Tascam DR-05XFrom real comments

Name: Tascam DR-05X
Rating: 2.7 (41 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 41 mentions across 14 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment56%

PROS 56%

CONS 44%

Rank based on 41 mentions across 14 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want an affordable recorder for ambient, nature, or live acoustic music capture
You need a simple, easy-to-use recorder to pair with a DSLR or lav mic
You value natural omni stereo imaging over directional cardioid mics

What users love

Natural omni mic soundKey factor0 mentions

Strongly positive

Great value for the priceNotable0 mentions

Widely praised

Easy to use interface0 mentions

Widely praised

Versatile for DSLR and lav mic setups0 mentions

Widely praised

Reliable long-term durability0 mentions

Widely praised

Good for capturing ambient soundbites0 mentions

Widely praised

Skip this if...

You plan to record DJ sets or mixer output without a separate attenuator
You need very low self-noise for quiet ASMR or hushed dialogue work
You want a true line-level input or dual mic/external input flexibility

What users complain about

Self-noise and amp noise issuesNotable0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Oversensitive mic input for line-level sourcesNotable0 mentions

Frequently criticized

No true mono recording mode0 mentions

Generally negative

RF interference problems0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Fast battery drain0 mentions

Frequently criticized

Micro USB port instead of USB-C0 mentions

Generally negative

Single shared input level control0 mentions

Generally negative

No accessories included0 mentions

Generally negative

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You are here

31Budget

Tascam DR-05X

Natural omni mic soundGreat value for the priceEasy to use interfaceNo true mono recording modeSelf-noise and amp noise issuesOversensitive mic input for line-level sources

Tascam DR-05X

Natural omni mic sound

Great value for the price

Easy to use interface

No true mono recording mode

Self-noise and amp noise issues

Oversensitive mic input for line-level sources

Versatile
1. MXR Super Badass Distortionarrow_upward15
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward6
3. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward4
Expensive
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_downward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_downward3
3. Eventide Orvillearrow_downward4
Dynamic response
1. Mad Professor Sweet Honey Overdrivearrow_upward8
2. Wampler Paisley Drivearrow_upward2
Good value
1. MXR Super Badass Distortionarrow_upward6
2. Tascam DR-05Xarrow_upward4
Build quality
1. Moog Subsequent 37arrow_upward3
2. Origin Effects Deluxe61arrow_upward1

Overall Impression

Sound quality from the omni mics impresses many users despite the low price. Multiple commenters call the recorded audio 'amazing' or 'fantastic,' especially for live band and acoustic music recording, crediting the omni A/B mic layout for natural, less-colored sound. Classical and orchestral recordists like the wider stereo image and bass response omnis provide versus cardioid or X/Y arrangements. One user directly compared it favorably to a phone recording despite an audiophile critique of thin tone from speaker playback.

Self-noise and preamp limitations frustrate users pushing the unit past casual use. Several commenters report noticeable self-noise or amp noise, particularly when using external mics, prompting one to consider an XLR preamp adapter costing nearly as much as the recorder itself. Others struggle with ASMR or nature recordings picking up unwanted noise. One reviewer states the preamp and noise floor are unchanged from the original DR-05, and all channels share a single input level control, reducing flexibility.

The mic input is oversensitive, causing real problems with mixers and DJ setups. Users repeatedly warn that connecting a mixer's RCA or line output directly to the mic/line-in jack causes signal levels far too high, leading to clipping that can't be reduced within the device. The workaround is an external attenuator or plugging into a headphone output with volume turned down. Commenters note there is no true dedicated line-level input, which limits use for DJ set recording or line-level sources.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

micNatural omni mic soundKey factor

6 mentions

Strongly positive

Users praise the DR-05X's omni A/B mic configuration for producing a natural, well-balanced stereo image, especially for ambient, nature, and classical acoustic recording. The wider mic spacing is noted as favorable to more tightly spaced or cardioid configurations found on competitors.

@youtuuba

Good video, but in spite of the channel's name including \"Audio for Content Creators\", which implies spoken narration, this video can be misleading for everyone who misses that fine point. There are a lot of applications for recorders like this one that are not about recording close-up mono spoken sources. One example, recording concerts and other musical performances. Put this recorder on top of a tower stand, and it can capture music in stereo with a better than fair degree of quality, especially considering the price. I have used both my DR-05X and my DR-07X in this way for a number of years, whenever I need to do a recording but the situation does not allow me to schlep all my 'serious' recording gear around on a couple of hand carts.\n\nThe one main problem I have with the DR-05(X) and DR-07(X) is that either the microphones or the internal preamp circuit (or both) seem to be less than ideally shielded from radio interference. More than once, I have set everything up, does a sound check in rehearsal, then had the recorder pick up spurious noise during the performance when lots of people in the audience have their mobile phones turned on. It is hard to accept that a company like TASCAM would let a product out their doors with such a blatant problem, but they did. I have a decent Audio-Technica stereo mic that I now use, plugged into the external mic input; it seems to not pick up the noise like the integral mics do, however its output is somewhat 'hot' for what the DR series is designed to handle, so I also usually use an in-line attenuator. If TASCAM had done a better job with their design(s), not of that extra stuff would be required (I doubt that the Audio-Technica's internal condenser mic elements are any better than what as built into this DR series.

Tascam DR-05Xchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

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Who wins on what

Versatile

Expensive

Dynamic response

Good value

Build quality

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Tascam DR-05XFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression