Tascam DR-100 User Manual

DR-100

Portable Digital Recorder

OWNER'S MANUAL

D01068520A

2

TASCAM DR-100

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION : TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within equilateral triangle,
is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous
volta ge” w ithin the p rodu ct’s encl osure that may b e of suffi cien t
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user to the p resence of importa nt operating and m aintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

For U.S.A.

TO THE USER
This equipment has been tested and found

to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC
Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reaso n a b le pr o te c t i on ag a i n s t ha r m ful
interference in a residential installation. This
equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instruction
manual, may cause harmful interference
to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that inter ference will not
occur in a par ticular installation. If this
equipment does cause harmful interference
to radio or television reception, which can
be determined by turning the equipment
off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures.

a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
b) Increase the separation between the

equipment and receiver.
c) Connect the equipment into an outlet

on a circuit different from that to which the
receiver is connected.

d) Consult the dealer or an experienced
radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION

Changes or modifications to this equipment
not expressly approved by TEAC
Corporation for compliance could void the
user's authority to operate this equipment.

This appliance has a s erial number lo cated
on the r ear pa nel. Please r ecord the model
number and serial number and retain them for
your records.

Model number

Serial number

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE
OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT

EXPOSE THIS

APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR

MOISTURE.

Declaration of Conformity

Model Number : DR-100
Trade Name : TASCAM
Responsible party : TEAC AMERICA, INC.
Address : 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello,

California, U.S. A.
Telephone number : 1-323-726-0303

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful inter ference, and
(2) this device must accept any interference recieved,
including interference that may cause undesired
operation.

TASCAM DR-100

3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1 Read these instructions.

2 Keep these instructions.

3 Heed all warnings.

4 Follow all instructions.

5 Do not use this apparatus near water.

6 Clean only with dry cloth.

7 Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in

accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

8 Do no t install ne a r a ny he a t sourc e s s u ch

as radiators, hea t reg isters, stoves, o r other
appa ratus (incl uding amplifier s ) that produce
heat.

9 Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized

or grounding -type plug. A p olarize d plug has
two bla des w ith o ne wi der th an the oth er. A
grounding type plug has two blades and a third
ground ing pron g. The wi de blade or the third
prong are provided for your safety. If the provided
pl ug d oes not fit into yo ur o utlet, con sult an
electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10 Protect the power cord from being walked on

or pi nched pa rti cularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles, and the point where they exit from
the apparatus.

Do not expose this apparatus to drips or splashes.

•
Do not place any objects filled with liquids, such as

•
vases, on the apparatus.

Do not install this apparatus in a confined space

•
such as a book case or similar unit.

The apparatus draws nominal non-operating power

•
from the AC outlet with its POWER or STANDBY/

ON switch not in the ON position.
The apparatus should be locate d c lo se enough

•
to the AC outlet so that you can easily grasp the

power cord plug at any time.
The mains plug is used as the disconnect device,

•
the disconnect device shall remain readily

operable.
An appara t u s with Class I constr u c tion shall

•
be connected to an AC outl et with a protective

grounding connection.
Ba t teri e s (bat t er y pac k or bat t erie s inst a lle d )

•
should not be exposed to excessive heat such as

sunshine, fire or the like.
CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incor-

•
rectly replaced. Replace only with the s ame or

equivalent type.
Excessive sou nd pressure fro m e arphone s a nd

•
headphones can cause hearing loss.

11 Only use attachments/accessories specified by

the manufacturer.

12 Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.

13 Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

14 Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Servicing is re quired when the appar atus has
been damaged in any way, such as power-supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled
or objects have fallen into the apparatus , the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

4

TASCAM DR-100

IMPORTANT SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Cautions about rechargeable batteries

This product uses rechargeable batteries. Misuse of
batteries could cause a leak, rupture or other trouble.
Always abide by the following precautions when using
batteries.

If a rechargeable battery leaks, do not touch the

•
leaking fluid with a bare hand. Please consult with

TEAC Corporation if a battery fluid leak occurs.
Battery fluid in an eye could result in loss of vision.

•
If fluid enters an eye, wash the eye immediately

with clean water. Do not rub the eye when washing.
Consult a physician soon after washing. Battery
fluid on the body or clothing could cause injuries or
burns on the skin. Wash with clean water immedi­ately and then consult a physician.

Do not use any AC adapter other than the model

•
designated for use with this unit. Always use the

designated AC adapter when operating the unit or
recharging the battery with a household AC power
source. Use of an AC adapter other than the desig­nated one could lead to overhe ating and cause
injury, burns, fires or sta ins, as well as bat ter y
ruptures and battery fluid leaks.

Do not put a battery into a fire or leav e it o r

•
recharge it near a fire, under the sun or in other hot

conditions.
Do not dis asse mbl e a bat ter y. Doing so could

•
c a u s e el e c tr i c s h o c k . Ple a s e c o n t a c t th e

sho p where y ou boug h t the pro d uct or TEAC
Corporation if you want to have a battery inspected
or repaired. When you want to dispose of the prod­uct, please follow the instruction in the Owner's
Manual to remove the batteries and re cycle the
equipment properly.

Cautions about batteries

Never recharge non-rechargeable bat teries. The

•
batteries co uld ruptu re or le ak, causing f ire or

injury.
Wh en in stal ling bat ter ies, pay attention to th e

•
polarity indications (plus/minus (+/–) orientation),

and install them correctly in the battery compart­ment as indicated. Putting them in backward could

make the batteries rupture or leak, causing fire,
injury or stains around them.

When you store or dispose batteries , i solate th eir

•
terminals with insulation tape or something like that to

prevent them from contacting other batteries or metal­lic objects.

When throwing u sed bat te ries away, follow the

•
disposal instructions indicated on the batteries and

the local disposal laws.
Small children may mistakenly swallow a lithium

•
coin batter y and it is ve ry dangerous. Ke ep the

battery and the remote control out of the reach of
small children. In the event a battery is swallowed,
immediately consult a physician.

Do not use batteries other than those specified.

•
Do not mix and use new and old batteries or differ-

ent types of batteries together. The batteries could
rupture or leak, causing fire, injury or stains around
them.

Do not carry or store batteries together with small

•
metal objects. The batteries could shor t, causing

leak, rupture or other trouble.
Do not heat or disassemble batteries. Do not put

•
them in fire or water. Batteries could rupture or

leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them.
If the bat tery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on

•
the battery case before inserting new batteries. If

the battery fluid gets in an eye, it could cause loss
of eyesight. If fluid does enter an eye, wash it out
thoroughly with clean water without rubbing the
eye and then consult a doctor immediately. If the
fluid gets on a person’s body or clothing, it could
cause skin injuries or burns. If this should happen,
wash it off with clean water and th en consult a
doctor immediately.

Remove the ba tteri es if you do not plan to use

•
the unit for a long time. Batteries could rupture or

leak, causing fire, injury or stains around them.
If the bat tery fluid leaks, wipe away any fluid on
the ba tte r y com par t ment befor e inserting new
batteries.

Do not disassemble a battery. The acid inside the

•
battery could harm skin or clothing.

TASCAM DR-100

5

Contents

1–Introduction ............................................................7

Main features....................................................................7

Included items ..................................................................7

Conventions used in this manual ...................................7

Recycling the lithium ion battery ...................................8

Trademarks, copyrights, and disclaimers .....................8

SD cards .............................................................................9

Precautions for use ............................................................9

Beware of condensation .................................................9

Cleaning the unit ..............................................................9

2–Quick Start Guide ............................................10

Turn the power on ..........................................................10

Prepare to record ...........................................................11

Start and stop recording ...............................................11

Play and stop playback..................................................12

Turn the power off .........................................................12

3–Names and Functions of Parts .............13

Top Panel .........................................................................13

Right side panel ..............................................................14

Left side panel ................................................................14

Front panel ......................................................................14

Rear panel .......................................................................15

Bottom panel ..................................................................15

Remote control (RC-DR100) .........................................16

4–Preparation for Use........................................17

Using with batteries ......................................................17

Using the lithium ion battery ............................................17

Charging the lithium ion battery ......................................17

Using AA batteries ..........................................................17

Using both types of batteries together .............................18

Using an AC adapter (sold separately) .......................18

Preparing the remote control .......................................18

Installing the battery .......................................................18

When to change the battery ............................................18

Cautions about the use of the battery ..............................18

Using the remote control ..............................................19

Wireless use ...................................................................19

Wired use .......................................................................19

Precautions for use of the remote control .........................19

Turning the power on and off ......................................20

Battery settings ..............................................................20

Inserting and removing SD cards .................................20

Preparing an SD card for use ........................................20

Card write protection .......................................................21

Setting the date and time .............................................21

Using the built-in speaker .............................................21

Connecting monitors and headphones .......................21

5–Screens and Operation Basics ..............22

Home Screen ...................................................................22

Recording screen ............................................................23

Using menus ...................................................................23

Basic operation ...............................................................24

6–Recording ................................................................25

Preparing with the REC SETTING menu .....................25

Available recording time display .......................................25

Setting the input ............................................................25

Recording with the built-in mics (UNI/OMNI) ...................25

Recording with external mics (XLR) ..................................26

Recording an external device (LINE) .................................26

Set where to save the file .............................................26

Adjusting the input level ...............................................27

MIC GAIN ........................................................................27

Recording ........................................................................27

Stop recording ................................................................27

Pause recording ..............................................................27

Dividing files and creating new files while

recording .......................................................................28

Creating new files manually while recording

(track incrementing) ........................................................28

Creating new files automatically while recording

(automatic track incrementing) ........................................28

Automatically cutting silences during recording ................28

Dividing a file manually (DIVIDE) ................................28

Automatic recording (AUTO REC) ................................29

Enabling automatic recording ..........................................29

Automatically adding marks when recording (MARK).......29

Automatically pausing recording (PAUSE).........................30

Start new files automatically during recording (TRK INC) ..30

Mark function .................................................................30

Adding marks manually to a recording .............................30

Moving to a mark position ...............................................30

Recording the moment before pushing RECORD

(PRE REC) ......................................................................31

Delaying the start of recording (REC DELAY) ............31

Recording playback and input sounds together

(overdubbing) ..............................................................31

Adjust the levels of the input and playback sounds ..........31

Recording an overdub ......................................................32

Stop overdubbing ............................................................32

Recording time ...............................................................32

7–Playback ....................................................................33

Selecting files for playback (skip) ................................33

Playback (PLAY) .............................................................33

Stopping (STOP) .............................................................33

Pausing (PAUSE) .............................................................33

Rewinding and fast-forwarding (search) ....................33

Using the wheel to change the playback position ....33

Repeat playback (REPEAT) ...........................................33

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

Adding files to the playlist (PLAYLIST) .......................34

Working with the playlist ..............................................34

Changing the playlist order (MOVE) .................................35

Delete files from the playlist (DELETE) ..............................35

Clear the entire playlist (ALL CLR) ....................................35

Play files in the playlist (PLAY) .........................................35

Loop playback (I/O LOOP) ............................................36

Adjusting the playback speed (PB CONTROL) ...........36

Adjusting the playback volume ....................................36

6

TASCAM DR-100

Contents

8–Connecting with a Computer ...............37

Connecting a computer .................................................37

Transferring files to a computer ...................................37

Transferring files from a computer ..............................37

Disconnecting from a computer...................................37

9–Working with Files and Folders ..........38

Showing files inside folders ..........................................38

Working with folders .....................................................38

Working with files ..........................................................39

Add identification tags to files (QUICK TAG).............39

Delete the selected playback file (QUICK DEL)..........39

10–Settings and Information ......................40

Using the INFORMATION screens................................40

File information (FILE) ......................................................40

Card information (CARD) .................................................40

System information (SYSTEM) ..........................................40

Battery information (BATTERY) ........................................41

Using input monitoring (MONITOR) ...........................41

Setting mono input (TYPE) ...........................................41

Using the low cut filter (LOW CUT) ............................. 41

Using the auto gain control and limiter

(LEVEL CTRL) ................................................................42

Auto gain control (AUTO) ................................................42

Limiter (LMT) ...................................................................42

