Tascam DR-70D User manual

D01244120C
DR-70D
Linear PCM Recorder for DSLR
Reference Manual

2 TASCAM DR-70D
Contents
1 – Introduction ..............................................4
Features..................................................................................4
Conventions used in this manual..................................4
About SD cards ....................................................................5
Precautions for use...................................................... 5
2 – Names and Functions of Parts .................6
Front panel............................................................................6
Rear panel.............................................................................. 6
Left side panel......................................................................7
Right side panel................................................................... 7
Top panel ...............................................................................8
Bottom Panel........................................................................ 8
Home Screen ........................................................................ 9
Recording Screen................................................................ 9
Menu item list.....................................................................10
Using menus....................................................................... 11
Basic operation ..................................................................11
3 – Preparation..............................................12
Powering the unit .............................................................12
Power sources .............................................................12
Using AA batteries....................................................12
Using an AC adapter (sold separately)................12
Using an external battery pack
(sold separately)..........................................................12
Using USB bus power................................................13
Turning the unit on and off
(putting it in standby) .....................................................13
Turning the unit on....................................................13
Turning the unit off (putting it in standby).......13
Resume function ........................................................13
Setting the date and time..............................................14
Inserting and removing SD cards................................14
Inserting a card ...........................................................14
Removing a card.........................................................14
SD card write protection switches.......................15
Preparing an SD card for use ........................................15
Connecting monitoring equipment ..........................15
Monitoring...........................................................................15
Selecting the monitored signal ............................15
Setting the output gain ...........................................16
Adjusting the playback volume...................................16
Camera connection and attachment ........................16
Setting the inputs.............................................................17
Recording with the built-in stereo mic...............17
Connecting microphones.......................................17
Recording an external device (LINE IN)..............17
Using the top panel accessory shoe ..........................17
4 – Recording ................................................18
Recording formats............................................................18
Setting where to save files.............................................18
Setting the channels to record.....................................18
Adjusting the input balance .........................................18
Adjusting the input level................................................19
Setting the recording input source............................20
Using plug-in power .................................................20
Setting the input gain .....................................................20
Using phantom power .............................................21
Setting the phantom power voltage ..................21
Using the limiter................................................................22
Using the low-cut filter ...................................................22
Compensating for mic distances.................................23
Setting the phase of each channel.............................23
This shows the file type, format and sampling
frequency used for recordings.....................................23
Recording (MONO/STEREO/2MIX) ..............................24
Starting recording......................................................24
File names when recording in MONO ................24
File names when recording in STEREO/2MIX...24
Creating a new file without interrupting
recording (track incrementing)....................................24
Manual track incrementation
during recording ........................................................24
Automatic track incrementation during
recording.......................................................................24
Simultaneously recording two files at different
input levels (DUAL REC) ..................................................25
Enabling dual recording ..........................................25
Starting dual recording............................................25
Dual recording file names.......................................25
Using the auto tone function .......................................26
Setting the auto tone function .............................26
Set the volume of auto and slate tones .............26
Recording slate tones......................................................26
Moving to slate tone positions..............................26
Using mid-side microphones .......................................27
Recording duration ..........................................................28
5 – Working with Files and Folders
(BROWSE screen)...........................................29
BROWSE screen navigation ...........................................29
Icons on the BROWSE screen........................................29
File operations ...................................................................29
Folder operations..............................................................30
