Tascam DR-40X Users Manual

DR-40X

Linear PCM Recorder

REFERENCE MANUAL

D01354020C

Table of Contents

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

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

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

Trademarks and copyrights ............................................................ 5

About SD cards .................................................................................... 5

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

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

Top panel ...............................................................................................6

Front panel ............................................................................................8

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

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

Bottom Panel ....................................................................................... 9

Home Screen ......................................................................................10

Recording screen ..............................................................................11

Menu item list ....................................................................................13

Using the menu .................................................................................14

Basic operation ..................................................................................15

3 – Preparation ................................................................... 16

Powering the unit .............................................................................16

Using AA batteries .......................................................................16

Using an AC adapter (sold separately) .................................16

Using USB bus power .................................................................16

Turning the power on and off (standby mode) .....................17

Turning the unit on .....................................................................17

Turning the unit off (standby) .................................................17

Resume function ..........................................................................17

Setting the date and time .............................................................18

Inserting and removing SD cards ...............................................19

Inserting cards ..............................................................................19

Removing the card ......................................................................19

Card write protection .................................................................19

Preparing an SD card for use ........................................................19

Using the built-in speaker .............................................................20

Connecting monitoring equipment ..........................................20

Using the built-in microphone ....................................................21

Setting the mics to record a wide stereo sound

(A-B position).................................................................................21

Setting the mics to record a clear stereo sound

(X-Y position) .................................................................................21

Swapping the left-right channels of the built-in micro-

phone pair ...........................................................................................22

Microphone position detection .............................................22

Attaching the tilt foot .....................................................................22

4 – Recording ..................................................................... 23

Setting file format and sampling frequency

(REC SETTING) .................................................................................... 23

Preparing the recording inputs ...................................................24

Recording with the built-in mics ............................................24

Recording with external mics (EXT MIC IN) ........................24

Recording an external device (LINE IN) ...............................24

Setting the external input type ..............................................24

Using phantom power ...............................................................25

Adjusting the input level ...............................................................25

Manually adjusting the input level .......................................25

Independent L/R channel EXT IN input level setting

function ...........................................................................................27

Using the LEVEL MODE function............................................27

Overview of recording modes .....................................................28

Recording (MONO/STEREO recording) .....................................28

Make recording settings ...........................................................28

Setting where files are saved ...................................................29

Starting the recording ...............................................................29

File names when recording in MONO/STEREO .................29

Simultaneously recording two files at different input levels

(DUAL REC) ..........................................................................................30

Enabling dual recording ............................................................30

Starting dual recording .............................................................31

Dual recording file names ........................................................31

Recording 3 or 4 channels .............................................................31

Making settings for 3/4-channel recording .......................31

Starting 3/4-channel recording ..............................................32

File names when recording in 4-channel ............................32

Recording playback and input sounds together

(overdubbing) ....................................................................................33

Setting the overdubbing mode .............................................33

Select the file you want to overdub ......................................34

Conducting overdubbing .........................................................34

File names when overdubbing ...............................................34

Using the automatic recording function (AUTO REC) .........35

Continuing to record in a new file (track incrementing) ....36

Manually incrementing files during recording .................36

Automatically incrementing files by a set time ................36

Using the low-cut filter ...................................................................37

Capturing a few seconds before starting recording

(PRE REC)..............................................................................................37

Using tone output ............................................................................38

Setting the AUTO TONE function ...........................................38

Setting the AUTO TONE length ...............................................38

Adjusting the AUTO TONE volume ........................................38

Self-timer function ...........................................................................39

Solo function ......................................................................................39

Recording duration ..........................................................................40

5 – Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen) ..... 41

Screen navigation.............................................................................41

Icons on the BROWSE screen .......................................................41

File operations ...................................................................................41

Folder operations .............................................................................43

Creating a new folder ......................................................................43

6 – Playback........................................................................ 44

Adjusting the playback volume ..................................................44

Setting the playback area (AREA) ...............................................44

Selecting a folder for the playback area (1).............................45

Selecting a folder for the playback area (2).............................45

Using the playlist ..............................................................................46

Adding files to the playlist ........................................................46

Editing the playlist ......................................................................46

Selecting files for playback (skipping) ......................................47

Playing recordings ...........................................................................47

Pausing ............................................................................................47

TASCAM DR-40X

2

Table of Contents

Stopping playback ......................................................................47

Searching backward and forward .........................................47

Repeating playback (REPEAT) ......................................................48

Special playback control functions ............................................48

Playback Control screen ............................................................48

Loop playback of a selection ...................................................48

Changing the playback speed (VSA) ....................................49

Setting the playback equalizer ....................................................50

Increasing perceived sound pressure to enhance listen-

ability (LEVEL ALIGN) .......................................................................50

Using the jump function ................................................................51

Setting the jump back time .....................................................51

Setting the jump forward time ...............................................52

Playback of files recorded using dual recording ...................52

OVERDUB INPUT MUTE function

(during playback) .............................................................................52

Solo function ......................................................................................52

7 – Quick Operations ......................................................... 53

Features of the QUICK button ......................................................53

Quick menu ........................................................................................55

Deleting files ......................................................................................55

Dividing the selected file (DIVIDE) .............................................55

Dividing the selected file automatically at marks

(AUTO DIVIDE) ....................................................................................56

Overwrite recording ........................................................................57

Selecting a file to overwrite record .......................................57

Activating overwrite mode ......................................................57

Conducting overwrite recording ...........................................57

Checking the result of recording ...........................................57

Undoing and redoing (UNDO/REDO) ...................................57

Ending overwrite recording mode ........................................57

Transcribing recorded files (DICTATION PLAY).......................58

Enabling DICTATION PLAY mode ...........................................58

Adjusting playback equalization ...........................................58

Changing the playback position ............................................58

Ending DICTATION PLAY mode...............................................58

Mixdown ..............................................................................................59

8 – Mark functions ............................................................. 60

Adding marks manually .................................................................60

Adding marks automatically to a recording ...........................60

Moving to mark positions .............................................................60

Clearing marks ...................................................................................60

9 – Using effects ................................................................. 61

Setting the effect ..............................................................................61

Effects preset list ...............................................................................61

10 – Mixer ........................................................................... 62

Making mixer settings ....................................................................62

Using the MS decoder ....................................................................63

Decoding the input sound as you record ...........................63

Decoding the playback sound ................................................63

MS decoder settings ...................................................................63

11 – Tuning Instruments ................................................... 64

Using the tuner .................................................................................64

Setting the tuner..........................................................................64

Tuning a musical instrument ...................................................64

12 – USB Connections ........................................................ 65

Powering the unit with USB bus power ...................................65

Using as an SD card reader ...........................................................65

Disconnecting the unit from a computer ................................66

Transferring files from a computer .............................................66

Using as a USB audio interface ....................................................66

The AUDIO I/F screen will open. .............................................66

Setting the connected device type .......................................67

Connecting ....................................................................................67

13 – Settings and Information .......................................... 68

Viewing information (INFORMATION) .......................................68

File information page .................................................................68

Card information page (CARD) ...............................................68

System information page (SYSTEM) .....................................68

System Settings .................................................................................69

Setting the automatic power saving function ..................69

Setting the backlight ..................................................................69

Adjusting the display contrast ................................................69

Setting the battery type ............................................................69

Setting the phantom power voltage ....................................69

Setting the language..................................................................69

Restoring the factory settings .................................................70

Formatting SD cards ...................................................................70

Completely formatting SD cards ............................................70

Setting the file name format ........................................................71

File name format ..........................................................................71

Setting the WORD item .............................................................71

Resetting the number ................................................................71

14 – Using the REMOTE jack .............................................. 72

Footswitch (TASCAM RC-3F) .........................................................72

Setting footswitch operation ..................................................72

Using the footswitch ..................................................................72

Remote control (TASCAM RC-10) ................................................73

Setting the wired remote control ..........................................73

Using the wired remote control .............................................73

15 – Messages .................................................................... 74

16 – Troubleshooting ........................................................ 76

17 – Specifications ............................................................. 77

Ratings ..................................................................................................77

Input/output ratings .......................................................................77

Analog audio input and output ratings ..............................77

Control input/output ratings ..................................................77

Audio performance .........................................................................77

Other specifications .........................................................................77

Dimensional drawings ....................................................................79

TASCAM DR-40X

3

1 – Introduction

Features

Compact audio recorder that uses SD/SDHC/SDXC cards as

i

recording media

High-performance directional stereo mics can be adjusted,

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enabling both A-B and X-Y recording

Can record with different types of stereo sound depending

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on the angle of the microphones

Closed (X-Y): clear stereo sound with less phase
difference

Open (A-B): wide stereo sound

Mid-side decoding function can be used with MS mics

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Recording of up to four channels simultaneously possible

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

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recording possible

Compatible with BWF format

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32–320 kbps MP3 format recording possible (compatible

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with ID3 tag v2.4)

Dual recording allows two files to be recorded simultane-

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ously at different levels

Overdubbing in mix mode allows the playback signal and

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the input signal to be mixed and recorded as a new file

Overdubbing in separate mode allows the playback signal

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and the input signal to be mixed and recorded as a new file,
while saving the original file

Built-in 0.3 W monaural monitor speaker

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

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playback

Auto-record function starts recording automatically when a

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set sound input level is detected

Tone output function convenient for synchronizing with

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video files when editing

A QUICK button is available for easy access to various

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functions

Track incrementing function allows a recording to be split by

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creating a new file when desired

Pre-recording (PRE REC) function allows the unit to record

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the 2 seconds of sound before recording is activated

Automatic peak reduction function automatically reduces

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the level suitably when the input level is too high

Automatic level control is available to increase or decrease

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the recording volume when the input sound is too low or
too high, respectively.

Limiter function automatically reduces the level suitably in

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particular portions where the input level is too high

Low cut filter conveniently reduces low-frequency noise

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VSA function can change playback speed in a range from

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

Repeat playback and IN-OUT loop playback functions

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PB CONT button opens screen for playback speed and

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IN-OUT loop settings

Tuner function to tune musical instruments

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

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time.

Jump function that moves backward or forward a small

i

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

Delay compensation function that eliminates time lags

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caused by differences in the distances of two sets of inputs
from the sound source

Playlist function

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MARK function convenient for moving to specific locations

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DIVIDE function allows files to be split where desired (only

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for WAV files)

Equalizers function for playback, and level alignment

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function to enhance the perceived overall sound pressure

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

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the date

Resume function remembers the playback position before

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the unit was turned off (put in standby)

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

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128×64-pixel LCD with backlight

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Micro-B type USB 2.0 port

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Operates on 3 AA batteries, an AC adapter (sold separately:

i

TASCAM PS-P520E), or USB bus power

Tripod attachment screw-hole built into unit

i

Two balanced mic/line inputs (XLR/TRS combo jacks)

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USB audio interface functions

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Dictation playback mode

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Overwrite recording function

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Conventions used in this manual

The following conventions are used in this manual.

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

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DR-40X, the typeface looks like this: MENU.

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

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

SD, SDHC and SDXC memory cards are called “SD cards”.

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Words that appear on the computer display are shown in

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quotation marks like this: “DR-40X”.

Additional information is provided as necessary in tips,

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notes and cautions.

TIP

We give hints and tips on using the DR-40X when you see
this icon.

NOTE

Notes provide additional explanations for special situa­tions.

CAUTION

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

V

CAUTION

Failure to follow these instructions could result in injury.

TASCAM DR-40X

4

Trademarks and copyrights

TASCAM is a trademark of TEAC CORPORATION, registered

i

in the U.S. and other countries.

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

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The MPEG Layer-3 audio coding technology is licensed

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from Fraunhofer IIS and Thomson.

Supply of this product does not convey a license nor imply

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any right to distribute MPEG Layer-3 compliant content
created with this product in revenue-generating broadcast
systems (terrestrial, satellite, cable and/or other distribution
channels), streaming applications (via Internet, intranets
and/or other networks), other content distribution systems
(pay-audio or audio-on-demand applications and the like)
or on physical media (compact discs, digital versatile discs,
semiconductor chips, hard drives, memory cards and the
like). An independent license for such use is required. For
details, please visit http://mp3licensing. com.

ASIO is a trademark of Steinberg Media Technologies

i

GmbH.

1 – Introduction

Other company names, product names and logos in this

i

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

About SD cards

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

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

Precautions for use

SD cards are delicate media. In order to avoid damaging SD
cards, please take the following precautions when handling
them.

Do not leave them in extremely hot or cold places.

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Do not leave them in extremely humid places.

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Do not let them get wet.

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

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Do not hit them.

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Do not remove or insert them during recording, playback,

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data transmission or other access.

Always put memory cards in cases when transporting

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them.

TASCAM DR-40X

5

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Top panel

1

Built-in stereo microphone

This is a stereo pair of unidirectional electret condenser
mics. You can set the microphones to open (A-B) or closed
(X-Y ).

2 DUAL indicator

This lights orange when recording in dual recording mode.

3 4CH indicator

This lights orange when recording in 4-channel recording
mode.

4 OVER DUB indicator

This lights orange when recording in overdubbing mode.

5 3/4 [SOLO] button

When in 4-channel recording mode, press this to open
a display pull-up that shows meters with the input level
settings for 3/4.

Press when the 1/2 input level meter pull-up is displayed
to switch to the 3/4 input level meter pull-up.

Press and hold when recording or playing back in DUAL
or 4CH mode to use the solo function, which switches the
monitored sound to sources other than channels 1 and 2.

Press and hold to solo channels 3 and 4.
Press the 3/4 [SOLO] button to switch between the input

sound and the 3/4 track playback sound.

6 1/2 [SOLO] button

Press this to open a display pull-up that shows meters with
the input level settings for 1/2.

Press when the 3/4 input level meter pull-up is displayed
to switch to the 1/2 input level meter pull-up.

Press and hold when recording or playing back in DUAL
or 4CH mode to use the solo function, which switches the
monitored sound from other sources to channels 1 and 2.

Press and hold to solo channels 1 and 2.

Press when in OVERDUB (MIX) recording mode to mute
the input sound.

7 ¤(HOME) [8] button

Press this button during playback to cause the playback
to pause at the current position. Press this button during
pause time to return to the beginning of the playback file.

Press this button during recording or recording standby to
cause the recording to stop.

When any other screen is open, press this button to return
to the Home screen. Use this button to answer “NO” to a
confirmation message.

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

8 + button

When the Home screen is displayed, press this button to
increase the output level from the built-in speaker or

/LINE OUT jack. During adjustment, a volume indicator

will be displayed in a pull-up window.
When the Playback Control screen is open, press to

increase the playback speed.
When a setting screen is open, use the button to change

the setting of the selected item.

9 MENU button

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

0 . button

Press this button to return to the beginning of a playback
file that is playing or stopped in the middle.

When the IN and OUT points are set between the current
position and the beginning of the playback file, pressing
this button skips to those points.

If you press this button when a file is stopped at its
beginning, the unit will skip to the beginning of the
previous file.

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

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

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

level.

q PB CONT button

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

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

function or change the time period.

w – button

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

TASCAM DR-40X

6

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

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

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

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

e Display

Shows a variety of information.

r PEAK indicator

Lights when the input volume is too high.

t REC MODE button

Press this button to open the REC MODE screen.
When the REC MODE screen is open, press this button to

return to the Home screen.

y RECORD [0] button/REC indicator

When stopped, press this button to put the unit into
recording standby. The REC indicator will start to blink.

Press when recording to pause recording.

u PLAY [7] button

When the Home screen is displayed and playback is
stopped, press this button to start playback.

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

i QUICK button

When playing back, stopped, paused or in recording
standby in the Home screen or when the Playback Control
screen is displayed, press this button to display the Quick
Menu screen. The function to be shown depends on the
state of the unit when the button is pressed.

Stopped: delete, division, level alignment, or mixdown

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for the current playback file

Playing back/playback control screen: level alignment

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function

Recording standby: LEVEL MODE function, swap left

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and right built-in mics

Mixer Screen: MS decoder setting
When the BROWSE screen or PLAYLIST screen is open,

press this button to open or close the pop-up menu for
file/folder operations.

o / button

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

When the IN and OUT points are set between the current
position and the end of the file, pressing this button skips
to those points.

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

right.
Press this button while pressing and holding the ENTER/

MARK button to move to the next mark.
On the BROWSE screen, press this button to move down a

level. If a file is selected, the file is loaded, the Home Screen
reopens and the unit stops.

p ENTER/MARK button

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

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

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

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

a MIXER button

Press this button to open the Mixer Screen.
When the Mixer Screen is open, press this button to return

to the Home screen.

TASCAM DR-40X

7

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Front panel

s

EXT MIC/LINE IN L/R jacks (XLR/TRS)

These are balanced analog XLR/TRS combo jacks for
microphone and line level inputs.

XLR (1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD)
TRS (Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

CAUTION

i

Confirm that phantom power is OFF before connecting a
line level device to a EXT MIC/LINE IN jack. If you connect
a line level device while phantom power is being supplied,
that device and this unit could be damaged.

i

Do not connect or disconnect mics with the EXT MIC/
LINE IN jacks when the phantom power switch is set to
ON. Doing so could cause a loud noise and might damage
this unit and connected equipment.

i

Set the phantom power switch to ON only when using
a condenser microphone that requires phantom power.
Turning phantom power on when a dynamic mic or other
mic that does not require it is connected could damage
this unit and connected equipment.

i

When using condenser mics that require phantom power
and dynamic mics together, be sure to use balanced
dynamic mics. Unbalanced dynamic mics cannot be used
when phantom power is enabled.

