TASCAM has released a new free app for iOS, TASCAM PCM Recorder, that is a free stereo recorder for iOS devices.

It works on iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

PCM Recorder supports up to 12 hours of recording, using the built-in microphone or connected USB devices like the TASCAM iM2 stereo microphone.

Other features include EQ, limiting, Soundcloud support and more.

PCM Recorder is a free download via the App Store.

Roland today introduced a new portable digital audio recorder, the R-26 Portable Recorder.

Features:

• The R-26 offers six simultaneous channels of pro-quality audio recording to SD/SDHC media. With two types of built-in stereo mics, XLR/TRS combo inputs and USB audio interface function, the compact R-26 is designed for applications such as solo and ensemble music recording, environmental sound capture, broadcasting, and audio/video production.
• Two stereo mic types—omnidirectional and XY—are integrated into the R-26’s chassis. In addition, there are two XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power for connecting external mics or line-level devices, plus a stereo mini-jack for a plug-in powered mic.
• Audio from the onboard mics and external inputs can be mixed internally in the R-26 and captured to a single stereo file, or can be recorded as three separate stereo files (six channels total) for mixing together later. Resolutions up to 24-bit/96 kHz are supported, and available file types include WAV and BWF. MP3 is supported as well, and the unit can record both WAV/BWF and MP3 formats simultaneously.
• The R-26’s large touch screen provides detailed level metering and convenient fingertip control over many functions, and is equipped with a backlight for visibility in any situation. Hardware controls are ergonomically organized and clearly labelled, with large input level knobs for precise adjustments, and dedicated buttons for often-used functions. The R-26 also features AUTO-SENS for setting input levels automatically, as well as onboard waveform editing.
• USB 2.0 audio interface - allows for both data transfer and audio interface capability with Windows and Mac-based computers. Users can connect the R-26 and use its built-in mics and external inputs as a high-quality input device for their favourite audio recording software. Loop-back recording is also supported, allowing multimedia users to combine audio from the R-26’s mics with streaming audio from the PC.
• The R-26 comes with Cakewalk’s SONAR X1 LE, a professional Windows-based DAW for general audio production in addition to mixing and processing R-26 recordings.
• With its rear-panel mount, the R-26 can be easily installed on any standard camera tripod stand, or on a mic stand with an optional adapter. An extensive line of accessories is available to complement the R-26, including the OP-R26CW Cover/Windscreen and the CS-10EM Binaural Microphones/Earphones to name a few.

The R-26 Portable Recorder will be available in October with a street price of £349.

BOSS has announced that it’s now shipping the MICRO BR BR-80 Digital Recorder, an updated version of its MICRO BR multitrack recorder.

The MICRO BR is small enough to fit in your pocket, but is basically a portable virtual studio, offering two tracks of simultaneous WAV-format recording, eight tracks of playback, and 64 virtual tracks for editing and mixdown.

Features:

• Three modes: MTR (multi-track recorder), eBand, and Live Rec
• Records directly to SD/SDHC memory card (up to 32 GB)
• High-quality stereo condenser microphone built in for instant audio capture
• 64 V-Tracks and eight simultaneous playback tracks
• eBand function for phrase training and play-along tracks
• Huge library of built-in backing and rhythm patterns
• World-class COSM® amps and effects onboard
• Use as a USB audio interface with built-in effects
• SONAR X1 LE software included

The BOSS BR-80 is available now for $299.

Alesis has introduced the TwoTrack portable audio recorder, which runs on two AA batteries and captures 16-bit 44.1 stereo audio.

Alesis TwoTrack Features:

• High-quality stereo recording for any application
• Two condenser microphones in XY configuration for optimal spatial imaging
• Small, portable, and ergonomic design fits in virtually any bag
• Simple controls and backlit LCD for use in low-light situations
• Auto-gain feature keeps levels consistent and nearly eliminates distortion
• Record in MP3 format up to 192 kbps or uncompressed 16-bit PCM WAV
• Save files to built-in memory or micro SD and SDHC cards up to 8 GB (sold separately)
• East file transfer to computer via high-speed USB 2.0 interface
• Low power consumption for hours of recording with just one AA battery
• Stand or tripod-mountable
• Includes AA battery, USB cable, and quickstart guide

The TwoTrack audio recorder should be available in Q3 and is expected to sell for about $79.

