Tascam DR-05X User Manual

DR-05X

Linear PCM Recorder

REFERENCE MANUAL

D01353820A

Table of Contents

1 – Introduction ....................................................................4

Features ..................................................................................................4

Conventions used in this manual ................................................. 4

Trademarks and copyrights ............................................................ 4

About microSD cards ........................................................................ 5

Precautions for use ........................................................................ 5

2 – Names and Functions of Parts .......................................6

Front ........................................................................................................ 6

Front panel ............................................................................................7

Rear panel ............................................................................................. 7

Left side .................................................................................................. 8

Right side ............................................................................................... 8

Bottom.................................................................................................... 8

Home Screen ........................................................................................ 9

Recording screen ..............................................................................10

Playback Control screen .................................................................11

Menu item list ....................................................................................11

Using the menu .................................................................................13

Basic operation ..................................................................................13

3 – Preparation ................................................................... 14

Preparing the power supply .........................................................14

Using AA batteries .......................................................................14

Using an AC adapter (sold separately) .................................14

Using USB bus power .................................................................14

Turning the power on and off (standby mode) .....................15

Turning the unit on .....................................................................15

Turning the unit off (standby) .................................................15

Resume function ..........................................................................15

Setting the date and time .............................................................16

Inserting and removing microSD cards ....................................17

Inserting microSD cards ............................................................17

Removing cards ............................................................................17

Preparing microSD cards for use .................................................17

Using the built-in speaker .............................................................18

Connecting monitoring equipment ..........................................18

4 – Recording ..................................................................... 20

Setting file format, sampling frequency, type and

maximum file size .............................................................................20

Setting where files are saved........................................................21

Making input settings .....................................................................21

Placing the unit and making connections ..............................22

Recording with the built-in mics ............................................22

Recording with external mics (MIC IN).................................22

Recording an external device (EXT IN) .................................22

Adjusting the input level ...............................................................22

Manually adjusting the input level .......................................22

Using the LEVEL MODE function............................................24

Recording ............................................................................................25

Recording playback and input sounds together

(overdubbing) ....................................................................................25

Select the file you want to overdub ......................................25

Selecting file format ...................................................................25

Simultaneous listening to playback and input sound

(MONITOR MIX) ............................................................................25

Adjusting the input level ..........................................................26

TASCAM DR-05X

2

Conducting overdubbing .........................................................27

Recording automatically (AUTO REC) ........................................27

Continuing to record in a new file (track incrementing) ....28

Manual track incrementation during recording ...............28

Automatic track incrementation by file size ......................28

Capturing a few seconds before starting recording

(PRE REC)..............................................................................................29

Self-timer .............................................................................................29

Using tone output ............................................................................30

Setting the AUTO TONE .............................................................30

Setting the AUTO TONE length ...............................................30

Adjusting the AUTO TONE volume ........................................30

Recording duration ..........................................................................31

5 – Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen) ..... 32

Screen navigation.............................................................................32

Icons on the BROWSE screen .......................................................32

File operations ...................................................................................32

Folder operations .............................................................................33

Creating a new folder ......................................................................33

6 – Playback........................................................................ 34

Adjusting the playback volume ..................................................34

Setting the playback area (AREA) ...............................................34

Selecting a folder for the playback area (1).............................35

Selecting a folder for the playback area (2).............................35

Using the playlist ..............................................................................36

Adding files to the playlist ........................................................36

Editing the playlist ......................................................................36

Selecting files for playback (skipping) ......................................37

Playing recordings ...........................................................................37

Pausing ............................................................................................37

Stopping .........................................................................................37

Searching backward and forward .........................................37

Repeat playback (REPEAT) .............................................................37

Special playback control functions ............................................38

Playback Control screen ............................................................38

Loop playback of a selection ...................................................38

Changing the playback speed (VSA) ....................................39

Setting the playback equalizer ....................................................39

Increasing the perceived overall sound pressure to

enhance listenability (LEVEL ALIGN)..........................................40

Using the jump function ................................................................40

Setting the jump back time .....................................................41

Setting the jump forward time ...............................................41

7 – Quick Operations ......................................................... 42

Features of the QUICK button ......................................................42

Quick menu ........................................................................................43

Deleting files ......................................................................................43

Dividing the selected file (DIVIDE) .............................................43

Overwrite recording ........................................................................44