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Supplying phantom power to some ribbon mics will break
them. If you are unsure, do not supply phantom power to
a ribbon mic.

d REMOTE jack (φ2.5mm TRS)

Connect a TASCAM RC-3F footswitch or TASCAM RC-10
wired remote control (both sold separately) here. This
enables remote starting and stopping of playback and
other functions.

Left side panel

f /LINE OUT jack

Use this to connect with headphones or the line input jack
of an amp or other equipment.

g EXT IN switch

Use this to set the input type of the EXT MIC/LINE IN jacks
and whether phantom power is on or off.

h HOLD switch

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

No buttons can be used when HOLD is active.

j INPUT LEVEL (+/–) buttons

Use these to adjust the input level.
During adjustment, the input level setting status will be

displayed in a pop-up window.

Right side panel

k USB port

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

computer. (See "12 – USB Connections" on page 65)

CAUTION

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

l SD card slot

Insert an SD card into this slot.

TASCAM DR-40X

8

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Bottom Panel

; Built-in mono speaker

Use this built-in speaker to listen to recordings.
The speaker will not produce sound in the following situa-

tions.

When in recording standby

i

When recording

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When in overdubbing mode

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When headphones are connected

i

When the speaker output setting is off

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z Mounting thread for tripod or tilt foot (1/4-inch)

Use this to attach a tripod or the included tilt foot to the
recorder.

CAUTION

i

Ensure the tripod or microphone stand screws are securely
fastened to prevent the unit from falling off.

i

When attaching this unit to a tripod or microphone stand,
be sure to place it on a level surface.

x Battery compartment cover

When not using the included tilt foot, it can be stored by
inserting it between the two protrusions on the inside of
the battery compartment cover.

c Hole for strap

Use this to attach a strap.

v Battery compartment

Install batteries (3 AA) in this compartment to power the
unit. (See "Using AA batteries" on page 16)

TASCAM DR-40X

9

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Home Screen

Home Screen when in ordinary operation mode

1 Playback area

This shows the current playback file area.

ALL: All files in the MUSIC folder
FOLDER: All files in the selected folder
P.LIST: All files added to the playlist

2 Loop/repeat playback status

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

: Single playback
: Single file repeat playback
: All file repeat playback
: Loop playback

3 Current playback file number/total number of

files

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

4 Elapsed time

This shows the elapsed time (hours: minutes: seconds) of
the current file.

5 Speaker output

: Speaker output off
: Speaker output on

6 Power supply status

A battery icon appears when power is supplied by
batteries.

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

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

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

NOTE

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

7 Recorder operation status

This icon shows the recorder operation status.

Indication Explanation

Stopped

8

Paused

9

Playing back

7

Searching forward

,

Searching backward

m

Skipping forward

/

Skipping backward

.

8 Playback position display

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

9 Track status

The display changes according to the recording mode.

Indicators
(examples)

/

NOTE

When a track is soloed, its name appears highlighted .

Meaning

Playing a file recorded in MONO or
STEREO mode

Playing a file recorded in dual recording
mode

Playing a file recorded in 4-channel
recording mode

In OVERDUB SEPARATE mode

During overdubbing (mix) mode

/

0 Level meters

The level of the input or playback sounds is shown.
During OVER DUB (MIX), this shows the mixed level of the

input and playback signals.

q Remaining time

This shows the remaining time (hours: minutes: seconds)
of the current file.

1 Playback speed status

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

Indication Playback speed

×1.0

×1.1 – ×1.5

×0.5 – ×0.9

Playback speed not controllable

TASCAM DR-40X

10

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

e Effect status

Shows whether the effect function is ON or OFF.

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

r Peak value in decibels (dB)

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

t File name

This shows the name of the file playing back or its tag
information.

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

The project name is shown when multiple files have been
recorded in 4-channel recording mode, dual recording
mode or OVERDUB SEPARATE mode.

NOTE

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

Recording screen

1 Recording format

This shows the file recording format.

WAV 16/WAV 24/BWF 16/BWF 24/MP3 320k/MP3 256k/MP3

192k/MP3 128k/MP3 96k/MP3 64k/MP3 32k

2 Elapsed recording time

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

3 Recording sampling frequency

This shows the file recording sampling frequency.

44.1K/48k/96k (Hz)

4 Number of recording channels

This shows the number of recording channels in the file.

ST, MONO

5 Recorder operation status

This icon shows the recorder operation status.

Indicator Explanation

Recording standby or recording paused

09

Recording

Recording standby with the prerecording
function on

TASCAM DR-40X

11

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

6 Input source

This icon shows the input source.

Indicator
examples

NOTE

When a track is soloed, its name appears highlighted
.

Meaning

Input source set to built-in mics

EXT MIC/LINE IN jack set as input source

Second recording level setting (-6 – -12)
when dual recording enabled

When in OVERDUB SEPARATE mode, this
shows that channels 1/2 are a playback file.

When in OVERDUB MIX mode, this shows
that the input source is set to a mix of the
playback file and built-in mic signals

Mix of playback file and EXT MIC/LINE IN
set as input source in OVERDUB MIX mode

7 Level meters

The input signal levels are shown.
During overdub recording, the level of the combined input

and playback sounds is shown.

8 Remaining recording time

The remaining recording time until the selected max file
size is reached appears in hours: minutes: seconds. If the
remaining recording time on the SD card is less, however,
the remaining recording time on the card is shown.

9 Level mode setting status

This icon shows the level mode function setting.

: MANUAL
: LIMITER
: PEAK REDUCTION
: AUTO LEVEL

0 Low cut filter on/off status

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

Low cut filter off

Low cut filter on (example: 220 Hz)

q Tone output setting status

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

: AUTO TONE off
: AUTO TONE on

w File name

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

The project name is shown when multiple files have been
recorded in 4-channel recording mode, dual recording
mode or OVERDUB SEPARATE mode.

e Peak value in decibels (dB)

Peak input level values are shown in decibels.

TASCAM DR-40X

12

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Menu item list

This list provides an overview of the various menu items. The menu items are as follows.

Menu item Function Pages

Set the recording format

Set the sampling frequency

Set the track incrementation function see page 36

Set the low-cut filter see page 37

Set the pre-recording function see page 37

Set the auto-recording function mode

Set the auto-recording start level

Set tone output

Set the length of the output tone

Set the volume of tone output

Set the playback area see page 44

Set the repeat playback function see page 48

Set the jump back function see page 51

Set the jump forward function see page 52

Set the level mode function see page 20

Turn the built-in speaker on/off see page 50

Set the playback equalization see page 50

Set the output level alignment function see page 50

Work with files and folders on the SD card see page 41

Select the SD card reader mode see page 65

Make USB audio interface settings see page 66

Information about the file, SD card, and system see page 68

Use the tuner see page 64

Make effect settings see page 61

Set the recording file name see page 71

Set the date and time used by the unit see page 18

Settings for the TASCAM RC-3F footswitch and
TASCAM RC-10 wired remote control (both sold
separately)

Set the automatic power saving function see page 69

Set the backlight see page 69

Adjust the display contrast see page 69

Set the type of batteries. see page 69

Set the phantom power voltage. see page 69

Set the language shown on the display see page 69

Restoring the DR-40X to factory settings see page 70

Format an SD card see page 70

Completely format an SD card see page 70

see page 23

see page 35

see page 38

see page 72

REC SETTING

PLAY SETTING

I/O SETTING

BROWSE

USB

OTHERS

SYSTEM

FORMAT

SAMPLE

TRACK INC

LOW CUT

PRE REC

MODE

LEVEL

AUTO TONE

TONE SECS

TONE VOL

AREA

REPEAT

JUMP BACK

JUMP FWD

LEVEL MODE

SPEAKER

PLAY EQ

LEVEL ALIGN

SD CARD READER

AUDIO I/F

INFORMATION

TUNER

EFFECT

FILE NAME

DATE/TIME

REMOTE

AUTO PWR SAVE

BACKLIGHT

CONTRAST

BATTERY TYPE

PHANTOM VOLT

LANGUAGE

INITIALIZE

QUICK FORMAT

ERASE FORMAT

TASCAM DR-40X

13

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

CAUTION

i

When recording or in recording standby, only the following screens and items are shown.
LOW CUT and AUTO REC setting MODE and LEVEL items on the REC SETTING screen (AUTO REC settings are shown, but cannot be

changed)
EFFECT screen REVERB, PRESET, LEVEL and SOURCE items

i

When the Playback Control screen is open, pressing the MENU button will not open the MENU screen. This turns the loop
playback function on/off. (See "Loop playback of a selection" on page 48)

Using the menu

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

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

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

2.

and use the ENTER/MARK or / button to move to
various settings screens.

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

3.

to set.

Use the ENTER/MARK or / button to move the

4.

cursor to highlight the value of the setting.

Use the + or – button to change the setting.

5.

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

6.

menu.

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

button to select another item to set.

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

7.

Press the MENU button to return to the MENU screen. To

8.

return to the Home screen, press the ¤ (HOME) [8]

button.

TASCAM DR-40X

14

2 – Names and Functions of Parts

Basic operation

Use the following buttons to operate the various screens.

MENU button:

This opens the MENU screen.

PB CONT button:

This opens the Playback Control screen.

¤ (HOME) [8] button:

When a settings screen is open, press the ¤ (HOME) [8]
button to return to the Home Screen. Use this to answer
“NO” to a confirmation message.

ENTER/MARK button:

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

/ button:

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

. button:

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

+ button:

Use this to move the cursor (the highlighted area) upward
on the screen, or increase values.

– button:

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

QUICK button:

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

operation mode.

REC MODE button

Opens the REC MODE screen.
When the REC MODE screen is open, returns to the Home

screen.

MIXER button

Opens the Mixer Screen.
When the Mixer Screen is open, returns to the Home

screen.

1/2 [SOLO] button

Opens a meter display that shows the 1/2 input level
setting status.

In DUAL or 4CH mode, press and hold during recording or
playback to solo the channels.

Press when in OVERDUB (MIX) recording mode to mute
the input sound.

3/4 [SOLO] button

Opens a meter display that shows the 3/4 input level
setting status.

In DUAL or 4CH mode, press and hold during recording or
playback to solo the channels.

Press the 3/4 [SOLO] button to switch between the input
sound and the 3/4 track playback sound.

TASCAM DR-40X

15

3 – Preparation

Powering the unit

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

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

power" on page 65.

Using AA batteries

Open the battery compartment cover on the back of the unit.
Fit three AA batteries to the ¥ and ^ marks shown in the
compartment, and close the battery compartment cover.

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

69)

CAUTION

i

Do not use manganese dry cell batteries.

i

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

i

The included alkaline batteries are for confirming
operation of the unit and might not last very long.

i

Before putting the bottom battery in, put the ribbon
inside the compartment first. Failure to do so could make
removing the batteries difficult.

NOTE

A great amount of power is required to provide phantom
power to a condenser microphone. If you use a condenser
microphone while running the unit on AA batteries (Ni-MH
rechargeable or alkaline), the operation time will be
greatly shortened because of their low capacities.

If you need to operate the unit for a long time, use the
AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520E) or using a commercially
available USB cable (USB bus power).

Using an AC adapter (sold separately)

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

TASCAM PS-P520E

AC outlet

Micro-B USB plug

CAUTION

i

Never use any adapter other than the designated
PS-P520E AC adapter. Use of a different adapter could
cause malfunction, fire or electric shock.

i

Noise may occur when recording with a microphone if the
unit is too close to the AC adapter. In such a case, keep
sufficient distance between the AC adapter and the unit.

NOTE

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

Using USB bus power

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

Micro-B USB plugComputer

USB

See "Powering the unit with USB bus power" on page 65.

TASCAM DR-40X

16

3 – Preparation

Turning the power on and off (standby mode)

V

CAUTION

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

CAUTION

i

The unit enters standby mode if turned off when the unit
is operating on AC power supplied through a TASCAM
PS-P520E AC adapter (sold separately) or bus power
provided from a connected computer USB port.

i

Turn down the volume of the monitoring system
connected to the unit before turning the unit on or off
(standby).

Turning the unit on

When the unit is off, press and hold the ¤ (HOME) [8]
button until the TASCAM DR-40X start-up screen appears.

The Home Screen appears after the unit starts up.

Start -Up screen Home screen

CAUTION

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

1) A menu to change the menu screen display language
will open.

Press the + or − button to move the cursor and select
(highlight) the language to be shown on the display.

Options:

English: use English

日本語

: use Japanese

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

Русский
中文

한글 : use Korean

: use Russian

: use Chinese

You can also change the display language setting with
the SYSTEM screen LANGUAGE item. (See "Setting the
language" on page 69)

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

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

After completing the setting, press the ENTER/MARK
button to confirm.

The start-up screen appears, followed by the Home
Screen after start-up completes.

Date/time setting may be skipped by pressing the
ENTER/MARK button. This setting can be made later.
(See "Setting the date and time" on page 18.)

Turning the unit off (standby)

Press and hold the ¤ (HOME) [8] button until LINEAR

PCM RECORDER appears on the display.

The unit turns off after it completes its shutdown process.

CAUTION

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

While the unit is on, do not remove the batteries,
disconnect the power cord when using a TASCAM
PS-P520E AC adapter (sold separately) or disconnect the
USB cable when using USB bus power. Doing so will cause
all recordings, settings and other data to be lost. Lost data
cannot be restored.

Resume function

The unit has resume function. When started up, the unit is
located to the position (time) where it left off when shut
down previously.

If the PLAY [7] button is pressed after start-up, the file the
unit was playing when shut down previously starts to be
played from the position (time) where the unit left off when
shut down.

NOTE

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

After selection, press the ENTER/MARK button to
confirm.

TASCAM DR-40X

17

3 – Preparation

Setting the date and time

This unit uses its internal clock to record the date and time to
the recorded files.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or – button to select the OTHERS menu item

2.

(highlighted), and press the ENTER/MARK or /
button.

The OTHERS screen opens.

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

3.

item, and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

The DATE/TIME screen opens.

Use the . and / buttons to move the cursor, and

4.

use the + and − buttons to change the values.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to confirm the change

5.

and return to the OTHERS screen.

NOTE

The unit can automatically add the date and time set here
to file names. (See "Setting the file name format" on page

71)

CAUTION

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

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

TASCAM DR-40X

18

3 – Preparation

Inserting and removing SD cards

Inserting cards

Open the SD slot cover on the right side.

1.

Insert the SD Card into the slot as shown in the following

2.

illustration until it clicks into place.

Removing the card

Open the SD slot cover.

1.

Press the SD card in gently and then release it to allow it

2.

to come out.

CAUTION

i

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

i

SD cards that meet SD, SDHC or SDXC standards can be
used with this unit.

i

A list of SD cards that we have confirmed for use with
this unit is available on the TEAC Global Site (http://

teac-global.com).

Card write protection

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

Writing possible Writing not possible

If you slide the protect switch to the “LOCK” position, file
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.

Preparing an SD card for use

In order to use an SD card in this unit, you must format it first.

Confirm that an SD card is installed and turn the power

1.

ON.

The following message appears when a new card or a

2.

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

Press the ENTER/MARK button to start formatting.

3.

CAUTION

Formatting an SD card erases all the data on it.

When formatting ends, the Home screen opens. You can

4.

also reformat the card in this unit at any time.

CAUTION

When formatting an SD card, the unit should be operating
on AC power supplied through a TASCAM PS-P520E
adapter (sold separately), USB bus power supplied
from a connected computer, or batteries with sufficient
remaining power.

TASCAM DR-40X

19

3 – Preparation

Using the built-in speaker

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

NOTE

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

Operation from the MENU screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

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

2.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The I/O SETTING screen will open.

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

3.

item and press the ENTER/MARK button.

Use the + or – button to select ON.

4.

When finished, press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to

5.

return to the Home screen.

Operation from the Quick menu

During playback when the Home Screen is open, press

1.

the QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

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

2.

press the ENTER/MARK button.
The SPEAKER screen will open.

Options: OFF (default), ON

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

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK button to enable it and
return to the Home Screen.

Connecting monitoring equipment

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

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

TASCAM DR-40X

20

Headphones

Powered monitor speaker
or
an amplifier and speaker

3 – Preparation

Using the built-in microphone

This unit’s built-in microphones can be adjusted, allowing
the angles of the microphones to be changed. You can
choose clear stereo sound or wide stereo sound according to
considerations including the recording source and situation
by opening or closing the microphone pair.

Setting the mics to record a wide stereo sound (A-B position)

Open the mics to the left and right (A-B position).
Set this way, the two microphones are spread wide to the left

and right, enabling recording with a strong stereo field that is
good for music, for example.

If you open or close the microphone pair while using the
built-in stereo microphone and the left-right channels does
not suit the angle of the microphone, a pop-up message
appears to ask whether you want to swap the left-right
channels of the microphone. (See "Microphone position
detection" on page 22.)