Creating a new folder......................................................30
6 – Playback...................................................31
Playing recordings............................................................31
Pausing...........................................................................31
Stopping........................................................................31
Searching backward and forward........................31
Selecting files for playback (skipping).......................31
Playing files created with dual recording.................31

TASCAM DR-70D 3
Contents
7 – Connecting with a Computer .................32
Transferring files to a computer ..................................32
Transferring files from a computer.............................32
Disconnecting from a computer.................................32
8 – Settings and Information .......................33
Viewing information........................................................33
File information page (PROJECT)..........................33
Card information page (CARD)..............................33
System information page........................................33
System Settings .................................................................34
Setting the automatic power saving function ..34
Setting the backlight ................................................34
Adjusting the display contrast...............................34
Restoring the factory settings...............................34
Formatting an SD card .............................................34
Setting the battery type.................................................34
Setting the file name format ........................................35
File name format ........................................................35
Setting the WORD item............................................35
Initializing the count .................................................35
9 – Using the REMOTE jack...........................36
Using a footswitch (TASCAM RC-3F)...........................36
Making footswitch settings....................................36
Footswitch uses ..........................................................36
Using a remote control (TASCAM RC-10) ..................36
Making remote control settings ...........................36
Remote control uses .................................................36
10 – Messages ...............................................37
11 – Troubleshooting....................................38
12 – Specifications ........................................39
Ratings ..................................................................................39
Input/output ratings........................................................39
Analog audio input and output ratings.............39
Control input/output ratings .................................39
Audio performance..........................................................39
Requirements for connected computers.................40
General .................................................................................40
Dimensional drawings ....................................................41

4 TASCAM DR-70D
1 – Introduction
Features
This recorder includes audio inputs and outputs that are suitable
for use with digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) cameras, enabling
the recording of high-quality audio with DSLR video.
• Compact audio recorder that uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as
recording media
• TASCAM original High Definition Discrete Architecture
(HDDA) microphone preamps provide high-quality
recording inputs
• In addition to ordinary stereo recording, simultaneous
recording of up to four channels is possible
• Four channels can be mixed down to two for stereo output
• Recording levels can be adjusted independently for the 1/L,
2/R 3/L and 4/R channels
• Dual recording function allows two files to be recorded
simultaneously at different levels
• 44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, linear PCM (WAV format)
recording possible
• Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) supported as WAV recording
format
• XLR mic/line inputs can provide phantom power (24V/48V)
and TRS mic/line inputs (exclusive use) support +24dBU
input when set to LINE
• Stereo mini jack input supports mics that require plug-in
power, allowing the input of video mics and other
high-output mics (+10dBV maximum input level)
• Slate tone functions (automatic/manual) simplify
synchronization of video files when editing
• CAMERA OUT connector allows the high-quality audio from
this unit to be output to a DSLR camera for recording
• CAMERA IN connector enables convenient monitoring of
audio from a DSLR camera
• Mid-side decoding function can be used with MS mics
• Track incrementing function allows a recording to be split
by creating a new file when desired
• Limiter function automatically reduces parts where the
input level is too high to suitable levels
• Low cut filter conveniently reduces low-frequency noise
• Delay function that eliminates time lags caused by
differences in the distances of two sets of inputs from the
sound source
• Tone search function enables moving between tone
insertion points
• 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 (enter standby)
• 3.5mm (1/8”) line/headphones output jack
• 128x64 dot-matrix LCD with backlight
• Micro-B USB 2.0 port
• Operates on 4 AA batteries, an AC adapter (TASCAM
PS-P515U sold separately), external battery pack (TASCAM
BP-6AA sold separately) or USB bus power
• Tripod mounting thread (bottom) and DSLR screw
attachment that allows attachment and removal with a coin
(top)
• Dedicated remote control jack (for use with RC-10 and
RC-3F (sold separately)
• Hold function to prevent accidental operation
• Guards on the front left and right sides protect the screen
This product has a Blackfin® 16/32-bit embedded processor
made by Analog Devices, Inc. This processor controls the
unit's digital signal processing.
Inclusion of this Blackfin® processor in the product increases
its performance and reduces its power consumption.
Conventions used in this manual
The following conventions are used in this manual.
• When we refer to buttons, connectors and other parts of
this unit, we use a bold font like this: MENU button.
• When we show messages, for example, that appears on the
unit’s display, the typeface looks like this: INPUT .
• SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards are called“SD cards”.
• Information shown on the computer display is written like
this “OK”.
• As necessary, additional information is provided under TIP,
NOTE and CAUTION headings.
TIP
These are tips about how to use the unit.
NOTE
These provide additional explanations and describe special
cases.
CAUTION
Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury,
damage to equipment or lost recording data, for example.
Information and various data about products provided
in this manual are provided merely as examples. They do
not provide a guaranty against violations of third-party
intellectual property rights or other rights related to
them. Therefore, please be aware that our company will
bear no liability for violations of third-party intellectual
property rights or responsibility for liability that results
from the use of these products.
Third-party copyrighted materials cannot be used
without permission of the rights holder in accor-
dance with copyright law for uses other than personal
enjoyment, for example. Please use the equipment
appropriately.
Our company will bear absolutely no liability related to
user activity that infringes on property rights.

TASCAM DR-70D 5
1 – Introduction
About SD cards
This unit uses SD cards for recording and playback.
You can use 64MB–2GB SD cards, 4GB–32GB SDHC cards and
48GB–128GB SDXC cards with this unit.
A list of SD cards that have been confirmed for use with this unit
can be found on our web site. Please access to a product page of
this product from the TEAC Global Site (http://teac-global.com)
to find the list or contact the TASCAM customer support service.
Precautions for use
SD cards are delicate media. In order to avoid damaging a card
or the card slot, please take the following precautions when
handling them.
• Do not leave them in extremely hot or cold places.
• Do not leave them in extremely humid places.
• Do not let them get wet.
• Do not put things on top of them or twist them.
• Do not hit them.
• Do not remove or insert a card during recording, playback,
data transmission or other access.
• When carrying a card, please put it inside a card case, for
example.

6 TASCAM DR-70D
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Front panel
1Built-in stereo microphone
Omnidirectional stereo electret condenser microphone.
2Front cover
This is the cover for the battery case and SD card slot.
3Battery compartment
Install batteries (4 AA) in this compartment to power the
unit. (See “Using AA batteries” on page 12.)
4SD card slot
Insert an SD card here.
Rear panel
5Display
Shows a variety of information.
6DATA dial (ENTER)
Turn to select items and change values on setting screens.
Use also to change the playback position in a file.
Push this dial to confirm selections on setting screens and to
answer“YES”to confirmation pop-up messages.
Turn the DATA dial while the Home Screen is open to move
between the positions of slate tones that have been inserted
in the file. If no slate tone has been inserted in the file, doing
this will move to the next file.
Press and hold this dial when stopped to switch the signal
monitored.
7MENU button
When the Home Screen is open, press this button to open
the MENU screen.
When a setting screen is open, press to move up one level in
the menu. When the MENU screen is open, press to return to
the Home Screen.
81/L knob and PEAK indicator
Use this knob to adjust the input level from the 1/L
connector on the left side of the unit.
The 1/L PEAK indicator lights when the 1/L input level is
about to cause distortion. This also lights if distortion occurs
in the analog circuitry during mic input. This will not light,
however, if distortion occurs in the analog circuitry during
line input. (See “Adjusting the input level” on page 19.)
92/R knob and PEAK indicator
Use this knob to adjust the input level from the 2/R
connector on the left side of the unit.
The 2/R PEAK indicator lights when the 2/R input level is
about to cause distortion. This also lights if distortion occurs
in the analog circuitry during mic input. This will not light,
however, if distortion occurs in the analog circuitry during
line input. (See “Adjusting the input level” on page 19.)
01/8button
Press this button during playback to cause the playback to
pause at the current position. Press this button when paused
to return to the beginning of the playback file.
Press this button during recording to stop recording.
When the BASIC screen or INPUT screen is open, use this to
select the channel to which the setting items shown apply.
When a setting screen is open, press this button to return
to the Home Screen. Use this button to answer “NO” to a
confirmation message.
q2/7button
When the Home Screen is open and playback is stopped,
press this button to start playback.