Selecting a file to overwrite record .......................................44

Activating overwrite recording mode..................................44

Conducting overwrite recording ...........................................44

Checking the result of recording ...........................................44

Undoing and redoing ................................................................44

Ending overwrite recording mode ........................................44

Table of Contents

Transcribing recorded files (DICTATION PLAY).......................45

Enabling DICTATION PLAY mode ...........................................45

Adjusting the playback equalization ....................................45

Changing the playback position ............................................45

Changing the playback volume and speed .......................45

Exiting DICTATION PLAY mode ...............................................45

8 – Mark functions ............................................................. 46

Adding marks manually .................................................................46

Adding marks automatically to a recording ...........................46

Moving to mark positions .............................................................46

Clearing marks ...................................................................................46

9 – Using the effects .......................................................... 47

Setting the effect ..............................................................................47

Effects Preset List ..............................................................................47

10 – Tuning an instrument ................................................ 48

Using the tuner .................................................................................48

Setting the tuner..........................................................................48

Tuning a musical instrument ...................................................48

Adjusting the input level for tuning .....................................48

11 – USB Connections ........................................................ 49

Powering the unit with USB bus power ...................................49

Using as an SD card reader ...........................................................49

Disconnecting the unit from a computer ................................50

Transferring files from a computer .............................................50

Using as a USB audio interface ....................................................50

Setting the connected device type .......................................51

Connecting ....................................................................................51

12 – Settings and Information .......................................... 52

Viewing information (INFORMATION) .........................................52

File information page (FILE) ...................................................52

Card information page ..............................................................52

System information page .........................................................52

System Settings .................................................................................53

Setting the automatic power saving function ..................53

Setting the backlight ..................................................................53

Adjusting the display contrast ................................................53

Setting the battery type ............................................................53

Set the language ..........................................................................53

Restoring the factory settings .................................................54

Formatting microSD cards .......................................................54

Completely formatting SD cards ............................................54

Setting the file name format ........................................................55

File name format ..........................................................................55

Setting the WORD item .............................................................55

13 – Messages .................................................................... 56

14 – Troubleshooting ........................................................ 58

15 – Specifications ............................................................. 59

General .................................................................................................59

Input/output ratings .......................................................................59

Analog audio input/output ratings ......................................59

Control input/output ratings ..................................................59

Audio performance .........................................................................59

Other specifications .........................................................................59

Dimensional drawings ....................................................................61

TASCAM DR-05X

3

1 – Introduction

Features

Compact audio recorder that uses microSD/microSDHC/

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microSDXC cards as recording media

High-performance stereo unidirectional microphone pair

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44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit, linear PCM (WAV format)

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recording possible

BWF format WAV files supported

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32–320kbps MP3 format recording possible (compatible

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with v2.4 ID3 tags)

Overdubbing allows playback and input signals to be

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mixed and recorded together as a new file

Built-in 0.3 W mono output speaker

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Built-in effect (reverb) can be used during recording and

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playback

Automatic recording function starts recording automati-

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cally when a set sound input level is detected

When a maximum file size set in advance is reached, a

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new file can be started automatically without interrupting
recording

QUICK button provides easy access to various functions

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Track incrementing function allows a recording to be split

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by creating a new file when desired

Pre-recording function allows the unit to record 2 seconds

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of sound before recording is activated

Automatic peak reduction function automatically reduces

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the level suitably when the input level is too high

Automatic level control can increase or decrease the

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recording volume when the input sound is too quiet or
loud

Limiter function automatically reduces the level suitably in

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parts when the input level is too high

Low cut filter convenient for reducing low-frequency noise

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VSA function can change playback speed in a range from

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50-200% (0.5 to 2.0 in 0.1 increments) of normal without
changing pitch

Repeat playback and IN-OUT loop playback functions

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PB CONT button opens screen for playback speed and

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IN-OUT loop settings

Tuner function to tune musical instruments

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Self-timer function to start recording after a set period of

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time.

Jump function that moves backward or forward a small

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amount during playback or when paused (DICTATION PLAY
mode only)

Playlist function

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DIVIDE function allows files to be split where desired (only

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for WAV files)

MARK function convenient for moving to specific locations

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Playback equalizer function and level alignment function to

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enhance the perceived overall sound pressure

File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or

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the date

Resume function to memorize the playback position before

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the unit is turned off.