CAUTION

Set the left-right channels of the built-in microphone to
L-R.
When using the built-in stereo microphone in an open
state and the left-right setting is not L-R, appears on
the Home Screen. (See "Adding marks manually" on page

60)

Setting the mics to record a clear stereo sound (X-Y position)

Close the mics (X-Y position).
This setting enables recording with a clear stereo field and

less phase difference.
If you open or close the microphone pair while using the

built-in stereo microphone and the left-right setting does not
suit the angle of the microphone, a pop-up message appears
to ask whether you want to change the mic left-right setting.
(See "Analog audio input and output ratings" on page 77)

CAUTION

Set the built-in stereo mic setting to R-L.
When using the built-in stereo microphone in a closed

state and the left-right setting is not R-L, appears on
the Home Screen. (See "Adding marks manually" on page

60)

TASCAM DR-40X

21

3 – Preparation

Swapping the left-right channels of the built-in microphone pair

Swap the left and right mics according on the mic angle
setting.

When the mic pair is open, the left mic should be set to the
left channel and the right mic should be set to the right
channel (L-R when in A-B position). When the mic pair is
closed, the left mic should be set to the right channel and the
right mic should be set to the left channel (R-L when in X-Y
position).

If you are using the built-in microphone and this setting is
not used, the current microphone setting icon appears as a
warning on the Home screen.

Press the RECORD [0] button to start recording

1.

standby.
The REC indicator will blink and the recording screen

will open.

Press the QUICK button.

2.

The Quick menu will open.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) MIC LR SWAP,

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK button.
The MIC LR swap screen will appear.

When you change the microphone angle setting and the
pop-up message appears, you must press the ENTER/

MARK button to change the L-R setting, press the ¤
(HOME) [8] button to keep this setting as is, or restore

the previous microphone angle to close the pop-up
message before you can begin recording.

The pop-up message does not appear if you change the
microphone position when recording. If necessary, press
the RECORD [0] button to enter recording standby. Then,
press the QUICK button and change the MIC LR SWAP
setting. (See "Swapping the left-right channels of the
built-in microphone pair" on page 22)

Attaching the tilt foot

When recording with the built-in mic, you can attach the
included tilt foot to the tripod mounting threads to prevent
the mic from being too low when placing the unit with the
bottom side (battery compartment cover side) down.

Attach it as shown below.

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) L-R or R-L

4.

according to the mic opening state.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to fix the setting, and to

5.

return to the Home screen.

Microphone position detection

The following pop-up message appears automatically
whenever the built-in stereo mic is opened or closed and the
left-right channel setting does not suit the mic angle.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to fix the setting, and to
return to the Home screen.

Press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to leave the setting as it is.

NOTE

This screen appears automatically when the right mic is
opened or closed. This screen will not appear when the
left mic is opened or closed.

TASCAM DR-40X

22

When not using the tilt foot, you can put it between the two
protrusions on the inside of the battery compartment cover
for storage and transportation.

4 – Recording

In addition to the built-in microphone, an external micro­phone or external audio device (i.e. CD player) can also be
used for recording. You can select among MP3 (44.1/48 kHz,
32–320 kbps) and WAV/BWF (44.1/48/96 kHz, 16/24-bit) audio
recording formats.

Marks added when recording or playing a WAV file that is
BWF-compatible can be used with software that supports
this format, for example.

This recorder has five recording modes. Using the
overdubbing function, you can mix input signals with an
audio file that is played back and record either the combined
signals or just the input signal as a new file. With dual
recording you can simultaneously record the same input
signals at two different levels. You can also use external mics
with the built-in mics for 4-channel recording.

Setting file format and sampling frequency (REC SETTING)

Select the audio file type that you want to record before you
start recording.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select REC SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The REC SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or − button to select FORMAT, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

NOTE

i

BWF is a format created for broadcasting that has the
same sound quality as the standard WAV format. It also
uses the same “.wav” file extension as WAV files. In this
manual, we distinguish these file types by using the terms
BWF and WAV.

i

WAV/BWF formats provide better recording quality than
MP3 formats.

i

MP3 formats enable longer recording times than WAV/
BWF formats.

i

MP3 formats with higher values provide better recording
quality.

Press the . button to enable selection of settings.

4.

Use the + or − button to select SAMPLE, and press the

5.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

Set the sampling frequency.
Use the + or − button to select 44.1k (default), 48k or
96k.

NOTE

96k cannot be selected if FORMAT is set to MP3.

When finished, press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to

6.

return to the Home screen.

Set the file format here.
Use the + and − buttons to set it to one of the following

options.

Options: BWF 16bit, BWF 24bit, WAV 16bit (default),

WAV 24bit, MP3 32k (bps), MP3 64k, MP3 96k,
MP3 128k, MP3 192k, MP3 256k, MP3 320k

TASCAM DR-40X

23

4 – Recording

マイク

Preparing the recording inputs

Recording with the built-in mics

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

Recording with external mics (EXT MIC IN)

Connect external mics to the EXT MIC/LINE IN connectors.
Point the mics at the sound source and place the unit in a

stable location where there is little vibration.

MIC

NOTE

The MIC LR SWAP setting is disabled when an external mic
is being used.

Recording an external device (LINE IN)

Use stereo plug cables to connect to the output of an
external audio device.

CAUTION

i

If the input sound is still distorted after adjusting the
input level of the unit, reduce the playback sound of the
external device.

i

If an external audio device with a fixed output line level
is connected, it might not be possible to control the gain
level of excessively loud input signals. In such cases, use
the headphone jack or other level-controllable output for
connection to the unit.

NOTE

The MIC LR SWAP setting is disabled when an external mic
is being used.

Setting the external input type

When using an external input source, set the EXT IN switch
on the left side panel according to the type of equipment
connected.

LINE

Set to LINE when connecting line output jacks of external
devices to the analog inputs of this unit.

MIC

Set to MIC when connecting mics to the unit.

MIC+PHANTOM

Set to MIC+PHANTOM when connecting condenser mics
that require phantom power (+24V or +48V) to the unit.

CAUTION

Depending on this setting, the input level setting range
changes. For this reason, the input level might change
greatly when this setting is changed. Before changing it,
you should turn the unit off (standby) or turn the output
level all the way down.

TASCAM DR-40X

24

Audio device or external
device

4 – Recording

Using phantom power

When the EXT IN switch on the left side panel is set to
MIC+PHANTOM, phantom power (+24V or +48V) is turned

on and sent to the connected mics.

CAUTION

i

Confirm that phantom power is OFF before connecting a
line level device to a EXT MIC/LINE IN jack. If you connect
a line level device while phantom power is being supplied,
that device and this unit could be damaged.

i

Do not connect or disconnect mics with the EXT MIC/
LINE IN jacks when the phantom power switch is set to
ON. Doing so could cause a loud noise and might damage
this unit and connected equipment.

i

Set the phantom power switch to ON only when using
a condenser microphone that requires phantom power.
Turning phantom power on when a dynamic mic or other
mic that does not require it is connected could damage
this unit and connected equipment.

i

When using condenser mics that require phantom power
and dynamic mics together, be sure to use balanced
dynamic mics. Unbalanced dynamic mics cannot be used
when phantom power is enabled.

i

Supplying phantom power to some ribbon mics will break
them. If you are unsure, do not supply phantom power to
a ribbon mic.

i

When using USB bus power, the unit might not be able
to supply phantom power depending on the computer.
In this case, use a TASCAM PS-P520E AC adapter (sold
separately).

i

Some condenser microphones will not operate when
phantom power is set to +24V.

i

Do not connect or disconnect the power cable connected
to the USB port when using phantom power. Even when
batteries are loaded in this unit, the power supply could
be interrupted, resulting in the loss of or damage to data
when recording.

Adjusting the input level

Input levels should be adjusted before starting recording to
prevent recorded sounds and signals from being distorted by
levels that are too high and from being so low that they are
below the noise floor.

In addition to making manual adjustments, you can use the
available limiter, automatic peak reduction and automatic
level adjustment functions as you like.

TIP

In addition to adjusting the input levels, try changing the
distance and angle between the microphone and the
sound source. The angle and distance of the microphone
can also change the character of the recorded sound.

Manually adjusting the input level

The input level can be adjusted.
To adjust the input level manually, the LEVEL MODE function

must be set to MANUAL.

Setting the LEVEL MODE function on the MENU
screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

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

2.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The I/O SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) LEVEL MODE,

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + or – button to change the LEVEL MODE setting

4.

to MANUAL.

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

TASCAM DR-40X

25

4 – Recording

Setting the LEVEL MODE function from the Quick
menu

Press the RECORD [0] button to start recording

1.

standby.
The REC indicator will blink and the recording screen

will open.

Press the QUICK button to open the quick menu.

2.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) LEVEL MODE,

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK button.
This opens the LEVEL MODE setting screen.

Use the + or – button to change the LEVEL MODE setting

4.

to MANUAL.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to enable it and return

5.

to the Recording Screen.
The selected mode is shown with an icon in the

recording screen.

Adjusting the input level

Press the RECORD [0] button to begin recording

1.

standby.
The REC indicator will blink and the recording screen

will open.

Adjust the input level using the INPUT LEVEL + or –

2.

button on the left side panel.

When you press the INPUT LEVEL + or – button on the
left side of the unit, a pull-up with a meter showing the
input level will appear at the bottom of the display.

The PEAK indicator to the right of the display lights red
when the input level is too high.

Set the input level so that the indicator bars fluctuate
centered on -12 without causing the PEAK indicator to
light red when the loudest sounds occur.

NOTE

i

The INPUT LEVEL setting pull-up menu that opens when
you press an INPUT LEVEL (+/−) buttons on the left side
of the unit will appear according to the input source.

One of the following four labels will appear.

INT MIC LVL: Built-in mic level
EXT IN LVL: external input level
EXT Lch LVL: external input left channel level
EXT Rch LVL: external input right channel level

i

When the input selection on the REC MODE screen (SOURCE
or EXT IN) is EXT only, use the following buttons to switch
betweenEXT Lch LVL and EXT Rch LVL.

REC MODE Button

STEREO

1/2 buttonDUAL

OVERDUB SEPARATE

4CH

OVERDUB MIX

i

Press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to end recording
standby.

i

When in recording standby or recording, the speaker
will not sound even if the I/O SETTING screen SPEAKER
setting is ON.
Connect headphones to the /LINE OUT jack if you want
to adjust the level or record while monitoring the input.

Use the + or − button in the Home screen to adjust the
monitoring volume. This does not affect the sound to be
recorded.

3/4 button

TASCAM DR-40X

26

4 – Recording

Independent L/R channel EXT IN input level setting function

The EXT IN input levels can be set independently for the L
and R channels.

Use this function when, for example, using two different mics
or when volume differences are great.

Press the REC MODE button to open the REC MODE

1.

screen.
Use the + and − buttons to select (highlight) the SOURCE

2.

item (EXT IN when in 4CH recording mode) and press
the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to set the input source to EXT

3.

INDEP.

During stereo recording During 4CH recording

Press the ¤ (HOME)[8] button to return to the Home

4.

Screen

Press the RECORD [0] button to begin recording

5.

standby.

Press an INPUT LEVEL (+/−) button on the left side of

6.

the unit to open a pull-up with a meter showing the
input level setting at the bottom of the display.

Using the LEVEL MODE function

Operation from the MENU screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

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

2.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The I/O SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) LEVEL MODE,

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + or – button to set the LEVEL MODE function.

4.

Options: MANUAL (default), LIMITER, PEAK REDUCTION,

AUTO LEVEL

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

Operation from the Quick menu

Press the RECORD [0] button to begin recording

1.

standby.
The REC indicator will blink and the recording screen

will open.

Press the QUICK button.

2.

The Quick menu will open.

To set the input level for the other channel (L/R), press

7.

one of the following buttons.

REC MODE Button

STEREO

1/2 buttonDUAL

OVERDUB SEPARATE

4CH

OVERDUB/MIX

NOTE

i

If the input selection (SOURCE or EXT IN) on the REC MODE
screen is set to EXT IN 1/2, the EXT IN input level setting
will be the same for both L and R.

i

If an effect is applied to the input sound when the EFFECT
screen SOURCE item is set to EXT IN or the built-in mic, the
effect sound will include elements from both the L and R
channels, so sounds from the opposite channels will be
mixed into the recording.

3/4 button

Select (highlight) LEVEL MODE, and press the ENTER/

3.

MARK button.

This opens the LEVEL MODE setting screen.

Options: MANUAL (default), LIMITER, PEAK REDUCTION,

AUTO LEVEL

TASCAM DR-40X

27

4 – Recording

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

4.

press the ENTER/MARK button to enable the mode and
return to the recording screen.

The selected mode is shown with an icon in the
recording screen.

MANUAL

Manually adjusting the input level

LIMITER

This function prevents distortion when signals that are too
loud are input suddenly.

This is also suited for recording live performances with large
volume changes.

In this mode, the input level can be changed manually during
recording.

CAUTION

Distortion could occur when the input sound is excessively
loud even if the limiter function is on. In such a case, lower
the input level or increase the distance between the unit
and the source.

PEAK REDUCTION

If the input sound is too loud, the input level is automatically
lowered to a suitable level. This function makes handling
difficult input level settings easier. The input level can be
raised manually if required.

TIP

Before recording a band performance, for example, you
could test the PEAK REDUCTION function.

In recording standby, select the PEAK REDUCTION mode
and maximize the input level. By conducting a rehearsal
performance, the input gain will be reduced to an appro­priate level for recording, setting an optimum input level
for the performance.

This set input level can be used for recording by turning
this mode off before starting recording. Otherwise, the
input level will continue to be adjusted automatically in
response to the input signal during recording.

Overview of recording modes

This recorder has five recording modes.
Set the recording mode with the REC MODE item on the REC
MODE screen.
The settings available are different for each recording mode.

MONO mode

This is a mode for mono recording.

STEREO mode (default)

This is a mode for stereo recording of two independent left
and right channels.

DUAL mode

This mode uses one input source to create two files with
different input level settings (LEVEL MODE setting screen).
Either two mono or two stereo recording files are created.

4CH mode

This mode uses both the built-in mics and the external inputs
to record two pairs of inputs as two files.

Two stereo recording files are created.

OVERDUB mode

This recording mode add new sounds to the playback file.
The MIX setting mixes the playback and input sound to create

a new file. The SEPARATE setting creates a new recording file
with only the input sound.

When in OVERDUB mode, select one of these two options
using the DUB MODE setting.

Recording (MONO/STEREO recording)

Make recording settings

Press the REC MODE button to open the REC MODE

1.

screen.
Use the + or − button to select REC MODE, and press the

2.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + or − button to select MONO or STEREO. (Default:

3.

STEREO)

AUTO LEVEL

Low input levels are raised and high input levels are lowered
automatically, making this useful for recording meetings,
for example. In this mode, the recording level cannot be
changed manually.

TASCAM DR-40X

28

Mono Recording Stereo Recording

Press the . button to enable selection of settings.

4.

Use the + and – buttons to select (highlight) SOURCE, and

5.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to set the input source.

180113_0001.WAV

6.

REC MODE

MONO

STEREO

Press the . button to enable selection of settings.

7.

If REC MODE is set to STEREO, you can also set MS mic

8.

decoding.
When using MS mics, use the + and – buttons to select

the MS DECODE item, and press the ENTER/MARK or
/ button.
Use the + or – button to set MS DECODE to ON.

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

9.

button to return to the Home Screen.

SOURCE
(options)

INT MONO

(default)

EXT IN 1

INT STEREO

(default)

EXT IN 1/2

EXT INDEP.

Explanation

L/R signals of built-in
mics are mixed and
recorded in mono

L external input is
recorded in mono

Built-in mics are
recorded in stereo

External inputs are
recorded in stereo

Use two external
input channels with
independent level
setting

Setting where files are saved

Set the folder where recorded files are saved. Recorded files
will be saved in the currently selected folder. For details, see
SELECT popup menu under "Folder operations" on page 43.
If no setting is made, new recording files are created in the

MUSIC folder.

4 – Recording

Starting the recording

Press the RECORD [0] button to start recording

1.

standby.

Mono Recording Stereo Recording
The screen shows the recording file name, the input

source, the recording audio file type and sampling
frequency. Please confirm that these are as desired
before starting recording.

To start recording, press the RECORD [0] button again.

2.

Normal recording starts.

Mono Recording Stereo Recording
When recording starts, the REC indicator lights continu-

ously, and the display shows the elapsed recording time
and the remaining recording time.

Press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to end recording and

3.

create the audio file.
To pause recording, press the RECORD [0] button. Press

the RECORD [0] button again to restart recording in
the same file.

If you press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button after pausing
a recorded audio file up to the moment that you paused
recording is created.

CAUTION

Noise may occur when recording with a microphone if the
unit is too close to the AC adapter. In such a case, keep
sufficient distance between the AC adapter and the unit.

File names when recording in MONO/ STEREO

1: Set by the FILE NAME screen TYPE item
2: Recording file base number

TASCAM DR-40X

29

4 – Recording

Simultaneously recording two files at different input levels (DUAL REC)

This unit can simultaneously make two recordings at different
input levels (dual recording). For example, when recording
with mics, you can record the main recording with the
input level set as high as possible while recording a backup
recording with the input level set slightly lower to prevent
the sound from distorting and record both at the same time.

