DR-44WL

Portable Handheld Recorder with Wi-Fi

TASCAM's DR-44WL is the latest recording innovation from TASCAM. It starts with high-quality stereo condenser microphones, updated with a new XY pattern and high-performance mic components. Two locking XLR inputs feed TASCAM's latest microphone preamp design, with the lowest noise level and richest sound available in a portable recorder.

3 Interest-Free Payments Available with Affirm
for orders $199 and up.

What's in the box

DR-44WL × 1
AC adapter (GPE053B) × 1
microSD card with adapter (in the unit) × 1
USB cable (80 cm) × 1
AA alkaline batteries × 4
Fur windscreen × 1
Grip × 1
Shoe mount adapter × 1
Soft case × 1
Owner's Manual (including warranty) × 1

This model has been discontinued in North, Central and South America.
Please check the availability with your local distributors in other areas.

Features at a Glance

Recorder Section

Supported WAV recording formats: 44.1k/48k/96kHz, 16/24bit, WAV/BWF format
Supported MP3 recording format: 44.1k/48kHz, 32k to 320kbps MP3
Recording media: SD/SDHC/SDXC card (up to 128GB SDXC card)

Recording Hardware

Cardioid stereo condenser microphones fixed in X-Y position
High sound pressure design captures levels up to 132dB SPL
Innovative shock mount structure reduces physical noise
XLR/TRS inputs compatible with mic or line level (-10 or +4dBu)
+48V phantom power supply for condenser microphones
PGA (programmable gain amplifier) and Cirrus Logic CS42L52 audio codec for low-noise, high-performance audio recording

Key Features

MTR mode enables multitrack music production
Four-track mode supports advanced recording
Remote control, file transfer and streaming playback using 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi connects directly to smartphone without a router
Full remote control using the free TASCAM app for iOS and Android
Recorded audio can be posted directly to SoundCloud using the TASCAM DR Control app

Recording Functions

Dual level recording function allows simultaneous recording of a second file at a lower level
Dual-format recording function allows simultaneous recording of both WAV and MP3 files
Automatic level optimization functions (Peak Reduction & Limiter)
Low-cut filter with four selectable frequencies (40/80/120/220Hz)
Pre-recording buffer records up to 2 seconds prior to starting recording
Automatic track increment function that can be set according to the application (level, elapsed time or manual)
Auto recording function that can detect the signal input signal level and automatically start recording
Automatic mark function that adds marks according to preset conditions (peak detection or manual)

Playback Functions

Speed change (VSA) function for adjusting the speed from 0.5 to 2.0 times (in 0.1 increments)
A-B Loop playback function that is convention for music rehearsal

Editing Function

Automatic division function that divides files at marks (manual division also possible)
M-S decoding function for utilizing M-S microphones

Other Functions

Reverb effect for vocal and instrument resonance
Automatic power-saving function that prevents unnecessary use of battery power
Resume function that retains the last stop position when power is turned back ON
Chromatic tuner and a metronome are available in 4-track mode (V1.10)
File name format can be set to use a user-defined word or the date
Audio files created on computers can be played (only in formats compatible with this product)

Other Hardware

Built-in monaural speaker with 0.3W output
128×128 pixel oversized graphic LCD with backlight
USB 2.0 high-speed file transfer to a computer
Stereo mini headphone line output / headphone output connector
Powered by four AA batteries, USB bus power, or AC adapter
Long-time operation of over 16 hours using the internal batteries (Alkaline battery, 16/44.1, 2ch, Wi-Fi OFF)
Quality construction with aluminum side panels and genuine brass mic guards for durability
Carrying strap connection
Tripod attachment screw-hole
4GB microSD card and SD card adapter are included
Standard accessories: AC adapter, windscreen, grip that is compatible with mic stands, shoe mount adapter, case
RoHS certified