When a file or folder is selected in the BROWSE screen,
press this button to return to the Home Screen and play that
file or the first file in the folder from the beginning.
When the BASIC screen or INPUT screen is open, use this to
select the channel to which the setting items shown apply.
wDUAL indicator
This lights orange when in dual recording mode.
eREC indicator
This lights red when recording.
rRecord (0) button
Press when stopped to start recording.
Press when recording to stop recording.
t3/L knob and PEAK indicator
Use this knob to adjust the input level from the 3/L
connector on the left side of the unit.
The 3/L PEAK indicator lights when the input level is about
to cause distortion. This also lights if distortion occurs in
the analog circuitry during mic input. This will not light,
however, if distortion occurs in the analog circuitry during
line input. (See “Adjusting the input level” on page 19.)
y4/R knob and PEAK indicator
Use this knob to adjust the input level from the 4/R
connector on the right side of the unit.
The 4/R PEAK indicator lights when the input level is about
to cause distortion. This also lights if distortion occurs in
the analog circuitry during mic input. This will not light,

TASCAM DR-70D 7
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
however, if distortion occurs in the analog circuitry during
line input. (See “Adjusting the input level” on page 19.)
u3//button
Press this button during playback or when playback is
stopped to skip to the beginning of the next track.
Press and hold this button to search forward.
When the BASIC screen or INPUT screen is open, use this to
select the channel to which the setting items shown apply.
On the setting screens, use this button to move the cursor
right.
On the BROWSE screen, press this button to move down
a level. If a file is selected, the file is loaded and the Home
Screen reopens.
i4/.button
During playback or when stopped in the middle of a file,
press to return to the beginning of the file.
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.
When the BASIC screen or INPUT screen is open, use this to
select the channel to which the setting items shown apply.
On the setting screens, use this button to move the cursor
left.
On the BROWSE screen, press this button to move up a
level.
oSLATE button
Press and hold this button during recording to record a slate
tone. (See“Recording slate tones” on page 26.)
Left side panel
NOTE
When connecting and using plugs from external devices,
do not apply excessive force to the plugs. In particular,
be careful not to apply too much force when using a
standard to mini plug adapter. Doing so could damage the
equipment.
pHOLD/ switch
Slide this switch (toward the arrow) and hold it down to turn
the unit on/off.
Set it in the up position to activate the hold function. All
buttons are inoperative when hold is ON.
a1/L connector (XLR/TRS)
This is a balanced analog XLR/TRS combo jack for micro-
phone and line level inputs.
XLR (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
TRS (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
s2/R connector (XLR/TRS)
This is a balanced analog XLR/TRS combo jack for micro-
phone and line level inputs.
XLR (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
TRS (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
d3/L connector (XLR/TRS)
This is a balanced analog XLR/TRS combo jack for micro-
phone and line level inputs.
XLR (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
TRS (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
CAUTION
• Confirm that phantom power is OFF before connecting a
line level device to the 1/L, 2/R, 3/L or 4/R connector. If you
connect a line level device while phantom power is being
supplied, that device and this unit could be damaged.
• Before connecting a condenser mic to or disconnecting
one from the 1/L, 2/R, 3/L or 4/R connector, confirm that
the phantom power for that jack is OFF. If you connect or
disconnect a mic while phantom power is being supplied,
that mic and this unit could be damaged.
• Do not connect an unbalanced dynamic mic to an XLR
connector when phantom power is being supplied. Doing so
could damage that mic and this unit.
Right side panel
NOTE
When connecting and using plugs from external devices,
do not apply excessive force to the plugs. In particular,
be careful not to apply too much force when using a
standard to mini plug adapter. Doing so could damage the
equipment.
f4/R connector (XLR/TRS)
This is a balanced analog XLR/TRS combo jack for micro-
phone and line level inputs.