Adjusting the playback level (MIX BALANCE) ...........42

Setting the file name format ........................................42

File name format..............................................................42

Setting the file name (WORD) ..........................................43

Setting the search speed (CUE/REV SPEED) ..............43

Turning the power off automatically (AUTO OFF) .....43

Turning the backlight off automatically

(BACKLIGHT) ................................................................43

Adjusting the contrast (CONTRAST) ...........................43

Setting the brightness of the backlight (DIMMER) .. 44

Restoring default settings (INITIALIZE) ..................... 44

Formatting the SD card ................................................ 44

Setting the main battery source (MAIN) ................... 44

Changing batteries when the power is on .................45

Changing the main battery ..............................................45

Changing the backup battery ...........................................45

Setting the type of AA batteries (AA BATTERY) .......45

Menu item list ................................................................ 46

List of popup menu items .................................................47

11–Messages ............................................................. 48

12–Specifications ....................................................50

Audio input ratings ........................................................50

Audio performance ........................................................50

Accessory (sold separately) ..........................................50

Requirements for connected computers .....................50

Dimensional drawing .....................................................51

TASCAM DR-100

7

1–Introduction

NOTE

CAUTION

Thank you very much for purchasing a TASCAM
DR-100 Portable Digital Recorder. Before using
your unit, please read this manual carefully so
that you will understand the correct operating
procedures and be able to use all the functions
fully. We hope that you will enjoy using this
product for many years to come.

Please keep this manual for future reference. You
can also download a digital copy from our website
(http://www.tascam.com/).

Main features

This portable recorder uses SD memory cards to

make high quality recordings. Key features of this
unit include the following.

Record in MP3 or linear PCM WAV (16 or 24 bit,

•

44.1 or 48 kHz) audio file format
4 built-in mics include 2 directional mics suitable

•
for recording in high-quality stereo and 2 omni-

directional mics that optimal for recording meet­ings and similar events

2 XLR mic connectors that can provide +48 V

•
phantom power

Built-in 0.4-W mono speaker

•
2 different types of batteries used together allow

•
for many hours of operation as well as the ability

to change batteries while recording
AUTO REC function allows the unit to start and

•
stop recording automatically by sensing changes

in the input level
MARK function allows you to set and move to

•
locations in a recording

DIVIDE function allows you to split a file at the

•
position you select

PRE REC function allows the unit to record the

•
two seconds of sound before recording is acti-

vated (pre-recording)
User words and dates can be set for file names

•
Quick Tag function allows you to quickly iden-

•
tify files

REC DELAY allows you to avoid recording the

•
sound of pushing the RECORD [º] key

Automatic track incrementing creates a new file

•
and continues recording when a file size or input

level set in advance is exceeded
Track incrementing allows the creation of new

•
files at any time during recording without paus-

ing
Tripod mounting hole built-in

•
Wireless remote control (RC-DR100) included

•
with wired remote control adapter and cable

Soft case and windscreen included

•

Included items

This product includes the following items. If
any of the accessories are missing or appear to
have been damaged during transportation, please
contact TEAC Corporation.

Main unit• .................................................................1

SD memory card (installed in the main unit)• .........1

BP-L2 (custom lithium ion battery)• ........................1

(including warranty and manual)

USB cable• ................................................................1

Soft case• ..................................................................1

Windscreen• ..............................................................1

Wireless remote control (RC-DR100)• .....................1

Coin battery for remote control (CR2025)• .............1

Wired remote control adapter• .................................1

Wired remote control cable• .....................................1

Warrant y• ..................................................................1

Owner’s manual (this document)• ............................1

Please open the packaging carefully to avoid
damaging the unit, and keep the box and
packaging for transportation in the future.

Conventions used in this manual

The following conventions are used in this
manual.

“SD memory card” is sometimes abbreviated as

•
“SD card.”

Keys and connectors on this device are indicated

•
like this: KEY

Messages on the unit’s screen are shown like

•
this:

Message

Additional information is provided as necessary

•
as “tips,” “notes” and “cautions.”

These are tips about how to use the unit.

These provide additional explanations and describe
special cases.

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

8

TASCAM DR-100

1–Introduction

Li-ion00

Recycling the lithium ion battery

This unit uses a lithium ion battery. When you no
longer need the battery please help preserve the
valuable resources it contains by returning it to a
business that recycles rechargeable batteries.

ª Please contact a TASCAM sales representative

if you have any questions.

Trademarks, copyrights, and

disclaimers

TASCAM is a registered trademark of TEAC

•

Corporation.

SDHC logo

•
is a trademark.

Microsoft and Windows are either regis-

•
tered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft

Corporation in the United States and/or other
countries.

Macintosh, Mac OS and Mac OS X are trade-

•
marks of Apple Inc.

Supply of this product does not convey a license

•
nor imply 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-on­demand 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.

MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology licensed

•
from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.

Other company names, product names and logos

•
in this document are the trademarks or registered

trademarks of their respective owners.

Any data, including, but not limited to
information, described herein are intended only
as illustrations of such data and/or information

and not as the specications for such data and/

or information. TEAC Corporation disclaims
any warranty that any use of such data and/or
information shall be free from infringement of
any third party’s intellectual property rights or
other proprietary rights, and further, assumes
no liability of whatsoever nature in the event
of any such infringement, or arising from or
connected with or related to the use of such
data and/or information.

This product is designed to help you record
and reproduce sound works to which you own
the copyright, or where you have obtained
permission from the copyright holder or
the rightful licensor. Unless you own the
copyright, or have obtained the appropriate
permission from the copyright holder or the
rightful licensor, your unauthorized recording,
reproduction or distribution thereof may result
in severe criminal penalties under copyright
laws and international copyright treaties. If
you are uncertain about your rights, contact
your legal advisor. Under no circumstances
will TEAC Corporation be responsible for the
consequences of any illegal copying performed
using the recorder.

TASCAM DR-100

9

SD cards

This unit uses SD cards for recording and
playback. A list of SD cards that we have

conrmed to work with this unit is provided on

our website (http://www.tascam.com/).

Precautions for use

SD 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 in extremely hot or cold places.

•
Do not leave them in extremely humid places.

•
Do not let them get wet.

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

•
Do not hit them.

•

Beware of condensation

If the unit is moved from a cold to a warm place,
or used after a sudden temperature change, there
is a danger of condensation; vapor in the air could
condense on the internal mechanism, making
correct operation impossible. To prevent this, or if
this occurs, let the unit sit for one or two hours at
the new room temperature before using.

1–Introduction

Cleaning the unit

To clean the unit, wipe gently with a soft dry
cloth. Do not use any benzene, paint thinner, ethyl
alcohol or other chemical agents to clean the unit

as they could damage the surface or cause fading.

10

TASCAM DR-100

2–Quick Start Guide

NOTE

(sold separately)

AC outlet

DC plug

NOTE

Follow these steps to use the built-in mics (UNI
MIC) to record and playback your recording.

Turn the power on

1 Prepare the power supply.

To use battery power, install a charged lithium

ion battery or AA batteries. (See “Using with
batteries” on page 17.)

Types of batteries that can be used

Lithium ion battery (included)

•
AA alkaline batteries (LR6)

•
AA Ni-MH batteries (HR15/51)

•

Manganese dry cell batteries (R6) cannot be used •
with this unit.

This unit cannot recharge Ni-MH batteries. Use a •
commercially available recharger.

Installation of the lithium ion battery

2 Insert an SD card.

Insert a new SD card or one that has been

formatted for use with this unit. (See “Inserting
and removing SD cards” on page 20.)

Never use any adapter other than the designated
PS-P520 AC adapter. (See "Using an AC adapter
(sold separately)" on page 18 .) Use of a different

adapter could cause malfunction, re or electric

shock.

Installation of the AA batteries

An SD card is already installed when the unit is •
shipped from the factory. If you want to use this
card to record and play tracks, there is no need to
reinstall it.

The included SD card is already formatted.•

3 Turn the power ON.

Press and hold the POWER key to turn the power

ON.

TASCAM DR-100

11

Prepare to record

NOTE

1 Format the SD card (if necessary).

If a new card or one that has not been formatted

by this unit is installed, the following message
appears.

2–Quick Start Guide

Press the ENTER/MARK key to start formatting

the card.

The included SD card is already formatted, so there is
no need to reformat it.

2 Set the date and time.

This unit uses its internal clock to make a record

of the date and time when a file is recorded.

You can record without making the setting, but

the unit is set to the default value of "

00:00

". (See “Setting the date and time” on page

21.)

3 Set the recording format

Set the recording mode and sampling frequency.

(See “Preparing with the REC SETTING menu”
on page 25.)

If you skip this step, the unit will record with the

following default values.

Recording mode: WAV 16 bit

Sampling frequency: 44.1 kHz

2000/01/01

2 Adjust the recording level.

Press the RECORD [º] key to put the unit in

recording standby.

Adjust the input level using the INPUT volume

control and the MIC GAIN switch until the meters
show as much level as possible without causing
the PEAK indicator to light. (See “Adjusting the
input level” on page 27.)

Start and stop recording

Follow these steps to use the built-in mics (UNI
MIC) to record.

1 Set the input signal.

Move the INPUT switch to UNI.

3 Record.

Press the RECORD [º] key to start recording

from recording standby.

4 Stop recording.

Press the STOP [ª] key to stop recording.

For detailed information about recording
methods and convenient recording functions, see
“6–Recording” on page 25.

12

TASCAM DR-100

2–Quick Start Guide

Headphones

NOTE

CAUTION

Play and stop playback

Follow these steps to listen to a recording using
the built-in speaker or headphones.

1 Prepare the built-in speaker or headphones.

If you want to listen using the built-in speaker,

set the SPEAKER switch to ON.

To listen with headphones, connect them to the

headphones connector.

Turn the power off

Press and hold the POWER to turn the power off.

Always use the power key to turn the unit power OFF.
When the power is ON, do not remove the battery or
batteries set as the MAIN battery or disconnect the
PS-P520 adapter (sold separately) if no batteries are
installed. Doing so will cause all recordings, settings
and other data to be lost.

When headphones are connected, sound will not be
output from the speaker even if the SPEAKER switch
is ON.

2 Press the PLAY/PAUSE [Á/π] key to start

playback.

3 Adjust the volume with the /SP OUTPUT control.

4 Press the STOP [ª] key to stop playback.

For detailed information about playback and
convenient playback functions, see “7–Playback”
on page 33.

TASCAM DR-100

13

3–Names and Functions of Parts

Top panel

1 Remote control receiver

Receives signals from the included remote control
(RC-DR100). When using the remote point it here.
(See “Using the remote control” on page 19.)

2

Mono speaker

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

unit is in recording standby or when headphones
are connected. (See “Using the built-in speaker”
on page 21.)

3

Omnidirectional stereo mic pair

(OMNI MIC)

Two built-in mics allow recording in stereo. Select

OMNI using the INPUT switch to set these as the

input source. (See “Setting the input” on page 25.)

4

Display

Shows a variety of information. (See “5–Screens
and Operation Basics” on page 22.)

5

CHARGE indicator

Lights when charging and turns off when charging
is complete. (See “Charging the lithium ion
battery” on page 17.)