TASCAM DR-05X

4

3.5mm (1/8”) jack for external stereo microphone input

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(provides plug-in power) or external stereo line input

3.5mm (1/8”) line/headphone output jack

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128×64-pixel LCD with backlight

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micro-B type USB 2.0 port

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Operates on 2 AA batteries, a TASCAM PS-P520E AC adapter

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(sold separately) or USB bus power

Tripod attachment screw hole

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USB audio interface functions

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Dictation playback mode

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Overwrite recording function

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Conventions used in this manual

The following conventions are used in this manual.

When we refer to a button or connector or control on the

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DR-05X, the typeface looks like this: MENU.

When we show messages, for example, that appear on the

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unit’s display, the typeface looks like this: ON.

We abbreviate “microSD memory card” as “microSD card”.

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Words that appear on the computer display are shown in

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quotation marks like this: “DR-05X”.

Additional information is provided as necessary in tips,

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notes and cautions.

TIP

These are tips about how to use the unit.

NOTE

Notes provide additional explanations for special situa­tions.

CAUTION

Failure to follow these instructions could result in damage
to equipment or lost recording data, for example.

V

CAUTION

Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury.

Trademarks and copyrights

TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC Corporation.

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The microSDXC Logo is a trademark of SD-3C, LLC.

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The MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology is licensed

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from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.

Supply of this product does not convey a license nor imply

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any right to distribute MPEG Layer-3 compliant content
created with this product in revenue-generating broadcast
systems (terrestrial, satellite, cable and/or other distribution
channels), streaming applications (via Internet, intranets
and/or other networks), other content distribution systems
(pay-audio or audio-on-demand applications and the like)

or on physical media (compact discs, digital versatile discs,
semiconductor chips, hard drives, memory cards and the
like). An independent license for such use is required. For
details, please visit http://mp3licensing. com.

Other company names, product names and logos in this

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document are the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.

Information is given about products in this manual
only for the purpose of example and does not indicate
any guarantees against infringements of third-party
intellectual property rights and other rights related
to them. TEAC Corporation will bear no responsibility
for infringements on third-party intellectual property
rights or other liabilities that occur as a result of the
use of this product.

Properties copyrighted by third parties cannot be
used for any purpose other than personal enjoyment
and the like without the permission of the right
holders recognized by copyright law. Always use this
equipment properly.

TEAC Corporation will bear no responsibility for rights
infringements committed by users of this product.

About microSD cards

This unit uses microSD cards for recording and playback.
A list of microSD cards that have been confirmed for use

with this unit can be found on the TEAC Global Site (http://
teac-global.com). Check the page for this product. You can
also contact TASCAM customer support service.

1 – Introduction

Precautions for use

microSD cards are delicate media.
In order to avoid damaging a card or the card slot, please take

the following precautions when handling them.

Do not leave them in extremely hot or cold places.

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Do not leave them in extremely humid places.

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Do not let them get wet.

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Do not put things on top of them or twist them.

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Do not hit them.

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Do not remove or insert them during recording, playback,

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data transmission or other access.

Always put memory cards in cases when transporting

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them.

TASCAM DR-05X

5

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Front

6 MENU button

When the Home Screen is open, press this to open the
MENU screen.
Press this button to return to the MENU screen from the
various setting screens.
When the IN and OUT points are set in the track and the
Playback Control screen is open, press this to turn loop
playback on or off.

7 . button

Press to return to the beginning of a track that is playing
or stopped in the middle.

When IN and OUT points are set between the current
position and the end of the track, press this button to skip
to those points.

Press when a track is stopped at its beginning to skip to
the beginning of the previous track.

Press and hold to search backwards.
Press this button while pressing and holding the MARK

button to return to the previous mark.
On the setting screens, use this button to move the cursor

left. Use this button to answer “NO” to a confirmation

1 Built-in stereo microphone

This is a stereo pair of unidirectional electret condenser
mics.

If you connect an external microphone or external input
to the MIC/EXT IN jack between the mics, the built-in mic
pair becomes inactive.

2 PEAK indicator

Lights when the input volume is too high.

3 Display

Displays a variety of information.

4 ¤ (HOME) [8] button

Press during playback to pause playback at the current
position. Press when paused to return to the beginning of
the track.

Press when recording or in recording standby to stop
recording.

