Home Screen is open, press this to open the
MENU screen.
Press this button to return to the MENU screen from the
various setting screens.
When the IN and OUT points are set in the track and the
Playback Control screen is open, press this to turn loop
playback on or off.
7 .button
Press to return to the beginning of a track that is playing
or stopped in the middle.
When IN and OUT points are set between the current
position and the end of the track, press this button to skip
to those points.
Press when a track is stopped at its beginning to skip to
the beginning of the previous track.
Press and hold 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. Use this button to answer“NO” to a confirmation
message.
On the BROWSE screen, press this button to move up a
level.
Press when recording or in recording standby to decrease
the input level from the built-in microphone or MIC/EXT
IN jack. During adjustment, a pull-up with meters showing
the input level will appear at the bottom of the display.
8 PB CONT button
This button activates the Playback Control screen.
When the Playback Control screen is open, press to return
to the Home Screen.
Press during recording standby to turn off the self-timer
function or change the time period.
9- button
When the Home or TUNER screen is open, press to decrease
the output level from the built-in speaker or /LINE OUT
jack.
During adjustment, a volume indicator will appear in a
pull-up window.
When the Playback Control screen is open, press to
increase the playback speed.
When a setting screen is open, use this button to change
the setting of the selected item.
0 REC indicator
This flashes during recording standby.
This lights while recording.
q RECORD [0] button
When stopped, press this button to put the unit into
recording standby. The REC indicator will start to blink. If
INPUT is ON on the MONITOR MIX screen, a pop-up menu to
set whether overdubbing is ON/OFF will open.
When in standby, press to start recording. The REC
indicator will light when recording.
When recording, press to pause recording.

TASCAM DR-05X 7
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
w QUICK button
When playing back, stopped, paused or in recording
standby when the Home Screen is open or when the
Playback Control screen is open, press this button to
display the Quick menu. The functions shown depend on
the state of the unit when the button is pressed.
iStopped: DELETE, DIVIDE and LEVEL ALIGN functions
for the current song
iPlaying back or on Playback Control screen: LEVEL
ALIGN
iRecording standby: LEVEL MODE
When recording, press this button to increment the track,
dividing the recording by creating a new file.
When the BROWSE screen or PLAYLIST screen is open,
press this button to open or close the pop-up menu for
file/folder operations.
e /button
Press this button during playback or when playback is
stopped to skip to the beginning of the next track.
When IN and OUT points are set between the current
position and the end of the track, press this button to skip
to those points.
Press and hold to search forward.
On the setting screens, use this button to move the cursor
right. Use this to confirm the selection of a setting item or
to answer“YES”to a confirmation message.
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 file is selected, the file is loaded, the Home Screen
reopens and the unit stops.
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 with
meters showing the input level will appear at the bottom
of the display.
r 7button
When the Home Screen is open and playback is stopped,
press to start playback.
During playback, press this button to start jump-back
playback.
When a file or folder is selected on the BROWSE screen,
press this button to return to the Home Screen and play
the file or the first file in the folder from the beginning.
t MARK button
Use to add marks manually during recording and playback.
Press when stopped at a mark location to delete that mark.
Press the .or /button while pressing and holding
this button to move to the previous or next mark, respec-
tively. 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 holder
Use this to attach a strap.
Rear panel
u MIC/EXT IN jack
Use this input jack to connect a stereo mini-jack micro-
phone or an external input device. This supports plug-in
power.
The built-in mic is disabled when an external mic is
connected to the MIC/EXT IN jack.

