TASCAM DR-05

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$50.00 Price Tier: Budget

3 Critic Reviews

This product is Vintage or Discontinued

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Tascam DR-05 V2

$235.00

4.5 (34)

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Page last updated Jun 10, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated June 10, 2026.

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4.0 (16)

$50.00 3 available Used

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Average Price: $143

Budget/Beginner

$149

$400+

Price Tier

In the Portable Recorders category, TASCAM DR-05 is priced in the Budget/Beginner range. This is great gear to get started with or for creators on a budget.

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High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "TASCAM DR-05". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 3, 2026.

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Description

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Capture every nuance of your creativity with the TASCAM DR-05, a compact powerhouse that brings studio-quality recording right into the palm of your hand. Perfect for musicians, podcasters, and sound designers alike, this portable recorder excels in both convenience and audio fidelity. With its built-in omnidirectional microphones, the DR-05 is ready to document your sessions, rehearsals, or live performances with exquisite detail. Alternatively, plug in an external mic to the 1/8" input for even more recording versatility. Navigate through its user-friendly interface with ease, making adjustments on the fly to ensure your recordings are clear and crisp every time. Whether you're capturing the ambiance of outdoor scenes or the intricate layers of your music, the DR-05 stands by to immortalize those moments in 24-bit/96kHz glory.

Key Features:

Built-in omnidirectional microphones for high-quality stereo recording
24-bit/96kHz recording capability for studio-grade audio fidelity
Supports microSD or microSDHC cards for expansive storage options
Stereo 1/8" microphone/line input for connecting external microphones
User-friendly interface for easy operation and adjustments
Integrated limiter and low-cut filter to enhance recording quality
Peak Reduction feature automatically sets the optimal recording level
Compact and lightweight design for maximum portability

Product specs

Brand	TASCAM
Model	DR-05 Field Recorder
Finish	Black
Year	2010s

FAQs

What are the main features of the TASCAM DR-05 portable recorder?: The TASCAM DR-05 features omnidirectional stereo condenser microphones, a user-friendly interface, and the ability to record in WAV or MP3 formats. It is designed for high-quality audio capture in various settings, including live events and field recordings.
Does the TASCAM DR-05 require an SD card to function?: Yes, the TASCAM DR-05 requires a microSD card to store recordings. Make sure the card is properly formatted before use to ensure optimal performance.
Is the TASCAM DR-05 suitable for recording music performances?: The TASCAM DR-05 is well-suited for recording music performances thanks to its high-quality microphones and ability to capture detailed audio. It is ideal for capturing both direct sound and ambient noise at live events.
How long can the TASCAM DR-05 record on a single set of batteries?: The TASCAM DR-05 can record for approximately 17.5 hours on a single set of two AA batteries, depending on the recording format and usage conditions.
Can the TASCAM DR-05 be used for podcasting?: Yes, the TASCAM DR-05 is a great tool for podcasting due to its portability, ease of use, and high-quality audio capture. It allows for clear voice recordings both indoors and outdoors.

Videos

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AibalReview

Tascam DR-05 Review With Audio Recording

AibalReview

Zoom H1 vs Tascam DR-05: Audio Shootout & Comparison

Jonathan Morrison

SPOT 127 Tascam DR-05 Tutorial

SPOT 127

TASCAM DR-05 - REVIEW + MIC TEST

Dani Krossing

Best Budget Podcast recorder?! (TASCAM DR-05)

Tyler Grant

Reviews

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PROS

Records in high-quality 24 bit/48khz or higher
Easy to navigate interface
Direct file transfer to phone/computer without drivers
Durable, with users reporting over 5 years of regular use
Useful for a variety of recording settings (band practice, live shows, field recording)
Offers pro-grade line input circuitry

CONS

Limited editing features on the device itself
Quirks with stopping recording during silence and starting a new track
Poor output quality on the line out
Built-in speaker has very low volume
Microphone sensitivity is mediocre, only suitable in certain conditions

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TASCAM DR-05.

Mods and upgrades

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The MicBooster Clippy and LOM Usi series use the same well-regarded capsules, making them popular choices for enhancing the DR-05's recording capabilities via 3.5mm input.
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Features and functionality

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The DR-05's 3.5mm jack supports plug-in power mics, which can be a cost-effective alternative to XLR mics for field recording.
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The DR-05X supports up to 128GB SDXC cards, a significant increase from the 32GB limit of the DR-05, enhancing storage capacity for extensive recordings.
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The DR-05X includes a micro-USB connector, allowing it to function as a class-compliant audio interface, a feature absent in the DR-05.
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A new overdubbing feature is present in the DR-05X, which expands its recording capabilities beyond those of the DR-05.
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The DR-05X offers a timer recording function, adding convenience for scheduled recordings compared to the DR-05.
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The mic/ext input of the DR-05 can provide mic power; ensure this feature is disabled when recording line-level sources like synthesizers to prevent damage.
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Use cases and applications

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DIY windscreens, like those made from carded wool, can effectively reduce wind noise for ambient recordings, providing a budget-friendly solution.
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Recording from the Minifreak's L/R outputs with multiple 1/4" cables into the DR-05 can capture the full stereo field, offering richer recordings.
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Comparisons

