Tascam XLR audio adapter for ZR announced but no floating point support

[Andre Yew]

Tascam's announced their CA-XLR2d-N XLR audio adapter for the ZR:

https://tascam.com/us/learn/detail/92838

Availability is unknown since it looks like someone forgot to fill in that part of the press release.

But there's an interesting wrinkle: it doesn't support 32-bit float. It does up to 24-bit fixed point audio because it uses its own analog-to-digital converters. But I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out that its audio conversion will be better than the ZR's, and floating-point audio is pretty overrated by most people anyway.

Specs here:

https://tascam.com/us/product/ca-xlr2d

 

[areallygrumpyoldsod]

It will only take a we while for 32-bit float to be added "If it is worth their while".

A key question is when will a Data/Hot shoe cable come so one can move the hot shoe on top of a top handle and put the Tascam there - where it will be much more stable and out of the way.

 

[m_black]

Tascam's announced their CA-XLR2d-N XLR audio adapter for the ZR:

https://tascam.com/us/learn/detail/92838

Availability is unknown since it looks like someone forgot to fill in that part of the press release.

But there's an interesting wrinkle: it doesn't support 32-bit float. It does up to 24-bit fixed point audio because it uses its own analog-to-digital converters. But I wouldn't be surprised if it turns out that its audio conversion will be better than the ZR's, and floating-point audio is pretty overrated by most people anyway.

Specs here:

https://tascam.com/us/product/ca-xlr2d

It probably has better pre-amps than any camera has. And the nature of such an adapter is that you're there to monitor it. 32 bit float isn't supported either when the camera is shooting any form of raw video.

 

[areallygrumpyoldsod]

32 bit float isn't supported either when the camera is shooting any form of raw video.

Incorrect - the user manual for the Zr is now available. On line reference manual and it indicates when 32 bit float is recorded.

32-bit float audio recording

1. A button (press and hold)
2. 1 video recording menu

Select [ON] to record audio in 32-bit float format. 32-bit float format allows recording across a wide dynamic range with reduced noise at low volumes and distortion at high volumes. By using applications or software that support 32-bit float format to adjust to the appropriate volume, you can reduce noise at low volumes and distortion at high volumes, allowing for a clearer sound in post-production regardless of the settings during recording. You can increase the volume without noticeable noise and decrease the volume without worrying about audio distortion at high volumes.

• 32-bit float audio recording can be performed when one of the following is selected for [Video file type] in the video recording menu.
  • [N-RAW 12-bit (NEV)]
  • [R3D NE 12-bit (R3D)]
  • [ProRes RAW HQ 12-bit (MOV)]
  • [ProRes 422 HQ 10-bit (MOV)]
  • [H.265 10-bit (MOV)]
  • [H.265 8-bit (MOV)]
• [AUTO] cannot be selected for [Audio input sensitivity] in the video recording menu during 32-bit float audio recording.

Cautions: 32-bit float audio recording

• When performing 32-bit float audio recording, [Audio input sensitivity] cannot be changed during video recording.
• Audio recorded using 32-bit float format may not be played back properly depending on the operating system or model of your smart device or computer.
• There may be audio distortion or the volume may be too low when played back using applications or software that cannot adjust audio levels.
• 32-bit float audio recording is a recording format that reduces the occurrence of noise and audio distortion during audio signal processing. Noises and audio distortion arising within audio input devices such as external microphones, as well as noises produced by air conditioning systems, etc., will be recorded.

 

[Andre Yew]

m_black wrote:

It probably has better pre-amps than any camera has. And the nature of such an adapter is that you're there to monitor it. 32 bit float isn't supported either when the camera is shooting any form of raw video.

Are you maybe thinking about the Ozo mic system which definitely does not work with raw video?

 

[m_black]

It probably has better pre-amps than any camera has. And the nature of such an adapter is that you're there to monitor it. 32 bit float isn't supported either when the camera is shooting any form of raw video.

Are you maybe thinking about the Ozo mic system which definitely does not work with raw video?

Yes perhaps. Happy to be corrected. Glad the 32 bit audio can be captured in RAW recording.