When any other screen is open, press to return to the
Home Screen.

Press and hold to turn the unit on and off (put into
standby).

5 + button

When the Home or TUNER screen is open, press to increase
the output level from the built-in speaker or /LINE OUT
jack. During adjustment, a volume indicator will appear in
a pull-up window.

When the Playback Control screen is open, press to
increase the playback speed.

When a setting screen is open, use this button to change
the setting of the selected item.

TASCAM DR-05X

6

message.
On the BROWSE screen, press this button to move up a

level.
Press when recording or in recording standby to decrease

the input level from the built-in microphone or MIC/EXT
IN jack. During adjustment, a pull-up with meters showing
the input level will appear at the bottom of the display.

8 PB CONT button

This button activates the Playback Control screen.
When the Playback Control screen is open, press to return

to the Home screen.
Press during recording standby to turn off the self-timer

function or change the time period.

9 - button

When the Home or TUNER screen is open, press to decrease
the output level from the built-in speaker or /LINE OUT
jack.

During adjustment, a volume indicator will appear in a
pull-up window.

When the Playback Control screen is open, press to
increase the playback speed.

When a setting screen is open, use this button to change
the setting of the selected item.

0 REC indicator

This flashes during recording standby.
This lights while recording.

q RECORD [0] button

When stopped, press this button to put the unit into
recording standby. The REC indicator will start to blink. If
INPUT is ON on the MONITOR MIX screen, a pop-up menu to
set whether overdubbing is ON/OFF will open.

When in standby, press to start recording. The REC
indicator will light when recording.

When recording, press to pause recording.

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

w QUICK button

When playing back, stopped, paused or in recording
standby when the Home Screen is open or when the
Playback Control screen is open, press this button to
display the Quick menu. The functions shown depend on
the state of the unit when the button is pressed.

Stopped: DELETE, DIVIDE and LEVEL ALIGN functions

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for the current song

Playing back or on Playback Control screen: LEVEL

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ALIGN
Recording standby: LEVEL MODE

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When recording, press this button to increment the track,
dividing the recording by creating a new file.

When the BROWSE screen or PLAYLIST screen is open,
press this button to open or close the pop-up menu for
file/folder operations.

e / button

Press this button during playback or when playback is
stopped to skip to the beginning of the next track.

When IN and OUT points are set between the current
position and the end of the track, press this button to skip
to those points.

Press and hold to search forward.
On the setting screens, use this button to move the cursor

right. Use this to confirm the selection of a setting item or
to answer “YES” to a confirmation message.

Press this button while pressing and holding the MARK
button to move to the next mark.

On the BROWSE screen, press this button to move down a
level. If a file is selected, the file is loaded, the Home Screen
reopens and the unit stops.

Press this button during recording or recording standby
to increase the input level from the built-in microphone
or MIC/EXT IN jack. During adjustment, a pull-up with
meters showing the input level will appear at the bottom
of the display.

r 7 button

When the Home Screen is open and playback is stopped,
press to start playback.

During playback, press this button to start jump-back
playback.

When a file or folder is selected on the BROWSE screen,
press this button to return to the Home Screen and play
the file or the first file in the folder from the beginning.

t MARK button

Use to add marks manually during recording and playback.
Press when stopped at a mark location to delete that mark.
Press the . or / button while pressing and holding

this button to move to the previous or next mark, respec­tively. When the Playback Control screen is open, use this
button to set the IN (start) and OUT (end) points of the
interval that you want to set for loop playback.

When the IN and OUT points are already set, press this
button to cancel loop playback and clear the IN and OUT
points.

Front panel

y Strap holder

Use this to attach a strap.

Rear panel

u MIC/EXT IN jack

Use this input jack to connect a stereo mini-jack micro­phone or an external input device. This supports plug-in
power.

The built-in mic is disabled when an external mic is
connected to the MIC/EXT IN jack.

TASCAM DR-05X

7

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Left side

i /LINE OUT jack

Use this to connect headphones or the line input jack of
other equipment using a stereo mini-jack cable.

o HOLD switch

Shift to the left end (in the direction of the arrow) to
engage the hold function.

No buttons can be used when HOLD is active.