6

PEAK indicator

Lights when the input volume is too high. (See
“Adjusting the input level” on page 27.)

7

HOME key

Press this key when one of the setting screens
is open to return to the Home Screen. When the
Home Screen is open, press this to switch between
displaying elapsed and remaining time. (See
“Home Screen” on page 22.)

8

MENU key

Press to open the

MENU

Screen. (See “Using menus”

on page 23.)

9

I/O LOOP key

Press to set starting (IN) and ending (OUT) points
for loop playback. (See “Loop playback (I/O
LOOP)” on page 36.)

0

QUICK key

Opens the

QUICK TAG

and

DELETE

menu. (See “Add
identification tags to files (QUICK TAG)” and
"Delete the selected playback file (QUICK DEL)"
on page 39.)

q  key

Press this key briefly to return to the start of a file.
If the playback position is already near the start of
a track, it will skip to the start of the previous file.

Press and hold this to search a track in reverse.
Use it also to move the cursor left on menu screens

as well as to move up a level on the

BROWSE

(See “Showing files inside folders” on page 38.)

w

¯ key

Press this key briefly to move to the start of the
next file.

Press and hold this to search a track forward.
Use it also to move the cursor right on menu

screens and to move down one level on the
screen. (See “Working with folders” on page 38.)

e

STOP [ª] key

Press to stop playback and recording. (See “Stop
recording” on page 27.) Use it also to cancel
certain operations (select NO).

r

P L AY/PAUSE [

Á/π

] key

Press to start and pause playback. (See “Playback
(PLAY)” on page 33.)

t

RECORD [º] key

Press to start and pause recording. (See
“Recording” on page 27.)

y

AUTO key

Use this to make various settings for the
automatic recording function and to enable it. (See
“Automatic recording (AUTO REC)” on page 29.)

u

ENTER/MARK key

Use this to confirm selections. When recording,
use it to add markers manually. (See “Adding
marks manually to a recording” on page 30.)

i

Wheel

Use this to select items and change values
on setting screens. (See “10–Settings and
Information” on page 40.)

Use it also to change the playback position in

screen.

BROWSE

14

TASCAM DR-100

3–Names and Functions of Parts

a track. (See “Using the wheel to change the
playback position” on page 33.)

o

INPUT selection switch

Set to the desired input signal source. (See
“Setting the input” on page 25.)

Right side panel

Left side panel

d

USB port

Connect to a computer using the included USB
cable. (See “8–Connecting with a Computer” on
page 37.)

f

DC IN 5V connector

Connect a PS-P520 AC adapter (sold separately).
Do not connect any other type of AC adapter.

p

PB CONTROL key

Use to open and close the playback control screen
and to turn its functions ON and OFF. (See
“Adjusting the playback speed (PB CONTROL)”
on page 36.)

a

Battery compartment

(specialized lithium ion battery)

Compartment for the unit’s dedicated lithium ion
battery. (See “Using the lithium ion battery” on
page 17.)

s

INPUT LEVEL knob

Adjusts the input volume. (See “Adjusting the
input level” on page 27.)

g

HOLD switch

Shift in the direction of the arrow to engage
the hold function, which prevents unintentional
operation.

h

POWER key

Press and hold to turn the power ON and OFF.

j

/SP OUTPUT volume

Use to adjust the volume output from the
headphones.

k

Connector

Use to connect headphones. (See “Connecting
monitors and headphones” on page 21.)

l

LINE OUT connector

Use a stereo minijack cable to connect to the line
input connector on an external device. (See “Con­necting monitors and headphones” on page 21.)

;

LINE IN connector

Use a stereo minijack cable to connect to the line
output connector on audio equipment or other
external device. (See “Recording an external
device (LINE)” on page 26.)

Front panel

z

XLR MIC IN connectors

Connect external mics (See “Recording with
external mics (XLR)” on page 26.)

x

REMOTE connector

Connect the included wired remote control. (See
“Using the remote control” on page 19.)

TASCAM DR-100

15

Rear panel

CAUTION

NOTE

CAUTION

3–Names and Functions of Parts

SD card slot cover closed.

c

Directional stereo mic pair (UNI MIC)

Set the INPUT switch to UNI MIC to make these
electret condenser stereo mics the input source.

v

SD card slot cover

Bottom panel

SD card slot cover open.

b

SD card slot

Insert the SD card here. (See “Inserting and
removing SD cards” on page 20.)

Do not connect or disconnect mics when the +48V
switch is ON.

.

SPEAKER switch

Set this to ON to output sound from the built-in
speaker. (See “Using the built-in speaker” on page

21.)

Even when ON, no sound is output during recording,
in recording standby or when headphones are
connected.

/

Tripod attachment screw-hole (1/4-inch)

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

n

MIC GAIN switch

Set the sensitivity of the mic input. (See “MIC
GAIN” on page 27.)

m

AUTO/LIMITER switch

Set this to ON to activate the limiter or automatic
gain control. (See “Using the auto gain control and
limiter (LEVEL CTRL)” on page 42.)

,

+48V (phantom power) switch

Turn this ON to provide +48 V of power when a
condenser mic is connected. (See “Recording with
external mics (XLR)” on page 26.)

Tighten the unit securely to the tripod or mic stand •
to prevent it from falling off.

Place the tripod or mic stand on a level surface •
when using it with this unit.

Some tripods use different types of screws, so it •
might not be possible to attach the unit directly. In
such a case, purchase and use a suitable adapter.

!

Battery compartment cover

16

TASCAM DR-100

3–Names and Functions of Parts

NOTE

@

AA battery compartment

This compartment can hold two AA batteries that
can power the unit. (See "Using AA batteries” on
page 17.)

Remote control (RC-DR100)

1 Ô/Â key

Press this key briefly to return to the start of a file.
If the playback position is already near the start of
a track, it will skip to the start of the previous file.

Press and hold this to search a track in reverse.

2 STOP [ª] key

Press to stop playback and recording. (See “Stop
recording” on page 27.)

3 RECORD [º] key

Press to start and pause recording. (See
“Recording” on page 27.)

4 /¯ key

Press this key briefly to move to the start of the
next file.

Press and hold this to search a track forward.

5 PLAY/PAUSE [Á/π ] key

Press to start and pause playback. (See “Playback
(PLAY)” on page 33.)

6 AUTO REC key

Use this with the automatic recording function.
Unlike the key on the main unit, this key alone
can put the unit into recording standby. (See
“Automatic recording (AUTO REC)” on page 29.)

Use the main unit to make various AUTO REC function
settings.

7 MARK key

Use this to set playback position markers that can
be skipped to. (See “Mark function” on page 30.)

TASCAM DR-100

17

Using with batteries

NOTE

NOTE

This unit can be powered by both a lithium ion
battery and two AA batteries.

By using both types of batteries together, the unit
can be operated continuously for a long time.

Moreover, one type of battery can be changed
while the unit continues to operate when, for
example the charge becomes low in one of the
batteries.

Types of batteries that can be used

Lithium ion battery (included)

•
AA alkaline batteries (LR6)

•
AA Ni-MH batteries (HR15/51)

•

Manganese dry cell batteries (R6) cannot be used •
with this unit.

This unit cannot recharge Ni-MH batteries. Use a •
commercially available recharger.

Using the lithium ion battery

Open the battery compartment cover on the
side of the unit, and insert the battery into the

compartment with the correct orientation.

4–Preparation for Use

Connect this unit to the computer directly. Proper •
operation cannot be guaranteed when using a USB
hub.

When connected by USB, recharging occurs even if •
the unit’s power is off.

When recharging with a computer, this unit enters •
the USB mode, so other functions cannot be used.

The CHARGE indicator lights while charging and •
turns off when charging is complete.

Using AA batteries

Open the battery compartment cover on the back
of the unit, install the batteries with the correct
+/- orientation and close the battery compartment
cover.

Charging the lithium ion battery

There are two ways to charge the lithium ion
battery.

Charging with an AC adapter

Connect a PS-P520 AC adapter (sold separately)
to the unit's DC IN 5V connector. Charging takes

about three hours. (See “Using an AC adapter
(sold separately)” on page 18.)

Charging with a computer

Connect with a computer using the included
USB cable. Charging takes about six hours. (See
“8–Connecting with a Computer” on page 37.)

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 type of AA batteries
(AA BATTERY)” on page 45.)

18

TASCAM DR-100

4–Preparation for Use

(sold separately)

AC outlet

DC plug

NOTE

CAUTION

Using both types of batteries together

If you install both the lithium ion battery and
AA batteries, you can set one as the main power
source and the other as the backup. (See “Setting
the main battery source (MAIN)” on page 44.) By
doing this, when the amount of power left in the

main source becomes insufcient for operation,

the unit automatically switches to the backup
source, allowing continued operation. Moreover,
you can change the backup while operating
using the main power source. This allows you to
continue to use the unit for long periods of time.
(See “Changing batteries when the power is on”
on page 45.)

Using an AC adapter (sold separately)

Connect to the PS-P520 AC adapter (sold
separately) to the DC IN 5V connector as
shown in the illustration.

The AC adapter provides power when connected even
if batteries are installed. If installed, the lithium ion
battery can also be recharged while the unit is used.

Never use any adapter other than the designated
PS-P520 AC adapter. Use of a different adapter could
cause malfunction, fire or electric shock.

Preparing the remote control

2 Install the coin-shaped lithium ion battery

(CR2025) into the holder with the correct +/­orientation.

3 Reinsert the battery holder into the remote

control.

When to change the battery

Replace the battery with a new one when the
range of the remote control becomes short or if
the function keys become unresponsive.

Use a coin-shaped lithium ion battery (CR2025).

Cautions about the use of the battery

Accidental swallowing of batteries by small
children is extremely dangerous. Keep batteries
and remote controls out of reach of small
children. Consult a physician immediately if a
child should swallow a battery.

Misuse of a battery could cause it to leak, rupture
or otherwise be damaged. Please read and
abide by the following precautions when using
batteries. (Also see “Cautions about rechargeable
batteries” on page 4.)

Install the battery with the correct orientation.

•
Do not recharge the battery.

•
Do not heat or disassemble the battery or put it

•
into fire or water.

Do not carry or store the battery with small

•
metal objects. Doing so could short the battery

and cause leakage or rupture, for example.
When storing or disposing of the battery, cover

•
the contacts with tape to prevent them from

touching other batteries or metal objects.
Follow the disposal instructions written on the

•
battery or provided by the local government

when you are done using it.

Installing the battery

1 Remove the battery holder.

TASCAM DR-100

19

Using the remote control

CAUTION

Remote control receiver

Wireless use

Point the remote control at the remote control
receiver on the unit.

If anything is between the remote control and the
receiver, operation might not work.

4–Preparation for Use

2 Connect the cable to the remote control adapter.

3 Connect the cable to the main unit.

Operation distance

Wired use

Attach the remote control adapter and cable

1 Insert the wireless remote control into the

remote control adapter.

Precautions for use of the remote control

Remove the battery when you are not using the
remote control for a long time (one month or
more).

If the battery should leak, thoroughly clean any
residue from inside the battery compartment and
install a new battery.

When using other devices controlled by infrared
rays, use of this remote control might operate
these devices by mistake.

20

TASCAM DR-100

4–Preparation for Use

CAUTION

NOTE

CAUTION

CAUTION

Turning the power on and off

Press and hold the POWER key to turn the power
ON and OFF

Always use the power key to turn the unit power OFF.
When the power is ON, do not remove the battery (or
batteries) set as the MAIN battery or disconnect the
PS-P520 adapter (sold separately) if no batteries are
installed. Doing so will cause all recordings, settings
and other data to be lost.