The main and backup recordings will each be saved as a
separate file.

The input level setting will apply to the main recording (see
"Preparing the recording inputs" on page 24 and "Adjusting
the input level" on page 25).

Since the input level of the backup recording is set relative
to the input level of the main recording, set the input level of
the main recording first. Then, set the DUAL LVL item for the
backup recording.

NOTE

Dual recording and overdubbing cannot be used simul­taneously. In this mode, you cannot record the sound
with the effect applied, but you can use the effect for
monitoring.

Enabling dual recording

Press the REC MODE button to open the REC MODE

1.

screen.
Use the + or − button to select (highlight) REC MODE, and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
Use the + and – buttons to set it to DUAL.

3.

Press the . button to return to setting item selection.

4.

Use the + and – buttons to select (highlight) SOURCE, and

5.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to set the input source.

6.

SOURCE
(options)

INT STEREO

(default)

INT MONO

EXT IN 1/2

EXT INDEP.

EXT IN 1

Press the . button to enable selection of settings.

7.

Use the + and – buttons to select DUAL LVL, and press

8.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and − buttons to set the dual level for the

9.

backup recording.
Setting range: -6dB (default value) to -12dB

Press the . button to enable selection of settings.

10.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) LEVEL MODE,

11.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + or – button to set the backup recording LEVEL

12.

MODE function.

LEVEL MODE
(options)

OFF (default)

LIMITER

PEAK
REDUCTION

AUTO LEVEL

Explanation

Stereo recording with built-in mics

L/R signals of built-in mics are mixed
and recorded in mono

Stereo recording with external mics or
equipment

Use two external input channels with
independent level setting

Mono recording with external mics or
equipment

Meaning

Dual level setting will be used.

This function prevents distortion
when signals that are too loud are
input suddenly. This is also suited
for recording live performances with
large volume changes.

If the input sound is too loud, the
input level is automatically lowered
to a suitable level. This function
makes handling difficult input level
settings easier.

Low input levels are raised and high
input levels are lowered automati­cally, making this useful for recording
meetings, for example.

TASCAM DR-40X

30

Press the . button to enable selection of settings.

13.

When using MS mics, use the + and – buttons to select

180113_0002S12.WAV

1801

AV

14.

the MS DECODE item, and press the ENTER/MARK or

/ button.
Use the + or – button to set MS DECODE to ON. (Default:
OFF)

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

15.

button to return to the Home Screen.

Starting dual recording

Press the RECORD [0] button to start dual recording.

1.

During dual recording, the recording screen appears as
follows.

On the recording screen, the top meter shows the main
recording input level and the bottom meter shows the
backup recording input level.

Dual recording file names

Dual recording allows two files to be recorded simultane­ously. The name of the backup recording file is the same as
the name of the main recording file with “DXX” added to it.
The “XX” in “DXX” is according to the DUAL LVL setting value.

4 – Recording

Recording 3 or 4 channels

You can use the built-in mics and connect external mics or
other equipment to record three or four channels.

The recordings will be saved as two stereo files (channels 1/2
and channels 3/4).

If the INT MIC, EXT IN L channel and EXT IN R channel are
different distances from their sound sources, you can set time
delays for the EXT IN L and EXT IN R channels to compensate,
using the INT MIC position as the baseline.

Making settings for 3/4-channel recording

Press the REC MODE button to open the REC MODE

1.

screen.
Use the + and – buttons to select REC MODE, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
Use the + and – buttons to set it to 4CH.

3.

Press the . button to return to setting item selection.

4.

Use the + and − buttons to set the external input(s)

5.

used.

13_0002S34D06.W

1: Set by the FILE NAME screen TYPE item
2: Recording file base number
3: “S” is the source file
4: Assigned channels (“12” is channels 1/2 and “34” is

channels 3/4)

5: Dual level setting value (This would be “D06” if

recorded at −6 dB or “D10” if recorded at −10dB, for
example.)

CAUTION

i

If the input level is less than -24 dB, dual recording might
not have the expected result.

i

When LEVEL MODE is set to PEAK REDUCTION or AUTO
LEVEL, DUAL LVL cannot be changed.

EXT IN
(options)

EXT IN 1/2
(default)

EXT INDEP.

EXT IN 1

NOTE

i

If the EXT IN item is set to EXT IN 1, two stereo files will
be created for it, but the EXT IN R channel will be silent.

i

If the EXT IN item is set to EXT IN 1 and you want the
EXT IN L channel to be centered while monitoring, press
the MIXER button and set the 3ch PAN to C (center) when
recording or in recording standby.

CAUTION

If the EXT IN item is set to EXT IN 1, the effect function
will be disabled during recording.

Meaning

Use two external input channels as a
stereo pair

Use two external input channels with
independent level setting

Use one external input channel (L)

TASCAM DR-40X

31

4 – Recording

180113_0003S12.WAV

1801

Press the . button to return to setting item selection.

6.

Use the + and − buttons to select (highlight) the EXT L

7.

DLY item, and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Starting 3/4-channel recording

Press the RECORD [0] button to begin recording standby.

Use the + and − buttons to set the delay time for the EXT

8.

L channel.

Range: -150ms (51m) - 0ms (0m) (default) - +150ms

(51m)

Press the . button to highlight the item.

9.

Use the + and − buttons to select the EXT R DLY item

10.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and − buttons to set the delay time for the EXT

11.

R channel.

Press the . button to highlight the item.

12.

When using a mid-side mic, use the + and – buttons to

13.

select the MS DECODE item and press the ENTER/MARK
or / button.

Use the + or – button to set MS DECODE to ON.

When finished, press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to

14.

return to the Home screen.

NOTE

Before you start recording you can confirm the recording
audio file format and sampling frequency at the top of the
recording screen, as well as the input sources on the left
and the recording project name beneath the meter bars.

Press the RECORD [0] button again to start recording.

File names when recording in 4-channel

4-channel recording creates two files simultaneously.
Two files – one for the built-in mics (channels 1/2) and one for

the external mics or equipment (channels 3/4) – are created
as a set.

13_0003S34.WAV

1: Set by the FILE NAME screen TYPE item
2: Recording file base number
3: “S” is the source file
4: Assigned channels (“12” is channels 1/2 and “34” is

channels 3/4)

TASCAM DR-40X

32

Recording playback and input sounds together (overdubbing)

The overdubbing function has two modes. You can mix input
signals with an already recorded file as it plays back and
record either the combined signals or just the input signal as
a new file, keeping the original recording as is.

NOTE

i

The prerecording and automatic recording functions are
disabled in overdubbing mode.

i

In overdubbing mode, you cannot start new files manually
by incrementing.

i

Pausing is not possible in overdubbing mode (the
RECORD [0] button is disabled).

i

In overdubbing mode, the format and sampling frequency
of the playback file will be used regardless of the
recording format and sampling frequency settings.

i

In overdubbing mode, you cannot use the MS decoder.

i

If the playback file is a mono file, the recording file will also
be mono.

CAUTION

Recording in MIX mode is not possible if the playback file
format is 96kHz WAV/BWF or MP3 and there are two files (×
appears before the beginning of the file name). Mix them
down to one file before overdubbing. (See "Mixdown" on
page 59)

If the playback file is mono, recording in SEPARATE Mode is
not possible. Use MIX mode.

Setting the overdubbing mode

Press the REC MODE button to open the REC MODE

1.

screen.
Use the + or − button to select REC MODE, and press the

2.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to set it to OVERDUB.

3.

Press the . button to return to setting item selection.

4.

Use the + and – buttons to select DUB MODE, and press

5.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.

4 – Recording

Use the + and – buttons to set the overdubbing mode.

6.

DUB MODE
(options)

SEPARATE

(default )

MIX

NOTE

When a file is recorded using SEPARATE mode, the
playback signal is not included in the recording, so you
can record as many times you like with the same playback.
Since a recording made in SEPARATE mode does not
include the playback signal, you can record again with
the same playback file as many times as you want. You
can then listen to and select the best one from multiple
recordings afterward.

Press the . button to return to setting item selection.

7.

Use the + and – buttons to select (highlight) SOURCE, and

8.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to set the input source.

9.

SOURCE
(options)

INT MIC

(default)

EXT IN 1/2

EXT INDEP.

EXT IN 1

Press the . button to enable selection of settings.

10.

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

11.

button to return to the Home Screen.

Explanation

The file on channels 1/2 is played back
and a new file is recorded on channels
3/4.

The playback signals of channels 1/2 are
not recorded.

The playback file will not be overwritten.

The playback signals of the files on
channels 1/2 and 3/4 and the input
signals are mixed and recorded as a
new file.

The playback file will not be overwritten.

Explanation

Record using built-in mics.

Record using external inputs.
When overdubbing a mono file (MIX

mode), the input sound from the L
external input is recorded.

Use two external input channels with
independent level setting

Record using external inputs.
When overdubbing a stereo file (MIX

mode), the same input sound is
added to both 1/2 channels.

TASCAM DR-40X

33

4 – Recording

180113_0004S12.WAV

180113_0004S34.WAV

180113_0004V34t1.WAV

180113_0004V34t2.WAV

Select the file you want to overdub

Use the . and / buttons or the BROWSE screen to
select the file that you want to overdub.

NOTE

See "5 – Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen)"
on page 41 for selecting files using the BROWSE screen.

Conducting overdubbing

Press the RECORD [0] button to begin recording

1.

standby.

MIX recording SEPARATE recording

When in MIX mode, press the 1/2 [SOLO] button to
mute monitoring of the input sound.

When in SEPARATE mode, if there are two playback files,
press the 3/4 [SOLO] button to switch between the
input sound and the playback file. If there is only one
file, this mutes the input sound.

Press the RECORD [0] button to start overdubbing.

2.

This starts overdubbing.

MIX recording SEPARATE recording

File names when overdubbing

When overdubbing, file names are generated differently
according to the DUB MODE setting.

SEPARATE mode

Playback file

File-A:

The newly recorded file (recorded without the
playback signal)

File-B:

If you record again using the same playback file (File-A),
the name of File-B above is changed to the file name below
(File-C), and the new recording file is given the File-B file
name.

File-C:

If you record one more time using the same playback file
(File-A) (and File-B and File-C above are saved), the file name

for File-B changes as shown below, with the number at 6
increased by one, and the new recording file given the File-B
file name.

File-D:

When recording starts, the REC indicator lights and the
display shows the elapsed and remaining recording
times.

To stop recording, press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button.

3.

TASCAM DR-40X

34

4 – Recording

180113_0004S12.WAV

180113_0005S12.WAV

180113_0006S12.WAV

MIX mode

Playback file

File-A:

The newly recorded file (recorded with the playback
signal (File-A))

File-E:

If you record again using the same playback file (File-A), the
file name of the new recording will be as follows.

File-F:

In this mode, each time you record with the same playback
file, the number in item 2 increases by one for the name of
each new file.

1: Set by the FILE NAME screen WORD item
2: Recording file base number
3: “S” is the source file and “V” is the virtual file
4: Assigned channels

(“12” is channels 1/2 and “34” is channels 3/4)

6: Backup number in the virtual file

NOTE

In OVERDUB SEPARATE mode, the base number of the
recording file and “S12” are added to the name of the
playback file.

If writing files copied from elsewhere is not possible,
enable writing using a computer, for example.

CAUTION

If you overdub record in separate mode a file recorded by
this unit with dual recording, its file name will change and
it will no longer be handled as a dual recording file. (See
"Playback of files recorded using dual recording" on page

52)

Using the automatic recording function (AUTO REC)

This function starts and pauses recording, starts new files,
and sets marks automatically according to the input signal
level.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select REC SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The REC SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or – button to select the MODE and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK button or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to set the automatic recording

4.

mode.

OFF(Default): Off
NEW FILE: Records and pauses automatically
MARK: Sets marks automatically during recording

Press the . button to select the other item.

5.

Use the + or – button to select LEVEL and press the

6.

ENTER/MARK button or / button.

Use the + or – button to select the level that signal is

7.

judged to have been input when it exceeds this level.
Set the value to one of the following selection.

-6dB/-12dB (default)/-24dB/-48dB

Press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to return to the

8.

Home screen.

Press the RECORD [0] button to begin recording

9.

standby.
Recording starts automatically when the input signal

exceeds the LEVEL setting.

TASCAM DR-40X

35

4 – Recording

Recording operation changes according to the MODE

10.

setting.

NEW FILE mode

If the input signal level falls below the standard level
set by LEVEL for more than five seconds, the unit
enters recording standby. When the input signal level
becomes higher than the standard level, the unit starts
recording a new file.

MARK mode

If the input signal level falls below the standard level
for more than five seconds, which is set on LEVEL, the
unit adds marks when the input signal level becomes
higher than the standard level again.

Press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to stop automatic

11.

recording.

TIP

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

CAUTION

i

The automatic recording function cannot be used during
overdub or overwrite recording.

i

When the auto-recording function is on, the self-timer
cannot be used. Since automatic recording cannot be
used in overdubbing mode, however, the self timer can be
used even if the automatic recording function is set to on.

Continuing to record in a new file (track incrementing)

You can manually or automatically split a recording by
creating a new file. (Track increment)

Automatically incrementing files by a set time

Without pausing recording, a new file can be created
automatically during recording when the time set on the
TRACK INC screen is reached.
Follow these procedures to set the amount of time that
triggers track incrementation.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select REC SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The REC SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or − button to select TRACK INC item, and

3.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and − buttons to set the automatic track time.
Options: OFF (default), 5min, 10min, 15min, 30min, 60min

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

4.

button to return to the Home Screen.

CAUTION

A new file cannot be created if the total number of files
and folders would exceed 5000.

Manually incrementing files during recording

You can manually split a recording by creating a new file.

Press the / button while recording.

1.

NOTE

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

CAUTION

i

A new file cannot be created if the total number of files
and folders would exceed 5000.

i

Files shorter than two seconds cannot be created. If the
sampling frequency is 96 kHz, files shorter than four
seconds cannot be created.

i

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.

i

The track incrementing function cannot be used during
overdub or overwrite recording.

TASCAM DR-40X

36

Using the low-cut filter

The low cut filter can reduce noise such as offensive wind
noise from air-conditioners and projectors.

Operation from the MENU screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select REC SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The REC SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or − button to select LOW CUT, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + or − button to select the cut off frequency of

4.

the low cut filter for mic input.
Options: OFF (default), 40Hz, 80Hz, 120Hz

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

4 – Recording

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

4.

press the ENTER/MARK button to enable the mode and
return to the recording screen.

The selected mode is shown with an icon in the
recording screen.

Capturing a few seconds before starting recording (PRE REC)

When the unit is in recording standby, the prerecording
function can record up to two seconds of signal input before
recording is started.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select REC SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The REC SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or − button to select PRE REC, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + or – button to select ON. (Default: OFF)

4.

Operation from the Quick menu

Press the RECORD [0] button to begin recording

1.

standby.
The REC indicator will blink and the recording screen

will open.

Press the QUICK button.

2.

The Quick menu will open.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) LOW CUT and

3.

press the ENTER/MARK button.
The LOW CUT setting screen will open.

Options: OFF (default), 40Hz, 80Hz, 120Hz, 220Hz

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

TIP

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

NOTE

i

If you start recording within two seconds from when the
record standby mode is turned ON, recording will begin
from the moment of record standby.

i

The pre-recording function is disabled during overdub or
overwrite recording.

TASCAM DR-40X

37

4 – Recording

Using tone output

The tone output function can be used to automatically insert
a tone signal whenever recording starts and stops.

By connecting the /LINE OUT jack on the left side of the
unit and the external mic input jack of a video camera or
digital camera capable of recording video and using the
AUTO TONE function, the same tone signal can be recorded
to files on both units. These tones can be used as guides
when synchronizing the files in video editing software.

Digital SLR camera

External mic input jack

Connection example

Setting the AUTO TONE function

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and − buttons to select the REC SETTING

2.

menu and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The REC SETTING screen will open.

Use the + and – buttons to select (highlight) AUTO TONE,

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and − buttons to set when tone signals are

4.

inserted.

Options: OFF (default), HEAD (recording start only),

HEAD+TAIL (recording start and stop)

Setting the AUTO TONE length

You can set the length of the AUTO TONE.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and − buttons to select the REC SETTING

2.

menu and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The REC SETTING screen will open.
Use the + and − buttons to select TONE SECS and press

3.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to set the tone length.

4.

Options: 0.5SEC., 1SEC. (default), 2SEC., 3SEC.

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

Adjusting the AUTO TONE volume

You can adjust the volume of the AUTO TONE.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and − buttons to select the

2.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The REC SETTING screen will open.

Use the + and − buttons to select TONE VOL and press

3.

the ENTER/MARK or

Use the + and − buttons to adjust the tone volume.

4.

Options: -12dB, -18dB (default), -24dB, -30dB, -36dB

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

/

REC SETTING

button.

menu

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

NOTE

When tone output is on, will appear on the
Recording Screen.

CAUTION

When recording is stopped by the AUTO REC function, no
tone signal will be recorded when it stops.

