Tascam has introduced the DR-05, a $99 portable stereo recorder with high-resolution audio.

Features:

• The stereo recorder features a pair of condenser microphones with sensitivity up to 125dB SPL and low noise.
• The design of the DR-05 is optimized for sound quality, from the dedicated power supply for the codec to bring out the full spec of the A/D and D/A converter to the separate analog & digital circuit boards and low impedance circuit design with noise resistance in its compact case.
• The DR-05 records to microSD or microSDHC media, recording in MP3 or WAV (BWF) file format at up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution.
• Peak reduction function sets the optimum recording level even in recording to avoid the over level.
• Quick Menu selects commonly used parameters in playback or record like auto level setting or limiting, while deeper settings are available through a full-featured setup menu.
• The 1/8” mic/line input can supply power for microphones.
• A Level Align function prevents uneven volume levels during playback through the 1/8” headphone output or built-in speaker.
• Variable-Speed Audition – which changes playback speed without affecting pitch – and looping are also available during playback for transcription or learning new music.
• 17.5 hours of longer battery life at 44.1kHz/16-bit, WAV (BWF).

Tascam DR-05 Specifications:

• Handheld Portable Recorder
• Built-in Stereo Condenser Omnidirectional Microphones with sensitivity up to 125dB SPL
• Up to 96kHz/24-bit WAV (BWF) linear PCM recording
• Stereo MP3 recording from 32-320 kbps bit rate
• Peak Reduction function, optimized for music recording, automatically sets the gain of while recording
• Limiter and low-cut filter to help prevent distortion
• Automatic or manual level setting
• Self timer recording starts recording 5 or 10 sec. after pressing the record button for waiting until you are ready
• Auto and manual track increment
• Variable speed playback (50%-150%) without changing the pitch
• Loop and repeat playback
• Level Align feature prevents uneven volume levels during playback
• Playback EQ setting
• Editing function (Divide and delete)
• Up to 99 mark points on each file
• Chromatic tuner
• 1/8” stereo mic/line input
• USB 2.0 port for transfer to PC and external power
• Up to 2-second pre recording buffer
• Jump back function returns to previous point with one action (1-10, 20, 30 sec.)
• 1/8” headphone/line output
• Built-in speaker
• microSD (64MB – 2GB)/microSDHC (4GB – 32GB) card slot (2GB card included)
• Powered by 2 AA batteries, AC adapter (optional: PS-P515U), or USB bus power
• Tripod socket hole
• Dimensions: 2 3/8” W x 5 9/16” H x 1” D
• Weight: 4 1/16 oz