Right side

p USB por t

This is a micro-B USB port.
Use a USB cable (A to Micro-B) to connect the unit to a

computer. (see "11 – USB Connections" on page 49)

CAUTION

The unit should be connected directly to the computer,
not through a USB hub.

a microSD card slot

Use this slot to insert and remove microSD cards.

Bottom

s Mono speaker

Use this built-in speaker to listen to recordings.
Sound is not output during recording, when the unit is

in recording standby, when headphones are connected,
when the speaker is disabled, or when the Monitor Mix
function is enabled.

d Tripod attachment screw thread (1/4-inch)

Use this to attach the unit to a tripod or mic stand.

CAUTION

Ensure the tripod or microphone stand screws are securely

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fastened to prevent the unit from falling off.

When attaching this unit to a tripod or microphone stand,

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be sure to place it on a level surface.

f Battery compartment cover

g Battery compar tment

Install batteries (2 AA) in this compartment to power the
unit. (see "Using AA batteries" on page 14)

TASCAM DR-05X

8

Home Screen

Home Screen when in ordinary operation mode

1 Playback speed status

One of the following icons appears according to the
playback speed setting.

Icon Playback speed

×1.0

×1.1 – ×2.0

×0.5 – ×0.9

Playback speed not controllable

2 Monitor Mix function status

This shows whether the Monitor Mix function is on or off.

Monitor Mix off
Monitor Mix on

3 Effect status

Shows whether the effect function is ON or OFF.

: Built-in effect off
: Built-in effect on

4 Speaker status

: Speaker output off
:

Speaker output on

5 Remaining battery charge/power supply status

A battery icon appears when power is supplied by
batteries.

When batteries are being used, a battery icon shows the
amount of power remaining in bars ( , , ).

The batteries are almost dead and the power will soon
turn off (standby) if the icon with no bars appears.

When using a TASCAM PS-P520E AC adapter (sold
separately) or USB bus power, appears.

NOTE

Sometimes a “Battery Low” warning appears when
recording or conducting other demanding operations
even when battery power remains.

6 Recorder operation status

This icon shows the recorder operation status.

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Icon Explanation

Stopped

8

Paused

79

Playing back

7

Searching forward

,

Searching backward

m

Skipping to the beginning of the next file

/

Skipping to the beginning of the current or

.

previous file

7 Playback position display

The current playback position is shown by a bar. As
playback progresses, the bar extends from the left.

8 Playback level meters

These show the levels of the input and playback signals.
When the Monitor Mix function is ON, the level of the

combined input and playback sounds is shown.

9 Playback file name

The name or tag information of the file currently in play is
displayed.

The ID3 tag information is displayed instead when
included in the MP3 file.

NOTE

ID3 tag information contains titles and artist names, which
can be stored in MP3 files.

0 Elapsed time

Shows the elapsed time (hours: minutes: seconds) of the
currently playing track.

q Remaining time message

Shows the remaining playback time of the current track
(hours: minutes: seconds).

w Peak value in decibels (dB)

The maximum level that occurs in a fixed period of time is
displayed digitally.

e Playback area

This shows the current playback file area.

: All files in the MUSIC folder
: All files in the selected folder
: All files added to the playlist

r Playback file number/total number of files

This shows the current file number and total number of
files in the playback area.

t Output volume status

This shows the output volume status.

TASCAM DR-05X

9

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Recording screen

The recording screen shown below appears when recording
or in recording standby.

1 Level mode setting status

This icon shows the level mode function setting.

: MANUAL
: LIMITER
: PEAK REDUCTION
: AUTO

2 Plug-in power status

This shows whether plug-in power is on or off.

Plug-in power off
Plug-in power on

3 Low cut filter status

This shows whether the low cut filter is on or off.

Low cut filter off
Low cut filter on

4 AUTO TONE setting status

This icon shows whether the AUTO TONE function is on or
off.

: AUTO TONE off
: AUTO TONE on

5 Recording status

This icon shows the recorder operation status.

Icon Explanation

Recording paused (recording

09

standby)

Recording

9 Elapsed recording time

The elapsed recording time of the file appears as hours:
minutes: seconds.

0 Remaining recording time

When stopped, this shows the remaining time (hours:
minutes) of the microSD card. When the remaining
recording time becomes less than one minute, only
seconds will be shown.

q

Peak value in decibels (dB)

Peak input level values are shown in decibels.

w Recording level status

This shows the recording level status.