Tascam has introduced the DR-07mkII digital audio recorder, an updated version of its popular DR-07 recorder.

The stereo recorder features a pair of adjustable condenser microphones that can be moved from an XY position, for tight imaging, to an AB position, for a wider ambient sound.

Other features include:

• separate analog & digital circuit boards
• records to microSD or microSDHC media,
• recording in MP3 or WAV (BWF) file format
• up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution
• Variable-Speed Audition – which changes playback speed without affecting pitch
• 17.5 hours of longer battery life at 44.1kHz/16-bit, WAV (BWF)
• Overdub mode, which records over your previous take but keeps a copy of the original.
• Auto Record and Auto Mark settings for hands-off operation.

Olympus has introduced the DM-620 digital audio recorder, featuring  the “Tresmic” 3 microphone system that’s designed to capture a wider range of audio.

The DM-620’s Tresmic system uses two condenser stereo mics and a center, omni-directional mic that’s capable of capturing lower bass ranges down to 20Hz.

A unique feature of the DM-620 is complete voice guidance functionality: the recorder can provide audio prompts for users with assistive needs.

This optional function helps the user operate the device without the need to see the menus or buttons. Languages can be set to English, French, Spanish and Portuguese.

Other highlights of the digital audio recorder are 1,000+ hours of recording capacity.

The expected street price is $150 and availability is mid-March.

Specs for the Olympus DM-620 Tresmic recorder below. 

Specifications:

• Recording formats: Linear PCM (WAV), MP3 and WMA
• Frequency response (built-in mics): 20Hz-20kHz (center mic ON) or 70Hz-20kHz (center mic OFF)
• Maximum headphone output: 4.0mW + 4.0mW (at load of 16Ω)
• Recording Media: 4GB built-in memory / up to 32GB with microSD/SDHC Card
• Speaker: 20mm diameter, round dynamics speaker (monaural)
• MIC jack: 3.5mm diameter, mini-jack, impedance 2.2kΩ
• EAR jack: 3.5mm diameter, impedance 8Ω or more
• Maximum speaker output: 400mW (8Ω load)
• File editing function: Divide (PCM/MP3), Partial Erase (PCM), Move/Copy
• Automatic recording level
• Limiter ON / OFF
• Low cut filter: OFF / 100Hz / 300Hz
• Olympus Sonority Sound Editing Software
• Wireless remote control set (RS-30W – optional)
• USB interface: Mass Storage Class (High Speed 2.0) / Audio Class (44.1kHz/16bit)
• Compatible OS (USB connection): Microsoft Windows XP/Vista/7 or Mac OS X 10.4.1-10.6
• Battery: two AAA batteries (LR03) or two Olympus Ni-MH rechargeable batteries
• External power supply: A-514 AC adapter (DC5V – optional)
• Battery charge function
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 110.8 x 39.8 x 15.4 mm
• Weight: 86g (including batteries)
• Over 5 hours (built-in memory) of Linear PCM recording time
• Over 131 hours (built-in memory) of MP3 recording time
• Over 1000 hours (built-in memory) of WMA recording time
• Included items: Ni-MH rechargeable batteries, CD-ROM (Olympus Sonority Sound Editing Software), USB cable, strap, carrying case and instruction manual

Tascam has introduced the DR-05, a $99 portable stereo recorder with high-resolution audio.

Features:

• The stereo recorder features a pair of condenser microphones with sensitivity up to 125dB SPL and low noise.
• The design of the DR-05 is optimized for sound quality, from the dedicated power supply for the codec to bring out the full spec of the A/D and D/A converter to the separate analog & digital circuit boards and low impedance circuit design with noise resistance in its compact case.
• The DR-05 records to microSD or microSDHC media, recording in MP3 or WAV (BWF) file format at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution.
• Peak reduction function sets the optimum recording level even in recording to avoid the over level.
• Quick Menu selects commonly used parameters in playback or record like auto level setting or limiting, while deeper settings are available through a full-featured setup menu.
• The 1/8” mic/line input can supply power for microphones.
• A Level Align function prevents uneven volume levels during playback through the 1/8” headphone output or built-in speaker.
• Variable-Speed Audition – which changes playback speed without affecting pitch – and looping are also available during playback for transcription or learning new music.
• 17.5 hours of longer battery life at 44.1kHz/16-bit, WAV (BWF).

