Tascam DR-1 User Manual

Before starting recording, the analog input level should be 
adjusted to prevent the recorded sounds or signals from 
being distorted due to excessively large input signals or 
from being inaudible due to excessively low input signals 
compared to noise.
In addition to manual adjustment, the unit has the 
following two level adjustment functions: auto gain control 
and limiter. Any of these can be used as required.

In addition to adjusting the analog input level, 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.

The following procedures explain how to set the levels.

When the level control function is set to auto gain control 
(

 appears at the top left of the recording screen), the 

analog input level cannot be adjusted manually. If you 
want to adjust the analog input level manually, set the 

LEVEL CTRL

 item to 

LMT

 on the 

INPUT SETTING

 screen. (See 

“Using the level control function” on page 32.) 
1  Move the MIC GAIN switch on the bottom of the 

MIC GAIN
L (LOW)
Use to record band performances and other loud sounds 
or close sound sources.
M (MID)
Use to record acoustic guitars and wind instruments, for 
example.
H (HIGH)
Use to record meetings, voices and other quiet sounds or 
distant sound sources.

The DR-100MKII has been designed with high gain to 

• 

enable it to record even very quiet sounds. For this 
reason, if using an AC adaptor when the MIC GAIN is set 
to H (HIGH), touching the mics could cause noise (hum 
or modulation) to be heard depending on placement 

conditions. To avoid this, do not touch the built-in mics 
when recording with them.
When the input is set to 

• 

LINE 1/2, the MIC GAIN setting 

is disabled. 

2  Press the RECORD [0] button to start recording 

standby.
The RECORD indicator will blink and the recording 
screen will open.

The PEAK indicator to the left of the display lights red 
when the input level is too high. 
A b mark is provided at –16 dB on the level meters. Set 
the analog input level so that the indicator bars move 
to and fro with this mark at about the center without 
causing the PEAK indicator to light red when the 
loudest sounds occur.

Press the 

• 

 [

8

 button to exit recording standby.

When the 

• 

MIC GAIN switch is set to M (MID), if the 

level meters do not extend very far even as the INPUT 
volume setting approaches 10, set the MIC GAIN to 

H (HIGH). On the other hand, if the level meters stay 
extended even as the INPUT volume setting approaches 

0, set the MIC GAIN to L (LOW).

When in recording standby or during recording, the 
speaker does not output sound even if the SPEAKER 
switch is enabled. Connect headphones to the   jack on 
the left side panel if you want to adjust the level or record 
while monitoring the input. 
Use the  /SP OUTPUT volume control to adjust the 
monitoring volume. This does not affect the sound to be 
recorded.

In addition to adjusting the input volume, try adjusting 

• 

the distance and angles between the mics and sound 
sources.