TASCAM 4-Channel Portable Audio Recorder for Videographers, 2 Combo XLR/TRS", Dual 3.5mm Inputs, Limiter, HP Filter (DR-60DmkII)

The TASCAM DR-60DmkII is just marvelous. I use it with a Sony A65 DSLR and my favorite configuration is with a Sennheiser shotgun mic in channel 1 and a Sennheiser wireless handheld mic in channel two. I consider this my perfect field documentation setup. I also use the Dual Record mode, Limiter and Bass Roll Off settings on all of my recordings. I attach it to the bottom of my camera and use a Gitzo Tripod with a Manfrotto 503 HDV fluid video head for a solid field shooting platform. Some complain that stacking the TASCAM unit and the camera together makes the configuration too tall. These people obviously haven't used older professional video cameras that are over a foot tall and two feet long, plus those dinosaurs weighed in upward 25 to 35 pounds. If placed on a solid tripod head rated for the weight of your gear you'll be perfectly fine. Some complain the unit has a plastic feel but I find the unit to be quite well made and the camera mount quite sturdy. Some complain that the menu is too complicated. They obviously haven't used a Zoom, Marantz PMD660 or a Marantz PMD670. I sat down on my stoop, fiddled with the buttons and knobs and figured out the menu in less than 5 minutes without looking at the manual. Remember it is a TASCAM, their manuals read like stereo instructions. If you have used digital audio recorders in the past, you will find the menu quite intuitive. If not good, luck with the manual. The pre-amps are absolutely wonderful, but test and know your input settings in relation to your mics before going to the field. Just make sure your audio levels peak above the -12db delta mark without hitting the 0db Clip wall. This is where your Dual Record mode can save you if audio gets too loud. When using the channel adjustment knobs be careful of stair-stepping the digital signal by turning the knob too much at one time. Only make micro adjustments while recording. If you find yourself slightly clipping just fall back on the Dual Record tracks rather than messing with the knobs. That is what the Dual Record function is for, it is your safety net. Finally, I love-love-love the Slate function. It makes post-production audio syncing a breeze. In summation this TASCAM unit turns my Sony A65 into a truly professional video production camera. I like it so much I ordered a second one. The TASCAM DR-60mkII is perfect for most of my production needs and the price tag didn't put a huge dent in my wallet.

Let me just say this: When you combine the sound quality, versatility, portability, convenience, feature set, and then the price of this little recorder, you have an absolutely insane value. It's a steal. They should be charging double.For under two Benjamins, you get a device that could theoretically allow you to field record for a feature film, documentary, TV news broadcast, or for material to burn a CD of a live band. To be clear, this is not really a multitrack recorder designed for musicians or bands, but that's not to say you couldn't use it to record practice sessions or live music. I am going to use mine to record dialogue for marketing videos. For that, it'll be perfect.One thing I'll say: If when you first get this recorder, you don't understand it, take some time and patience to dial-it in and get used to navigation. It's not the simplest recorder out there, but once you understand how to best use it, you'll be in business.For example, for my needs, recording with one shotgun mic on an XLR and a lav mic running to the 3.5mm jack with both tracks recording a "safety track" 6db lower is an absolutely bulletproof way for me to make sure I've got the audio without running the risk that I missed something because the talent was off-axis, clothing rustled the lav mic, or we went over the peak (because we've got those safety tracks).Anyway, you get the idea. With a little planning, this bad boy can do it all!

This is an excellent recorder. I had purchased the original a while back and ended up returning it as it wasn't inherently better than my Tascam DR-100 MkII (which is also excellent).When I saw that they made a second version of the DR-60D, I had to try it out and it doesn't fail to impress. I put it to use on a client project right away and here are my points:1. The audio is VERY clean. Their new preamps make for a nice, clean sound. I use this with a Rode NTG-3 which is a great mic anyway. If you're getting noise, maybe it's your mic.2. I LOVE the high gain setting. I don't know if I'll ever use the Extra High Gain setting, but knowing it's there could be an asset. I also have an Azden SGM mic that doesn't have anywhere near the output of the Rode, so if I'm in a situation where I need both mics, I feel like I easily could.3. The XLR/Phono inputs are great. I usually use XLR, but if I wanted to pull a signal from something else and needed 1/4", I could4. The operations are easy. I like having everything in front of me with knobs. Even the DR-100 II has a lot of menu interfaces and I don't even touch my Zoom H4N anymore.I know there are a lot of questions floating around out there about the gain potentiometers. Just like the old units, the knobs operate smoothly, but you still get the electronic "stepping" with gain adjustments. Fortunately, it seems a lot more subtle on this newer unit. If you make a big jump, you will get a more significant "step" change in the audio. If you go slowly, it's hardly noticeable.All in all, I'm definitely keeping this one. Super build quality, great audio, unbelievable price.