Tascam DR-44WL – 4-track handheld recorder with Wi-Fi functionality

I've been looking for a portable recorder to better capture audio than I can get via my phone. Torn between this device and its sibling, the DR-22WL which is smaller and more easily portable, I finally settled on the DR-44WL when I learned about its dual recording capability - you can choose to make a recording in two different formats OR at two different recording levels simultaneously. With the latter, should audio levels get so high that the recording becomes limited/distorted, the lower level "fall-back" track can still be used.I have no experience of other recorders so can't comment on how this unit compares to them, but using it to make recordings of a couple of performances in Symphony Hall, Birmingham I was left astounded at the quality of the audio captured. The subjects offered a wide dynamic range and the dual level recording feature worked exactly as I'd hoped. Leaving the input level set to its default, the device captured perfect recordings across different musical groups. I'll need to spend a little time figuring out optimum input level settings, but in the meantime the device saves me from my own limitations.The Wi-Fi integration, I initially dismissed as something that would have limited utility but I wouldn't be without it now. Battery life has been great and the device has plenty of advanced features that I'm not ready to tackle yet; 4 track recording, Multi-Track recording, XLR Mic inputs, Mid Side Mic capability and track mixing functionality. Nice surprises were the inclusion of a metronome and chromatic tuner functions.The DR-44WL comes with a soft case, power supply, mic stand adapter, foam wind-shield and hot-shoe adapter that aren't supplied with the DR-22WL. It was also fitted with a Class 4 4GB Micro SD HC card and adapter, so there is no immediate need to buy one with the device unless you need something bigger.The device takes a second or so to switch on/off, and requires a deliberate action to slide a sprung switch and hold it in position until the unit activates/deactivates but this I see as an advantage and security against accidental operation. Once operational the device responds to button presses quickly. The record button requires two presses to activate. The first press initiates a 'record hold' function that lets you check inputs and levels and adjust them as required, the second press starts the recording.The only downside I've found so far is that the recordings the device creates expose weakness elsewhere - the wide frequency range captured by the device can't be reproduced by my favourite headphones so I'll have to replace those now too *sigh*

The DR Control app doesn't currently support live audio streaming over WiFi only streaming of playback already recorded audio. I used a small battery powered Bluetooth transmitter/reciever the sterio 3.5mm jack plugs into line level or headphone out on the Tascam and was easily paired with my Bludio UFO Bluetooth headphones I just put both devices in close proximity in pairing mode and within a couple of seconds they had paired I had already set the Bluetooth transmitter/reciever to transmit. The end result was I could control the Tascam functions over WiFi using my IPhone and independently monitor live audio over Bluetooth to my Bluetooth headphones surprisingly with almost undescernable latency. This Tascam build quality is good but not as good as the original DR-40 and you loose the AB mic configuration in the DR-44wl. The Bluetooth reciever by Jetech is what I used to get my live audio feed from the Tascam's audio output and this is available to purchase on Amazon.

It’s a Tascam so it’s professional and reliable offering a really good all round audio performance.

Excellent audio quality for recording singer songwriter on acoustic guitar and voice. Nice and easy to use and set up. Plonk it on a coffee table in front of you and press the record button twice and you're recording to studio quality WITHOUT needing a computer or tape setup or mixing desk or boom mic setup and cables everywhere. A nice sound characteristic to it when listened to through large speaker setup before mastering so I'm happy. I'd say it sounds nicer than what I've recorded through mic and cable setups and ice worked on mixing desks the size of aircraft carriers. If you want a nice easy way to record what is going on in the room musically to REALLY USEABLE professional quality I'd say this is a nice easy way to do it. The BULLY in mics and a/d converters have a Really nice sound to them that gives you a accurate but musical NICE sounding representation of what you've just played or heard played.

A fantastic piece of kit - I have been hooking this up to my Yamahaa keyboard to record the samples and tunes I create for the soundtrack for a movie I am making - I also use it to record real sound effects I create - Its brilliant.The sound quality is crisp and very easily editable in Audacity and Sound Forge. It has wifi features and is so easy to just pull out the memory stick and take the sounds off directlty if you don't want to use the wifi - This is well worth the money.

My first portable recorder, did not disappoint. The wi-fi facility is great, it features a display that emulates the tascam recorder screen on your smartphone. Connectivity issues can be a little quirky, and reading the instruction manual is, for this device, essential. The recorder provides clear, excellent sound. Recommended.