Tascam DR-05 Specifications:

• Handheld Portable Recorder
• Built-in Stereo Condenser Omnidirectional Microphones with sensitivity up to 125dB SPL
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV (BWF) linear PCM recording
• Stereo MP3 recording from 32-320 kbps bit rate
• Peak Reduction function, optimized for music recording, automatically sets the gain of while recording
• Limiter and low-cut filter to help prevent distortion
• Automatic or manual level setting
• Self timer recording starts recording 5 or 10 sec. after pressing the record button for waiting until you are ready
• Auto and manual track increment
• Variable speed playback (50%-150%) without changing the pitch
• Loop and repeat playback
• Level Align feature prevents uneven volume levels during playback
• Playback EQ setting
• Editing function (Divide and delete)
• Up to 99 mark points on each file
• Chromatic tuner
• 1/8” stereo mic/line input
• USB 2.0 port for transfer to PC and external power
• Up to 2-second pre recording buffer
• Jump back function returns to previous point with one action (1-10, 20, 30 sec.)
• 1/8” headphone/line output
• Built-in speaker
• microSD (64MB – 2GB)/microSDHC (4GB – 32GB) card slot (2GB card included)
• Powered by 2 AA batteries, AC adapter (optional: PS-P515U), or USB bus power
• Tripod socket hole
• Dimensions: 2 3/8” W x 5 9/16” H x 1” D
• Weight: 4 1/16 oz

At Musikmesse 2010, an international audio & music trade show, Roland has introduced the R-05, a new $299 pocket recorder that offers some advanced features.

The R-05 provides stereo recording directly to SD card — up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution.

Features:

• High-quality stereo recording (24-bit / 96kHz) with the built-in stereo mic or external input.
• Records directly to SD card with extended battery life (over 30 hours continuous playback, over 16 hours continuous recording).
• Strong, attractive metallic exterior.
• Onboard editing functions; built-in reverb.
• Music-practice features (change tempo without changing pitch, loop playback, etc.).
• Auto record start, auto song split, auto level adjust.
• Pre Record function (captures 2 seconds of audio that precedes pressing REC).
• Use as a high-quality portable audio player (plays WAV and MP3 files).
• Windscreen and tripod mount included.

The R-05 is scheduled to ship in May.

Harmonicdoc has released MultiTrack 1.1 (App Store link), a $14.99 application that turns your iPhone into a 16-track digital audio recorder.

Features:

• Stereo Recording – up to 16 stereo or mono tracks
• Fader, pan, mute and solo for each track
• Metronome – never miss that beat again
• Time Signatures – various musical time signatures
• Ruler – shows where you are in the song
• Snap – snaps the timebar to ruler lines
• Punch in/out – automatically starts and stops recording
• Auto Input – allows monitoring the track underneath until punch points
• Select left, right, or both channels of a stereo input for recording
• Speaker/receiver output selection switch (for iPhone)
• Input and Output faders
• 24 bit internal pathways
• Multi-touch pinch/zoom support
• VU meters for each track
• Extremely low latency recording
• Selectable input monitoring
• Recording perfectly synced to other tracks
• Crossfading uses cubic interpolation
• Animated popup controls

Paired with a decent external microphone, this could be a powerful portable studio.

If you’ve used Harmonicdog MultiTrack, leave a comment with your thoughts!

Blue Microphones has introduced Blue FiRe (App Store link), a free, high-fidelity field recording app for the iPhone and iPod Touch, developed in partnership with Audiofile Engineering.

Blue FiRe is optimized for use with Blue Microphone’s Mikey microphone, which attaches to the iPhone and iPod touch.

Coupled with the Mikey, Blue FiRe provides high-fidelity recordings in mono and stereo, while allowing users to see the audio waveform in real-time.

Features:

• Navigation of waveform via double-tap with configurable behavior.
• Configurable time units display.
• Record For, Record Until, Record Over Threshold and settings.
• Quality settings: Low (11.025 kHz), Medium (22.050 kHz) and High (44.1 kHz).
• Browser based file export via local web server.
• WAV, AIFF, CAF (Core Audio Format).

If you’ve used Blue FiRe or the Blue Microphone Mikey, leave a comment with your thoughts!