DR-44WL
Portable Handheld Recorder with Wi-Fi
TASCAM's DR-44WL is the latest recording innovation from TASCAM. It starts with high-quality stereo condenser microphones, updated with a new XY pattern and high-performance mic components. Two locking XLR inputs feed TASCAM's latest microphone preamp design, with the lowest noise level and richest sound available in a portable recorder.
The DR-44WL revolutionizes handheld recorders with its new Wi-Fi feature. A free app for iOS or Android devices provides control, file transfer, and audio streaming to your smartphone. Start recording while on-stage or from anywhere in the room, while setting trim levels and check meters to make sure the transport is running. At the end of a performance, transfer recordings to your phone and instantly upload them to SoundCloud, Facebook, even email directly to fans.
With rugged construction, great sound quality, and TASCAM's famed ease of use, the DR-44WL is the ultimate portable recorder for anyone from beginning musicians to experienced professionals.
This model has been discontinued. Check Portacapture X8 as your alternative option.
DR-44WL Black Edition (DR-44WLB)(Discontinued)- |
DR-44WL(Discontinued)
Main differences
- DR-44WL：DR-44WL unit with silver side panels. Bundled with an AC adapter, a windscreen and other accessories.
- DR-44WLB：The black edition features the DR-44WL with black side panels. Accessories sold separately.
- Sampling Frequency : 44.1kHz/48kHz/96kHz (WAV)
- Quantization Bit Rate : 16bit/24bit
- Power : 4 AA batteries, USB bus power, Dedicated AC adapter (GPE053B supplied with the unit)
- Supported WAV recording formats: 44.1k/48k/96kHz, 16/24bit, WAV/BWF format
- Cardioid stereo condenser microphones fixed in X-Y position
- High sound pressure design captures levels up to 132dB SPL
- XLR/TRS inputs compatible with mic or line level (-10 or +4dBu)
- MTR mode enables multitrack music production
- Four-track mode supports advanced recording
- Remote control, file transfer and streaming playback using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Full remote control using the free TASCAM app for iOS and Android
- Main unit × 1
- AC adapter (GPE053B) × 1
- microSD card with adapter (in the unit) × 1
- USB cable (80 cm) × 1
- AA alkaline batteries × 4
- Fur windscreen × 1
- Grip × 1
- Shoe mount adapter × 1
- Soft case × 1
- Owner's Manual (including warranty) × 1
Cardioid Condenser Mics in an X-Y Pattern
Cardioid condenser capsules are mounted in acoustically-tuned housings. As with all TASCAM recorders, the mic capsules were selected after extensive listening tests. The true X-Y pattern captures the stereo field in phase-alignment, for perfect imaging during playback.
Designed To Handle High Sound Pressure Levels - Up to 132dB SPL
The design of the DR-44WL allows it to record loud sound sources, including rehearsals and concerts, without distortion. Up to 132 dB SPL means that a volume level over 10 times higher than the 105dB SPL maximum sound pressure of a movie theater can be captured without clipping. The high level capability also makes the DR-44WL ideal for sound effects gathering.
Shockmount Design Reduces Handling Noise
Each mic capsule is cradled in its own shockmount to prevent vibrations from creating low frequency rumbling on the track. Inspired by high-end studio microphone mounts, the rubber material between the capsule and the body of the unit effectively absorbs movement from trucks passing by, handheld operation, or mounting on a camera or tripod.
Dual-Level Recording Feature Helps Prevent Overload
If levels get so high that your track is distorted, that recording can't be saved with any kind of mastering. The DR-44WL includes a limiter to keep levels under control, but an even more effective system is the Dual-Level Recording feature. Dual-Level Recording is a function that solves this problem by simultaneously recording two stereo files at different levels. If your recording is distorted, you have a lower level "safety track" that won't be distorted.
* When the Dual-level recording function is enabled, a maximum of two stereo tracks can be recorded simultaneously.
XLR/TRS Inputs Support Balanced Line or Mic-Level Sources
Two XLR/TRS combo input jacks are included for external inputs. The External Inputs accept mic or line level sources. For condenser mics, 48V phantom power is available. When set for line level, the inputs can accept -10 or +4 signal levels, balanced or unbalanced. High-quality XLR connectors with locking mechanisms are available, as well as a balanced or unbalanced 1/4" input.
Simple Wi-Fi Connections Without a Router
The DR-44WL connects with smartphones and other Wi-Fi devices directly. There is no need for a Wi-Fi router network or other external equipment. Wi-Fi connections can be established simply by inputting the information shown in the app. Connection status can be checked with an LED on the unit as well as the app screen. Even if the Wi-Fi connection is interrupted, recording will not stop.
Remote Control Using the Free DR Control App (iOS/Android)
The free DR Control app allows your iOS or Android phone to control the recorder from anywhere in the room. Start recording on-stage or from the back of the room, while placing the DR-44WL wherever the microphones sound best. Remote start also eliminates handling noise from pressing a button or moving the recorder. In addition to recording, playback and other transport controls, DR Control can adjust the input levels, switch on the low-cut filter, change the mix, and more. A power-conservation mode is included to minimize battery consumption from Wi-Fi use.