Battery settings

You can set either the lithium ion battery or
the AA batteries as the main power source and
the other as the backup source when both are
installed. (See “Setting the main battery source
(MAIN)” on page 44.)

By doing this, when the amount of power left

in the main source becomes insufcient for

operation, the unit automatically switches to the
backup source, allowing continued operation.

Moreover, when using AA batteries, the
battery type must be set in order for the unit to
display remaining time and operate correctly.
(See “Setting the type of AA batteries (AA
BATTERY)” on page 45.)

Inserting and removing SD cards

Removing the card

Push the SD card in gently and it should eject.

Do not remove the SD card from the unit when it is •
connected to a computer by USB.

SD cards that meet SD or SDHC standards can be •
used with this unit.

A list of SD cards that have been confirmed to work •
with this unit can be found on our website (http://
www.tascam.com).

Preparing an SD card for use

In order to use an SD card in this unit, you must

format it rst.

1 Confirm that an SD card is installed and turn

the power ON.

2 The following message appears when a new card

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

Conrm that the power is OFF.

Inserting the card

Insert the SD card as shown in the illustration
until you hear a clicking sound.

An SD card is already installed when the unit is
shipped from the factory. If you want to use this
card to record and play tracks, there is no need to
reinstall it.

3 Press the ENTER/MARK key to start formatting.

4 When formatting ends, the Home Screen opens.

You can also reformat the card in this unit at any

time. (See “Formatting the SD card” on page

44.)

•PleaseuseaPS-P520ACadapter(soldseparately)or

make certain that there is sufficient remaining battery
power when formatting a card.

•Formattingacarderasesallthedataonit.

TASCAM DR-100

21

4–Preparation for Use

Unprotected Protected

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

Headphones

Powered speakers
or audio system

Card write protection

SD cards have protect switches that prevent
writing new data to them.

If you slide the protect switch to the "LOCK"

position, le recording and editing is not possible.

Move the switch to the unlocked position in order
to record, erase and otherwise edit data on the
card.

Setting the date and time

Using its internal clock, this unit remembers the

date and time when a le is recorded.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select DATE/TIME, and press the

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Use the µ/≤ keys to move the cursor, and use

the wheel to change values.

4 Press the ENTER/MARK key to confirm the change

and return to the

MENU

screen.

MENU

screen.

Using the built-in speaker

Set the SPEAKER switch to ON to listen to a playing
track through the built-in speaker.

Even when ON, no sound is output during recording,
in recording standby or when headphones are
connected.

Connecting monitors and

headphones

To listen with headphones, connect them to the
connector.

To listen with an external monitoring system
(powered speakers or an audio system), connect it
to the LINE OUT connector.

You can set the unit to automatically add the date and
time to file names. (See “Setting the file name format”
on page 42.)

The date and time setting can only be maintained
for a few minutes when the unit is not powered by
batteries or an AC adapter. When using batteries, we
recommend that you replace or recharge them before
they completely lose power.

22

TASCAM DR-100

5–Screens and Operation Basics

NOTE

NOTE

Home Screen

This screen appears when the unit’s power is
turned on. Press the HOME key at any time to open
this screen.

1 Playback speed setting status

OFF ON Playback speed

0%

+1 — +16%

–50 — –1%

2

Loop/repeat playback status

Single playback

Single track repeat playback

All track repeat playback

Loop playback

3

Input monitoring status

(See “Using input monitoring (MONITOR)” on
page 41.)

OFF
ON

4

Power supply status

Lithium ion battery
AA batteries

AC Adapter

When batteries are used, the amount of power
remaining is shown as: , , .

When battery power is depleted the empty
battery icon blinks. The power soon turns
OFF automatically.

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

5

Recorder operation status

ª Stopped
π Paused
Á Playing back
 Fast-forwarding
Ô Fast-rewinding

¯ Skipping forward
 Skipping backward

6

Level meters

When input monitor is OFF, the level of the
playback sound is shown.

When inputs monitor is ON, the level of the
combined input and playback sounds is shown.

7

File information

The file name or tag information of the file
currently being played back is shown.

ID3 tag information is shown when available for
an MP3 file being played.

ID3 tag information includes the titles and artists
names that can be saved in MP3 files.

8

Playback range

ALL

All files in the

FOLDER

All files in the selected folder

P.LIST

All files added to the playlist

MUSIC

folder

(See “Setting the playback area (AREA)” on page 34.)

9

Elapsed time/remaining time

(hours: minutes: seconds)

Press the

HOME

key to toggle the display between
elapsed and remaining time. A “–“ appears at the
start of the remaining time.

0

Peak value in decibels (dB)

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

q

Identification tag

If an identification tag has been added using the
QUICK TAG function, it will appear here.

w

Playback position display

The current playback position is shown by a bar.
As playback progresses, the bar extends to the
right.

e

Loop playback IN (starting) and

OUT (ending) points

The set starting and ending points of the loop are
shown.

The icon appears at the playback position when
the starting point is set.

The icon appears at the playback position when
the ending point is set.

r

Playback file number/

total number of files

The total number of files in the playback area and
the number of the current file are shown.

t

Monitoring output

: Headphones

Speakers

TASCAM DR-100

23

5–Screens and Operation Basics

Recording screen

This screen appears when in recording standby
and during recording.

1

Input function setting status

TYPE

Stereo
Mono

(See “Setting mono input (TYPE)” on page 41.)

LOW CUT

OFF
ON

(See “Using the low cut filter (LOW CUT)” on
page 41.)

Press the HOME key to toggle between display of
elapsed and remaining time. A “–“ appears at the
start of the remaining time.

8

Peak value in decibels (dB)

Peak recording level values are shown digitally.

9

Recording mode/sampling frequency

Shows the recording file format and sampling
frequency.

Using menus

Use the

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select a menu (selected items are

Example:

MENU

screen to make various settings.

MENU

screen.

highlighted and appear as light letters on a dark
background), and press the ENTER/MARK key to
open a setting screen.

REC SETTING

screen

LEVEL CTRL

/ Auto gain control
/ Limiter

(See “Using the auto gain control and limiter
(LEVEL CTRL)” on page 42.)

2

Prerecording function status

“

PRE

” appears when the prerecording function is

ON.

3

Recorder operation

ª Standby
π Paused
º Recording

4Recording level meters

When overdubbing is off, the input signal level is
shown.

When over dubbing is on, the combined input and
playback signals are shown.

5

File name

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

6

Input signal

The input signal is shown.

7

Elapsed time/remaining time

(hours: minutes: seconds)

Shows the amount of time that can be recorded
when in standby.

3 Use the wheel to select (highlight) a setting item,

and press the ≤ key (or the ENTER/MARK key)
to select the value of the setting.

Example: setting the sampling frequency

4 Use the wheel to change the setting.

5 Complete the change.

To set a different item in the same menu, press

the µ key to select the item you want to set.

To open the

To return to the Home Screen, press the

HOME key.

MENU

screen, press the MENU key.

24

TASCAM DR-100

5–Screens and Operation Basics

Basic operation

Use the following keys to operate the various
screens.

Open screens

MENU, PB CONTROL , AUTO and HOME keys

Confirm operations

ENTER/MARK key

Cancel operations

STOP key

Move left and right

Â/¯ keys

Change settings

Wheel

MENU key

Opens the

PB CONTROL key

Opens the

AUTO key

Opens the

HOME key

MENU

screen.

PB CONTROL

AUTO REC

screen.

screen.

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

ENTER/MARK key

Use this to conrm the selection of a setting item

or to answer “

STOP key

YES

” to a conrmation message.

Use this to answer “NO” to a conrmation
message.

¯ key

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

BROWSE

screen.

 key

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

BROWSE

screen.

Wheel

Use this to select items and to change values.

TASCAM DR-100

25

6–Recording

NOTE

Time available for recording

Preparing with the REC SETTING menu

Make settings suitable to the recording material
and conditions.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Use the

choosing from the following options.

WAV 16/24 bit

MP3 32/64/96/128/192/256/320 kbps

4 Use the

frequency, choosing either 44.1 or 48 kHz.

5 Use the

choosing from the following options.

64M/128M/256M/512M/1G/2G

•Highervaluesprovidebetterrecordingquality.WAV

files are higher quality than MP3 files, but they take
up more space, so MP3 formats allow for longer
recordings.

•Ifthemaximumsetlesizeisexceededduring

recording, the unit will automatically continue record­ing in a new file.

•Dependingontheleformat,theamountofrecord­ingtimewilldifferforthesamelesize.

•Recordingautomaticallystopsifrecordingtime

exceeds 24 hours.

FORMAT

item to set the recording mode,

SAMPLE

item to set the sampling

SIZE

item to set the maximum size,

REC SETTING

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Available recording time display

The amount of time available for recording
depends on the capacity of the SD card as well
as the recording mode and sampling frequency
settings. (See “Recording time” on page 32.)

You can check the potential recording time
determined by the SD card and various settings
on the

REC SETTING

screen.

Setting the input

Select the recording input source by using the
input switch on the top panel.

LINE LINE IN connector
UNI Built-in directional stereo mics
OMNI Built-in omnidirectional stereo mics
XLR XLR MIC IN connectors

Recording with the built-in mics

(UNI/OMNI)

UNI MICS

Set the INPUT switch to UNI.
These mics are suitable for recording live

performances of instrumentalists and bands, as

well as eld recording, for example.

Point the mics at the sound source and place
the unit in a stable location where there is little
vibration.

If noise is caused by wind, attach the windscreen.

26

TASCAM DR-100

6–Recording

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

Other audio equipment or
external sound source

OMNI MICS

Set the INPUT switch to OMNI.
These mics are suitable for recording meetings

and other situations where you want to record
everything in a wide space.

Place the unit in a stable location where there is
little vibration.

If noise is caused by air-conditioning or a draft, for
example, use the unit’s low-cut filter. (See “Using the
low cut filter (LOW CUT)” on page 41.)

Recording with external mics (XLR)

Set the INPUT switch to XLR.
Connect an external XLR mic to the XLR MIC IN

connector.
When only one mic is connected, it is possible

to record the same signal on both left and right
channels. (See “Setting mono input (TYPE)” on
page 41.)

Do not connect or disconnect mics when the 48V •
switch is ON.

Connecting a dynamic mic or other mic that does •
not require phantom power when the +48V switch
is on could damage it. Please refer to the manual
for the mic for details.

Since using phantom power reduces the amount •
of time the unit can operate on battery power, we
recommend using an AC adapter (sold separately).

Since some mics drain alkaline batteries extremely •
quickly, we recommend using the included BP-L2
lithium ion battery when operating on battery
power. The amount of time that the unit can
operate on battery power varies greatly according
to the type of mic used. See the mic manual or
documentation for additional information.

Recording an external device (LINE)

Set the INPUT switch to LINE.
Use a stereo miniplug cable to connect to the

output of an external audio device.

When using a condenser mic that requires
phantom power, set the +48V switch to ON.

The XLR connector pins are as follows.
1: Ground, 2: Hot, 3: Cold

Set where to save the file

Set the folder where recorded les are saved. If
no setting is made, new recording les are placed

in the

MUSIC

folder. (See “Working with folders”

on page 38.)

TASCAM DR-100

27

Adjusting the input level

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

1 Press the RECORD (º) key to put the unit in

recording standby.

2 Set the MIC GAIN to M, and adjust the INPUT

volume so that the level meters extend as far as
possible without causing the PEAK indicator to
light.

6–Recording

When in recording standby or during recording, •
the speaker does not output sound even if the
SPEAKER switch is ON.

Connect headphones (sold separately) to the head-•
phones connector ( ) if you want to adjust the level
or record while monitoring the input.