TASCAM DR-40X

38

4 – Recording

Self-timer function

Similar to a camera, the DR-40X has a self-timer function to
begin recording after a set period of time.

Press RECORD [0] button when stopped or playing

1.

to put the unit in recording standby, and press the PB
CONT button.

The self-timer icon appears in the recorder status

2.

screen, and time is shown on the right.
Each time you press the PB CONT button, the setting

changes as follows:

Time shown to right of icon

OFF (default) w 5S (5 seconds) w 10S (10 seconds) w
OFF

Set the time period, and press the RECORD [0] or PL AY

3.

[7] button.
Recording will start after the set time period.

NOTE

i

This function cannot be used when recording is paused in
the middle of recording.

i

Self-timer function is not possible when using the AUTO
REC function.

i

During overwrite recording, the self-timer cannot be used.

Solo function

Press and hold the 1/2 [SOLO] or 3/4 [SOLO] button to
enable the solo function.

Use this in 4-channel mode and other cases when multiple
inputs are being recorded to monitor only one of the inputs.

You can check the solo status with the input source icons.

TASCAM DR-40X

39

4 – Recording

Recording duration

The table below shows the maximum recording time on SD/SDHC/SDXC cards of different capacities for different file formats for
recording.

File format (recording setting)

WAV/BWF 16-bit
(stereo)

WAV/BWF 24-bit
(stereo)

MP3
(stereo/mono)

The recording times shown above are estimates. They might differ depending on the SD/SDHC/SDXC card in use.

i

The recording times shown above are not continuous recording times, but rather they are the total possible recording times for

i

the SD/SDHC/SDXC card.

If the recording time exceeds 24 hours, a new file will be created automatically and recording will continue without pause.

i

If recorded in mono in WAV files, the maximum recording time will be double the figures above.

i

For dual and 4-channel recording in WAV/BWF format, the recording times are about half those shown above.

i

128 kbps 44.1 kHz/48 kHz 18:38 37:16 74:32 149:04

192 kbps 44.1 kHz/48 kHz 12:25 24:50 49:40 99:20

256 kbps 44.1 kHz/48 kHz 9:19 18:37 37:16 74:32

320 kbps 44.1 kHz/48 kHz 7:27 14:54 29:48 59:36

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

48kHz 1:33 3:06 6:12 12:24

96kHz 0:46 1:33 3:06 6:12

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

48kHz 1:02 2:04 4:08 8:16

96kHz 0:31 1:02 2:04 4:08

32kbps 44.1 kHz/48 kHz 74:32 149:04 298:08 596:16

64 kbps 44.1 kHz/48 kHz 37:16 72:32 149:04 298:08

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

SD/SDHC/SDXC card capacity (hours: minutes)

1GB 2GB 4GB 8GB

TASCAM DR-40X

40

5 – Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen)

On the BROWSE screen, you can view the contents of the
MUSIC folder, which contains audio files, on the SD card. On
this screen, you can also play and erase selected audio files,
create folders, add files to the playlist and so on. (See "Using
the playlist" on page 46.)

TIP

If you connect the unit with a computer by USB or mount
the SD card on a computer using a card reader or other
input, you can use the computer to change the folder
structure within the MUSIC folder and erase files as you
would the contents of a hard drive. Furthermore, you can
change file names from the computer.

To open the BROWSE screen, press the MENU button to open
the MENU screen. Use the + or − button to select BROWSE and
press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

The content of the folder that contains the file that was
selected on the Home Screen before the BROWSE screen was
opened appears on the display.

Screen navigation

On the BROWSE screen, folders and music files appear in
a hierarchical structure much like they would appear on a
computer. Only two levels of folders can be created.

Use the + and − buttons to select files and folders.

i

When a folder is selected (highlighted), press the /

i

button to show the contents of that folder.

When a file or folder is selected (highlighted), press the

i

. button to exit the currently open folder and go to a
higher level in the folder structure.

When a file or folder is selected (highlighted), press the

i

QUICK button to open a pop-up menu.

When a file is selected (highlighted), press the /button

i

to select that file and return to the Home Screen.

This folder that contains this file becomes the current
folder, and new recorded file will be saved in this folder.
If the playback area has been set to FOLDER, this folder
becomes the playback area.

When a file is selected (highlighted), press the ENTER/

i

MARK button to start playback and return to the Home
Screen.

Icons on the BROWSE screen

The meanings of icons that appear on the BROWSE screen are
as follows.

Root Music Folder

The MUSIC Folder is the highest (root) level folder in the
hierarchy shown on the BROWSE screen.

Audio file

The icon appears before the names of music files.

Plus folder

This is a folder that contains subfolders.

Plain folder

This is a folder that does not contain subfolders.

Open folder

The contents of the folder marked with this icon currently
appear on this screen.

File operations

Select (highlight) the desired audio file on the BROWSE
screen and press the QUICK button to open the pop-up
window that is shown below.

Use the + or − button to select an item, and press the ENTER/

MARK button to cause the unit to work as follows.

INFORMATION

Information (date/time, size) about the selected file appears.
Press the ENTER/MARK button again or press the ¤
(HOME) [8] button to return to the BROWSE screen.

When a folder is selected, press the ENTER/MARK button

i

to return to the Home screen. The first file in the folder
(shown at the top of the file list) will be played.

This folder becomes the current folder, and new recorded
les will be saved in this folder. Regardless of the previous
setting, the playback area is set to FOLDER, and this folder
becomes the new playback area.

TASCAM DR-40X

41

5 – Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen)

ADD PLAYLIST

Add the selected file to the playlist. (See "Using the playlist"
on page 46)

FILE SWAP

Files recorded during the following recording modes can be
swapped.

4CH mode:

A file recorded by the built-in mics (channels 1/2) can
be swapped with a file recorded by external mics or
equipment (channels 3/4).

Examples

180113_0002S12.WAV

x

180113_0002S34.WAV

180113_0002S34.WAV

x

180113_0002S12.WAV

OVERDUB SEPARATE mode:

1 The playback file and a newly recorded file can be

swapped.

Examples

180113_0004S12.WAV

x

180113_0004S34.WAV

180113_0004S34.WAV

x

180113_0004S12.WAV

FILE DELETE

A message appears to confirm that you want to delete the
file.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to delete the file and the ¤

(HOME) [8] button to cancel deletion.

PROJECT DELETE

A pop-up message appears confirming that you want to
erase the project containing the selected file.

Press the ENTER/MARK button for each project to erase.
Press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to cancel deletion.

CAUTION

This deletes all the files in the selected project.

The above is the same as swapping File-A and File-B as
described on 34 page .

2 The newly recorded file and the virtual file saved

based on it can be swapped.

Examples

180113_0004S34.WAV

x

180113_0004V34t1.WAV

180113_0004V34t1.WAV

x

180113_0004S34.WAV

The above is the same as swapping File-B and File-C
as described on page 34. In addition, since you
can choose the virtual file freely when swapping the
above, you can also swap File-B and File-D as on page

34.
However, you cannot swap two virtual files (for

example, File-C and File-D as on page 34).

TASCAM DR-40X

42

5 – Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen)

Folder operations

Select (highlight) the desired folder on the BROWSE screen
and press the QUICK button to open the following pop-up
window.

Use the + or − button to select an item, and press the ENTER/
MARK button to cause the unit to execute that operation as
follows.

SELECT

Selects the first file in the folder and returns to the Home
Screen. Regardless of the previous setting, the playback area
is set to FOLDER, and this folder becomes the new playback
area. When recording, files are created in this folder.

ALL DELETE

A pop-up message appears to confirm that you want to
delete all the files in the selected folder at once.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to delete the file and the ¤

(HOME) [8] button to cancel deletion.

Creating a new folder

NEW FOLDER appears at the bottom of each folder list.

Select (highlight) NEW FOLDER, and press the ENTER/MARK
or / button. A pop-up appears to confirm that you want
to create a new folder.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to create a new folder or
press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to cancel.

Since this unit supports only a two-level folder structure, the
NEW FOLDER function is not available in second-level folders.
A newly created folder becomes the current folder (currently
selected folder), and recorded files are saved in this folder. If
the playback area has been set to FOLDER, this folder becomes
the playback area.

NOTE

You cannot erase read-only files and files that are not
recognized by this unit.

FOLDER DELETE

A pop-up message appears to confirm that you want to
delete the selected folder.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to delete the folder or press
the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to cancel deletion.

NOTE

You cannot erase folders than contain read-only files and
files that are not recognized by this unit.

TASCAM DR-40X

43

6 – Playback

On the Home screen, you can use the . and / buttons
to select the playback file. The files that you can select
are determined by the playback area setting. Limiting the
playback area makes file selection easier when you have
numerous recorded and copied files on the SD card.

On the PLAY SETTING screen, you can select all files, the
current folder or the playlist as the playback area. You can
also use the BROWSE screen to set a folder as the playback
area.

NOTE

On the BROWSE screen, regardless of the playback area
setting, you can select any file on the card that you want.

Adjusting the playback volume

The volume of output through the built-in speaker or the

/LINE OUT connector can be adjusted using the + or −

button while the Home screen is shown.
A pull-up volume indicator appears.

Setting the playback area (AREA)

Set the playback area for repeat and ordinary playback on the
PLAY SETTING screen.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select PLAY SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
This opens the PLAY SETTING screen.

Use the + or − button to set the playback area.

4.

ALL FILES

Set the playback area as all files in the music folder on
the SD card.

FOLDER (default)

Set the playback area as all the files in the currently
selected folder.

PLAYLIST

Set the playback area as the files in the playlist. (See
"Adding marks manually" on page 60)

If there is no playlist defined, a No PLAYLIST pop-up
appears.

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

NOTE

The current playback area setting appears in the upper left
of the Home screen.

Playback area indication

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

3.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

TASCAM DR-40X

44

6 – Playback

Selecting a folder for the playback area (1)

Regardless of the current playback area, if you select a folder
on the BROWSE screen, the playback area changes to the
selected folder.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select BROWSE, and press the

2.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

The BROWSE screen will open.

The content of the folder that contains the file selected
on the Home Screen is displayed.

Use the . or / button to select a folder level, and

3.

use the + or − button to select a folder.
For an explanation of how to use the BROWSE screen,

see "Screen navigation" on page 41.

Press the QUICK button to open the following pop-up

4.

window.

Use the + or − button to select SELECT, and press the
ENTER/MARK button.

The display returns to the Home screen. The first file in
the folder is selected, and the unit is stopped.

Regardless of the previous setting, the playback area
is set to FOLDER, and this folder becomes the playback
area. This folder becomes the current folder, and new
recorded files will be saved in this folder.

Selecting a folder for the playback area (2)

When the playback area is set to FOLDER, if you select a file on
the BROWSE screen, the folder that contains the selected file
becomes the playback area.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select BROWSE, and press the

2.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

The BROWSE screen will open.

A file list of the folder that contains the file selected
in the Home screen is displayed. Use the . or /
button to change folder level, and use the + and −
buttons to select (highlight) the folder that contains the
file you want to play.

For an explanation of how to use the BROWSE screen,
see "Screen navigation" on page 41.

Press the / button.

3.

The display returns to the Home screen, and the selected

4.

file starts playing.

Press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

5.

The display returns to the Home screen, and the selected
file starts playing. This folder becomes the current folder,
and new recorded files will be saved in this folder.

If the playback area is set to FOLDER, the folder that
contains the selected file becomes the playback area.

TASCAM DR-40X

45

6 – Playback

Using the playlist

You can make a list of files for playback (playlist).
On the PLAY SETTING screen if you select PLAYLIST for the
AREA item, you can set playback to just the files in the playlist.

Adding files to the playlist

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

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

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The BROWSE screen will open.

NOTE

For an explanation of how to use the BROWSE screen, see
"5 – Working with Files and Folders (BROWSE screen)" on
page 41.

Use the + or − button to select the file you want to add

3.

to the playlist, and press the QUICK button.
A pop-up window appears.

NOTE

For details about how to select the file, see "File opera­tions" on page 41.

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) ADD LIST.

4.

Press the ENTER/MARK button.

5.

The file is added to the playlist and the popup window
closes.

Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 as necessary to add more files to

6.

the playlist. The files are numbered in the order that they
are added.

Editing the playlist

You can view and edit the playlist you have made on the
PLAYLIST screen. You can also use this screen to play tracks
and to edit the playlist.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select BROWSE, and press the

2.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

The BROWSE screen will open.

Use the . button to move to the top folder level.

3.

Use the + or − button to select PLAYLIST, and press the

4.

/ button.
This opens the PLAYLIST screen.

Use the + or − button to select the file you want to edit,

5.

and press the QUICK button.
A pop-up window appears.

TASCAM DR-40X

46

Use the + and− buttons to select an item, and press the

6.

ENTER/MARK button to cause the unit to execute that

operation as follows.

MOVE

Select this to change the order of files in the playlist. In
addition to the file name, the file number also appears
highlighted in inverse.

Use the + or − button to move the selected track to

i

a different position in the playlist.

In the above example, the 4th file has been moved
to the 3rd file position.

Press the ENTER/MARK button.

i

This completes movement and reopens the

PLAYLIST screen.

DELETE(Remove)

Remove the selected file from the playlist. The file is
removed from the playlist, but it is not erased from the
SD card.

ALL CLR

This clears all files from the playlist.

NOTE

This clears files from the playlist but does not erase them
from the SD card.

6 – Playback

Selecting files for playback (skipping)

When the Home Screen is open, use the . and /
buttons to select the file for playback.

If you press the . button when the playback position is
located at the middle of a file, it will return to the beginning
of that file. If you press the . button when located at
the beginning of a file, the playback position will skip to the
beginning of the previous file.

If you press the / button when located at the beginning
of or middle of a file, the playback position will skip to the
beginning of the next file.

NOTE

i

Files in the playback area can be played.

i

The track name, file number and other file information for
the currently playing file appear on the display.

i

The 8 icon appears on the display when playback is
stopped at the beginning of a file. The 9 icon appears
when playback is paused in the middle of a file.

i

When loop playback IN (start) and OUT (end) points are
set between the current position and the end of the file,
use these buttons to skip to those points. Press the .
and / buttons as many times as necessary to move
between files.

Playing recordings

When the Home screen is open and playback is stopped,
press the PL AY [7] button to start playback.

NOTE

i

Files in the playback area can be played.

i

You can also choose files for playback by name on the
BROWSE screen.

Pausing

When the Home Screen is open and a file is playing back,
press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to pause playback at the
current position. (PAUSE)

Press the PL AY [7] button again to restart playback from
that position.

Stopping playback

When the Home screen is open and a file is playing back,
press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to pause playback. Press
the ¤ (HOME) [8] button again to return to the beginning
of the file. (STOP)

Searching backward and forward

When the Home Screen is open and a file is playing back or
stopped, press and hold the . or / button to search
the playback file backward or forward.

NOTE

Press and hold the . or / button to accelerate the
search speed.

TASCAM DR-40X

47

6 – Playback

Repeating playback (REPEAT)

You can repeatedly play one file or multiple files within a
designated area.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select PLAY SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
This opens the PLAY SETTING screen.

Use the + or − button to select REPEAT, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + or − button to select a repeat mode.

4.

CONTINUOUS (default)

All files in the playback area are played in sequence
one time. (This setting is the ordinary playback mode.)

SINGLE

Only one file is played back in this mode. The selected
file is played once without repeating.

The icon appears on the Home Screen.

1 REPEAT

The current file is played repeatedly.
The icon appears on the Home screen.

ALL REPEAT

All files in the selected playback area are played back
repeatedly.

The icon appears on the Home screen.

NOTE

If you start loop playback when REPEAT is not set to
CONTINUOUS, it will automatically switch to CONTINUOUS.

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen and start playback.

Special playback control functions

The unit has some special playback control functions. For
example, you can play a selected section of a file repeatedly
or change the tempo of music without changing the pitch.
You can also enhance the perceived overall sound pressure
for comfortable listening when the playback sound is difficult
to hear.

These playback control functions enable effective practice
and analysis of musical passages.

Playback Control screen

Use the Playback Control screen to set the playback control
functions.

While the Home Screen is open when stopped or playing
back, press the PB CONT button to open the Playback Control
screen.

This screen can be used to make settings for the playback
speed and loop playback.

After you finish making settings on this screen, press the
¤ (HOME) [8] button (or press the PB CONT button) to
return to the Home screen.

Loop playback of a selection

With this function, you can continuously repeat (loop) the
playback of a selection that you make.

While the Home Screen is open when stopped or playing

1.

back, press the PB CONT button to open the Playback
Control screen.

TASCAM DR-40X

48

Press the PL AY [7] button to start playback, and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK button at the start point of the
section that you want to play repeatedly.

The current position is set as IN (start) point.

Press the ENTER/MARK button at the end point of the

3.

section that you want to play repeatedly.
The current position is set as OUT (end) point.

During loop playback the indicator appears.
Press the PB CONT button to return to the Home Screen

while maintaining the IN (start) and OUT (end) point and
loop settings.

6 – Playback

Changing the playback speed (VSA)

This unit has a built-in variable speed audition (VSA) function
to change the playback speed without changing the pitch.

