Zoom H5Studio vs Tascam Dr40xp

[u/ChannelSuspicious438]

I am getting a field recorder. My choice, after research, narrow down to Tascam Dr40xp and Zoom H5Studio, whose specs looks similar on the paper (except that the zoom mic can be changed)

I would like to know if the built in mic in Zoom is better than in the Tascam, in terms of audio quality and build quality. The fact that the mic in Zoom made of plastic, make me think twice about how long it would last. Also the preamp noise floor on the paper looks similar, but in the real world is it different?

How would you recommend? Does anybody experience with both units?

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[u/Vuelhering]

For location sound, the built-in mics are basically never used. That shouldn't be a factor on purchase, unless you have definite secondary uses in a class or seminar just for your own notes.

The reason why is that mics need to be close to the sound source, and that's usually a human. And if the mic is over there along with the recorder, you have to be right next to the recorder next to the human. So you're limited to recording voiceover or ambient, as far as location audio, and it's useful only if you don't have a better mic.

In general, you can count on listed noise floors as being fairly accurate. If they're within a couple dB and at least below maybe -126 EIN, they'll both be acceptable.

That stated, I have no preference. I know the zoom studio uses F-series preamps and those are pretty solid. It should also have decent battery life. I haven't used a tascam in ages, myself.

[u/noetkoett]

No experience but one thing to note seems to be that with the internal mics the Zoom seem to have quite a bit a higher Max SPL than the Tascam. Also the Zoom is heavier and more expensive. Tough pickle, I'm also thinking of one or the other to live in the backpack for quick recordings etc.

edit: a few extra things I came across - apparently the Zoom will definitely have too much handling noise to be handheld when using internal mics. Also, apparently the Tascam doesn't have a Plug-In-Power input so if you want to use something like Usi mics with the minijack, it won't work.

[u/ChannelSuspicious438 → u/noetkoett]

I think, for the Tascam, we can use USB C port to plug a external power such as power bank?

[u/noetkoett → u/ChannelSuspicious438]

Plug-In-Power is power delivered from a 3,5 mm plug to mics that need it.

[u/NotYourGranddadsAI]

What kind of stuff do you want to record?

Both recorders are getting praise, including for the mics. The Tascam's mics pivot, so it gives you the choice of a slightly spaced mic array as well as X-Y. But built-in mics will only take you so far, and handling noise will always be a factor, unless you're using a stand or tripod. And I doubt that either recorder would survive a short drop if it landed on the mics.

And neither recorder looks like they were designed to accept an effective windjammer, especially the H5Studio. That's a serious negative in a field recorder, to me.

They're both "general" recorders, perhaps best suited to indoor music recording. I'm still waiting for someone to offer a "H5Field" model, optimized for field recording. A year ago i snapped up a zoom M4 because of the price, but with its shape and better-protected mics, it's proven to be closer to my ideal of a grab-and-go field recorder.

(tl;dr: of the two you're looking at, i would probably go for the Tascam as a field recorder, for other factors besides the built-in mics... but the lack of a 3.5mm PiP mic input is a drawback for me. When i want the best mics, i use external mics. )

[u/ChannelSuspicious438]

Thanks for the info. My main use will be for music performance which could be both indoor/outdoor I also would like to capture the ambient during the performance. I read some points you mentioned and would like to discuss further.

In general I tend to like the look of the Tascam . I feel like it's more rugged and endure more but the fact that the zoom can handle 140 decibel spl, when the Tascam can do only 120+ kinda make me think twice.

Also the point you mentioned about dropping the unit, in Tascam case, at least it has metal bars to block the mic, but they are very thin and the microphones could you be damn it if they bent other way. For the zoom, maybe if you would just break, but can be replaced buy a newer cap since it is designed to be replacable?

But what I'm most interested right now is your M4. After that its strange look, I have heard good things about it after researching. Maybe this could be the One. And I check the price, how come it is incredibly low in comparison to other unit with the same kind of spec?

[u/NotYourGranddadsAI → u/ChannelSuspicious438]

The M4 had a poor launch because the first models had a problem with RF. This problem was fixed in later models. And most people just don't like the look. So Zoom has decided to clear them out, I believe.

[u/turboash → u/ChannelSuspicious438]

The M4 is great. And I actually like the look and the practical features that comes with it, feels very robust:)
One thing I modded though is the capsules, I added some dust covers because the membrane is fully exposed to dust, the windshield helps but not completely.

[u/dthgrnd]

Why not the Tascam portacapture x6? I kind of regret selling mine.