XLR (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
TRS (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)
gMicro USB port
Use the included USB cable to connect with a computer USB
port. (See “7 – Connecting with a Computer” on page 32.)
Power can be supplied through the USB cable provided
with the unit or an AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P515U sold
separately).
CAUTION
The unit should be connected directly to the computer, not
through a USB hub.
hEXT IN 1/2 connector (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
This supports stereo mini jack input from a mic or external
device.
This jack can provide plug-in power.
TRS (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

8 TASCAM DR-70D
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
jREMOTE connector (2.5mm TRS jack)
Connect a TASCAM RC-3F footswitch or TASCAM RC-10 wired
remote control (both sold separately) here to enable remote
starting and stopping of playback and other functions. A
remote control can be used to start, stop and otherwise
operate the unit. (See“9 – Using the REMOTE jack” on page
36.)
kIN connector (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
Connect to the audio output of a camera.
Refer to the camera’s operation manual to identify this
connector on the camera. (See “Camera connection and
attachment” on page 16.)
lOUT/LINE OUT jack (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
Use a stereo mini jack cable to connect this to the external
input jack of a camera or line input jack of other equipment.
Use the OUTPUT LEVEL item on the MONITOR
SETTING screen to adjust the volume output from this
jack.
Refer to the camera’s operation manual to identify this
connector on the camera. (See “Camera connection and
attachment” on page 16.)
;PHONES jack (3.5mm stereo mini jack)
Connect stereo headphones to this stereo mini jack.
Use the PHONES control to adjust the volume.
zPHONES volume control
Use to adjust the volume output from the PHONES jack.
CAUTION
Before connecting headphones, lower the PHONES volume
to the minimum level. Failure to do so could result in a
sudden loud noise that could harm hearing, for example.
Top panel
xDSLR camera attachment bracket
Use a DSLR mounting screw with this bracket, which is prein-
stalled on the unit.
If you do not want to use this bracket, use a coin or other
tool to remove the four attachment screws.
cDSLR mounting screw (1/4-inch)
Use to attach this unit to the bottom of a camera or a rack
that supports camera mounting screws, for example.
vAccessory shoe
You can use the accessory shoe by removing the included
DSLR attachment bracket
Bottom Panel
bTripod mounting thread (1/4-inch)
Use to attach this unit to a tripod.
CAUTION
• Tighten the unit securely to the tripod or microphone stand
to prevent it from falling off.
• When using this unit attached to a tripod or microphone
stand, place the tripod or stand on a level surface.
• Some tripods have different screw specifications that make
direct connection impossible. Use a commercially-available
adapter with such tripods.
nVideo camera pin hole
When using a tripod with a pin for video cameras, align this
hole with the pin when attaching the unit to the tripod.

TASCAM DR-70D 9
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
Home Screen
1Recorder operation status
This icon shows the recorder operation status.
Indicator Meaning
8Stopped
9Paused
7Playing back
,Searching forward
mSearching backward
/Skipping to the beginning of the next track
.Skipping to the beginning of the current or
previous track
2Elapsed time
This shows the elapsed time (hours: minutes: seconds) of the
current file.
3Monitoring mode
This shows what audio is now being monitored.
Indicator Meaning
MIX CH1-4 mix sound or dual recording mode main
file
CAM IN jack sound input
4Auto tone function status
This icon shows whether the auto tone function is on or off.
(See “Using the auto tone function”on page 26.)
No icon: Auto tone off
: Auto tone on
5Power supply status
A battery icon appears when power is supplied by batteries.
The battery icon shows the amount of power remaining with
10 levels ( ee).
When the icon has no bars, the batteries are almost dead
and the unit will soon turn off (enter standby).
When using a TASCAM PS-P515U AC adapter (sold
separately) or USB bus power, appears.
NOTE
Sometimes a “Battery Low” warning appears when recording
or conducting other demanding operations even before the
battery power has been depleted.