Use the • /SP OUT volume to adjust the monitor-
ing volume. This does not affect the sound of the
recording.

In addition to adjusting the input volume, try •
adjusting the distance and angles between the
mics and sound sources.

Use the auto gain control and limiter functions to •
prevent loud sound sources from distorting when
recording. (See “Using the auto gain control and
limiter (LEVEL CTRL)” on page 42.)

Recording

Press the RECORD (º) key to put the unit in
recording standby.

If the level meters do not extend very far even
as the INPUT volume setting approaches 10, set
the MIC GAIN to H. On the other hand, if the level
meters stay extended even as the INPUT volume
setting approaches 0, set the MIC GAIN to L.

If the INPUT switch is set to LINE, the MIC GAIN
setting has no effect.

MIC GAIN

H (high)

Use with meetings, voices and other quiet or
distant sounds

M (mid)

Use with acoustic guitars and wind instruments,
for example

L (low)

Use with band performances and other loud or
close sounds.

Press the RECORD (º) key again to start recording.

Stop recording

When recording, press the STOP (ª) key to stop

recording and return to the beginning of the le.

Pause recording

When recording, press the RECORD (º) key or the

PL AY/PAU SE (¥/ π ) key to pause recording.

When paused, press the RECORD (º) key or PLAY/
PAUSE (¥/π ) key again to restart recording. This
continues recording in the same file.

28

TASCAM DR-100

6–Recording

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

Dividing files and creating new files

while recording

Creating new files manually while

recording (track incrementing)

You can manually split a recording by creating a

new le.

Press the ≤ key while recording.

When new files are created, incremental numbers are
added to the end of each file name.

A new file cannot be created if the total number of •
files and folders would exceed 999.

Files shorter than two seconds cannot be created. •
If the name of a newly created file would be the •

same as that of an existing file, the number will be
incremented until the new file has a unique name.

Creating new files automatically while

recording (automatic track
incrementing)

1 Select the file you want to divide.

2 Press the MENU key to open the

3 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

4 Use the wheel to determine where the file will be

divided, and press the ENTER/MARK key.

5 Press the ENTER/MARK key to divide the file, or

press the STOP key to cancel the operation and
return to the

DIVIDE

DIVIDE

screen.

MENU

screen.

and press the

Without pausing recording, a new le can be

created automatically during recording when a

le size or input level set in advance is exceeded.

(See “Preparing with the REC SETTING menu”

on page 25 and “Start new les automatically

during recording (TRK INC)” on page 30.)

Automatically cutting silences during

recording

The unit can be set to automatically pause
recording when it detects silence, and then restart
recording when the signal is input again.

This does not create new les, but cuts

unnecessary silences, reducing the amount of card
space used. Moreover, a mark is automatically
added at the time when the unit pauses, making
division after recording easy. (See “Automatically
adding marks when recording (MARK)” on page

29.)

Dividing a file manually (DIVIDE)

You can split a recorded le into two les at any

position you like. This is convenient for splitting

a continuous recording into multiple les.

When the DIVIDE screen is open, you can press the •
PLAY/PAUSE (¥/π ) key and to set the divide posi­tion while playing the track.

After dividing a file, two new files with ”_a” and •
”_b” added to the end of the original file name
are created. For example if the original filename
is “DR-100_0000.wav” then the new files will be
named “DR-100_0000_a.wav” (the recording
before the division point) and “DR-100_0000_b.
wav” (the recording after the division point).

MP3 files cannot be divided. •
If the SD card has insufficient open space, division •

might not be possible.
Division is not possible if the file name would •

become more than 200 characters long.
Division is not possible if a file that already exists •

has the same name as the name that would be
given to a new file created by division.

Add marks during recording at positions where you •
want to divide a file.

Marks can be added manually (s• ee “Adding
marks manually to a recording” on page 30) or
automatically when the unit detects silence (see
“Automatically adding marks when recording
(MARK)” on page 29). These marks can be easily
located after recording.

TASCAM DR-100

29

6–Recording

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

Automatic recording (AUTO REC)

This function allows the unit to respond to input
sound levels and start and pause recording,

as well as set marks and create new les, for

example.
This function is convenient for recording only

when people are speaking during meetings,

creating marks for nding the starts of songs and
dividing les after recording, and automatically
dividing les.

MODE

MARK

Automatically adds marks during recording

PAUSE

Automatically pauses during recording

TRK INC

Automatically creates new les during recording

START LEVEL

Signal is judged to have been input when it
exceeds this level

END LEVEL

Signal is judged to have stopped when it becomes
less than this level

END DELAY

Time that recording continues after the signal
level becomes less than the

END LEVEL

Enabling automatic recording

When the input signal exceeds the
recording begins automatically.

The MODE setting does not affect this function.

1 Press the AUTO key to open the

2 Set the value of the

3 Press the HOME key to return to the Home

Screen.

4 Press the RECORD (º) key while holding down

the AUTO key to put the unit into recording
standby.

Recording starts automatically when the input

signal exceeds the

Press the STOP (ª) key to stop automatic recording.

START LEVEL

START LEVEL

START LEVEL

AUTO REC

item.

.

screen.

Automatically adding marks when

recording (MARK)

The unit can be set to automatically add marks

to les during recording after they become less

than the
passes. Marks can also be automatically added
when the input signal exceeds the
setting again.

1 Press the AUTO key to open the

2 Set the

END LEVEL

MODE

item to

setting and the

MARK

.

END DELAY

START LEVEL

AUTO REC

screen.

time

If you press the AUTO key when recording or in •
recording standby, the current AUTO REC setting
can be checked.

When AUTO REC is on, the RECORD [• º] key will
blink more rapidly than usual In recording standby.

Overdub recording is not possible when using the •
AUTO REC function.

3 Set the value of the

4 Set the value of the

END LEVEL

START LEVEL

item.

item.

5 Press the HOME key to return to the Home

Screen.

6 Press the RECORD (º) key while holding down

the AUTO key to put the unit into recording
standby.

Recording starts automatically when the input

signal exceeds the

Press the STOP (• ª) key to stop automatic recording.
You can also add marks manually. (• See “Adding

marks manually to a recording” on page 30.)

START LEVEL

value.

30

TASCAM DR-100

6–Recording

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

NOTE

Automatically pausing recording (PAUSE)

You can set the unit to automatically pause after
the input level of the recording becomes less
than the
passes.

1 Press the AUTO key to open the

2 Set the MODE item to

3 Set the value of the

4 Set the value of the

5 Press the HOME key to return to the Home

6 Press the RECORD (º) key while holding down

Recording starts automatically when the input

END LEVEL

setting and the

PAUSE

.

END LEVEL

END DELAY

item.

item.

END DELAY

AUTO REC

screen.

Screen.

the AUTO key to put the unit into recording
standby.

signal exceeds the

START LEVEL

value.

time

Press the STOP (• ª) key to stop automatic recording.
You can also create new files manually. • (See

“Dividing a recorded file manually (DIVIDE)” on
page 28.)

When new files are created, incremental numbers •
are added to the end of each file name.

A new file cannot be created if the total number of •
files and folders would exceed 999.

Files shorter than two seconds cannot be created. •
If the name of a new created file would be the •

same as that of an existing file, the number will be
incremented until the new file has a unique name.

Mark function

Adding marks manually to a recording

You can manually add marks to a recording where
you want them.

Press the ENTER/MARK key while recording to

add a mark.

Press the STOP (ª) key to stop automatic recording.

Start new files automatically during

recording (TRK INC)

A new le can be created automatically during

recording when, after once becoming less than the
end level, the input signal exceeds the start level
again.

1 Press the AUTO key to open the

2 Set the MODE item to

3 Set the value of the

4 Set the value of the

TRK INC

END LEVEL

START LEVEL

5 Press the HOME key to return to the Home

Screen.

6 Press the RECORD (º) key while holding down

the AUTO key to put the unit into recording
standby.

Recording starts automatically when the input

signal exceeds the

START LEVEL

AUTO REC

.

item.

item.

value.

screen.

A mark is automatically added when you restart •
recording after temporarily pausing.

Mark information is stored in the file with •
numbers between 01–99. The maximum number
of marks in a file is 99.

Moving to a mark position

You can move to marks in the currently selected

le when paused and during playback.

You can use this function to identify points to
create shortcuts to the beginning of songs, for
example.

Press the Â/¯ keys while pressing and

holding the ENTER/MARK key during playback or
when stopped.

You cannot move to a mark in a different file.

TASCAM DR-100

31

6–Recording

TIP

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

Recording the moment before

pushing RECORD (PRE REC)

By using prerecording, when the unit is in
recording standby you can record up to two
seconds of the signal input before the RECORD (º)
button is pushed to start recording.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Set the

By using this in combination with the auto-record
function, you can record events without losing the
beginnings of sounds.

If the amount of time in record standby is less than •
two seconds, the sound for that amount of time is
recorded.

You cannot use the PRE REC function with overdub •
recording. When overdubbing please set the PRE
REC item OFF.

PRE REC

item to ON.

REC SETTING

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Delaying the start of recording

(REC DELAY)

Recording playback and input

sounds together (overdubbing)

When an audio le is playing back, you can

record the playback sound together with the

input sound. This creates a new le and does not
overwrite the playback le.

Adjust the levels of the input and playback

sounds

Before recording the input and playback sounds
together, you should carefully balance their
levels.

1 Turn input monitoring ON.

This allows you to listen to the input sound

even if the unit is not recording or in recording
standby. (See “Using input monitoring
(MONITOR)” on page 41.)

2 Select the audio file that you want to record,

and press the PL AY/PAU SE (¥/ π ) key to start
playback.

3 Adjust the playback and input signals so that the

PEAK indicator does not light. (See “Adjusting

the playback volume” on page 36.)

You cannot change the input monitoring setting •
during recording or when in recording standby.

When input monitoring is ON (and during overdub •
recording) the PEAK indicator shows the maximum
level of the combined input and playback signals.

This function allows you to delay the start of

recording by 0.3 seconds (xed interval) after the

RECORD (º) key is pressed.

This is useful when you want to avoid recording
the sound of pressing the RECORD (º) key.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Set the

Set PRE REC to OFF when you set REC DELAY to ON.

DELAY

item to ON.

REC SETTING

MENU

screen.

, and press the

32

TASCAM DR-100

NOTE

CAUTION

6–Recording

Recording an overdub

1 Select the file that you want to overdub.

2 Press the RECORD (º) key to open a submenu.

3 In the

4 Press the RECORD (º) key to start recording.

The following error message appears if the

selected le cannot be played back.

OVERDUB

submenu, set it to ON.

You cannot overdub if input monitoring is OFF or •
the PRE REC function is ON.

When overdub recording, you cannot use the •
AUTO REC function or start new files manually.

You cannot overdub when the recording format •
is MP3. Select WAV16BIT or WAV24BIT regardless
of the format of the playback file. (See “Preparing
with the REC SETTING menu” on page 25.) The
sampling frequency of the playback file is preserved
regardless of the sampling frequency setting for
overdub recording.

Stop overdubbing

Press the STOP (ª) key during recording to stop

recording and return to the start of the file.

You cannot pause during overdub recording.