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For those seeking XLR mic compatibility, the Zoom F3 and H5 are recommended upgrades, with H5 offering built-in mics.
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The DR-05 shares similarities with the Zoom H4n by allowing users to bypass onboard microphones for direct line-in recording, offering flexibility in capturing sound sources.
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User experience

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Users note that fuzzy windscreens are most effective for minimizing wind interference, highlighting their practicality over DIY solutions.
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Software and compatibility

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The digital board in the DR-05X requires its own specific firmware, incompatible with the DR-05, indicating unique internal software architecture.
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Setup and maintenance

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Ensure recording levels are initially low when using the DR-05 with hardware synths, then gradually increase them while monitoring via the headphone out for optimal sound quality.
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Critic Reviews

Tascam DR-05 Review | A Quality, Affordable Audio Recorder

thepodcasthost.com

The TASCAM DR-05 shines as a user-friendly, portable recorder that balances quality and affordability, making it a strong contender for beginners. Its intuitive design allows for easy operation, even with one hand, while built-in mics and external mic capabilities deliver solid audio performance. However, the lack of XLR/TRS inputs and some handling noise can detract from the overall experience, especially for more advanced users. While it may not match the versatility of higher-end models, the DR-05 is a worthwhile choice for those seeking a reliable entry-level solution.

positive

Full Review

Tascam DR-05 Review | Handheld audio recorder | DSLR audio | Musician's portable recorder

fraryguitar.com

The TASCAM DR-05 is a lightweight and portable audio recorder that delivers impressive sound quality, especially with its built-in omnidirectional mics. It’s user-friendly, with physical buttons that are easy to navigate, making it ideal for musicians on the go. However, the build quality is light-duty, and it lacks robust features, such as individual channel adjustments and a dedicated case. While it excels in capturing ambient sounds, the DR-05 may not be suitable for all recording scenarios, particularly where background noise is a concern. Ultimately, it offers a great value for its price, combining convenience and quality for casual recording needs.

positive

Full Review

Tascam DR-05 review | MusicRadar

musicradar.com

The TASCAM DR-05 delivers simplicity and effective recording capabilities, featuring user-friendly controls and decent built-in microphones. It's a solid choice for musicians seeking to capture ideas on the fly without the hassle of complicated setups. However, the automatic settings leave much to be desired, particularly for dynamic performances, which might frustrate some users. Nevertheless, its strengths in ease of use and sound quality make it a worthwhile investment for casual songwriters and musicians alike.

positive

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FINNEAS

Singer, Guitarist

Verified via YouTube

In this Q&A session at 2018 ASCAP expo [https://youtu.be/4XeDDsjcoAk?t=3308], at 55:08, a person from the crowd asks Finneas what he used to record the matches for Billie's song "&Burn", to which he replies Tascam DR-05

Bootsy Collins

Singer, Bassist

Funkadelic

Verified

Discussed in this 2014 TASCAM article.

You've been a TASCAM user since the beginning.

Yeah, for me and I would think a lot of us musicians, the TASCAM Portastudio [Model 144 - 1979] was our first introduction to having 4 good analog tracks to record your ideas too. It even got to the point that sometimes when you recorded on this machine it actually wound up on the 2 inch recording of the real record, simply because the performance you did on the 4 track was more authentic and felt better than when you had a chance to practice it and get good. But then you loose the passion and drive that you had in that moment with the 4 track. I loved this machine. Then the 8 track came out sometime in either the late 80's or early 90's, I recorded the whole album of "The Zillatron" and "Bucketheadland" on my then new 688 MidiStudio [1989] with MIDI and sync code. It was truly awesome. Then the DA-88's came out [1993], I made sure I had 24 tracks because I felt like this is going to be my core of recording at my home studio. Being replayed by its big brother the 24-bit DA-78HR. It’s what I have now as back ups for my TASCAM X-48, which works flawlessly with Pro Tools, and any of my other gear. I also have the TASCAM DM-4800 digital board. When TASCAM made their first DAT machines, you'd better believe that I had one and then the next newest one. Now I got the DV-RA1000 DVD Recorder which is amazing. I carry my new DP-008, which is the digital 8 track portable recorder. I have the new DR-05 stereo mic recorder for recording rehearsals and things on the fly.

As you can see, TASCAM gear has been a key for me. Just so you know, all of my old TASCAM gear I still got and it all sits at the ready when and if I need them. That should tell you something about my gear and how it was built to last, they all still work. The people at TASCAM customer support was always there for me and I stayed up on keeping my equipment ready to rock-funk & roll because you never know when that creative bug jumps on you. When you hear the horn blow, you'd better be ready to go your nearest TASCAM dealer and say, Bootsy said y'all can help funk me up!

Bombardier

Music Producer

Verified via YouTube

Bombardier uses the TASCAM DR-05 to record his live sets from the mixer, as demonstrated in a 2019 demo video by Jason J. Snell at the Newbo Synth Group meeting at CSPS Hall in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.