6 Recording level meters

These show the input signal levels.
When overdubbing, the levels of the mixed input and

playback sounds are shown.

7 Recording file name

The file name that will automatically be given to the
recorded file is shown.

8 Recording format

This shows the file recording format and sampling
frequency.

TASCAM DR-05X

10

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Playback Control screen

During playback or when stopped, press the PB CONT button
to open the Playback Control screen.

Recording is not possible when this screen is open.

.

and / buttons to skip to IN/OUT points and the file

beginning/end. You cannot skip to the previous or next file.

Use the

1 Loop playback status

The icon appears when loop playback is enabled.

Menu item list

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen. The menu items are as follows.

Menu item Function Page

Set the recording format

Set the sampling frequency

Set stereo or mono file

Set the maximum file size

Set plug-in power see page 21

Set the low-cut filter see page 21

Set the pre-recording function see page 29

Set tone output see page 30

Set the length of the output tone see page 30

Set the volume of tone output see page 30

Set the auto-recording function mode see page 27

Set the auto-recording start level see page 27

Set the playback area see page 34

Set the repeat playback function see page 37

Set the jump back function see page 41

Set the jump forward function see page 41

Set the level mode function see page 24

Turn the built-in speaker on/off see page 18

Set the playback equalization see page 39

Set the output level alignment function see page 40

Work with files and folders on the SD card see page 32

Select the SD card reader mode see page 49

Make USB audio interface settings see page 50

REC SETTING

PLAY SETTING

I/O SETTING

BROWSE

USB

FORMAT

SAMPLE

CHANNEL

SIZE

MIC POWER

LOW CUT

PRE REC

AUTO TONE

TONE SECS

TONE VOL

MODE

LEVEL

AREA

REPEAT

JUMP BACK

JUMP FWD

LEVEL MODE

SPEAKER

PLAYEQ

LEVEL ALIGN

SD CARD READER

AUDIO I/F

2 Playback position

The current playback position is shown by a bar. As
playback progresses, the bar extends from the left.

3 Available buttons

The buttons available in the Playback Control screen are as
follows.

MARK: Creates or deletes an IN or OUT point.
MENU: Turn loop playback ON or OFF.

4 Playback speed

Playback speed as compared with the normal speed is
shown. VSA appears on the left when variable speed
audition, which allows tempo to be changed without
changing pitch, is enabled.

see page 20

TASCAM DR-05X

11

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Menu item Function Page

INFORMATION

MONITOR MIX

OTHERS

SYSTEM

CAUTION

When recording or in recording standby, only the following screens and items are shown.

i

REC SETTING screen: MIC POWER, LOW CUT and AUTO REC items (AUTO REC setting cannot be changed)

MONITOR MIX screen: INPUT and PB INPUT items (INPUT setting cannot be changed)

EFFECT screen: all items

When the Playback Control screen is open, pressing the MENU button will not open the MENU screen. This turns the loop

i

playback function on/off. (see "Loop playback of a selection" on page 38)

TUNER

EFFECT

FILE NAME

DATE/TIME

AUTO OFF

BACKLIGHT

CONTRAST

BATTERY TYPE

LANGUAGE

INITIALIZE

QUICK FORMAT

FULL FORMAT

Information about the file, microSD card, and system

Set the monitor mix function see page 25

Use the tuner

Make effect settings see page 47

Set the recording file name see page 55

Set the date and time used by the unit see page 16

Set the automatic power saving function see page 53

Set the backlight see page 53

Adjust the display contrast see page 53

Set the type of batteries. see page 53

Set the language shown on the display see page 53

Restore the default settings see page 54

Format an SD card see page 54

Completely format an SD card see page 54

see page 52

see page 48

TASCAM DR-05X

12

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Using the menu

We will explain this by showing how to set the playback area
as an example.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or – button to select a menu item (highlighted),

2.

and use the 7 button to move to various settings

screens.

Example: PLAY SETTING screen

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) a menu item

3.

to set.

Example: AREA is selected.

Use the / or 7 button to move the cursor to

4.

highlight the value of the setting.

Use the + or – button to change the setting.

5.

Press the . button to set a different item in the same

6.

menu.

This enables selection of a different item. Use the + or −

button to select another item to set.

Repeat step 3 to 6 as necessary to set other items.

7.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU (or OTHERS)

8.

screen. To return to the Home screen, press the ¤

(HOME) [8] button.