* Functions that can hinder operation have been excluded from wireless control
Superior Microphone Preamp and A/D Converter for Quiet Operation
Read More
Wireless Streaming to Monitor the Recorder
Read More
Dual-Format Recording Function Records both WAV and MP3 Files
Read More
Features at a Glance
Recorder Section
- Supported WAV recording formats: 44.1k/48k/96kHz, 16/24bit, WAV/BWF format
Recording Hardware
- Cardioid stereo condenser microphones fixed in X-Y position
- High sound pressure design captures levels up to 132dB SPL
- XLR/TRS inputs compatible with mic or line level (-10 or +4dBu)
- +48V phantom power supply for condenser microphones
Key Features
- MTR mode enables multitrack music production
- Four-track mode supports advanced recording
- Remote control, file transfer and streaming playback using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
- Full remote control using the free TASCAM app for iOS and Android
Recording Functions
- Dual level recording function allows simultaneous recording of a second file at a lower level
- Dual-format recording function allows simultaneous recording of both WAV and MP3 files
Playback Functions
- Speed change (VSA) function for adjusting the speed from 0.5 to 2.0 times (in 0.1 increments)
Editing Function
- M-S decoding function for utilizing M-S microphones
Other Functions
- Reverb effect for vocal and instrument resonance
Other Hardware
- Powered by four AA batteries, USB bus power, or AC adapter
- Long-time operation of over 16 hours using the internal batteries (Alkaline battery, 16/44.1, 2ch, Wi-Fi OFF)
[Updated] Information about Android 13 Update
Learn More
TASCAM DR CONTROL for Android" v2.2.0 Distribution Termination Notice
Learn MoreYou might also like
Information
| Latest version info | |
| System Firmware | V2.15 |
| Wi-Fi Firmware | V2.00 |
| TASCAM DR CONTROL for Android (Android 10 - 13) | V2.2.1 |
| TASCAM DR CONTROL for Android (Android 6 - 9) | V2.1.0 |
| TASCAM DR CONTROL for iOS | V2.1.1 |
| TASCAM DR FILE TRANSFER | V1.00 |
- When punching in and out in MTR mode, recording errors would occasionally happen. This has been fixed.
- Android 13 is now supported.
- When updating firmware to V2.00 or later:
- Firmware V2.00 or later cannot be updated via the TASCAM DR CONTROL app.
Please proceed to update the firmware manually through the DR unit. - For users using V1.11 or earlier versions:
- When updating firmware V1.11 to V1.13 or later, an error will occur and the firmware will not be updated normally.
Please update it to V1.12 once before updating your unit to the latest firmware available.
Notices About Products
Spec
Manuals
Documents
Firmware
Software
Supported Media / Other
Some (not all) Android devices have a setting called "Avoid No Internet Connections." This is found in the Wi-Fi settings under Advanced. It tells the device not to "use a Wi-Fi network unless it has an Internet connection." Uncheck this box.
Press record once so that the REC light is flashing. Then press 3 and 4 at the same time. In the display they will be joined together. Instead of [3] [4] it will look like [3 4]. Then you arm them together like you do with 1 & 2 (press one and the other is also armed.)
To change the input gain of two channels at once, first press the Input Level button on the side. Next, select the first channel you want to change (e.g. track 1.) Then press the second channel you want to change (e.g. track 2.) Now you can move the input gain knob to change both at once.
There are 2 update files used for the DR-44WL (and DR-22WL), system and Wi-Fi.
To update the System, press MENU and >> while powering on to go into PROGRAM UPDATE mode.
To update the Wi-Fi, press 4 and >> while powering on to go into Wi-Fi F/W UPDATE mode.
The list of available files will show both system and WiFi files, so choosing the wrong one for the current update mode results in the "ERROR Product" message.
Make sure there is a formatted SD/microSD card in the unit and that you have a Standard USB 2.0 Type-A to micro-B DATA cable (not simply a charging cable) connected between the TASCAM unit and your computer. Occasionally a user will forget that a formatted microSD card must be in the unit. However, 1 times out of 10 when the card is not the issue, having the wrong cable type ends up being the culprit. This is because there is no easy way to differentiate between the two types. You must specify this to the vendor you are purchasing the cable from.
You need to "unzip" the files that you download, ending in ".zip" These files are compressed by the server to make your download times as quick as possible.
On Mac OSX, double-click the file to expand it.
On Windows OS, right-click the file and "Extract All."
The DR-44WL has a blue LED that shows the Wi-Fi status. Here are the possible mesages from the LED:
- OFF -> No WiFi active.
- Blinking continuously -> WiFi active, but no control app connected.
- Solid ON -> WiFi active and connected to a control app.
- Brief blink -> connected, command received.
Note that the DR-44WL will shut down its WiFi when the battery level gets low, to maximize the remaining record time.