Recording time

File format (recording setting)

16bit

WAV

24bit

32kbps 44.1kHz/48kHz

MP3

44.1kHz

44.1kHz

SD/SDHC card capacity (hours:minutes)

1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB

1:41 3:22 6:44 13:28

1:33 3:06 6:12 12:2448kHz

1:07 2:15 4:30 9:00

1:02 2:04 4:08 8:1648kHz

74:32 149:04 298:08 596:16

37:16 72:32 149:04 298:0864kbps 44.1kHz/48kHz

24:50 49:40 99:20 198:4096kbps 44.1kHz/48kHz

18:38 37:16 74:32 149:04128kbps 44.1kHz/48kHz

12:25 24:50 49:40 99:20192kbps 44.1kHz/48kHz

9:19 18:37 37:16 74:32256kbps 44.1kHz/48kHz

7:27 14:54 29:48 59:36320kbps 44.1kHz/48kHz

TASCAM DR-100

33

7–Playback

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

Selecting files for playback (skip)

When the Home Screen is open, press the µ and

≤ keys to select the le for playback.

If you press the µ key when the playback

position is located at the middle of a le, it will
return to the beginning of that le. If you press

the µ key when located at the beginning of

a le, the playback position will skip to the
beginning of the previous le.

If you press the ≤ key when located at the

beginning of or middle of a le, the playback
position will skip to the beginning of the next le.

You can also choose files for playback by name. (See
“Working with files” on page 39.)

Playback (PLAY)

When the Home Screen is open and playback is
stopped, press the PL AY/PAU SE (¥/ π ) key to start
playback.

Use the /SP OUTPUT volume to adjust the volume
of the speaker or attached headphones.

Rewinding and fast-forwarding

(search)

When the Home Screen is open and a track is
playing back or stopped, press and hold the µ or

≤ keys to rewind or fast-forward and search the

playback track.

You can set the search speed. (See “Setting the search
speed (CUE/REV SPEED)” on page 43.)

Using the wheel to change the

playback position

When the Home Screen is open and a track is
playing back or stopped, you can use the wheel to
change the playback position.

The faster you turn the wheel, the more rapidly the •
position changes.

No sound is output while the wheel is being •
turned.

Repeat playback (REPEAT)

Files in the playback area can be played. (See “Setting
the playback area (AREA)” on page 34.)

Stopping (STOP)

When the Home Screen is open and a track is
playing back, press the STOP (ª) key to stop
playback at the current position.

Press the STOP (ª) key again to return to the

beginning of the le.

Pausing (PAUSE)

When the Home Screen is open and a track is
playing back, press the PL AY/PAU SE (¥/ π ) key to
pause playback at the current position.

Press the PL AY/PAU SE (¥/ π ) key again to restart
playback from that position.

You can repeatedly playback one le or multiple
les within a designated area.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Set the

selections

SINGLE

REPEAT

item to one of the following

PLAY MODE

MENU

screen.

and press the

Play the selected le one time

1 REPEAT

Play the selected le repeatedly

ALL REPEAT

Play all the les in the designated area repeatedly

OFF

Play every le in the designated area once

4 Return to the Home Screen and select the file

that you want to play. In the case of
and

OFF

set the playback area first. (See “Setting

the playback area (AREA)” below.)

ALL REPEAT

34

TASCAM DR-100

7–Playback

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

NOTE

Setting the playback area (AREA)

Set the playback area for repeat and ordinary
playback.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Set the

ALL FILES

All les in the

FOLDER

AREA

item to one of the following options.

MUSIC

PLAY MODE

folder are played back

All les in the designated folder are played back

If you select FOLDER, choose the folder you want •
from the BROWSE screen. (See “Working with
folders” on page 38.)

If you select a file in a folder with the cursor and •
press the ≤ key or the ENTER/MARK key and then
choose PLAY from the submenu, the folder that
contains the file becomes the selected folder.

MENU

screen.

and press the

Adding files to the playlist

(PLAYLIST)

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

BROWSE

3 Select a file name that you want to add to the

playlist, and press the ENTER/MARK key.

4 Select

Tracks in the playlist are played back in the order that
they were added.

ADD LIST

ENTER/MARK key to add that file to the playlist.

from the submenu and press the

MENU

screen.

and press the

Working with the playlist

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

PLAYLIST

MENU

screen.

and press the

PLAYLIST

Files in the playlist are played back in order

If you select PLAYLIST, but no files have been •
added to the playlist, a "No PLAYLIST" pop-up
appears.

You can add files as you like to the playlist. (See •
“Adding files to the playlist” below.)

Select cancel in the submenu to close it.

TASCAM DR-100

35

NOTE

NOTE

7–Playback

Changing the playlist order (MOVE)

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

PLAYLIST

3 Use the wheel to select the file that you want to

move, and press the ENTER/MARK key.

4 Select

MOVE

from the submenu, and press the

ENTER/MARK key to highlight the file number.

5 Turn the wheel to set the desired position and

press the ENTER/MARK key to move the file.

6 Repeat these procedures to reorder files as

you like.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Delete files from the playlist (DELETE)

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

PLAYLIST

3 Use the wheel to select the file that you want to

delete, and press the ENTER/MARK key.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Clear the entire playlist (ALL CLR)

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

PLAYLIST

3 Use the wheel to select any file name, and press

the ENTER/MARK key.

4 Select

ALL CLR

ENTER/MARK key to open a confirmation screen.

from the submenu, and press the

5 Press the ENTER/MARK key to remove all files

from the playlist, or press the STOP (ª) key to
cancel this operation.

Files deleted from the playlist are not erased from
the unit.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Play files in the playlist (PLAY)

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

PLAYLIST

3 Use the wheel to select the file that you want to

play, and press the ENTER/MARK key.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

4 Select

DELETE

from the submenu, and press the

ENTER/MARK key to delete the file.

5 Repeat these procedures to delete other files.

Files deleted from the playlist are not erased from
the unit.

4 Select

PLAY

from the submenu, and press the

ENTER/MARK key to return to the Home Screen

and start playback.

36

TASCAM DR-100

NOTE

NOTE

7–Playback

Loop playback (I/O LOOP)

You can set an IN point (starting point) and OUT

point (ending point) within a le and play the part
of the le between these points repeatedly.

1 When the Home Screen is open and the track is

playing or paused, press the I/O LOOP key at the
position where you want the loop to start to set
the IN point.

2 When the track is playing or paused, press the

I/O LOOP key at the position where you want the

loop to end to set the OUT point.

3 After setting both the IN and OUT points, loop

playback starts automatically.

4 Press the STOP (ª) key to stop loop playback.

You can also press the PLAY/PAUSE (¥/π ) key to

restart playback from the endpoint.

1 When the Home Screen is open, press and hold

the PB CONTROL key to open the
screen.

2 Set the

Speed Audition (VSA) is ON, pitch does not
change even when the speed is changed. When

OFF

3 Use the

VSA

item to ON or

, the pitch changes with the speed.

SPEED

item to adjust the playback speed.

OFF

PB CONTROL

. When Variable

You cannot set the IN and OUT points in different •
files.

IN and OUT point settings are lost when you select •
a different file.

If you press the I/O LOOP key when IN and OUT •
points are already set, their settings will be erased.

Setting accurate IN and OUT points might not be •
possible with Variable Bit Rate (VBR) format MP3
files.

Adjusting the playback speed (PB

CONTROL)

You can adjust the playback speed by up to -50%
or +16% of the original value. When doing so, it
is possible to change the pitch with the speed or
maintain the original pitch.

4 Press the HOME key to return to the Home

Screen.

5 Press the PB CONTROL key briefly to turn this

function ON and OFF.

You can also turn PB CONTROL ON and OFF from the
PB CONTROL screen.

Adjusting the playback volume

The volume output from the built-in speaker or
the connector can be adjusted by using the /SP

OUTPUT dial.

TASCAM DR-100

37

8–Connecting with a Computer

Computer

USB

CAUTION

By connecting this unit with a computer using the

USB cable, you can transfer audio les on the SD

card in the unit to a computer, as well as transfer

audio les on the computer to the SD card in the

unit.

This unit can handle audio les of the following
formats (only stereo les).

MP3: 32–320 kbps, 44.1/48 kHz

WAV: 44.1/48 kHz, 16/24 bit

You cannot use this unit’s other functions when it is
connected to a computer by USB.

Transferring files to a computer

1 Click the "DR-100" drive on the computer

screen to show the "MUSIC" and "UTILITY"
folders.

2 Open the "MUSIC" folder and drag and

drop the files that you want to transfer to the
computer to destinations of your choice.

Transferring files from a computer

1 Click the "DR-100" drive on the computer

screen to show the "MUSIC" and "UTILITY"
folders.

2 Drag and drop files on the computer that you

want to transfer to the unit to the "MUSIC"
folder.

You can manage the MUSIC folder from the •
computer.

You can create subfolders in the MUSIC folder •
up to the second level for use with this unit. The

DR-100cannotrecognizesubfoldersandaudioles

on the third level or below.

When connected, "

connected... USB

" appears on

the screen of the recorder.

If an SD card is not properly inserted before
making the USB connection, "

Can't Save Data

"

appears on the screen.
This unit appears on the computer screen as

external volume named "DR-100."

Connecting a computer

Conrm that an SD card is properly inserted

into the unit, and use the included USB cable to
connect this unit with a computer.

The MUSIC and UTILITY folders are in the
"DR-100" drive.

Disconnecting from a computer

Before disconnecting the USB cable, use the
proper procedures for your computer to unmount
the "DR-100" (as an external drive). The recorder
will automatically restart.

See the computer’s operation manual for
instructions about how to unmount an external
drive.

38

TASCAM DR-100

9–Working with Files and Folders

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

CAUTION

Showing files inside folders

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

BROWSE

The Root Folder Holds all subfolders and les

A folder that contains a subfolder

A folders that does not contain a subfolder

Currently open folder

Audio le

3 Use the wheel to select a closed folder.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Use the µ and ≤ keys to move up and down

the folder levels, and press the ENTER/MARK key
to open the submenu.

Use the wheel to select items on the same folder

level.

Choose CANCEL from the submenu to close it.

4 Choose one of the following options from the

submenu, and press the ENTER/MARK key to
execute it.

SELECT

The rst le in the selected folder is selected and

the Home Screen reopens.

CREATE

A new folder is created inside the selected folder.

If you want to create a folder under the root folder
press the µ key and select the folder. Press the
ENTER/MARK key to open its submenu.

4 Press the ≤ key to open the folder and view the

files and folders inside it.

5 Press the µ key to close the folder and move up

a level.

Working with folders

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

BROWSE

3 Use the wheel to select a folder, and press the

ENTER/MARK key to open a submenu.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Folders can only be made to two levels. If you try to
create a new folder inside of a second level folder,
"Layer too Deep" appears on the screen and a new
folder is not created.

ALLDEL

Delete all the les inside the selected folder.

This operation does not delete subfolders inside the
folder. Furthermore, this operation does not delete

readonlylesandlesthatarenotrecognizedbythe

unit.

TASCAM DR-100

39

NOTE

9–Working with Files and Folders

Working with files

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Use the wheel to select a file, and press the

ENTER/MARK key to open its submenu.

Choose CANCEL from the submenu to close it.

4 Choose one of the following options from the

submenu, and press the ENTER/MARK key to
execute it.

PLAY

BROWSE

Return to the Home Screen and start playback of

the selected le.

INF O

Display information about the selected le

ADD LIST

Add the selected le to the playlist

DELETE

Deleted the selected le

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Add identification tags to files

(QUICK TAG)

You can easily add symbols to le names for
identication.

This is useful for distinguishing important les

from unimportant ones, for example.

1 When the Home Screen is open, press the QUICK

key to open a popup menu.

2 Select

3 Use the wheel to select a symbol (O or X), and

TAG

from the menu, and press the ENTER/

MARK key.

press the ENTER/MARK key to add it to the name,
or press the STOP key to cancel adding a symbol.

If you add a tag the lename changes as follows.
For example, if the le name is "DR-100_0000.
wav" then the new lename becomes "DR­100_0000_o.wav" or "DR-100_0000_x.wav".