CAUTION

VSA function cannot be used when a file that was recorded
at 96 kHz sampling frequency or a file that was recorded
in a mode other than MONO/STEREO or OVERDUB/MIX is
selected. However, even in these cases, the icon
will appear, and the playback speed can still be changed.

Even though it will not affect this file, the playback speed
adjustment will become effective when a 44.1/48kHz file
is selected using the . or / button on the Home
Screen.

NOTE

i

The I/O Too Short pop-up message appears if the
section between the IN and OUT points is too short. Set
them again. The section should be 1 second or longer.

i

Press the ENTER/MARK button again to clear the IN and
OUT points.

i

To stop loop playback, press the MENU button when the
Playback Control screen is open. Press the MENU button
again to start loop playback between the set IN and OUT
points.

i

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

i

The previous IN and OUT point settings are lost when you
set the IN point on a different file.

i

Accurate assignment of IN and OUT points is not always
possible for variable bit rate (VBR) MP3 files.

When the Playback Control screen is open, press the + or –
button to increase or decrease the playback speed.

The VSA function can change the playback speed in a range
from 50% (0.5) to 200% (2.0) of the normal speed (in 0.1
increments).

Press the PB CONT button to return to the Home Screen
while maintaining the set playback speed.

The or icon appears if the playback speed is
set to a value larger or smaller than 1.0, respectively.

TASCAM DR-40X

49

6 – Playback

Setting the playback equalizer

You can choose from different sound equalization settings to
enhance listenability (PLAY EQ).

Use the PLAY EQ item on the I/O SETTING screen or the Quick
menu to set the playback equalization.

Operation from the MENU screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

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

2.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The I/O SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) PLAY EQ, and

3.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to adjust the playback equal-

4.

ization.
High (treble), middle and low frequencies can be

adjusted, with + and - used to raise or lower the corre­sponding frequency bands.

Options: OFF (default), TREBLE+, TREBLE-, MIDDLE+,

MIDDLE-, BASS+, BASS-

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

Operation from the Quick menu

During playback when the Home Screen is open, press

1.

the QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

Increasing perceived sound pressure to enhance listenability (LEVEL ALIGN)

If the playback sound is very small and indiscernible, the
perceived overall sound pressure can be increased to
enhance listenability. (Level Alignment)

Operation from the MENU screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

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

2.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
The I/O SETTING screen will open.

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) LEVEL ALLIGN

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and − buttons to set the LEVEL ALIGN

4.

function.
Options: OFF (default), ON

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

Operation from the Quick menu

During playback when the Home Screen is open, press

1.

the QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) PLAY EQ and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK button.
This opens the PLAY EQ screen.

Options: OFF (default), TREBLE+, TREBLE-, MIDDLE+,

MIDDLE-, BASS+, BASS-

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

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK button to enable it and
return to the Home Screen.

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50

Use the + or − button to select LEVEL ALIGN and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK button.

A screen to enable/disable the level alignment function

3.

appears.

Use the + or − button to select ON, and press the ENTER/

4.

MARK button to enable the level alignment function.

To disable the level alignment function, select (highlight)

OFF and press the ENTER/MARK button.

NOTE

The level alignment function might not have much effect
depending on the source of the sound (for example, a
music file that has already had sound pressure adjusted).

Using the jump function

During playback or when paused, you can jump backward or
forward from the current playback position by a set amount
of time.

The same playback status will be retained after jumping.
The jump forward function can only be used during dictation

playback mode, overwrite recording mode and with the file
division function. Operation differs in these modes.

Use the JUMP BACK and JUMP FWD settings to set the
backward and forward times.

JUMP BACK

Options: OFF, 1sec, 3sec (default), 5sec, 10sec, 30sec,

JUMP FWD

Operation when not using dictation playback
mode, overwrite recording mode or the file
division function

Jumping back

1min, 5min, 10min

Options: OFF, 1sec, 3sec, 5sec, 10sec (default), 30sec,

1min, 5min, 10min

During playback or when paused, press the 7 button
to jump back from the current position by the set JUMP
BACK time.

6 – Playback

Setting the jump back time

Operation from the MENU screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select PLAY SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
This opens the PLAY SETTING screen.

Use the + and − buttons to select (highlight) JUMP BACK

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and – buttons to set the jump back time.

4.

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

NOTE

If the amount of time to the beginning of the file is less
than the set time, playback will jump to the beginning of
the file and continue playing or pause.

Operation from the Quick menu

Switch the operation mode of the unit to dictation

1.

playback mode.

When stopped in dictation playback mode, press the

2.

QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

Operation when using dictation playback mode,
overwrite recording mode or the file division
function

Jumping back

During playback or when paused, press the 7 button
to jump back from the current position by the set JUMP
BACK time.

Jumping forward

During playback or when paused, press the / button
to jump forward from the current position by the set
JUMP FWD time.

NOTE

When jumping back, if the amount of time from the
current playback position to the beginning of the file is
less than the set “JUMP BACK” time, playback will jump to
the beginning of the file. When jumping forward, if the
amount of time from the current playback position to
the end of the file is less than the set “JUMP FWD” time,
playback will jump to the end of the file and pause.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) JUMP BACK

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK button.
The JUMP BACK time setting screen will open.

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

4.

and press the ENTER/MARK button to enable it and
return to the Home Screen.

TASCAM DR-40X

51

6 – Playback

Setting the jump forward time

Operation from the MENU screen

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select PLAY SETTING, and press

2.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
This opens the PLAY SETTING screen.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) JUMP FWD and

3.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Use the + and - buttons to set the jump forward time.

4.

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

5.

button to return to the Home Screen.

NOTE

If the amount of time to the end of the file is less than
the set time, playback will jump to the end of the file and
pause.

Operation from the Quick menu

When stopped in dictation playback mode, press the

1.

QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) JUMP FWD and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK button.
The JUMP FWD time setting screen will open.

Playback of files recorded using dual recording

When dual recording has been used, press and hold the 1/2
[SOLO] button to select the main recording file or press and

hold the 3/4 [SOLO] button to select the backup recording
file.

The file will be played for the input source that has an icon
with a dark background.

NOTE

This function, which uses the 1/2 [SOLO] and 3/4 [SOLO]
buttons to switch between files, finds files by the first 11
characters of their names. If file names are changed, this
function will not work.

OVERDUB INPUT MUTE function (during playback)

SEPARATE MODE

Press the 3/4 [SOLO] button to switch between the input
sound and the 3/4 channel playback sound.

After overdubbing, you can use this to listen to the recorded
file.

MIX MODE

Press the 1/2 [SOLO] button to mute the input sound.

Solo function

Press and hold the 1/2 [SOLO] button or 3/4 [SOLO] button
to enable the solo function.

Use for projects that have been recorded in 4-channel mode
and in other cases when multiple files are being played back
to monitor only one of the files.

You can check the solo status with the track status indica­tions.

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

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK button to enable it and
return to the Home Screen.

TASCAM DR-40X

52

7 – Quick Operations

Features of the QUICK button

The QUICK button can be used for the following functions.
The functions of the QUICK button for different screens and states are as follows.

Screen State Menu item Action Page

Delete the current file. see page 55

Divide the current file. see page 55

Automatically divide the current file into multiple
files at mark positions.

Record over (overwrite) the current file. see page 57

Enable dictation playback mode. see page 58

Mix down the current le. see page 59

Turn the built-in speaker on/off. see page 20

Set playback equalization. see page 50

Increase the perceived overall sound pressure to
enhance listenability.

Set the LEVEL MODE function. see page 27

Set the low-cut filter. see page 37

Set mic left/right reversal. see page 22

Turn the built-in speaker on/off. see page 20

This function enhances the vocal frequency range
to make voices easier to hear in the playback
sound.

Increase the perceived overall sound pressure to
enhance listenability.

Set the jump back time. see page 51

Set the jump forward time. see page 52

Exit DICTATION PLAY mode. see page 58

Turn the built-in speaker on/off. see page 20

Set playback equalization. see page 50

Increase the perceived overall sound pressure to
enhance listenability.

Show file information for the selected file.

Add the selected file to the playlist.

Swap recorded files in 4CH and OVERDUB
(SEPARATE) modes.

Delete the selected file.

Delete the project that includes the selected file.

Select the first file in the selected folder.

Deletes all files in the selected folder.

Delete the selected folder and all files in it.

Turn MS DECODE on/off and select channels 1/2
and 3/4

see page 56

see page 50

see page 58

see page 50

see page 50

see page 41

see page 43

see page 63

Stopped/
paused

Home Screen

Playing back

Recording
Standby

Home Screen DICTATION
PLAY mode

Playback Control screen

When file
selected

BROWSE
screen

When folder
selected

Mixer Screen

DELETE

DIVIDE

AUTO DIVIDE

OVERWRITE

DICTATION PLAY

MIXDOWN

SPEAKER

PLAY EQ

LEVEL ALIGN

LEVEL MODE

LOW CUT

MIC LR SWAP

SPEAKER

VOICE EQ

LEVEL ALIGN

JUMP BACK

JUMP FWD

MODE EXIT

SPEAKER

PLAY EQ

LEVEL ALIGN

FILE INFORMATION

ADD PLAYLIST

FILE SWAP

FILE DELETE

PROJECT DELETE

SELECT

ALL DEL

FOLDER DELETE

MS DECODE

TASCAM DR-40X

53

7 – Quick Operations

Screen State Menu item Action Page

Move to where overwrite recording started. see page 57

Restore to state before most recent overwrite
recording.

Exit OVERWRITE mode. see page 57

see page 57

OVERWRITE MODE

TO EDIT POINT

UNDO

MODE EXIT

TASCAM DR-40X

54

7 – Quick Operations

Quick menu

Press the QUICK button to open the Quick menu when you
want to use it.

The content of the Quick menu differs according to the
recorder status and operation mode.

Press the QUICK or ¤ (HOME) [8] button to close the
Quick menu.

Quick menu when playback is stopped or paused

Deleting files

The currently selected file can be deleted without using the
BROWSE screen.

To delete a file, select it using the . or / button.

1.

Open the Quick menu screen by pressing the QUICK

2.

button while the Home screen is open when stopped.

Use the + or − button to select DELETE.

3.

Press the ENTER/MARK button. A confirmation screen

4.

for file deletion appears.

Dividing the selected file (DIVIDE)

A recorded file can be divided into two at a specified position.

Select a file to be divided using the . and /

1.

buttons or the BROWSE screen.

While the Home Screen is open when stopped, press the

2.

QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

Use the + or − button to select DIVIDE, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK button.

The DIVIDE screen will open.

Use the + or − button to specify the position for file

4.

division, and press the RECORD [0] button.
The following pop-up window appears.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to divide the file.

5.

If you press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button, the file will not
be divided and the DIVIDE screen will reopen.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to delete the file, or press
the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to cancel the deletion.

TASCAM DR-40X

55

7 – Quick Operations

NOTE

i

When the DIVIDE screen is open, you can press the PL AY
[7] button and set the divide position while playing the
file.

i

When the DIVIDE screen is open, press the PL AY [7]
button to pause/resume playback and press . to
move to the beginning or / to move to the end of the
playback file. Adjust the position for file division using the
+ or − button. Press and hold the + or - button to move
the position continuously.

i

After dividing a file, two new files with “a” and “b” added to
the end of the original file name are created.
(4-channel recording file example)

File names before dividing

180113_0003S12.wav
180113_0003S34.wav

File names after division

180113_0003aS12.wav (part before division point)
180113_0003aS34.wav (part before division point)
180113_0003bS12.wav (part after division point)
180113_0003bS34.wav (part after division point)

CAUTION

i

MP3 files cannot be divided.

i

If the SD card has insufficient open space, division might
not be possible.

i

Division is not possible if the file name would become
more than 200 characters long.

i

Division is not possible if the name that would be given to
a new file is the same as the name of an existing file.

i

If you divide a project that has virtual files, those files will
also be divided at the same time.

TIP

Add marks during recording or playback at positions
where you want to divide a file. (See "8 – Mark functions"
on page 60)

Dividing the selected file automatically at marks (AUTO DIVIDE)

This function can automatically divide a file into multiple
files at the positions of marks added during recording and
playback.

Select a file to be divided using the . and /

1.

buttons or the BROWSE screen.

While the Home Screen is open when stopped, press the

2.

QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

Use the + or − button to select AUTO DIVIDE, and press

3.

the ENTER/MARK button.
The AUTO DIVIDE screen will open.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to divide the file and

4.

return to the Home screen.
Press the ¤ (HOME) [8]button to return to the Home

Screen without dividing.

NOTE

After dividing a file, new files with "_XX" added to the end
of the original file name are created.

Example of 4-channel recording mode

File name before division

180113_0003S56.wav
180113_0003S78.wav

File names after division

180113_0003S56_01.wav (part before division point)
180113_0003S78_01.wav (part before division point)
180113_0003S56_02.wav (part after division point)
180113_0003S78_02.wav (part after division point)

CAUTION

i

MP3 files cannot be divided.

i

Division will not be possible if the time between any
marks is less than two seconds.

i

If the SD card has insufficient open space, division might
not be possible.

i

Division is not possible if the file name would become
more than 200 characters long.

i

Division is not possible if the name that would be given to
a new file is the same as the name of an existing file.

i

If you divide a project that has virtual files, those files will
also be divided simultaneously.

TASCAM DR-40X

56

7 – Quick Operations

TIP

Add marks during recording or playback at positions
where you want to divide a file. (See "8 – Mark functions"
on page 60)

Overwrite recording

A recorded file can be overwritten from a desired position.

Selecting a file to overwrite record

On the BROWSE screen, select the file to overwrite record.

NOTE

File skipping cannot be used to select files in overwrite
recording mode.

Activating overwrite mode

While the Home Screen is open when stopped, press the

1.

QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

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

2.

and press the ENTER/MARK button.
This will activate overwrite recording mode.

Use the ., / and 7 buttons to stop at the

3.

position where you want to start overwrite recording.
At this time, using the . or / button will jump. (See

"Using the jump function" on page 51)

Conducting overwrite recording

Press the RECORD [0] button.

1.

The following pop-up window appears.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to close the pop-up
window and start recording standby.

Press the RECORD [0] button again to start overwrite

2.

recording.

Press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to stop overwrite

3.

recording.
After stopping recording, the unit will return to the

overwrite recording starting point and stop.

Checking the result of recording

Play the recorded file to check it.

NOTE

To return to the starting point of overwrite recording, you
can select TO EDIT POINT from the Quick menu.

Undoing and redoing (UNDO/REDO)

In overwrite recording mode, you can undo an overwrite
recording once to return to the immediately previous state.
You can also restore (REDO) an undone change.

CAUTION

i

Overwrite recording does not change the file name.

i

Overwrite recording can be done as many times as you
like, but only the file before the most recent overwritten
recording will be retained. Overwriting again will delete
the earlier file.

Ending overwrite recording mode

When the Home Screen is open and the unit is stopped, use
the Quick menu to select MODE EXIT, and press the ENTER/
MARK button.

This ends overwrite recording mode.

CAUTION

Ending overwrite recording mode will delete any file
available for UNDO (REDO) operations.

TASCAM DR-40X

57

7 – Quick Operations

Transcribing recorded files (DICTATION PLAY )

The DICTATION PLAY mode allows you to search for the parts
of the selected file that you want to hear during playback,
making it useful for transcribing meeting minutes, for
example.

In DICTATION PLAY mode, the file skip function is disabled to
prevent accidentally moving to the previous or next file.

Select the file before enabling DICTATION PLAY Mode.

Enabling DICTATION PLAY mode

While the Home Screen is open when stopped, press the

1.

QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

Use the + or – button to select (highlight) the DICTATION

2.

PLAY menu item, and press the ENTER/MARK button.
This will activate DICTATION PLAY mode.

Adjusting playback equalization

Using the Quick menu, you can make the audio easier to hear.

VOICE EQ: This makes the vocal frequency range easier to

hear.

LEVEL ALIGN: The overall sound pressure is increased to

enhance listenability.

Ending DICTATION PLAY mode

When the Home Screen is open and the unit is stopped, use
the Quick menu to select MODE EXIT, and press the ENTER/
MARK button.

This exits DICTATION PLAY mode.

NOTE

i

Recording is not possible in DICTATION PLAY mode.

i

Menu operations are not possible in DICTATION PLAY
mode.

i

To use a menu, exit DICTATION PLAY mode temporarily.

Changing the playback position

Press . briefly: jump back
Press / briefly: jump forward

You can set the jump back and jump forward times from the
Quick menu when stopped.

TASCAM DR-40X

58

Mixdown

This function combines three or four channels (a file each for
channels 1/2 and channels 3/4) into one two-channel L/R file.

At this time, you can adjust the effect level (SEND), left-right
balance (PAN or BAL when mono), volume balance (LVL) for
each channel freely on the MIXER screen. (See "10 – Mixer" on
page 62)

Select a file to mix down using the . and /

1.

buttons or the BROWSE screen.

While the Home Screen is open when stopped, press the

2.

QUICK button to open the Quick menu.

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

3.

press the ENTER/MARK button.
The MIXDOWN screen will open.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to start mixdown.

4.