Basic operation

Use the following buttons to operate the various screens.

MENU button

This opens the MENU screen.

PB CONT button

This opens the Playback Control screen.

¤ (HOME)[8] button

When a settings screen is open, press the ¤ (HOME) [8]
button to return to the Home Screen.

7 button

Use to confirm the various setting items.

/ button

Use this to move the cursor (highlighted area) right on the
screen and to open folders on the BROWSE screen.

Use this to answer “YES” to a pop-up confirmation
message.

. button

Use this to move the cursor (highlighted area) left on the
screen and to close folders on the BROWSE screen.

Use this to answer “NO” to a confirmation pop-up message.

+ button

Use this to move the cursor (highlighted area) up on the
screen and to increase values.

– button

Use this to move the cursor (highlighted area) down on
the screen and to decrease values.

QUICK button

This opens the Quick menu.
The content differs according to the recorder status and

operation mode.

TASCAM DR-05X

13

3 – Preparation

Preparing the power supply

This unit can operate on two AA batteries, using a TASCAM
PS-P520E AC adapter (sold separately) or using a commercial­ly-available USB cable (USB bus power).

Alkaline or Ni-MH batteries can be used.
To use USB bus power, see "Powering the unit with USB bus

power" on page 49.

Using AA batteries

Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the
unit. Fit two AA batteries to the + and – marks shown in the
compartment, and close the battery compartment cover.

When using AA batteries, set the type of battery in order to
accurately show the amount of power remaining and allow
the unit to accurately determine whether power is available
for proper operation. (see "Setting the battery type" on page

53)

CAUTION

Do not use manganese dry cell batteries.

i

This unit cannot recharge Ni-MH batteries. Use a commer-

i

cially available recharger.

The included alkaline batteries are for confirming

i

operation of the unit and might not last very long.

Using an AC adapter (sold separately)

As shown in the illustration, connect a TASCAM PS-P520E AC
adapter (sold separately) to the unit's USB port and charge
the unit.

TASCAM PS-P520E (sold separately)

AC outlet

Micro-B USB plug

CAUTION

Never use any adapter other than the designated

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PS-P520E AC adapter. Use of a different adapter could
cause malfunction, fire or electric shock.

Noise may occur when recording with a microphone if the

i

unit is too close to the AC adapter. In such a case, keep
sufficient distance between the AC adapter and the unit.

NOTE

When both batteries are installed and the AC adapter is
connected, power will be supplied from the AC adapter.

Using USB bus power

Use the commercially-available USB cable to connect the unit
and the computer as illustrated below.

Computer

Micro-B USB plug

TASCAM DR-05X

14

USB

See "Powering the unit with USB bus power" on page 49.

3 – Preparation

Turning the power on and off (standby mode)

V

CAUTION

Do not wear connected headphones when turning the
unit on or off (putting it in standby). Noise could damage
the headphone driver unit or harm your hearing.

CAUTION

The unit enters standby mode if turned off when the unit

i

is operating on AC power supplied through an AC adapter
(TASCAM PS-P520E, sold separately) or bus power from a
computer USB port.

Turn down the volume of the monitoring system

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connected to the unit before turning the unit on/off
(standby).

Turning the unit on

When the unit is off (in standby), press and hold the ¤
(HOME) [8] button until the TASCAM DR-05X start-up screen
is shown on the display.

The Home Screen appears after the unit starts up.

Start-up screen Home Screen

CAUTION

The first time a new unit is turned on after purchase, the
following settings must be made.

1) A screen to set the display language will open.

2) A screen for setting the built-in clock will open.

Press the .or / button to move the cursor
(highlighted area), and use the + or − button to change
values.

Press the 7 button to fix the settings.
The start-up screen is displayed, and then the Home

screen appears after the unit has started up.
Date/time adjustment may be skipped (and made later)

by pressing the 7 button. (see "Setting the date and
time" on page 16)

Turning the unit off (standby)

Press and hold the ¤ (HOME) [8] button until LINEAR PCM
RECORDER appears on the display.

The unit turns off (puts it in standby) after it completes its
shutdown process.

CAUTION

Always use the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to shut down the
unit.

Do not remove the batteries or disconnect the power
cable (TASCAM PS-P520E AC adapter or USB cable) while
the unit is on. If power is interrupted, the unit cannot shut
down properly and all recordings, settings and other data
will be lost. Lost data and settings cannot be restored.

