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32-bit freedom The DR-40XP builds on one of Tascam’s most successful portable recorders with improved audio technology What? Tascam DR-40XP How much? £239/$259 More info? tascam.eu
ascam’s DR-40XP illustrates just how much performance can be packed into a compact handheld audio recorder.
Building on the success of both the DR-40 and DR-40X, the latest version simplifies operation, boosts sound quality and makes recording more reliable in demanding situations. The headline feature is 32-bit float recording. This technology has changed audio by removing the horror of clipped recordings and incorrectly set levels. Instead of constantly monitoring gain, you are safe in the knowledge that sudden volume changes can often be recovered in post. Just increase the volume in your NLE and it works like magic. The DR-40XP benefits from redesigned built-in condenser microphones that provide improved protection against radio-frequency interference from smartphones and other electronic devices. This is ideal when recording quiet dialogue or ambience, where unwanted interference can become painfully obvious. The adjustable stereo microphones allow configuration of different recording patterns depending on the subject, which makes the recorder equally suitable for interviews, ambience capture, music recording and location sound. Safe and sound The audio quality on the DR-40XP has received further improvements as a result of updates to Tascam’s HDDA microphone preamps. The dual XLR combo inputs now feature selectable input sensitivity and a low equivalent input noise specification of -126dBu. This upgrade has resulted in cleaner recordings, especially when operating lower-output microphones or recording quieter sound sources. The XLR inputs remain one of the DR-40XP’s biggest attractions. The ability to directly connect professional microphones without adapters makes this a versatile solution for interviews, boom microphones, wireless receivers and backup recording duties.
What it is: A four-channel, portable recorder with dual XLR combo inputs and 32-bit float Mics: Built-in stereo pair, cardioid Formats: MP3, WAV Processing: Limiter, low-cut filter, reverb, speed change Memory: micro SD Power: 3x AA Dimensions: 90x155x35mm/3.5x6.1x1.4in Weight: 282g/9.9oz
Other refinements include faster recording start-up and a better-quality internal speaker. None of these changes are headline-grabbing individually, but together they contribute to a more polished experience for users. The DR-40XP continues to offer an impressive feature set. Four-track recording, overdubbing, onboard mixing, effects processing and mid-side decoding provide plenty of flexibility. The recorder can also function as an audio interface or USB-C microphone for use with computers and mobile devices. Battery life provides up to 30 hours of operation using lithium batteries, while support for micro SDXC cards up to 512GB means storage is unlikely to be a concern. The controls are obvious, the menus easy to understand and the overall build quality is good – certainly for the price. In an era where many rely solely on camera-mounted audio, the DR-40XP is a reminder of why dedicated audio recorders matter. It has better mics itself, but you also have the option of plugging in pro-level XLR mics. This way, you get cleaner preamps, greater flexibility and more control over the recording process.
PMM rating: 8/10 As an inexpensive yet highly capable field recorder, the Tascam DR-40XP represents a step forward and one of the most compelling portable audio recorders available. It’s ideal for location filmmaking or as part of a podcast set-up. Mini me The DR-40XP is like a scaled-down version of the award-winning Portacapture X8 but costs less and is more compact
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July/August 2026
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