Delete the selected playback file

(QUICK DEL)

You can easily delete the selected playback le.

1 When the Home Screen is open, press the QUICK

key to open a popup menu.

2 Select

3 Press the ENTER/MARK key to delete the file, or

DEL

from the menu, and press the ENTER/

MARK key.

press the STOP (ª) key to cancel deletion.

40

TASCAM DR-100

10–Settings and Information

NOTE

NOTE

Using the INFORMATION screens

Various information about this unit can be
checked on these screens.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Use the wheel to change the open page.

INFORMATION

File information (FILE)

WAV/MP3:

File format

WAV:

Bit-length
Stereo/mono
Sampling frequency (Hz)

MP 3:

Bit-rate (kbps)
CBR/VBR
Sampling frequency (Hz)

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Card information (CARD)

TOTAL MUSIC:

Shows the number of playable les contained by

the Music Folder.

TOTAL FOLDER:

Shows the total number of folders in the Music
Folder.

TOTAL SIZE:

Shows the total SD card capacity.

REMAIN SIZE/USED SIZE:

Shows the amount of unused/used capacity on the
SD card.

Press the µ or ≤ key to switch between REMAIN
SIZE and USED SIZE.

System information (SYSTEM)

CBR: constant bit rate

VBR: variable bit rate

TITLE:

Shows the le name. If an MP3 le has ID3 tag

title information that information appears.

DATE:

Date of le creation

SIZE:

File size

CUE/REV SPD:

Shows the speed of forward and backward
searching.

AUTO OFF:

Shows the automatic power OFF setting.

BACKLIGHT:

Shows the automatic backlight OFF setting.

System Ver.:

Shows the system rmware version.

TASCAM DR-100

41

10–Settings and Information

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

Battery information (BATTERY)

Li-Ion:

Amount of power remaining, priority (1: main, 2:
backup)

AA:

Amount of power remaining, priority (1: main, 2:
backup), battery type setting

When using an AC adapter, the amount of power
remaining in the lithium ion battery is not shown.

The icon always appears.

Setting mono input (TYPE)

When recording with just one connected external
XLR mic, for example, you can input and record
its input signal to both left and right channels.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

the ENTER/MARK key.

3 Set the

TYPE

item to

INPUT SETTING

MONO

.

Values: STEREO (default), MONO

If INPUT is set to LINE, recording is always in stereo
regardless of this setting.

When set to MONO, recordings are not made as
mono files, but rather as stereo files with identical left
and right channels.

MENU

screen.

, and press

Using input monitoring (MONITOR)

Normally the unit must be recording or in record
standby to monitor the input sound level. In order
to conduct overdub recording, however, you need
to balance the levels of the playback and input
sounds beforehand. This function allows you to
monitor the input sound even during playback.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

the ENTER/MARK key.

3 Set the

MONITOR

item to ON.

INPUT SETTING

Values: OFF (default), ON

You cannot change this setting during recording or
record standby.

MENU

screen.

, and press

Using the low cut filter (LOW CUT)

This function allows low frequency sounds in the
input signal to be reduced.

Turn this ON when there is undesirable noise
from air-conditioning or fans, for example.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

the ENTER/MARK key.

3 Use the

frequency.

LOW C UT

INPUT SETTING

item to set the low cut filter

Values: OFF (default), 40Hz, 80HZ, 120Hz

If INPUT is set to LINE, the filter is OFF regardless of
this setting.

MENU

screen.

, and press

42

TASCAM DR-100

NOTE

NOTE

CAUTION

NOTE

10–Settings and Information

Using the auto gain control and

limiter (LEVEL CTRL)

You can use the auto gain control (
(

LMT

) depending on the application or conditions.

Auto gain control (AUTO)

Using this, adjustments are made automatically to
achieve a volume level that is as even as possible.
Sensitivity is raised and lowered depending on
the strength of the input signal This is useful for
recording people in a meeting who are at different
distances from the microphones, for example.

When the auto gain control function is on, volume is
adjusted automatically, so the INPUT volume control
has no effect.

Limiter (LMT)

If the input signal is too loud, this function holds
it down to an acceptable level, allowing distortion
of the signal during recording to be avoided.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

the ENTER/MARK key.

3 Set the

LEVEL CTRL

INPUT SETTING

item to

AUTO

MENU

or

AUTO

LMT

) or limiter

screen.

, and press

.

Adjusting the playback level

(MIX BALANCE)

You can adjust the level of the playback sound
when overdub recording and when input
monitoring is ON.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

MIX BALANCE

3 Use the wheel to set the value.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Values: 0–20 (default is 20)

You cannot adjust this value when input monitoring
is off. (See “Using input monitoring (MONITOR).” on
page 41.)

Setting the file name format

You can set the format of the names given to les

when recorded by this unit.

File name format

Values: AUTO (default), LMT

4 Set the LIMITER/AUTO switch on the back of the

unit to ON.

If INPUT is set to LINE, the limiter is activated regard­less of this setting.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Set the

TYPE

item to

FILE NAM E

WORD

or

MENU

, and press the

DATE

.

screen.

Values: WORD (default), DATE

WORD

: Six characters set with the

as the le name, for example "

Date

: The date is used as the le name, for

example,"

The date is determined by the unit’s internal clock
setting. (See “Setting the date and time” on page 21.)

090101_0000.wav".

WORD

item are used

DR-100_0000.wav

".

TASCAM DR-100

43

10–Settings and Information

Setting the file name (WORD)

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key.

3 Select the

move the cursor, and use the wheel to select the
characters.

WORD

item. Use the µ and ≤ keys to

FILE NAM E

In addition to letters and numbers, the following
symbols can also be used.

! # $ % & ' ( ) + , - . ; = @ [ ] ^ _ ` { } ~

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Setting the search speed

(CUE/REV SPEED)

You can set the rewind/fast-forward (search)
speed.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

3 Use the

CUE/REV SPEED

SETUP

item to set the speed.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Values: OFF (default), 3min, 5min, 10min, 30min

Turning the backlight off

automatically (BACKLIGHT)

You can set the backlight to turn OFF
automatically after a set amount of time of non­use when operating on battery power.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

3 Use the

BACKLIGHT

SETUP

item to set the time.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Values: OFF, 5sec (default), 10sec, 15sec, 30sec

Adjusting the contrast (CONTRAST)

You can adjust the display contrast.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

3 Use the

CONTRAST

SETUP

item to set the value.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Values: x2, x4, x8 (default), x10

Turning the power off automatically

(AUTO OFF)

You can set the unit to turn OFF automatically
after a set amount of time of non-use when
operating on battery power.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

3 Use the

AUTO OFF

SETUP

item to set the time.

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Values: 1–20 (default is 8)

44

TASCAM DR-100

NOTE

10–Settings and Information

Setting the brightness of the

backlight (DIMMER)

You can set the brightness of the backlight.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

3 Use the

DIMMER

item to set the value.

SETUP

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Values: OFF, LOW, HIGH (default)

Restoring default settings

(INITIALIZE)

You can restore the various settings of this device
to their factory defaults.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

3 Press the ≤ key at the

then press the ENTER/MARK key to open a confir­mation screen.

4 Press the ENTER/MARK key again to initialize the

unit or press the STOP key to cancel.

SETUP

INITIALIZ E

MENU

screen.

, and press the

item, and

Formatting the SD card

3 Press the ≤ key at the

FORMAT

item, and then press the ENTER/MARK key

to open a confirmation screen.

QUICK FORMAT

FULL FORMAT

4 Press the ENTER/MARK key to initialize the unit

or press the STOP key to cancel.

Use a PS-P520 AC adapter (sold separately) or be
certain that the unit has plenty of remaining battery
power when formatting. Full Format checks for
memory errors, so it takes a particularly long time
compared to Quick Format.

QUICK FORMAT

screen

screen

or

FULL

Setting the main battery source

(MAIN)

When both the lithium ion battery and AA
batteries are installed, you can set one as a main
power source and the other as a backup. Usually
the unit uses the main power source.

When the remaining power of the main battery
source becomes low, the unit automatically
switches to the backup, allowing continued
operation.

The battery source currently used and the amount
of remaining power it has are shown at the upper

right of the Home Screen.

There are two ways to format the SD card in this
unit: Quick Format and Full Format.

Formatting an SD card erases all audio les on

the card and automatically creates new “MUSIC”
and “UTILITY” folders as well as the “dr-1.sys”

le.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

SETUP

MENU

screen.

, and press the

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

3 Use the

source.

MAIN

item to set the main battery power

BATTERY

MENU

screen.

, and press the

TASCAM DR-100

45

10–Settings and Information

CAUTION

NOTE

CAUTION

Values: Li-Ion (lithium ion battery), AA

The power turns off if the backup battery source does
not have enough charge. In this case, all recordings,
settings and other data will be lost.

Changing batteries when the

power is on

If both the lithium ion battery and AA batteries
are installed, you can change batteries while
continuing to record and use other functions.

In the following sections, for simplicity we refer to the
main "battery" and backup "battery," even though the
unit uses two AA batteries. Both AA batteries should
be changed together.

Changing the main battery

Changing the backup battery

You can change the backup battery at any time
when the main battery is in use, but you should

conrm on the Home Screen that the main battery

has enough remaining charge.
The unit turns OFF if you remove the backup

battery while it is being used.

Setting the type of AA batteries

(AA BATTERY)

You should set the type of AA batteries that you
are using. This setting is used to show the amount
of remaining battery charge and determine if the
unit has enough power for normal operation.

1 Press the MENU key to open the

2 Use the wheel to select

ENTER/MARK key

3 Use the

ALKALI

Ni-MH

AA TYPE

item to set the type.

Alkaline batteries

Nickel metal hydride batteries

SETUP

MENU

screen.

, and press the

Before changing the main battery, conrm that

its charge has become low enough that power has
switched to the backup battery.

The unit turns OFF if you remove the main
battery while it is being used.

If you must change the main battery even though
it is in use, change the setting so that the backup

battery becomes the main battery and conrm this
operation on the Home Screen rst.

Conrm that the replaced battery is installed

properly before changing the unit setting to make
it the main battery.

If the backup battery charge becomes less than a
certain level, you can change the MAIN setting.
However, the power source does not change while
the unit is recording.

Values: ALKALI (default) Ni-MH

46

TASCAM DR-100

10–Settings and Information

Menu item list

This list provides an overview of the various menu items and their settings that appear on the unit
display. The items shown in bold are default setting values.