6Level meters
These show the levels of the input and playback signals.
7Recording status
These show the recording on/off status of each channel. (See
“Setting the channels to record”on page 18.)
: Recording off
: Recording on
8Project name
This shows the name of the project playing back.
A project is a group of files used for recording/playback.
9Remaining time
This shows the elapsed time (hours: minutes: seconds) of the
current file.
When stopped, this shows the remaining recording time of
the SD card (hours: minutes: seconds).
0HOLD/ switch status
This shows the status of the HOLD/ switch.
: HOLD switch off
: HOLD switch on
qPeak value in decibels (dB)
The maximum level that occurs in a fixed period of time is
displayed in decibels.
Recording Screen
1Recorder operation status
This icon shows the recorder operation status.
Indicator Meaning
0Recording
2Elapsed recording time
The elapsed recording time of the file appears as hours:
minutes: seconds.
3Monitoring mode
This shows what audio is now being monitored.
Indicator Meaning
MIX CH1-4 mix sound or dual recording mode main
file
CAM IN jack sound input
4Auto tone function status
This icon shows whether the auto tone function is on or off.
(See “Using the auto tone function”on page 26.)
No icon: Auto tone off
: Auto tone on
5Level meters
These show the input signal levels.
A bmark is shown at the −16dB position on the scale as a
guide for input level adjustment.
6Phantom power status
This shows the phantom power on/off setting. (See “Using
phantom power” on page 21.)
No icon: Phantom power off
: Phantom power on

10 TASCAM DR-70D
2 – Names and Functions of Parts
7Recording status
These show the recording on/off status of each channel. (See
“Setting the channels to record”on page 18.)
: Recording off
: Recording on
8Project name
This shows the name of the project for the recorded files.
9Remaining recording time
The remaining recording time on the SD card is shown in
hours: minutes: seconds according to the recording mode,
sampling frequency and recording format settings.
0Low cut filter on/off status
This shows whether the low cut filter is on or off. (See “Using
the low-cut filter” on page 22.)
This icon is shown as light letters on a dark background if
the low-cut filter is set to 40Hz, 80Hz, 120Hz, 180Hz or 220Hz
for channel 1, 2, 3 or 4.
: Low cut filter off
: Low cut filter on
qLimiter function status
This shows the limiter function setting. (See “Using the
limiter” on page 22.)
This icon is shown as light letters on a dark background if the
limiter function setting is set to MONO or LINK for channel 1,
2, 3 or 4.
: limiter off
: Limiter on
wHOLD/ switch status
This shows the status of the HOLD/ switch.
: HOLD switch off
: HOLD switch on
ePeak value in decibels (dB)
Peak input level values are shown in decibels.
Menu item list
Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.
This list provides an overview of the various menu items.
Menu item Function Page
BASIC Make recording settings
see page 18
see page 18
see page 19
see page 20
see page 20
MONITOR Make monitoring output
settings
see page 16
see page 15
INPUT Make input settings
see page 20
see page 22
see page 22
see page 23
see page 23
RECORD Make recording format
settings
see page 23
see page 25
SLATE Make slate tone settings see page 26
see page 26
MIC Make mic settings see page 21
see page 27
BROWSE Work with SD card files
and folders see page 30
OTHERS Show submenu items
The OTHERS submenu appears when OTHERS is selected in
the MENU screen. The submenu items are as follows.
Submenu item Function Page
SYSTEM Make system settings for
the unit see page 34
BATTERY Set the type of batteries see page 34
INFORMATION
View information about
files, the SD card and the
system
see page 33
FILE NAME Make file name settings see page 35
DATE/TIME Make date and time
settings see page 14
REMOTE
Make settings for the
TASCAM RC-3F footswitch
and TASCAM RC-10 wired
remote control (both sold
separately)
see page 36
see page 36
CAUTION
The MENU screen will not appear when recording.