After mixdown completes, the playback Home screen

5.

opens with the mixed down file ready to play. (The
project name number is the final number before
mixdown increased by one.)

In this state, you can press the PL AY [7] button to start
playback of the mixed-down file.

CAUTION

If the playback file is mono, the file created will also be
mono.

When mixing down mono files, set the BAL knob on the
Mixer Screen to L12.

7 – Quick Operations

TASCAM DR-40X

59

8 – Mark functions

Adding marks manually

When playing, recording or recording is paused, press the
ENTER/MARK button to add a mark at the current point.

When a mark is added, a pull-up appears at the bottom of the
display.

NOTE

i

Mark information is stored in each file with numbers from
01 to 99.

i

As the unit is compatible with the BWF format for WAV
files, marks added to a WAV file during recording are
stored in the file. Marks stored in the file are available
when playing back the file using a BWF compliant
software, etc.

i

When using the built-in mics, the sound of pressing the
button when adding a mark could be recorded. To avoid
this, use a remote control to add marks.

Adding marks automatically to a recording

This function allows the unit to add marks automatically
using AUTO REC.

On the REC SETTING screen, set the AUTO REC section MODE
item to MARK.

Clearing marks

When stopped or paused, move to a mark, and press the
ENTER/MARK button to clear that mark.

For details, see "Using the automatic recording function
(AUTO REC)" on page 35.

Moving to mark positions

When stopped, paused or playing back, press the . or
/ button while pressing the ENTER/MARK to move

between marks set in the selected file.
You can use this function like an index for cueing.

NOTE

You cannot move to marks in a different file.

TASCAM DR-40X

60

9 – Using effects

This unit has a built-in effect. They can also be applied to the
output signal during playback.

When the effect is on, appears at the top of the Home
Screen as light on dark ( ).

Effects indication

Setting the effect

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and – buttons to select the OTHERS menu, and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button to open the

OTHERS screen.
Use the + or − button to select EFFECT, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

The EFFECT screen will open.

As shown in the above illustration, there are four setting
items on the EFFECT screen.

Set each item using the ., /, + and – buttons.

EFFECT

Use this to turn the effect on or off. (Default: OFF)

PRESET

Select the preset for the effect being used. (default:
Hall 1)
See the "Effects preset list" on page 61 for details
about the preset effects.

LEVEL

Use this to change the output level of the effect
selected with the PRESET item. Setting range: 0 - 20
(default: 10)

SOURCE

Select which input or output sound the effect is used
on. (Default: MIX)

SOURCE (option) Explanation

Apply the effect to the output

MIX (default value)

INT MIC

EXT IN

When MIX is selected, you can set the level (SEND) of
each signal sent to the effect on the Mixer Screen. (See
"10 – Mixer" on page 62)

Use the + or – button to select the desired item and

4.

press the ENTER/MARK button or / button to access
that item’s settings.

Use the + or – button to set the desired value.

5.

Press the . button to enable selection of settings.

6.

Press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button to return to the

7.

Home screen.

CAUTION

When the sampling frequency is set to 96 kHz, or a WAV
file with a sampling frequency of 96 kHz is played, the
built-in effects do not work. However, you can still set the
built-in effects.

during overdub/mix recording
or during mixdown recording.

Apply the effect to signals
input through the built-in
mics

Apply the effect to signals
input through external mics
or equipment

Effects preset list

Preset name Effects

Hall 1 (default)

Hall 2

Room

Studio

Plate 1

Plate 2

This is a bright reverb modeled after a
large hall-like space.

This is a warm reverb modeled after a
large hall-like space.

This reverb is modeled on a small
indoor space.

This reverb is modeled on a studio-like
space.

This is a bright plate reverb.

This is a warm plate reverb.

TASCAM DR-40X

61

10 – Mixer

This recorder has a mixer function that allows you to set
the built-in effect, stereo balance and volume level for each
channel.

During mixdown (See "Mixdown" on page 59) and
playback, you can make fine adjustments to the recorded
sound by using this.

Making mixer settings

From the Home screen, press the MIXER button to open

1.

the Mixer Screen.

During 4-channel file playback

During overdubbing (mix) mode

During 4-channel file playback (MS decoding of channels 3/4)

Use the . and / buttons and the + and – buttons

2.

to move to and select the item that you want to adjust.
Each column is a channel and each row is a setting type.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to open the setting

3.

name and value in a pop-up window at the top right.

Use the + and – buttons to change the setting value.

4.

Item

SEND

PAN/BAL

LVL

Press the ENTER/MARK button to return to the previous

5.

screen where you can select the next setting that you
want to adjust.

NOTE

i

The mixer can be used when recording, in recording
standby, playing back, paused or stopped.

i

Even when the Mixer Screen is open, you can use the
PL AY [7] button to start playback and the ¤ (HOME)
[8] button to pause playback.

i

When the REC MODE screen MS DECODE item is on, MS
DECODE on the Mixer Screen Quick menu cannot be used,
and shows a message saying “Using by Input”.

Setting
range

0–100

L12–C–R12

0–100

Operation details

Adjusts the send level (0
(min.)–100 (max.)) of the
selected effect used on the
signal (See "Setting the effect"
on page 61)

Adjusts left-right balance
(L12 (left)–C (center)–R12

(right))
Volume level
(0 (min.)–100 (max.))

TASCAM DR-40X

62

10 – Mixer

Using the MS decoder

When using MS mics to record, you have two decoding
options. You can decode the input sound as you record or
you can record as is and decode during playback.

Decoding the input sound as you record

Connect MS mics to the external input connectors.

1.

Connect the mid mic to the EXT MIC L connector and
the side mic to the EXT MIC R connector.

Decoding cannot be conducted properly if the mid and
side mics are connected in reverse.

On the REC MODE screen, set the REC MODE item to

2.

STEREO, DUAL or 4CH, and set the SOURCE item to EXT IN
1/2 (no selection in 4CH mode).

Set MS DECODE to ON.

3.

Start recording to record a decoded MS signal.

4.

Decoding the playback sound

Select a file that was recorded by MS mics with MS

1.

DECODE set to OFF.

When the Home screen is open, press the MIXER button

2.

to open the Mixer Screen.

Press the QUICK button to select the CH to be used by

3.

the MS decoder.

MS decoder settings

Use the WIDE parameter on the Mixer Screen to adjust the
width of the sound.

To decode while recording, open the Mixer Screen while in
recording standby.

MS INPUT will appear on the Mixer Screen when using the
decoder on input. MS MONITOR will appear when using it on
playback.

Setting

Item

range

WIDE 0–100 This adjusts the width of the sound.

At “0”, mid is 100%. As the number increases, the amount of
side signal increases.

CAUTION

If MS DECODE is set to ON on the REC MODE screen, it cannot
be selected on the Mixer Screen (a “Using by Input”
message appears).

To use the MS decoder during playback, set MS DECODE to
OFF on the REC MODE screen.

Operation details

Start playback to decode during playback.

4.

TASCAM DR-40X

63

11 – Tuning Instruments

This unit has a built-in tuner. By inputting sound from a
musical instrument, you can tune it accurately while viewing
the tuning meter shown in the display.

Using the tuner

Setting the tuner

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and – buttons to select the OTHERS menu, and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button to open the

OTHERS screen.
Use the + or − button to select TUNER, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

The Tuner Screen will open.

The Tuner Screen has a CALIB option to set the
frequency of A.

Press the . button to lower the frequency and the
/ button to raise it.

Setting range: 435Hz - 445Hz

(in 1 Hz increments, default: 440Hz)

NOTE

When the Tuner Screen is open, press the ENTER/MARK
button to reverse the display orientation.

Tuning a musical instrument

Open the Tuner Screen and play a note on the

1.

instrument.
The closest pitch name will be shown above the center

of the meter.

Tune the instrument so that the target pitch name

2.

appears and the center of the tuner lights.

A bar appears to the left or right of center if the sound is
lower or higher than the target pitch. The bar becomes
longer the more the input pitch differs from the target
pitch.

CAUTION

The tuner can only be used with the built-in mics.

TASCAM DR-40X

64

12 – USB Connections

By connecting this unit with a computer using a USB cable,
you can power the unit with USB bus power, and use the unit
as an SD card reader and as a USB audio interface.

Micro-B USB plugComputer

USB

CAUTION

The unit should be connected directly with the computer
instead of via a USB hub.

Powering the unit with USB bus power

When the unit is off

Connect the computer and the unit with a USB cable,

1.

and turn the unit on to open the USB screen.

Use the + or – button to select BUS POWER and press the

2.

ENTER/MARK button to select power from the USB port

and reopen the Home Screen.

When the unit is on

When operating on batteries, if you connect the computer
and the unit with a USB cable, the unit will be powered from
its USB port (USB bus power is used first).

NOTE

The same thing will also happen when using an AC
adapter.

Using as an SD card reader

By connecting this unit with a computer using a USB cable,
you can use it as an SD card reader.

You can transfer recorded audio files to a computer and also
transfer audio files from a computer to the unit.

When the unit is off

Connect the computer and the unit with a USB cable,

1.

and turn the unit on to open the USB screen.

Use the + or − button to select SD CARD READER and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK button.
The SD CARD READER screen will open.

When the unit is on

When operating on batteries, connect the unit and the
computer with a USB cable

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select USB, and press the

2.

ENTER/MARK button to open the USB screen.

Use the + or − button to select SD CARD READER and

3.

press the ENTER/MARK button.
The SD CARD READER screen will open.

TASCAM DR-40X

65

12 – USB Connections

Disconnecting the unit from a computer

Before disconnecting the computer and the unit, use the
proper procedures for the computer to unmount the unit,
and press the . button.

Press the . button to disconnect from the computer and
return to the Home Screen.

Transferring files from a computer

Click the “DR-40X” drive on the computer screen to

1.

show the “MUSIC” and “UTILITY” folders.

Drag and drop files on the computer that you want to

2.

transfer to the unit to the “MUSIC” folder.

TIP

i

You can manage the “MUSIC” folder from the computer.

i

You can create subfolders in the “MUSIC” folder up to
the second level for use with this unit. Only two levels
of folders can be created. This unit cannot recognize
subfolders and audio files on the third level or below.

i

Since you can set this unit to only play the contents of a
specific folder, you can organize tracks into genres, artists
or other categories as you like.

i

If you name the subfolders and music files, these names
will appear on the screen of this unit.

Using as a USB audio interface

By connecting this unit with a computer using a USB cable,
you can use it as a USB audio interface.

When the unit is off

Connect the computer and the unit with a USB cable,

1.

and turn the unit on to open the USB screen.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) AUDIO I/F,

2.

and press the ENTER/MARK button.
The AUDIO I/F screen will open.

When the unit is on

When operating on batteries, connect the unit and the
computer with a USB cable

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + or − button to select USB, and press the

2.

ENTER/MARK button to open the USB screen.

TASCAM DR-40X

66

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) AUDIO I/F,

3.

and press the ENTER/MARK button.
The AUDIO I/F screen will open.

12 – USB Connections

Setting the connected device type

When the AUDIO I/F screen is open, use the + or –

1.

button to select (highlight) CONNECT TO, and press the
ENTER/MARK button.

Use the + and – buttons to set the type of connected

2.

device.

Options: PC/Mac (default), iOS

NOTE

i

With Windows, an ASIO driver for the DR-X series can be
used. Check the page for this product on the TASCAM
website (https://tascam.com/us/) for details.

i

With a Mac, the standard OS driver will be used, so there is
no need to install any software.

i

If the connected device type is iOS, this unit will operate
on batteries.

i

Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, for example, is
necessary to connect to an iOS device.

Connecting

When the AUDIO I/F screen is open, use the + or –

1.

button to select (highlight) CONNECT, and press the

ENTER/MARK button.

NOTE

When in audio interface mode, press the MENU button to
access the following functions.

MONITOR: Set to DIRECT to mix the mic input and

i

computer output sounds, enabling input
monitoring without lag.

SOURCE: Select the input source.

i

LOW CUT: Set the cutoff frequency of the low-cut filter

i

during input.

EFFECT: Open the effect settings screen.

i

DISCONNECT: End the USB audio interface mode

i

connection.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to enable audio interface

2.

mode and return to the Home Screen.

TASCAM DR-40X

67

13 – Settings and Information

Viewing information (INFORMATION)

Use the INFORMATION screen to view various types of infor­mation about this unit.

Follow the procedures below to view the INFORMATION
screen.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and – buttons to select the OTHERS menu, and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button to open the

OTHERS screen.
Use the + or − button to select INFORMATION, and press

3.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.

The INFORMATION screen contains the following three pages.
Use the + and − button to move through these pages.

File information page (FILE)

i

Shows information about the currently loaded file.

Card information page (CARD)

i

Shows the use status of the currently inserted SD card.

System information page (SYSTEM)

i

Shows the unit’s system setting information and
firmware version.

File information page

The FILE page shows information about the currently
selected file.

Card information page (CARD)

The CARD page shows the status of the currently inserted SD
card.

TOTAL MUSIC

Shows the number of playable files in 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 . or / button to switch between REMAIN
SIZE and USED SIZE.

System information page (SYSTEM)

The SYSTEM page shows information about the system
settings and firmware version of this unit.

WAV, BWF or MP3

Shows the audio file type.
For WAV or BWF files, bit length, stereo/mono, and sampling

frequency (Hz) also appear.
For MP3 files, the bit rate (kbps), CBR (constant bit rate) or

VBR (variable bit rate) type, and sampling frequency (Hz) also
appear. (CBR: Constant Bit Rate, VBR: Variable Bit Rate)

TITLE

Shows the file name.
If an MP3 file has ID3 tag title information that information

appears.

DAT E

Date of file creation

SIZE

File size

TASCAM DR-40X

68

AUTO PWR SAVE

This shows the setting of the automatic power saving
function.

BACKLIGHT

This shows the backlight time setting.

BATTERY

This shows the battery type setting.

System Ver.

This shows the system firmware version.

13 – Settings and Information

System Settings

On the SYSTEM screen, you can change various settings to
optimize the device for the use environment and conditions.
You can also restore factory default settings and format SD
cards, for example.

You can also initialize the unit and format the SD card.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

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

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
This opens the SYSTEM screen.

The following settings can be made for the items on the
SYSTEM screen.
Use the . or / button and the + or − button to set
each item.

Setting the automatic power saving function

The AUTO PWR SAVE item sets the amount of time from when
the unit last operated or was used until it turns off automati­cally if it is powered by batteries.

Options: OFF (does not turn off automatically), 3min,

5min, 10min, 30min (default)

Setting the backlight

Use BACKLIGHT to set the time until the backlight automat­ically turns OFF after the last operation when powered by
batteries.

Options: OFF (backlight off ), 5sec (default), 10sec, 15sec,

30sec, ALWAYS (always on)

Setting the phantom power voltage

Use the PHANTOM VOLT item to set the voltage of the
phantom power supplied when external mics that require it
are connected.

Options: +24V, +48V (factory setting)

Setting the language

Use the LANGUAGE item to set the language shown on the
display.

Use the + or − button to select (highlight) LANGUAGE and

1.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

Options

ENG: use English

日本語

: use Japanese

FRA: use French
ESP: use Spanish
DEU: use German
ITA: use Italian
POR: use Portuguese
RUS: use Russian

中文

: use Chinese

한글 : use Korean

Press the ENTER/MARK button to open a confirmation

2.

pop-up message.

Adjusting the display contrast

Use CONTRAST to adjust the display contrast.

Options: 1–20 (default: 5)

Setting the battery type

Use the BATTERY TYPE item to set the battery type. This
setting is used to show the amount of remaining battery
charge and determine if the unit has enough power for
normal operation.

Options: ALKAL (alkaline batteries, default), Ni-MH (nickel-

metal hydride batteries)

Press the ENTER/MARK button to confirm the language

3.

selection.
To cancel language selection, press the ¤ (HOME)[8]

button.

The wrong language was set accidentally.

After pressing the ¤ (HOME)[8] button to turn the unit

i

off (put it in standby), while pressing the MENU button,
press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button again.

The language selection menu will appear, and you will be
able to select the language.

TASCAM DR-40X

69

13 – Settings and Information

Restoring the factory settings

Use the INITIALIZE item to restore the various settings of
this unit to their factory settings.

Use the + or − button to select INITIALIZE, and press

1.

the ENTER/MARK or / button to highlight Exec.

Press the ENTER/MARK button again to open a confir-

2.

mation pop-up window.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to initialize the unit.

3.

Press ¤ (HOME) [8] to cancel initialization.

Formatting SD cards

Use the QUICK FORMAT item to format an SD card.
Formatting an SD card erases all music files on the card and

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

Use the + or − button to select QUICK FORMAT, and press

1.

the ENTER/MARK or / button to highlight Exec.

Press the ENTER/MARK button again to open a confir-

2.

mation pop-up window.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to format the SD card.

3.

Press ¤ (HOME) [8] to cancel formatting the SD card.

Completely formatting SD cards

Use the FULL FORMAT item to completely format an SD card.
Full formatting checks the SD card memory for errors while

formatting, so it takes more time than quick formatting.
Formatting an SD card erases all music files on the card and

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

Use the + or − button to select ERASE FORMAT, and press

1.

the ENTER/MARK or / button to highlight Exec.

