TASCAM DR 40 Audio Recorder Sound Tests

For this test I used a TASCAM DR 40 is record audio in two separate locations (interior and exterior) to see what they would sound like. I also switched between two different file formats (WAV 16 bit and WAV 24 bit) and also switched between different sampling frequencies (44.1k and 48k). After the tests I listened to the audio back and wrote down my own notes as to what my thoughts were about the different settings.

Exterior Audio Test

·         WAV 16 bit, 44.1k: audio is of standard quality. No surprises or leaps in quality. Audio is clean and clear

·         WAV 24bit, 44.1k:  audio is similar to the above with only slight increase in quality

·         WAV 16bit, 48k: Audio sounds further away but is still clear

·         WAV 24bit, 48k: Audio is very clear and crisp

Interior Audio Test

·         WAV 16 bit, 44.1k: audio sounds similar to exterior however some improvements are made as the audio is clear and is not lost amongst other sounds

·         WAV 24 bit, 44.1k: Audio appears quieter and is somewhat less clear

·         WAV 24 bit, 48k: Audio is again slightly quieter but is clear and could easily be heard through headphones

·         WAV 16 bit, 48k: Audio is very clear, crisp and precise. Through earphones it sounds as if the person speaking is right beside you.

Summery

In conclusion I believe that the audio tests were a huge success. The experimentation payed off as I now know how to get the best audio from a recorder. Personally when it comes to my production I plan on using WAV 24bit, 44.1k for exterior shots and WAV 16 bit, 48k for interior shots as I believe these were the most successful.