TASCAM unveils compact FR-AV2 32-bit audio recorder with timecode sync and generator
TASCAM has unveiled the compact FR-AV2 field recorder with timecode sync and generator for use by filmmakers and audio recordists. The recorder has an easy-to-see 2-inch color LCD display above the physical control buttons, which are used to control recordings in addition to adjusting compressor, limiter, low-cut, and noise gate settings.
The recorder supports 32-bit float recordings at up to 192 kHz from two XLR/TRS inputs with a pre-amp EIN noise level of -127 dBu. This eliminates the need to adjust gain during recordings of both very quiet and very loud sounds.
The recorder saves audio files to microSD cards as large as 512 GB. Two tracks of audio are saved with each recording. Recordings can be set to 24-bit or 32-bit float mode at 48, 96, or 192 kHz. The FR-AV2 can be used as a USB-C audio interface when connected to a computer, providing two inputs and two outputs supporting 32-bit float audio. Recordings on the microSD card can be transferred over USB-C.
With the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter attached, the recorder can be monitored with any BT-compatible headphones and controlled with any smartphone running the TASCAM Recorder Connect app. The wireless connection also enables remote timecode sync without cables.
The FR-AV2 generates highly accurate timecode using a temperature-compensated oscillator. The recorder can send this timecode to external video and audio recording devices as well as sync to an external source. This allows multi-camera productions to stay in sync during recording, eliminating the need to manually synchronize audio and video clips during editing.
Readers looking for a top-notch camera and external microphone for film shoots can pick up a nice Sony DSLR on Amazon and a Sennheiser boom mic on Amazon to use with the recorder. Vloggers using smartphones as their cameras can pick up a strong SmallRig cage on Amazon and a small Sennheiser mic on Amazon.
The TASCAM FR-AV2 measures 3.9 x 3.2 x 1.6 inches (99 x 80.4 x 40.3 mm) and weighs 6.8 ounces (195 g). The FR-AV2 is powered by three AA batteries with a continuous runtime of 4.5 hours using alkaline batteries (phantom power on, 32-bit, 48 kHz) and 10 hours using non-rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (phantom power on, 32-bit, 48 kHz). An optional AC adapter enables unlimited runtimes.
Source(s)
TASCAM Announces the FR-AV2 2-Channel 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Field Recorder & Timecode Generator
Santa Fe Springs, CA・ September 25, 2024
Ultra compact form factor and rich feature set with support for up to 192kHz sample rate.
FR-AV2
TASCAM is pleased to announce the debut of the FR-AV2 Compact 32-bit Float Field Recorder and Timecode Generator with Mixer.
With a compact form factor and the ability to accommodate recording tasks commonly associated with larger sized recording devices, the new FR-AV2 makes an ideal choice for a wide range of recording applications, including small to mid-size film and video production, videography for weddings and other special events, as well as video journalism.
First and foremost among the FR-AV2's numerous attributes are its dual ADCs with 32-bit float point record capability with support for sample rates up to 192kHz. By using dual analog-to-digital converter technology, recordings are captured with greater dynamic range and clarity—making it impossible to clip the recording. When editing audio recorded in 32-bit float, quiet passages can be brought up in level while louder parts can be scaled down—without introducing any additional noise. The FR-AV2 is unique in the fact that no other recorder of this size on the market offers support for capturing audio with a 192kHz sample rate. With its enhanced 32-bit float capability and 192kHz sample rate, the FR-AV2's clarity and resolution are unmatched.
FR-AV2 wireless_monitoring
Equally impressive is the FR-AV2's support for wireless Bluetooth audio monitoring. With the addition of the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter, FR-AV2 users can monitor the source audio wirelessly using wireless Bluetooth enabled headphones and earbuds. The ability to hear what is being recorded enables users to check how their microphone placement sounds, accurately monitor the incoming signal level, while alerting them to any unwanted background noises, etc.
For critical recording tasks, intuitive operation, a compact form factor, and an easy-to-read display are crucial. Easily fitting within the palm of one's hand, the FR-AV2 can fit into any size film/video rig. Whether it is a full-sized cinematic camera or a significantly smaller iPhone content creator setup, the FR-AV2 is small enough to avoid being burdensome or occupying precious real estate. Further, the 2-inch color LCD display makes using the product incredibly easy—without any need to put on one’s eyeglasses or dive through a convoluted menu system.
Timecode and synchronization are vitally important to today's video production tasks and, in this regard, the FR-AV2 does not disappoint. The FR-AV2 can generate timecode, which enables videographers to conveniently synchronize their cameras and audio together. Additionally, the recorder can synchronize and receive timecode from other timecode gear, and for those who use it, JamSync is also available. In addition, Bluetooth wireless timecode synchronization using AK-BT2 and Atomos UltraSync BLUE products.
FR-AV2 inputs
For those larger projects, the ability to expand one's system can make all the difference. Here too, the FR-AV2 excels. With the optional AK-BT2 Bluetooth adapter and the downloadable TASCAM Recorder Connect app, users can control all the parameters of their recorders while expanding their system up to five FR-AV2 units, including control of the TASCAM DR-10L Pro.
The FR-AV2's dual XLR/TRS inputs with an EIN (Equivalent Input Noise) of -127dBu do wonders for producing clean, clear sounding audio. With its two dual XLR/TRS combo jacks, the FR-AV2 can accommodate most any type of external gear one might connect—thanks to the integrated TASCAM Ultra HDDA preamps. This feature assures users that their audio signal will be clear with incredibly low noise.
Adding even greater versatility, the new FR-AV2 can function both as a standalone recorder or as a USB audio interface. The FR-AV2 can be connected to iOS devices, Mac, or PC computers, and be used as a 2-In/2-Out USB audio interface via the USB-C port.
Paul Youngblood, TASCAM's Division Manager, commented on the new TASCAM FR-AV2, “The FR-AV2 represents a bold approach to capturing audio. With a rich feature set and its incredibly compact size, this new recorder & timecode generator re-defines field recording. There isn't another recorder on the market with so much capability. Normally, if a user wanted to get everything the FR-AV2 offers, they would need to have two or three pieces of gear. The ability to monitor audio realtime via Bluetooth is unprecedented. I am confident audio professionals will find much to like.”
To learn more about the FR-AV2 2-Channel 32-Bit Float Portable Audio Field Recorder/Timecode Generator, visit tascam.com/us/product/fr-av2