Support for Your DR-44WL

Download manuals,
get tutorials, updates and more

LEARN MORE

Spec Description

	DR-22WL	DR-44WL
Recording media	microSD card (64MB to 2GB), microSDHC card (4GB to 32GB), microSDXC card (48GB to 128GB)	SD card (64MB to 2GB), SDHC card (4GB to 32GB), SDXC card (48GB to 128GB)
Recording format
WAV/BWF
Sampling frequency	44.1k/48k/96k Hz
Quantization bit rate	16/24-bit
MP3
Sampling frequency	44.1k/48k Hz
Recording bit rate	32k/64k/96k/128k/192k/256k/320k bps
Playback bit rate	32kbps to 320kbps
Number of channels	2-channels (Stereo)	4-channels
4CH mode	-	Mono (Up to 4 files) Stereo (Up to 2 files) Stereo (1 file) + Mono (Up to 2 files)
MTR mode	-	Mono (Up to 4 files)
Analog Inputs
EXT MIC/LINE IN
Connector	1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini jack, Plug-in power Compatible	XLR-3-31, 1/4" (6.3mm) TRS standard jack, Phantom Power Compatible
Input Impendance	10kΩ or more	2.2kΩ or more
Nominal Input Level	–20dBV	-
Maximum Input Level	–4dBV	-
EXT IN [MIC]
Nominal Input Level	-	–17.3dBu ±2dB
Maximum Input Level	-	–1.3dBu ±2dB
EXT IN [LINE]
Nominal Input Level	-	+4dBu
Maximum Input Level	-	+20dBu
Analog Outputs
PHONES/LINE OUT
Connector	1/8" (3.5mm) stereo mini jack
LINE OUT
Nominal Output Level	–14dBV(10kΩ load)
Maximum Output Level	+2dBV(10kΩ load)
PHONES
Maximum Output	20mW + 20mW (32Ω load)
USB
Connector	Micro-B type
Format	USB2.0 HIGH SPEED mass storage class
Wi-Fi
Compliant	IEEE 802.11b/g/n (2.4GHz only))
Communication mode	Simple access point (Limited AP)
Security	WPA2-PSK (WPS2.0-supported)
Tripod attachment screw-hole	1/4" Tripod attachment screw-hole
Power Supply	2 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH), USB bus power from a computer, AC adapter (TASCAM PS-P515U, sold separately)	4 AA batteries (alkaline or NiMH), USB bus power from a computer, Dedicated AC adapter (GPE053B supplied with the unit)
Power consumption	1.7W (maximum)	2.5W (maximum)
Battery operation time	*All times are approximate.
Format	WAV, 44.1kHz, 16-bit
Alkaline batteries (EVOLTA)
Recording	17.5 hours (With built-in mic)	16 hours (When MIC input is selected, phantom is not used)
Playback	19 hours (With built-in speaker)	–
Ni-MH batteries (eneloop)
Recording	13.5 hours (With built-in mic)	12 hours (When MIC input is selected, phantom is not used)
Playback	14.5 hours (With built-in speaker)	–
Dimensions (W×H×D)	2.1" × 6.1" × 1.4" / 52.5 x 155 x 36.6 mm	3.1" × 6.3" × 1.7" / 79 x 162.2 x 42.5 mm
Weight	6.0 oz. / 170 g (including batteries) 4.3 oz. / 123 g (excluding batteries)	12.2 oz. / 346 g (including batteries) 8.8 oz. / 251 g (excluding batteries )
Accessories	4GB microSD card (in the unit), USB cable, 2 AA batteries for confirming operation, Owner's Manual (including warranty)	AC adapter (GPE053B), 4GB microSD card with adapter (in the unit), USB cable (80 cm), 4 AA batteries for confirming operation, Fur windscreen, Mic stand adapter, Shoe mount adapter, Soft case, Owner's Manual (including warranty)

Audio Performance
Frequency response	20Hz to 20kHz +1dB/–3dB (Fs 44.1kHz, EXT IN to LINE OUT, JEITA) 20Hz to 22kHz +1dB/–3dB (Fs 48kHz, EXT IN to LINE OUT, JEITA) 20Hz to 40kHz +1dB/–3dB (Fs 96kHz, EXT IN to LINE OUT, JEITA)
Distortion	0.05% or less (Fs 44.1k/48k/96k Hz, EXT IN to LINE OUT, JEITA)
S/N ratio	92dB or more (Fs 44.1k/48k/96k Hz, EXT IN to LINE OUT, JEITA)

Information

Latest version info
System Firmware	V2.15
Wi-Fi Firmware	V2.00
TASCAM DR CONTROL for Android (Android 10 - 13)	V2.2.1
TASCAM DR CONTROL for Android (Android 6 - 9)	V2.1.0
TASCAM DR CONTROL for iOS	V2.1.1
TASCAM DR FILE TRANSFER	V1.00

System Firmware V2.15

When punching in and out in MTR mode, recording errors would occasionally happen. This has been fixed.

TASCAM DR CONTROL for Android V2.2.1

Android 13 is now supported.

