Products :: Handheld recorder :: DR-05

What's wonderful about DR-05 is that it's "just right."

TEAC: Thank you for your time today. First, what is your impression of the DR-05 that you use?

Mori: It's really easy to use. I could use it right away without looking at the manual. And, the sound is good. I had been using another company's recorder - a size larger - for four or five years. The sound of the DR-05 is clearer than that one. It's flat, not expanded in weird places. It sounds like you're there. Each part sounds clear and natural. It feels like it was wholly recorded with no loss. I can put it anywhere and end-up with a pretty well-balanced recording.

TEAC: DR-05 is equipped with omnidirectional microphones. Maybe that has something to do with it. The mics have no direction, so the DR-05 can record with similar balance no matter which way the recorder is facing. Which do you use it for more often—rehearsals or real stages?

Mori: More for rehearsals. It's convenient for rehearsals because the batteries lasts longer. The model I was using before had a short battery life, and it wouldn't last through, say, a six-hour rehearsal.

TEAC: The first model had a shorter battery life, but we were able to make it operate longer after putting much research into the device and its operation.

Mori: The battery life is pretty important. Before, we would start recording at the beginning of the dress rehearsal, and say "OK! let's finish up with a run through from the top!" and the batteries would be dead. And it would be like – huh - when had it stopped? And I'd have to tell the band to stop everything, and change the batteries. So I truly appreciate the batteries lasting longer.

TEAC: Anything else stand out for you?

Mori: The simplicity. What's needed in a handy recorder? If you think about it, it's just to push and have it record. It's not like this has many features, but it has the ones that I want. What's wonderful is that this is "just right".

TEAC: Which features do you use often?

Mori: What impressed me is this speaker. I can quickly check. Like this. (while playing a clip recorded on DR-05) Oh, this reminds me...could I go back to the previous point?

TEAC: Sure.

Mori: I use it a lot for recording demos when I'm working on songs. I used to use the voice memo on the iPhone when working on a song, but it's tedious to type in the passcode each time - and the touchscreen would sometimes not work so well. And, all this other stuff would make me forget the song - or someone would call.

TEAC: Yes, those are crucial times.

Mori: I can't take calls on a DR-05, or use the Internet. I can work on songs without interruptions, so I think it's better to use this. Maybe this is a feature! I always have it within reach.

Hardware is especially good when making songs.

TEAC: What is your process for making songs?

Mori: I use this to record and store bits of songs. I record melodies A and B several different ways, then I listen to them later and choose, yes - I'm using this, no - not this, to make up the whole song.

TEAC: Thank you for telling us how you make songs. It's very helpful. You mentioned that you prefer the DR-05 to the voice memo feature on the iPhone. While computers and smartphones are useful, what are your reasons for using hardware?

Mori: Hardware, when you get used to it, becomes a part of your body. Musicians, I think, like to learn and master how to operate things - stuff like that. It's like breaking it in until it feels like your instrument.

TEAC: To you, recording hardware is an instrument as well.

Mori: Of course, I think the recall ability of DAWs are really convenient, and I use a DAW to record in the studio. But when I'm by myself making songs, I want to concentrate. With computers and smartphones, you have to look at the screen - right? With hardware, I can concentrate. That's what I like. Also, with computers and smartphones, I often get sidetracked by having to look things up in the middle of operating it.

TEAC: Yes, that's true. That tends to happen when creating on a computer.

Mori: I guess hardware is especially good when making songs. Quick-to-start recording lets me concentrate - those traits unique to hardware seem suited to coming-up with and giving shape to songs.

TEAC: When it comes to hardware, I believe that you had a 688. Is it still in active service?

Mori: Yes, I still use it! I also used it for my album Coexisting Concepts. If you stop to think about it, buying MTR equipment is a big deal. It takes a lot of dedication to get equipment that takes up that much area of your home 365 days a year. (Photo: Mori's 688)

TEAC: That's true... Unlike computers, you can't use it for anything else.

Mori: I appreciate TASCAM because you bring hardware to market. I love you guys!

TEAC: Thank you for your support, and your time today!

Profile

Hirotaka Mori
Born March 9, 1976, Hirotaka Mori is a singer songwriter originally from Kagoshima Prefecture. He made his major debut with Warner Music Japan in October 2001. While there, he released six works - including the single “Zero Chiten” and the album “Coexisting Concepts.” Subsequently, he shifted to indies, releasing the album “planetblue” in 2009 and the album “Ii’n desu” in 2013. He is also actively involved in producing, arranging, and distributing music under the name Coa.

WebSite : http://morihirotaka.com/index.html