TASCAM FR-AV2 - An In Depth Review
The TASCAM FR-AV2 has been available for several months, earning significant attention and enthusiasm from the audio recording community. After reading the positive feedback in comment sections on various YouTube reviews, we decided to get this device ourselves to understand the excitement.
In this post, we’ll share our insights, address frequently asked questions, and highlight how the recorder performs in real-world scenarios. If there are any additional questions you’d like us to answer, feel free to leave a comment on our YouTube video about this device.
Please note that our primary use case is field recording, so this review won’t cover its compatibility with camera setups, podcasting, or lavalier microphones for voice recordings.
Key Features and Advantages
Versatile 3.5mm EXT Input
The 3.5mm EXT input is a useful feature if you’re working with binaural microphones, podcast mics, or lavaliers. You can adjust the voltage between 2.5V and 5V, and it lets you switch between mono or stereo inputs, so it works for different setups. On top of that, it supports 32-bit float recording, which means you get good dynamic range and can handle unexpected loud sounds without clipping.
MS Rig Compatibility
If you’re into MS (Mid-Side) recording, this recorder has a built-in decoding plugin, which is something the Zoom F3 doesn’t offer. I use a DMS kit with my MixPre 6ii and MixPre 10ii, but I’m waiting for Radius Windshields to release a smaller MS kit to make traveling with this setup easier. For now, I’ve been sticking to my Earthworks QTC 50 for mono sound effects recordings using a small rig.
Combo Jack Integration
Unlike the Zoom F3, the FR-AV2 has a combo jack, which might come in handy if you’re looking for a bit more flexibility in your setup. Personally, I didn’t find the lack of a combo jack on the F3 to be a dealbreaker because adapters are an option, but it’s nice to see it included here.
Battery Life and Power Options
The recorder uses three AA batteries. I’ve been using IKEA LADDA rechargeables and also Panasonic Eneloop rechargeable batteries, and they’ve worked fine so far. That said, I’ve noticed some people mentioning that an interchangeable battery pack would be a better option, especially for videographers working long shoots. You can power the recorder with a USB-C power bank, but it doesn’t charge the batteries inside, so you’ll need a separate charger. If you’re looking for recommendations, IKEA or Panasonic Eneloop chargers are solid options.
Live Monitoring Capabilities
You can monitor recordings live with both wired and Bluetooth headphones, and you can even use both at the same time. I tested it with my Sony MDR 7506s and a pair of Bluetooth headphones, and it worked without any issues. You can control this directly on the recorder or through the app if you’re using the Bluetooth adapter. I don’t monitor live often, but the option to start and stop recordings remotely is definitely handy.
Limitations and Considerations Of The Tascam FR-AV2
No Touchscreen or Backlit Buttons
If you’ve used devices like the TASCAM X6 or TASCAM X8, you might notice the FR-AV2 doesn’t have a touchscreen. Touchscreens can make navigation and setting adjustments quicker, especially during recordings. While the FR-AV2’s upper button layout gets the job done, it takes some getting used to if you’re switching over from a touchscreen device.
The lack of backlit buttons can also make it tricky to use in low-light conditions. For example, the record button doesn’t light up, and you have to feel around for the home button to stop recording if its too dark. If you’re okay with spending an extra $50, you could get the Bluetooth adapter and control it with your phone, but not everyone wants to deal with that.
No Auto-Record Function
Some older recorders have an auto-record function that starts or stops recording based on a set audio threshold. Unfortunately, the FR-AV2 doesn’t have this feature. If this is something you’d find useful, it might be worth mentioning to TASCAM because it feels like something they could add in a future firmware update.
Cold Weather Performance
I haven’t tested this recorder in freezing temperatures because I mostly record in warmer climates. If you’re planning to use this in temperatures below 0°C, it might be worth checking if it can handle those conditions before committing.
Accessibility Issues
Unlike Zoom’s Essential series, the FR-AV2 doesn’t include audio guidance for visually impaired users. This is an area where TASCAM could improve with future updates to make the device more inclusive.
Screen and Nighttime Use
I haven’t found a way to turn off the screen while recording, which could be an issue if you’re in a setting where even a small screen light is distracting. For now, you’d need to cover the screen manually. Hopefully, this is another thing that could be addressed with a firmware update.
Startup Time
The TASCAM FR-AV2 took just over 11 seconds to start up, which is noticeably slower compared to the Zoom F3. If you’re used to quicker boot times, this might feel a bit sluggish, especially in fast-paced recording situations where every second counts.
Full Disclosure
Where always traveling and when we decided to purchase the TASCAM FR-AV2, it wasn’t available locally. To proceed with our intention of using this recorder, we reached out to TASCAM, and they kindly sent us a unit. That said, no company has ever approached us for reviews or offered any sponsorship deals. As always, the insights and opinions shared here are entirely our own, based on our hands-on experience with the device.
