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Add to SafariWhen comparing Tascam DR-05 vs Zoom H1 [$99.99 USD+], the Slant community recommends Tascam DR-05 for most people. In the question“What are the best pocket voice recorders under $100?” Tascam DR-05 is ranked 1st while Zoom H1 [$99.99 USD+] is ranked 3rd. The most important reason people chose Tascam DR-05 is:
With two AA batteries at full charge, you can easily last a full day.
Specs
Question Ranking
Pros
Pro Great battery life
With two AA batteries at full charge, you can easily last a full day.
Pro Overdubbing
The Tascam DR-05 can overdub files with a new one while playing the old one back. This permits great on the spot rapid multi voice performances.
Pro Great sound quality and low noise floor.
The tascam DR-05 has very clear and crisp sound (even from the integrated microphones). It can record in MP3 and in 24-bit/96Khz WAV files.
Pro Can use AC or USB bus power instead of batteries
With the optional AC adapter, you can record for prolonged periods of time without worrying about the battery level.
Pro Comes bundled with WaveLab LE from Steinberg
So you can start to produce and edit your recording right out of the box.
Pro Works as a USB audio interface
The H1 also functions as a USB audio interface, letting you record directly to either a Mac or PC.
Pro Easy access switches for lo-cut, auto-level and file formats
On the back of recorder you can find switches for lo-cut, auto-level and file formats.
Pro Really compact
It is small enough to fit in your pocket.
Pro Stereo X/Y microphone pattern
Spacious stereo, that captures depth and distance and ignores unwanted noise behind recorder.
Pro Monitor via headphones
Pro Screen illuminates
So you can use it in the dark.
Pro Can use as an external mic for a camera
You can buy a DSLR mount and the input minijack can be found on the side of recorder.
Pro Easy to use
It does not have a lot of features that could complicate things and turned face up it has a single button - record.
Pro Mark audio
You can set marks in recordings for use later in editing.
Pro Input level adjust
You can adjust level of incoming signal.
Pro An external microphone can be used
Minijack connection for an external microphone can be found on the side.
Pro Lasts up to 10h on one AA battery
10 hours of continuous recording can be attained with a single AA alkaline battery.
Pro Different bundles may include extra accessories
A windscreen, a mic stand clip adapter, an adjustable desktop tripod, a soft case, an AC adapter (USB type) and a USB cable.
Pro Can record wav and mp3
The H1 can record linear PCM (WAV) files at 24-bit/96 kHz and MP3 format to maximize the recording time.
Cons
Con Can not be conveniently used for live sets
since the tascam does not work over usb, it can only transfer sound through the line out, which for some reason has a much higher noise floor than the final recording which is stored on the micro sd card.
Con No protector over USB plug
Although you are probably not planning to role your Tascam in sand and mud any time soon, it is strange that the micro sd card has a rubber protector, but the usb plug does not. This could cause dirt, lint, or water to drop in it and cause problems.
Con Single track only
This device does not support recording many tracks at once (multiple mics for example).
Con No XLR/TRS inputs, or phantom power.
The only way to add a microphone on the DR-05, is to use a mic that can work directly on a mini headphone jack (plug-in power (most small lapel mics for example)), or use a self powered mic that can connect in a mini headphone jack input.
