TASCAM DR-680MKII Digital Multitrack Recorder

DR-680MKII OVERVIEW

8-Track Field Recorder with up to 192kHz Resolution

Main Features

6 mic/line inputs and digital input channels allow simultaneous recording of up to 8 tracks at 96kHz/24-bit

Featuring 6 XLR/TRS inputs with phantom power, and a digital input for versatility. Record live music with multiple mics, capture sound effects in surround, or document film shoots or events with multiple microphones.

When you don't need the digital input, a two-channel mix can be recorded to tracks 7 and 8.

The internal monitoring mix can be recorded as a stereo track, with completely separate level and pan settings from the 6 independent tracks. Share a stereo mix immediately, while retainig the multitrack version for mixdown

TASCAM premium HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps

Microphone preamps have a significant impact on the quality of the recorded audio. The DR-680MKII has HDDA mic preamps - designed by TASCAM with carefully selected components. Each HDDA mic preamp is built with a differential amplification circuit that employs discrete architecture, and made with parts selected for their audio quality. These preamps also provide +48V phantom power. 

8-channels recording at 96kHz/24-bit (6 tracks + stereo mix track) or 2 tracks at 192kHz/24-bit

In addition to WAV format, this unit also records in BWF format - which stores the recording start times in the metadata. Using the WAV/BWF format, the DR-680KII can record 8 channels at 96kHz/24-bit (6 tracks + stereo track) or 2 tracks at 192kHz/24-bit.

Simultaneous recording of 4 channels in MP3 format possible

Recording of MP3 files with up to 4 channels is also possible at 96, 128, 192 and 320 kbps. This allows efficient control of files sizes when in situations requiring long recording times.　Stereo or mono file can be selected for file type.

Digital output and 6 unbalanced line outputs

The unit has a built-in coaxial digital input and output (S/PDIF, AES/EBU) and 6 unbalanced line outputs. By connecting a mixer to the outputs, this unit can be used as a 6-track playback device.

Mid-side mic decoding mode

The built-in mid-side decoder enables use with mid-side stereo mics. The 1-2, 3-4 and 5-6 channel pairs can each be set separately. Decoding is possible during recording or when monitoring.

The Cascade function allows transport control of multiple units using a master unit.

• SD/SDHC/SDXC cards used as recording/playback media

• 6 balanced mic/line inputs (1-4: XLR/TRS combo jacks, 5-6: TRS jacks)

• 6 unbalanced outputs (RCA pin jacks)

• COAXIAL digital input and output (S/PDIF, AES/EBU)

• Recording/playback formats: BWF, WAV, MP3

• With BWF format, recording starting times can be stored in files

• 8-track recording at 96kHz/24-bit (BWF, WAV)

• 6 mic/line inputs and stereo mix recording or 6 mic/line input and digital stereo recording

• Record MP3 files at 96, 128, 192 and 320 kbps

• Record 4-channel MP3 files

• From 4 mic/line inputs (XLR/TRS combo jacks) or 2 mic/line inputs and digital stereo inputs

• 2-track recording at 24-bit/192kHz (BWF, WAV)

• From 2 mic/line inputs or digital stereo inputs

• Digital inputs and outputs support double speed 96 kHz and quad speed 192 kHz

• Sampling frequencies

• 44.1, 48, 96, 192 kHz (BWF, WAV) 44.1, 48 kHz (MP3)

• Quantization bit depth: 16/24-bit (BWF, WAV)

• 6 channels of TASCAM HDDA mic preamps for high audio quality with 48V phantom power

• Limiter and low-cut filter available on each mic/line input

• Built-in stereo monitoring mixer for headphone mix and/or recording

• Dual-recording function allows two files to be recorded simultaneously at different levels

• GANG function allows the input gain of multiple channels to be operated simultaneously

• Pre-recording function allows the capture of audio two seconds before recording is started

• Automatic-recording function can start and stop recording automatically in response to the input signal level (−48, −24, −12 or −6 dB)

• Even when multiple tracks are used, all recordings made at the same time can be managed as a single take/file

• Track incrementation allows a recording to be split by creating a new file at the desired point without interrupting recording

• Up to 1000 takes and 5000 files can be recorded on a single card

• Mark function can be used to move to specific points (up to 99 marks per take)

• Wheel can be used to change the playback position

• Repeat playback function

• Panel lock function to prevent misoperation

• Cascade function allows transport control of multiple DR-680MKII units using a master unit

• File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date

• High-speed transfer of files to a computer using USB 2.0

• 128×64-dot matrix display with backlight

• Built-in mono speaker with 500mW output

• Headphone output and level control (50mW+50mW/ 32ohm)

• Powered by 8 AA batteries or the included AC adapter

• USB cable and shoulder strap included

• Folding stand convenient for tabletop use

• CS-DR680 carrying case (sold separately)

• AR-DR680 case by Portabrace also available

DR-680MKII SPECIFICATIONS

Recording Media

• SD card (64 MB to 2 GB) 
• SDHC card (4 to 32 GB)
• SDXC card (64 to 128 GB)

File System​

FAT16 / FAT32

Recording Format

• WAV: 44.1/48/96/192 kHz at 16/24-bit (192 kHz limited to 2-channel recording/playback)
• BWF: 44.1/48/96/192 kHz, 16/24-bit (192 kHz limited to 2-channel recording/playback)
• MP3: 44.1 kHz, 16-bit, 96 to 320 kbps

ConnectorAnalog Audio Inputs

• Channel 1 to 4: 4x XLR/TRS 1/4" (6.3 mm) combo jack
• Channel 5 to 6: 2x 1/4" (6.3 mm) TRS

Input Impedance​

• 2.4 kOhm

Phantom Power

• +48V (+5%, -10%), +10 mA/ch

Standard Input Level

• Low: -51.5 dBu
• High: -75.5 dBu

Maximum Input Level

• Low: +3 dBu
• High: -21 dBu

Input Gain

• 63 dB

Line Input
Input Impedance

• 10 kOhm

Maximum Line Input Gain

• 63 dB

Analog Audio Outputs

Connector

• RCA pin jacks

Output Impedance

• 200 ohm

Standard Output Level

• -10 dBV

Maximum Output Level

• +6 dBV

Digital Interface

Connector

• RCA pin jack

​Format

• IEC60958-3(S/PDIF)
• AES3-2003(AES/EBU) 
• Single: 44.1/ 48 kHz
• Double: 96 kHz
• Quad: 192 kHz

Level

• 0.5 Vp-p typical

​Output Impedance

• 75 ohm ±20% unbalanced