Press the ENTER/MARK button again to open a confir-

2.

mation pop-up window.

Press the ENTER/MARK button to format the SD card

3.

completely.
Press ¤ (HOME) [8] to cancel formatting the SD card.

CAUTION

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

If the power fails during formatting, the formatting may
not occur correctly.

NOTE

i

Using the FULL FORMAT option might restore an SD card
that has decreased writing performance due to repeated
use.

i

FULL FORMAT checks the memory for errors while
formatting, so it takes more time than QUICK FORMAT.

TASCAM DR-40X

70

13 – Settings and Information

Setting the file name format

You can select the format of names given to files recorded by
this unit.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and – buttons to select the OTHERS menu, and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button to open the

OTHERS screen.
Use the + or − button to select FILE NAME, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button.

The FILE NAME screen will open.

Use the . or / button and the + or − button to set
each item.

On this screen you can make the following settings for
each item.

File name format

The TYPE item can be set to either WORD or DATE.

Options: WORD, DATE (default)

WORD: The 6 characters set with WORD are used for file

names.

Example: TASCAM_0001S12.wav

DATE: The date is used as the file name.

Example: 110101_0000.wav

NOTE

The date is set using the unit’s internal clock. (See "Setting
the date and time" on page 18.)

Resetting the number

Select COUNT INIT, and press the ENTER/MARK button
to execute it. The next file created after this will have the
number “0001” after the characters set using the WORD item.

Setting the WORD item

To set the WORD item, use the . and / buttons to move
the cursor, and use the + or − button to select the character.

In addition to the alphabet and numbers, the following
characters can be used:! # $ % & ‘ ( ) + , - . ; = @ [ ] ^ _ ` { } ~

TASCAM DR-40X

71

14 – Using the REMOTE jack

This unit has a REMOTE jack This unit can be operated with
a connected TASCAM RC-3F footswitch remote control (sold
separately) or TASCAM RC-10 wired remote control (sold
separately).

Footswitch (TASCAM RC-3F)

Footswitch
TASCAM RC-3F (sold separately)

Setting footswitch operation

Use the REMOTE Screen to set the footswitch.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and – buttons to select the OTHERS menu, and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button to open the

OTHERS screen.
Use the + or – button to select REMOTE, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button to open the REMOTE

screen.

Use the + or – button to change the MODE item.

7.

Options: PLAY (default), RECORD1, RECORD2, MINUTES

MODE

PLAY

RECORD 1

RECORD 2

MINUTES

INC: track increment function
MARK: mark function
VSA: Variable speed function on/off

: Jump back function

(All other functions are the same as the main unit.)

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

8.

button to return to the Home Screen.

. 7/9 /

Footswitch

L C R

8 0/9

8

0/9

7/9

INC

MARK

VSA

Using the footswitch

Press a pedal on the footswitch to operate the unit. The
function of each pedal corresponds to the assignment shown
on the REMOTE screen.

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

4.

menu item, and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.
For the CONTROLLER item, use the + or – button to select

5.

RC-3F. (Default: RC-3F)
Use the + or − button to select (highlight) MODE item,

6.

and press the ENTER/MARK or / button.

TASCAM DR-40X

72

14 – Using the REMOTE jack

Remote control (TASCAM RC-10)

Wired remote control
TASCAM RC-10 (sold separately)

Setting the wired remote control

Use the REMOTE Screen to set the wired remote control.

Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen.

1.

Use the + and – buttons to select the OTHERS menu, and

2.

press the ENTER/MARK or / button to open the

OTHERS screen.
Use the + or – button to select REMOTE, and press the

3.

ENTER/MARK or / button to open the REMOTE

screen.
Use the + or − button to select CONTROLLER, and press

4.

the ENTER/MARK or / button.
For the CONTROLLER item, use the + or – button to select

5.

RC-10. (Default: RC-3F)

Using the wired remote control

Press the function buttons (F1 – F4) on the wired remote
control to use the function assigned on the REMOTE screen.

Overview of mode functions

MODE

--- 1/2 [SOLO] 3/4 [SOLO]

F1 F2 F3 F4

Function buttons

INPUT VOL +INPUT VOL

-

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

6.

button to return to the Home Screen.

TASCAM DR-40X

73

15 – Messages

The following is a list of pop-up messages.
Refer to this list if one of these pop-up messages appears on the DR-40X and you want to check the meaning or determine a

proper response.

Message Details and responses

File Name Err

Dup File Name

File Not Found

Non-Supported

Battery Empty

I/O Too Short

File Not Found
PLAYLIST

No PLAYLIST

PLAYLIST FULL

MBR Error
Init CARD

Format Error
Format CARD

File Not Found
Make Sys File

Invalid SysFile
Make Sys File

Invalid Card
Change Card

Write error
REC continue

Card slow
Check BOF mark

Card Full

Can't Divide

Max File Size

File Full

Card Error

Current File MP3

The DIVIDE function cannot be used if the file name is 197 characters or more.
Connect the unit to a computer and edit the file name to 196 characters or less.

The DIVIDE function would cause the file name to be the same as that of an existing file in the same
folder. The DIVIDE function adds "_a” and “_b” to the ends of the file names. Before choosing the DIVIDE
function, connect the unit to a computer and edit the file name.

The file added to the playlist cannot be found or a file could be damaged. Please check that file.

The audio file is not a supported format. Please see “11 - Connecting with a computer” for file formats
that this unit can use.

The batteries are almost out of power. Replace the batteries.

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

A file in the Playlist cannot be found. Please confirm that the file is still in the Music folder.

No files have been added to the Playlist. Add a file to the playlist or change the AREA to something
besides PLAYLIST.

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

The SD card is not formatted properly or the card is broken. Change the SD card or press the ENTER/
MARK button while this message is being shown to format the card.

Formatting will erase all the data on the SD card.

The SD card is not formatted properly or the card is broken. This message also appears if the card was
formatted using a computer connected by USB or if an unformatted card is inserted in the unit.

Always use the DR-40X to format SD cards to be used with it.
Change the SD card or press the ENTER/MARK button while this message is being shown to format

the card.
Formatting will erase all the data on the SD card.

The system file needed to use this unit is missing. When this message appears, press the ENTER/MARK
button to automatically create a system file.

The system file required to operate this unit is invalid. When this message appears, press the ENTER/
MARK button to automatically create a new system file.

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

Writing to the SD card was not in time. This has caused audio to be interrupted and noise to occur. A
mark is added at the point when audio was interrupted.

SD card writing performance has become worse. A mark has been added at the point when audio was
interrupted because writing to the SD card timed out. Check the audio around the mark.

Execute the full format function or change the SD card.

The SD card has no remaining space.
Erase unnecessary files or move them to a computer to make open space.

The selected division point is not suitable. (It is too close to the beginning or end of the track.)

The file is larger than the designated size Another possibility is that the recording time has exceeded
24 hours when the total number of folders and files was already at the limit (5000).

The total number of folders and files exceeds 5000. Erase unnecessary folders and files or move them
to a computer.

The SD card could not be recognized properly.
Change the card.

MP3 files cannot be divided.

TASCAM DR-40X

74

Message Details and responses

File Protected

No Card

No PB File

No MUSIC File

Cannot overdub!
See REC setting

Using by Input

Now DUAL REC

Now OVERDUB

Virtual File!

Can't File Swap FILE SWAP cannot be used with projects that have only one file.

Now Auto Rec

Not Continued

File Error

Can't Save Data

Player Error

Device Error

Writing Failed

Sys Rom Err

System Err XX

(XX is a number.)

The file is read only and cannot be erased.

No SD card is loaded in the unit. Insert a recordable SD card.

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

There is no playback file, so DIVIDE cannot be executed.

You cannot overdub when there are two 96kHz WAV/BWF or MP3 format playback files.

Mix them down to one file before overdubbing.

The MS decoder is being used on the input. To use it on monitoring, on the REC MODE screen, set MS
DECODE to OFF.

To change the LEVEL MODE function when in dual recording mode, use the REC MODE screen.

The MS decoder cannot be used in overdubbing mode.

Virtual files cannot be played back or added to playlists.
To play the file back use FILE SWAP.

When auto-recording is enabled, the Self Timer does not function. Set AUTO REC to OFF on the REC
SETTING screen.

If any of these errors occurs, turn the unit’s power off and restart it.

If the power cannot be turned off, remove the batteries, disconnect the TASCAM PS-P520E AC adapter
(sold separately), and/or disconnect the USB cable for bus power supply.

If these error messages continue to appear frequently, please contact the store where you purchased
this unit or TASCAM customer support service.

15 – Messages

TASCAM DR-40X

75

16 – Troubleshooting

If you are having trouble with the operation of this unit, please double-check the following before seeking repair. If these
measures do not resolve the issue, please contact the retailer where you purchased this unit or a TASCAM customer support
service service.

Power will not turn ON.

Confirm that batteries are installed correctly.

i

Confirm that the HOLD switch is not set.

i

The unit turns off automatically.

Check the automatic power saving function setting. Set it

i

to “Off” to prevent the power from turning off automati­cally. (See "Setting the automatic power saving function"
on page 69)

The unit is not recognized by a computer
connected using a USB cable.

Confirm that the connected computer uses a compatible

i

operating system.

The USB function used must be selected from the menu to

i

enable a computer to recognize this unit.

Confirm that the USB cable is not designed only for

i

charging.

Confirm that the connection is not being made through a

i

USB hub.

The SD card is not recognized.

Confirm that the SD card is inserted completely.

i

No sound is output or sound is not output from
the speaker.

Confirm that the output volume is not lowered it too much.

i

Confirm that the speaker setting is on. Even if the speaker

i

setting is on, sound will not be output from the speaker
when headphones are connected or when the unit is
recording or in recording standby.

Recording is not possible.

Confirm that the REC indicator is lit. If the REC indicator is

i

blinking, the unit is in recording standby.

Check the remaining available recording time shown on

i

the Recording Screen.

The recorded sound is quiet or distorted.

Check the input level setting.

i

Sound skips or noise occurs when in USB audio
interface mode.

For Windows

Performance options

i

Select “Adjust for best performance”.

Power options

i

Select “High performance”.

Use an ASIO driver for the DR-X series.

i

Check the page for this product on the TASCAM website
(https://tascam.com/us/) for details.

The wrong language was set accidentally.

After pressing the ¤ (HOME)[8] button to turn the unit

i

off (put it in standby), while pressing the MENU button,
press the ¤ (HOME) [8] button again.

The language selection menu will appear, and you will be
able to select the language.

TASCAM DR-40X

76

17 – Specifications

Ratings

Recording media

SD card (64 MB - 2 GB)
SDHC card (4 GB - 32 GB)
SDXC card (48 GB - 128 GB)

Recording/playback formats

BWF: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24 bit
WAV: 44.1/48/96kHz, 16/24 bit
MP3: 44.1/48 kHz, 32/64/96/128/192/256/320 kbps

Number of channels

4 channels (stereo × 2)

Input/output ratings

Analog audio input and output ratings

EXT MIC/LINE IN jacks (XLR connectors can provide
phantom power)

Connector:

XLR-3-31

(1: GND, 2: HOT, 3: COLD) (phantom power supported)

6.3 mm (1/4”) TRS Standard jack

(Tip: HOT, Ring: COLD, Sleeve: GND)

When EXT IN switch set to MIC, MIC + PHANTOM

Input impedance: 2.2 kΩ
Nominal input level: −19 dBV
Maximum input level: −3 dBV

When EXT IN switch set to LINE

Input impedance: 10 kΩ or more
Nominal input level: +4 dBu
Maximum input level: +20 dBu

/LINE OUT jack

Connector: 1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini jack
Output impedance: 12 Ω
Reference output level: −14 dBV (with 10 kΩ load)
Maximum output level: +2 dBV (with 10 kΩ load)
Maximum output: 20 mW + 20 mW (when connected to

headphones, 32Ω load)

Built-in speaker

0.3W (mono)

Control input/output ratings

USB port

Connector type: Micro-B
Format

USB 2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
USB1.1 FULL SPEED audio class

REMOTE jack

Connector: 2.5mm TRS jack

Audio performance

Frequency response

20 Hz - 20 kHz +1/−3 dB

(EXT IN to LINE OUT, Fs 44.1 kHz, JEITA)

20 Hz - 22 kHz +1/–3 dB

(EXT IN to LINE OUT, Fs 48 kHz, JEITA)

20 Hz - 40 kHz +1/–3 dB

(EXT IN to LINE OUT, Fs 96 kHz, JEITA)

Total harmonic distortion

0.05% or less
(EXT IN to LINE OUT, 44.1/48/96kHz sampling frequency,

JEITA*)

S/N ratio

92 dB or higher
(EXT IN to LINE OUT, 44.1/48/96kHz sampling frequency,

JEITA*)

*Conforms to JEITA CP-2150

Other specifications

Power

3 AA batteries (alkaline or Ni-MH)
USB bus power from a computer
AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P520E, sold separately)

Power consumption

1.7 W (maximum)

Current consumption

0.34 A (maximum)

TASCAM DR-40X

77

17 – Specifications

Battery operation time (continuous operation)

Using alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)

i

Format

When recording
2-channel
96kHz/24-bit WAV

When recording
2-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When recording
2-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When recording
2-channel

44.1kHz/128kbps
MP3

When recording
4-channel
96kHz/24-bit WAV

When recording
4-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When recording
4-channel

44.1kHz/128kbps
MP3

When playing
2-channel
96kHz/24-bit WAV

When playing
2-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When playing
2-channel

44.1kHz/128kbps
MP3

When playing
4-channel
96kHz/24-bit WAV

When playing
4-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When playing
4-channel

44.1kHz/128kbps
MP3

Recording: JEITA recording time Playback: JEITA music
playback time

Continuous
operation
time

About 14.5
hours

About 18
hours

About 6.5
hours

About 16
hours

About 8.5
hours

About 9
hours

About 9
hours

About 14
hours

About 19.5
hours

About 16.5
hours

About 14
hours

About 16
hours

About 16.5
hours

Note

With built-in stereo
mic input

With built-in stereo
mic input

When supplying
phantom power
(+48V, 3mA load × 2)

With built-in stereo
mic input

With built-in stereo
mic and line input

With built-in stereo
mic and line input

With built-in stereo
mic and line input

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

Using NiMH batteries (eneloop)

i

Format

When recording
2-channel
96kHz/24-bit WAV

When recording
2-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When recording
2-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When recording
2-channel

44.1kHz/128kbps
MP3

When recording
4-channel
96kHz/24-bit WAV

When recording
4-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When recording
4-channel

44.1kHz/128kbps
MP3

When playing
2-channel
96kHz/24-bit WAV

When playing
2-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When playing
2-channel

44.1kHz/128kbps
MP3

When playing
4-channel
96kHz/24-bit WAV

When playing
4-channel

44.1kHz/16-bit WAV

When playing
4-channel

44.1kHz/128kbps
MP3

Recording: JEITA recording time Playback: JEITA music
playback time

NOTE

The battery operation times (during continuous operation)
could vary depending on the media being used.

Continuous
operation
time

About 11
hours

About 16
hours

About 5.5
hours

About 12.5
hours

About 7.5
hours

About 7.5
hours

About 8
hours

About 12
hours

About 15.5
hours

About 13
hours

About 11.5
hours

About 12.5
hours

About 13.5
hours

Note

With built-in stereo
mic input

With built-in stereo
mic input

When supplying
phantom power
(+48V, 3mA load × 2)

With built-in stereo
mic input

With built-in stereo
mic and line input

With built-in stereo
mic and line input

With built-in stereo
mic and line input

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

When using
headphones

TASCAM DR-40X

78

Dimensions (W x H x D)

90mm

70 × 155 × 35mm (2.67" x 6.22" x 1.02") (when the micro­phone pair is closed)

90 × 155 × 35mm (3.54" x 6.22" x 1.02") (when the micro­phone pair is open)

Weight

282g (including batteries)/213 g (not including batteries)

Operating temperature

0°C–40°C (32°F–104°F)

Dimensional drawings

Opened mic dimension

17 – Specifications

155mm4mm

70mm

Illustrations and other depictions may differ in part from

i

the actual product.

Specifications and external appearance may be changed

i

without notification to improve the product.

35mm 2mm

TASCAM DR-40X

79

TEAC CORPORATION

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

TEAC AMERICA, INC. https://tascam.com/us/
Phone: [phone]
10410 Pioneer Blvd. Su ite #1, Santa Fe Sprin gs, California 90 670, U.S. A.

TEAC UK Ltd. https://www.tascam.eu/en/
Phone : [phone]
Meridien House, 69-71 Clarendon Road, Watford, Herts, WD17 1DS, United Kingdom

TEAC EUROPE G mbH https://www.tascam.eu/de/
Phone: [phone]
Bahnstrasse 12, 65205 Wiesbaden-Erbenheim, Germany

TEAC SALES & TRADING(SH ENZHEN) CO., LTD https://tascam.cn/cn/
Phone: [phone]~2
Room 817, Xinian Center A, Tairan Nin e Road West, Shennan R oad, Futian Distric t, Shenzhen, Gu angdong Province 518040 , China

https://tascam.jp/jp/

0719.MA-2808C