DR-10L Pro

In large-scale battle scenes and multi-actor action shoots, one of the devices chosen by sound engineer Asuka Nemoto was TASCAM's lavalier recorder, the DR-10L Pro. In an environment where wireless lavalier systems dominate, why was the DR-10L Pro selected? Let's explore the reasoning and workflow behind its use.

Netflix's epic drama, 'Last Samurai Standing' streaming since November 13, 2025, is a samurai action series set in the early Meiji era. Written by award-winning author Shogo Imamura and directed by Michihito Fujii—known for acclaimed works such as The Journalist and Your Turn to Kill—the series stars Junichi Okada, delivering a production of both scale and intensity.

Reliable Audio in a Multi-Actor, High-Action Environment

Mr. Nemoto is a recording engineer who monitors and manages the overall audio from a position away from the stage.
"Ikusagami features large-scale battles and complex action scenes involving heavy equipment, which brought in a huge number of supporting cast and extras that could not possibly be covered by the main wireless system alone. We introduced about 10 DR-10L Pro units and attached them to extras and action performers who could not be accommodated by the main wireless setup."

The main wireless system operated 12 channels centered around the WISYCOM MTP60. Adding more would increase the workload for audio checks. According to Mr. Nemoto, maintaining the shooting tempo is crucial on action-heavy sets, so they wanted to avoid spending too much time checking audio after each take.

"It was crucial to simply 'capture' the performers' voices on set. The DR-10L Pro was exactly the right recorder for that purpose."

Selection Reason: "A lavalier recorder that allows timecode to be checked on screen."

Mr. Nemoto says that the key factors during implementation were: "Timecode input capability," "Compatibility with lavalier microphones," and "The ability to check timecode on the device's screen."
"As a result, the DR-10L Pro, equipped with an OLED display for timecode verification, became the obvious choice."

Toughness and Audio Performance on Set

The recording devices were sometimes used under harsh conditions during filming, such as explosions and falls.
"Even in scenes where performers were jumping, tumbling, or being blasted by explosives, not a single unit broke. Honestly, this level of durability in such a compact size is impressive."
"With shotgun mics, there's often too much distance from the sound source, and in the roar of a crowd, it's impossible to capture the core of individual voices. By using the DR-10L Pro, we were able to record powerful voices with clear definition, without distortion even at close range," said Mr. Nemoto.

On-Set Configuration and Operation

For this production, recording was done in 32-bit float.
"Before implementation, we conducted test recordings and adopted the 'LOW' setting for recording levels. As long as the proper level is set, even loud sounds like shouts can be captured without issue, and during editing, levels can be raised as needed."
During filming, timecode was managed with Atomos UltraSync One as the master, and DR-10L Pro units were jam-synced via Bluetooth connection with UltraSync BLUE, explains Mr. Nemoto.
"Even after long tests, we didn't notice any drift in jam sync. The Bluetooth-based TC sync used during shooting sometimes had stability issues during syncing, but the later implementation of wired LTC jam sync made the process extremely smooth—just plug and unplug the cable to sync TC—significantly reducing setup time."

The Concept of Recording Everything and Deciding What to Use in Post

"In an action set of this scale, it was impossible to record every actor's voice wirelessly. However, we wanted to avoid a situation where an actor's voice was missing during final editing. By recording with the DR-10L Pro, we could later decide whether to use it or not."
To preserve the energy of the scene, they aimed to use live sound from the set instead of dubbing in post-production.
"To meet the director's and actors' intention to keep that momentum, the DR-10L Pro offered incredibly strong support," said Mr. Nemoto.

Reliability Matters: The Importance of DR-10L Pro's Durability

"At this level of equipment, the subtle differences in acoustic characteristics honestly don't make much of an impact. What really matters is that it records and that it doesn't break. In that respect, TASCAM is extremely reliable," said Mr. Nemoto.

Summary

The DR-10L Pro operates reliably even under harsh filming conditions, and its LTC jam sync ensures smooth and accurate timecode integration. In addition to being able to check status on the device's display, proper gain settings allow for worry-free audio recording.
As Mr. Nemoto stated, the DR-10L Pro greatly expanded on-set flexibility as a "compact and dependable lavalier recorder."

Product Information

• 

  ULTRA-COMPACT 32-BIT FLOAT AUDIO FIELD RECORDER WITH LAVALIER MIC
  DR-10L Pro

Work Information

Title: Netflix Series Last Samurai Standing

Release Date: November 13, 2025

Official Page:
https://www.netflix.com/title/81607397

Profile

Asuka Nemoto
Recording Engineer

Influenced by a father who loved movies, Nemoto grew up watching countless films and aspired to become a film director. After enrolling in the Department of Film and Theater at Tama Art University, he immersed himself in independent filmmaking. Soon after, he began working in the directing department on low-budget commercial films and V-Cinema productions, but at the age of 19, he shifted to the sound department. Since then, he has worked extensively as a sound assistant on projects ranging from indie films to major commercial productions. Alongside this, he has participated as a recording engineer in numerous works by young directors, continuing to this day.
Currently, Nemoto collaborates with many directors, including Michihito Fujii, Rikiya Imaizumi, and Koji Shiraishi, on a wide range of projects.

RECENT WORK

• To the End (2023) – Sound Recording

• Youth 18×2: Road to You (2024) – Sound Recording

• Parade (Netflix / 2024) – Sound Recording

• The Continuation of Goodbye (Netflix / 2024) – Sound Recording

• About a Certain Place in the Kinki Region (2025) – Sound Recording

• Thou, Like a Star (Scheduled for release in 2026) – Sound Recording

Official Website: https://noiz-noiz.jimdofree.com/