MENU screen (press the MENU key)

Menu item Display/Setting Settings or explanation

INFORMATION

BROWSE

PLAYLIST

PLAY MODE

INPUT SETTING

FILE (1/4)

CARD (2/4)

SYSTEM (3/4)

BATTERY (4/4)

AREA

REPEAT

MONITOR

TYPE

LOW CUT

LEVEL CTRL

Information about the le

Information about the SD card

Information about the system

Information about the batteries

SD card le operations

Playlist editing

Set the area for inclusion in repeat playback (ALL FILES,

, ON)

OFF

, SINGLE, 1 REPEAT, ALL REPEAT)

Set the repeat playback mode (

Set input monitoring (

OFF

FOLDER

Set the input type for the UNI MIC, OMNI MIC, XLR MIC IN (

Set the low cut lter (

Set the input level control function (AUTO,

OFF

, 40Hz, 80Hz, 120Hz)

LMT

)

, PLAYLIST)

STEREO

, MONO)

REC SETTING

MIX BALANCE

DIVIDE

FILE NAME

SETUP

BATTERY

DATE/TIME

FORMAT

SAMPLE

SIZE

PRE REC

DELAY

LEVEL

TYPE

WORD

CUE/REV SPEED

AUTO OFF

BACKLIGHT

CONTRAST

DIMMER

INITIALIZ E

QUICK FORMAT

FULL FORMAT

MAIN

AA TYPE

Set the audio le format

WAV 16bit

(

, WAV 24bit, MP3 32kbps, MP3 64kbps, MP3 96kbps, MP3 128kbps,

MP3 192kbps, MP3 256kbps, MP3 320kbps)

Set the sampling frequency rate (

44 .1kHz

, 48kHz)

Set the maximum le size (64M, 128M, 256M, 512M, 1G, 2G)

Set the PRE REC function (

Set the REC DELAY function (

OFF

, ON)

OFF

, ON)

Playback level (0–20)

Divide a le

Set the type of automatic le name (

Set the characters used when

WORD

TYPE

is set to WORD (

, DATE)

DR -100

)

Set the fast rewind and fast forward speed (x2, x4, x8, x10)

Set the time before automatic shutdown when running on batteries

OFF

(

, 3min, 5min,10min, 30min)

Set the time before the backlight turns off (OFF,

5sec

, 10sec, 15sec, 30sec)

Set the LCD contrast (0–20, default is 8)

Set the backlight brightness (OFF, LOW,

HIGH

)

Restore the default settings

Quick Format the SD card

Full Format the SD card

Set the main battery (

Set the AA battery type (

Li-Ion

ALKALI

, AA)

, Ni-MH)

TASCAM DR-100

47

10–Settings and Information

PB CONTROL screen (press and hold the PB CONTROL key)

Menu item Display/Setting Settings or explanation

PB CONTROL

VSA

SPEED

Set VSA (

Set the speed (-50–+16%, default 32)

AUTO REC screen (press the AUTO key)

Menu item Display/Setting Settings or explanation

AUTO REC

MODE

START LEVEL

END LEVEL

Set the operation mode (

Set the level that the unit recognizes as input to record
(OFF, -6dB,

Set the level below which the unit determines that there is no signal to record (OFF,

-6dB, -12dB,

OFF

, ON)

-12d B

, -24dB, -48dB)

-24dB

, -48dB)

MARK

, PAUSE, TRK INC)

END DELAY

Set the time that the unit waits to stop recording after it determines that there is no
signal to record (1sec, 2sec, 3sec, 4sec,

5sec

)

List of popup menu items

In addition to regular menus, there are popup menus that appear on other screens.

BROWSE screen (select a folder and press the ENTER/MARK key)

Overview Display/Setting Explanation

SELECT

Folder operations

CREATE

ALL DEL

CANCEL

BROWSE screen (select a folder and press the ENTER/MARK key)

Overview Display/Setting Explanation

PLAY

INF O

File operations

ADD LIST

DELETE

CANCEL

PLAYLIST screen (select a file and press the ENTER/MARK key)

Overview Display/Setting Explanation

PLAY

ALL CLR

Edit the PLAYLIST

DELETE

MOVE

CANCEL

Set a folder as the active folder

Create a new folder

Erase all the les in the folder (folders are not erased)

Close the popup menu

Select a le and play it (and return to the Home Screen)

Show le information

Add a le to the playlist

Erase a le

Close the popup menu

Play the selected le

Remove all les from the playlist

Remove the selected le from the playlist (le is not erased from the card)

Change the position of the track in the playlist

Close the popup menu

Home Screen (press the RECORD key when MONITOR is ON)

Menu Display/Setting Explanation

OVERDUB

OFF

ON

Do not overdub

Record an overdub

Home Screen (press the QUICK key)

Menu Display/Setting Explanation

QUICK

TAG

DEL

Add a tag to the le name

Delete the le

48

TASCAM DR-100

11–Messages

CAUTION

CAUTION

The following is a list of the popup messages that might appear on the DR-100 under certain conditions.
Refer to this list if one of these popup messages appears and you want to check the meaning or
determine a proper response.

Message

File N ame E RR

Dup File Name

File N ot Found

Non-Supported

Battery Empty

I/O Too Short

File N ot Found
PLAYLIST

No PLAYLIST

PLAYLIST Full

Meaning and response

The DIVIDE function would cause the le name to exceed 200 characters. The DIVIDE function

adds "_a" or "_b" to the end of the le name. Before choosing the DIVIDE function, connect the

unit to a computer and edit the le name to less than 198 characters.

The DIVIDE function would cause the le name to be the same as that of an existing le. The

DIVIDE function adds "_a" or "_b" to the end of the le name. Before choosing the DIVIDE

function, connect the unit to a computer and edit the le name.

The le added to the playlist cannot be found or a le could be damaged. Please check the le in

question.

The audio le is not a supported format. Please see "8–Connecting with a Computer" for le

formats that this unit can use.

The battery is almost out of power. Recharge the lithium-ion battery and/or replace the AA
batteries.

The IN and OUT points are too close together. Reset the IN and OUT points with at least 1 second
between them.

The le in the Playlist cannot be found. Please conrm that the le is still in the Music Folder.

No les have been added to the Playlist. Add a le to the Playlist or change the play mode to

something besides

The playlist is full. You cannot add more than 99 tracks to the Playlist.

PLAYLIST

.

MBR Error Init CARD

Format Error
Format CARD

File N ot Found
Make Sys File

Invalid SysFile
Make Sys File

Invalid Card
Change Card

Protected Card
Change Card

Write Timeout

The card is not formatted properly or the formatting is broken. Change the card or press the

ENTER/MARK

key when this message appears to format the card in FAT format.

Execution of FAT formatting erases all data currently on the card.

The FAT formatting of the card is abnormal or broken. This message also appears if you FAT
formatted the card using a computer connected by USB and if a new card is inserted in the unit.
Always use the DR-100 to conduct FAT formatting of cards to be used with it. Change the card or
press the

ENTER/MARK

key when this message appears to format the card in FAT format.

Execution of FAT formatting erases all data currently on the card.

The system le is missing. This unit requires a system le for operation. When this message

appears, press

The system le required to operate this unit is invalid. When this message appears, press

MARK

ENTER/MARK

to automatically create a system le.

to automatically create a system le.

ENTER/

Something might be wrong with the card. Change the card.

This appears when the card is protected and lacks the necessary Music Folder and other folders

and les. Unlock the write protect switch, restart the power and format the card.

Writing to the card timed out.

Backup les on the card to your computer, and format the card.

TASCAM DR-100

49

11–Messages

Message

Ca rd Full

Layer too Deep

Ca n't Divide

Max File Size

File F ull

Card Error

Current File MP3

File Protected

No Card

No PB File

Meaning and response

The card has no remaining capacity. Erase unnecessary les or move them to your computer to

make open space.

Folders can be created down to two layers. You cannot create a new folder inside the current folder.

The position selected for divide is not suitable (too close to the beginning or end of a track).

The le is larger than the designated size or the recording time exceeded 24 hours.

The total number of folders and les exceeds 999. Erase unnecessary les or move them to your

computer.

The card could not be handled properly. Replace the card.

MP3 les cannot be divided.

The le is read only and cannot be erased.

No card is in the unit, so recording is not possible.

There is no le that can be played back.
The le might be damaged.

No MU SIC File

Not Continued

File Error

Can't Save Data

Player Error

Device Error

Writing Failed

Sys R om Er r

Remote Cmd

Remote Rx

System Err 50

System Error 1

System Error 2

System Error 3

System Error 4

System Error 5

System Error 6

System Error 7

System Error 8

System Error 9

There is no playback le, so DIVIDE and OVERDUB cannot be executed.

If any of these errors occur, turn the unit power OFF and restart it. If the power cannot be turned
OFF, remove the batteries and disconnect the AC adapter (if connected). If the error message
continues to appear, please contact a TEAC Repair Center.

50

TASCAM DR-100

12–Specifications

Audio input ratings

º

XLR MIC IN (L, R) inputs

Connectors: XLR-3-32equivalent (balanced)

Input impedance: 1.2 kΩ

≠

GAIN HIGH setting

Standard input level: -58 dBu
Maximum input level: -42 dBu

≠

GAIN MID setting

Standard input level: -36 dBu
Maximum input level: -20 dBu

≠

GAIN LOW setting

Standard input level: -14 dBu
Maximum input level: +2 dBu

º

LINE IN input

Connector: 3.5 mm stereo minijack

Input impedance: 23 kΩ

Standard input level: -10 dBV
Maximum input level: +6 dBV

º

LINE OUT output

Connector: 3.5 mm stereo minijack
Standard output level: -10 dBV
Maximum output level: +6 dBV

º

output

Connector: 3.5 mm stereo minijack
Maximum output : 25 mW + 25 mW

(with 32 Ω headphone connection)

º

Built-in speakers

Output: 0.4 W

Audio performance

º

Recording media:

SD cards (64 MB–2 GB) and SDHC cards (4 GB–32 GB)

º

File system:

FAT partition: FAT16/32

º

Battery life (continuous operation):

Lithium ion battery (BP-L2):
About 5 hours (recording time)
About 5 hours (playback time)
Ni-MH batteries (HR15/51):
About 4 hours (recording time)
About 4 hours (playback time)
Alkaline batteries (LR6):
About 2 hours (recording time)
About 2 hours (playback time)
(Backlight off, set to 128-kbps mp3.
Varies according to use conditions.)

º

Operation temperature range:

0–40º C

º

Power consumption:

1.7 W (MP3 playback)

5.5 W (maximum)

º External dimensions (mm):

80 (w) x 153 (h) x 35 (d) (excluding protrusions)

º

Weight:

290 g (not including batteries)

Accessory (sold separately)

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AC adapter:

PS-P520

Frequency response (LINE IN > LINE OUT):

20 Hz–20 kHz, +1/-3 dB (44.1 kHz)
20 Hz–22 kHz, +1/-3 dB (48 kHz)

Distortion (LINE IN > LINE OUT):

Less than 0.01%

S/N ratio (LINE IN > LINE OUT):

90 dB or more

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Compatible audio files:

MP3 les: 32–320 kbps, sampling frequency 44.1/48 kHz,
VBR playback, ID3 tag support up to Ver 2.4
WAV les: sampling frequency 44.1/48 kHz,
bit length: 16/24-bit

Requirements for connected

computers

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Windows:

Pentium 300 MHz or better
128 MB or more memory
USB port (USB 2.0 recommended)

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Macintosh:

266 MHz Power PC, iMac, G3, G4 or better
64MB or more memory
USB port (USB 2.0 recommended)

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Recommended USB host controller:

Intel chipset

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Supported OS:

Windows: Windows 2000 Professional SP4 or newer,
Windows XP, Windows Vista
Macintosh: Mac OS X 10.2 or newer

TASCAM DR-100

51

Dimensional drawing

12–Specifications

DR-100

Portable Digital Recorder

TEAC CORPORATION

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.jp
1-47 Ochiai, Tama-shi, Tokyo 206-8530, Japan

TEAC AMERICA, INC.

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.com
7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, California 90640 USA

TEAC CANADA LTD.

Phone: [phone] Facsimile: [phone] www.tascam.com
5939 Wallace Street, Mississauga, Ontario L4Z 1Z8, Canada

TEAC MEXICO, S.A. de C.V.

Phone: [phone] www.teacmexico.net
Río Churubusco 364, Colonia Del Carmen, Delegación Coyoacán, CP 04100,
México DF, México

TEAC UK LIMITED

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.co.uk
Suites 19 & 20, Building 6, Croxley Green Business Park, Hatters Lane, Watford,
Hertfordshire, WD18 8TE, UK

TEAC EUROPE GmbH

Phone: [phone] www.tascam.de
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany

Printed in China