8TASCAM DR-05X
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Left side
i /LINE OUT jack
Use this to connect headphones or the line input jack of
other equipment using a stereo mini-jack cable.
o HOLD switch
Shift to the left end (in the direction of the arrow) to
engage the hold function.
No buttons can be used when HOLD is active.
Right side
pUSB port
This is a Micro-B USB port.
Use a USB cable (A to Micro-B) to connect the unit to a
computer. (See "11 – USB Connections" on page 49)
CAUTION
The unit should be connected directly to the computer,
not through a USB hub.
amicroSD card slot
Use this slot to insert and remove microSD cards.
Bottom
s Mono 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 the Monitor Mix
function is enabled.
d Tripod attachment screw thread (1/4-inch)
Use this to attach the unit to a tripod or mic stand.
CAUTION
iEnsure the tripod or microphone stand screws are securely
fastened to prevent the unit from falling off.
iWhen attaching this unit to a tripod or microphone stand,
be sure to place it on a level surface.
fBattery compartment cover
gBattery compartment
Install batteries (2 AA) in this compartment to power the
unit. (See "Using AA batteries" on page 14)

TASCAM DR-05X 9
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Home Screen
Home Screen when in ordinary operation mode
1Playback speed status
One of the following icons appears according to the
playback speed setting.
Icon Playback speed
×1.0
×1.1 – ×2.0
×0.5 – ×0.9
Playback speed not controllable
2 Monitor Mix function status
This shows whether the Monitor Mix function is on or off.
Monitor Mix off
Monitor Mix on
3 Effect status
Shows whether the effect function is ON or OFF.
: Built-in effect off
: Built-in effect on
4 Speaker status
: Speaker output off
: Speaker output on
5 Remaining battery charge/power supply status
A battery icon appears when power is supplied by
batteries.
When batteries are being used, a battery icon shows the
amount of power remaining in bars ( , , ).
The batteries are almost dead and the power will soon
turn off (standby) if the icon with no bars appears.
When using a TASCAM PS-P520E AC adapter (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
This icon shows the recorder operation status.
Icon Explanation
8Stopped
79 Paused
7Playing back
,Searching forward
mSearching backward
/Skipping to the beginning of the next file
.Skipping to the beginning of the current or
previous file
7 Playback position display
The current playback position is shown by a bar. As
playback progresses, the bar extends from the left.
8 Playback level meters
These show the levels of the input and playback signals.
When the Monitor Mix function is ON, the level of the
combined input and playback sounds is shown.
9 Playback file name
The name or tag information of the file currently in play is
displayed.
The ID3 tag information is displayed instead when
included in the MP3 file.
NOTE
ID3 tag information contains titles and artist names, which
can be stored in MP3 files.
0Elapsed time
Shows the elapsed time (hours: minutes: seconds) of the
currently playing track.
qRemaining time message
Shows the remaining playback time of the current track
(hours: minutes: seconds).
wPeak value in decibels (dB)
The maximum level that occurs in a fixed period of time is
displayed digitally.
e Playback area
This shows the current playback file area.
: All files in the MUSIC folder
: All files in the selected folder
: All files added to the playlist
r Playback file number/total number of files
This shows the current file number and total number of
files in the playback area.
t Output volume status
This shows the output volume status.

10 TASCAM DR-05X
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Recording screen
The recording screen shown below appears when recording
or in recording standby.
1 Level mode setting status
This icon shows the level mode function setting.
: MANUAL
: LIMITER
: PEAK REDUCTION
: AUTO
2 Plug-in power status
This shows whether plug-in power is on or off.
Plug-in power off
Plug-in power on
3 Low cut filter status
This shows whether the low cut filter is on or off.
Low cut filter off
Low cut filter on
4AUTO TONE setting status
This icon shows whether the AUTO TONE function is on or
off.
: AUTO TONE off
: AUTO TONE on
5 Recording status
This icon shows the recorder operation status.
Icon Explanation
09 Recording paused (recording
standby)
Recording
6 Recording level meters
These show the input signal levels.
When overdubbing, the levels of the mixed input and
playback sounds are shown.
7Recording file name
The file name that will automatically be given to the
recorded file is shown.
8 Recording format
This shows the file recording format and sampling
frequency.
9Elapsed recording time
The elapsed recording time of the file appears as hours:
minutes: seconds.
0Remaining recording time
When stopped, this shows the remaining time (hours:
minutes) of the microSD card. When the remaining
recording time becomes less than one minute, only
seconds will be shown.
q Peak value in decibels (dB)
Peak input level values are shown in decibels.
w Recording level status
This shows the recording level status.