Powerful and easy-to-use
It provides an high quality recording, some useful functions, a professional look and a good price. But the most significant characteristic is the simplicity in the use and the immediateness of the key functions. Everything is immediate and easy.It stores data to microSD or microSDHC cards, so up to 32GB.
Audio features
The two fixed built-in microphones feature a 125dB SPL sensitivity, an excellent value that makes it able to capture every detail, but if you want you can use an additional microphone through the 1/8" input.
The analog and digital circuits are separate, like the power supply for A/D and D/A converters. The result is of high quality, very clean, and a sound with 92dB signal to noise ratio, 0.05% total harmonic distortion and 20Hz to 40kHz response (-1/+3dB) at 96kHz/24-bit resolution.
Fast and immediate
Like we said at the beginning of this review, it is very easy-to-use, but this doesn't mean that it isn't equipped with advanced features. Simply, Tascam has designed it so that the access to the main functions is very fast, and the Quick Menu button is just this. As regards the possibilities for the user we have the Variable Speed Audition, that changes the playback speed without changing the pitch, the Peak Reduction, the Level Align, that normalizes the volume, a limiter and a low cut filter.
In addition, a chromatic tuner.
Power supply
It is much flexible. You can use two AA batteries, the USB or the optional AC Adapter. The battery life is, approximately, 17.5 hours.
Manual and firmware
Complete. As regards the firmware, ii explains how to control the version number, but not how to make the upgrade.
General opinion
My opinion about the DR-05 is absolutely positive. Some rather valid functions, an excellent sound quality, a good price and that is very easy-to-use.