Press the + or − button to move the cursor and select

(highlight) the language to be shown on the display.

Options

English: use English

日本語 : use Japanese

Français: use French
Español: use Spanish
Deutsch: use German
Italiano: use Italian
Português: use Portuguese

Русский
中文 : use Chinese

한글 : use Korean

After selection, press the 7 button to confirm it.

You can change this setting with the SYSTEM screen

LANGUAGE item. (see "Set the language" on page 53)

: use Russian

Resume function

The unit has a resume function. When turned on, the unit
locates to the position (time) where it was when turned off
previously.

If the 7 button is pressed after start-up, the track the unit
was playing when turned off previously resumes playing from
the position (time) where it was before the unit was turned
off.

NOTE

The required data are stored on the microSD card. The
resume function does not work if the card is exchanged or
formatted.

TASCAM DR-05X

15

3 – Preparation

Setting the date and time

The DR-05X uses its internal clock to record the date and time
to the recorded files.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) OTHERS and

2.

press the 7 button.

The OTHERS screen opens.

Use the + or – button to select the DATE/TIME menu

3.

item, and press the 7 button.

Press the .or / button to move the cursor

4.

(highlighted area), and use the + or − button to change
values.

Press the 7 button to confirm the change and return to

5.

the OTHERS screen.

NOTE

You can set the unit to automatically add the date to file
names. (see "Setting the file name format" on page 55)

CAUTION

The date and time setting can be retained for only a few
minutes when power is not supplied from batteries, a
dedicated AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520E; sold separately)
or USB bus power.

When using batteries, we recommend replacing them
before they are completely dead.

The DATE/TIME screen opens.

TASCAM DR-05X

16

3 – Preparation

Inserting and removing microSD cards

Inserting microSD cards

Open the microSD slot cover on the right side.

1.

Insert the microSD Card into the slot as shown in the

2.

following illustration until it clicks into place.

Removing cards

Open the microSD slot cover on the right side.

1.

Press the microSD card in gently and then release it to

2.

allow it to come out.

Preparing microSD cards for use

In order to use a microSD card in this unit, you must format it
first.

Confirm that a microSD card is installed and turn the

1.

power ON.

The following message appears when a new card or a

2.

card formatted for use with another device is installed in
the unit.

Press the 7 button to start formatting.

3.

CAUTION

Formatting a card erases all the data on it.

When formatting ends, the Home Screen opens. You can

4.

also reformat the card in this unit at any time.

CAUTION

When formatting a card, the unit should be operating on
power supplied by a PS-P520E adapter (sold separately),
computer USB bus power or batteries with sufficient
remaining power.

CAUTION

Do not remove the microSD card from the unit when it is

i

connected to a computer by USB.

The DR-05X is compatible with microSD/microSDHC/

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microSDXC standards.

A list of microSD cards that have been confirmed for use

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with this unit can be found on the TEAC Global Site (http://
teac-global.com).

TASCAM DR-05X

17

3 – Preparation

Using the built-in speaker

To listen to the playback sound from the built-in speaker, turn
on the SPEAKER item on the I/O SETTING screen.

NOTE

Even if SPEAKER is enabled, the unit will not play through
the speaker when the unit is recording sound, in recording
standby or muted with headphones or an external speaker
system connected.

Operation from the MENU screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) the I/O

2.

SETTING and press the 7 button.

The I/O SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) the SPEAKER

3.

item and press the ENTER/MARK button.

Use the + or – button to select ON.

4.

After completing the setting, press the ¤ (HOME) [8]

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

Operation from the Quick menu

During playback when the Home Screen is open, press

1.

the QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

Connecting monitoring equipment

To listen with headphones, connect them to the /LINE OUT
jack.

To listen with an external monitoring system (powered
monitor speakers or an amplifier and speakers), connect it to
the /LINE OUT jack.

Headphones

Powered monitor speaker
or
an amplifier and speaker

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) the SPEAKER

2.

item and press the 7 button.

The SPEAKER screen will open.

Options: OFF (default), ON

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) a setting, and

3.

press the 7 button to enable it and return to the HOME

Screen.

TASCAM DR-05X

18

3 – Preparation

TASCAM DR-05X

19