When updating firmware to V2.00 or later:: Firmware V2.00 or later cannot be updated via the TASCAM DR CONTROL app.
Please proceed to update the firmware manually through the DR unit.
For users using V1.11 or earlier versions:: When updating firmware V1.11 to V1.13 or later, an error will occur and the firmware will not be updated normally.
Please update it to V1.12 once before updating your unit to the latest firmware available.

Documents

Manuals

	DR-44WL : Reference Manual V2.10	04-12-2019
	DR-44WL : Owner's Manual V2.10	04-12-2019
	TASCAM DR FILE TRANSFER Owner's Manual	05-11-2017
	TASCAM DR CONTROL Reference Manual V2.00	01-20-2017
	TASCAM DR CONTROL Owner's Manual	10-16-2015

Spec

	XRI Specification Document	12-21-2017

Firmware / Software

Instructions

	Release Notes	08-31-2021
	Firmware update procedures	01-20-2017

Firmware

	System Firmware V2.15	08-31-2021
	System Firmware V2.14	02-18-2020
	System Firmware V1.21	10-09-2015
	Firmware V1.12	12-18-2014

Software

TASCAM DR CONTROL for Android	05-07-2020	-
TASCAM DR FILE TRANSFER V1.00 for Mac	05-11-2017
TASCAM DR FILE TRANSFER V1.00 for Windows	05-11-2017
TASCAM DR CONTROL for iOS	03-17-2017	-

Compatibility

	SD Supported Media	03-27-2024

Compatible OS

Windows

Windows 10 (May 2020 Update),Windows 8.1,Windows 7,

Mac

macOS Catalina (10.15),macOS Mojave (10.14),macOS High Sierra (10.13),

FAQs

How do I know if Wi-Fi is working?

The DR-44WL has a blue LED that shows the Wi-Fi status. Here are the possible mesages from the LED:

OFF -> No WiFi active.
Blinking continuously -> WiFi active, but no control app connected.
Solid ON -> WiFi active and connected to a control app.
Brief blink -> connected, command received.

Note that the DR-44WL will shut down its WiFi when the battery level gets low, to maximize the remaining record time.

I get an error message when trying to update the firmware.

You need to "unzip" the files that you download, ending in ".zip" These files are compressed by the server to make your download times as quick as possible.

On Mac OSX, double-click the file to expand it.

On Windows OS, right-click the file and "Extract All."

"The screen says "ERROR Product" when I try to update the firmware"

There are 2 update files used for the DR-44WL (and DR-22WL), system and Wi-Fi.

To update the System, press MENU and >> while powering on to go into PROGRAM UPDATE mode.

To update the Wi-Fi, press 4 and >> while powering on to go into Wi-Fi F/W UPDATE mode.

The list of available files will show both system and WiFi files, so choosing the wrong one for the current update mode results in the "ERROR Product" message.

I'm having problems connecting to the DR-44WL or DR-22WL with my Android device, are there any settings to improve this?

Some (not all) Android devices have a setting called "Avoid No Internet Connections." This is found in the Wi-Fi settings under Advanced. It tells the device not to "use a Wi-Fi network unless it has an Internet connection." Uncheck this box.

When I record the XLR inputs on the DR-44WL (channels 3 and 4), they record as two mono files. How do I make these record as a stereo file?

Press record once so that the REC light is flashing. Then press 3 and 4 at the same time. In the display they will be joined together. Instead of [3] [4] it will look like [3 4]. Then you arm them together like you do with 1 & 2 (press one and the other is also armed.)

When I change the input level, can I change more than one channel at a time?

To change the input gain of two channels at once, first press the Input Level button on the side. Next, select the first channel you want to change (e.g. track 1.) Then press the second channel you want to change (e.g. track 2.) Now you can move the input gain knob to change both at once.

I'm trying to connect my device to my computer so I can export my recorded audio files. However my device doesn't show up on the desktop as an option on my computer when I go into SD card reader mode on my device.

Make sure there is a formatted SD/microSD card in the unit and that you have a Standard USB 2.0 Type-A to micro-B DATA cable (not simply a charging cable) connected between the TASCAM unit and your computer. Occasionally a user will forget that a formatted microSD card must be in the unit. However, 1 times out of 10 when the card is not the issue, having the wrong cable type ends up being the culprit. This is because there is no easy way to differentiate between the two types. You must specify this to the vendor you are purchasing the cable from.

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