LibAnswers: Innovation Lab

The Tascam DR-05 Digital Audio Recorder is a portable device designed for recording audio in various situations, such as interviews, music, or field recording. To use the Tascam DR-05 effectively, follow these general steps:

1. Power On/Off:

   • To turn on the device, slide the "POWER" switch up, on the side of the recorder, to the ON position.
   • To turn it off, slide the switch to the OFF position.

2. Insert Batteries or Connect Power:

   • The Tascam DR-05 can be powered by two AA batteries or by connecting it to a USB power source via the micro-USB port. Insert fresh or rechargeable batteries or use the USB power option as needed.

3. Insert a MicroSD Card:

   • The DR-05 records audio to a microSD card. Open the battery compartment on the bottom and insert a microSD card before recording.

4. Set Recording Mode:

   • The DR-05 offers different recording modes, including MP3 and WAV formats. Use the "REC FORMAT" button to select the desired format and quality.

5. Adjust Input Levels:

   • Use the "MIC GAIN" buttons on the side of the device to adjust the input level. Monitor the input levels on the built-in display to ensure your audio isn't too quiet or too loud. Aim for levels that peak around -6 dB to -3 dB for optimal quality.

6. Start Recording:

   • Press the red "REC" button on the front of the device to start recording. A red LED indicator will light up to show that recording is in progress.

7. Monitor Audio:

   • You can monitor your audio using the built-in speaker or by connecting headphones to the 3.5mm headphone jack. Use the volume buttons to adjust the headphone volume.

8. Stop Recording:

   • To stop recording, press the "STOP" button. Your recorded audio will be saved to the microSD card.

9. Playback and Review:

   • To playback your recordings, use the "PLAY" button. You can also navigate through recorded files using the "PREV" and "NEXT" buttons.

10. Connect to a Computer:

    • To transfer your recordings to a computer, connect the DR-05 via USB to your computer using the micro-USB port. Your recorder will appear as a removable storage device, allowing you to copy your files to your computer.

11. File Management:

    • You can manage and delete recordings using the "DELETE" button or the file management options in the device's menu.

12. Menu Settings:

    • The Tascam DR-05 has various menu settings that allow you to customize audio settings, recording options, and more. You can access the menu by pressing the "MENU" button and navigate through the options using the arrow buttons.

Remember to read the user manual provided with the Tascam DR-05 for specific details and settings. These general steps should help you get started with basic audio recording and playback on the device.