Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL [2023 Review]

Tascam DR-05 and DR-22WL are handy little recorders that you can use to record your music or any kind of audio. It comes really handy to have something this small and convenient with you when you are practicing with your band or performing on the stage. If you are planning to buy yourself a recorder, these two are great options to consider.

If you are looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use, affordable recorder, then the Tascam DR-05 and DR-22WL would be excellent choices for your case. We know that there are lots of recorders on the market right now but these two really stand out with their features, and you maybe you cannot decide which one to get.

In general, both of them are great recorders especially when capturing bass, but one of them should be better than the other. If you are interested in these models, keep reading our Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL review for more information below. We will be discussing their features to help you figure out which one would be a better buy for you.

Winner of Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL: Tascam DR-05

The Winner of this Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22W review is Tascam DR-05 for some good reasons.  Even though Tascam DR-22WL and Tascam DR-05 provide excellent results, DR-05 has better features.

First of all, DR-05 has better mics and sound quality, and that probably should be your priority. In addition to that, DR-05 has a way longer battery life, allowing you to use your recorder for longer periods of time without needing a power source. Of course, if you need a Wi-Fi connection, the Tascam DR-22WL is the way to go for you.

Tascam DR-05 Review

Features: Tascam DR-05 is a good recorder that is really easy to use, and it does not matter if you are a beginner or a pro, you can make use of this device. Like all digital recorders should be, DR-05 is a small and portable one. If you do not like the idea of being in a studio all the time even for small stuff, then this tool might be the one for you.

However, unlike many higher-end multitrack recorders, DR-05 lacks XLR/TRS jacks. But you should keep in mind that this is a recorder that has been shown as an alternative to many high-end recorders.

If you want to record directly into the built-in mics or use an external mic, you can do it with DR-05. The best thing about Tascam DR-05 is probably its design, though. It is just nice to look at and it has been styled in the simplest way possible. Even beginners would not be intimidated by its looks.

This recorder is made to be fast and simple and it does its job perfectly. In addition to that, there are two built-in stereo mics on the top of the recorder that is used for the main recording. There is a digital screen included for convenient use and you can track the recording speeds, menus, and settings, among other things here.

Tascam DR-22WL Review

Features:  DR-22WL has the ability to fit into a pocket without weighing you down and record in true stereo. If you are in search of a recorder that will make you able to record as soon as possible, DR-22WL will definitely come in handy with its ease of use. It has a comprehensive menu system that is simple to keep track of.

You can record 24-bit WAV files at 44.1KHz and BWF and MP3 files can also be recorded. The limit of recording WAV and BWF is 96KHz. You can also use a USB transfer with this device.

If you are overwhelmed with the setting part of the device, all you have to do is set the numbers once and you will not need to do it again, so it is not a difficult thing except for the first time.

Tascam DR-22WL also comes with a dial-a-function wheel, and you can access the features such as high-pass filters, auto record levels, gain pads, and more features only with a button. This is really useful if you are planning to begin recording right away.

The display screen is also made really well. Yes, it is small, but what else to expect from this tiny recorder? However, you can see that all of the standard display parameters, such as backlight and contrast, are adjustable to your own preferences.

Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL Comparison

Tascam did not become one of the best-selling brands by chance, it is well-known because of its products and how they pack a strong performance for a low price. Many people also appreciate the versatility their devices offer, such as Tascam DR-05 and DR-22WL.

Both are models from the same company that cost around the same price, but they have different yet useful features of their own. So, let’s compare these two and find out which one would be a better buy for your needs.

The Tascam DR-05 is a handheld digital recorder. It also has a stereo input and one output that you can use according to your needs. In addition to that, it comes with a pair of highly sensitive, built-in omnidirectional stereo microphones.

You can use those to catch the best sounds from different directions. In 24-bit/96-kHz BWF as well as 320 kbps MP3, the Tascam DR-05 can give you the best sound possible with ease. Aside from its outstanding sound quality, the Tascam DR-05 has a number of features that you can make the most of.

Among its features, you can see editing functions, EQ settings, chromatic tuner, and variable speed playback that does not affect the audio pitch. It has a USB 2.0 port but, sadly, no wireless networking.

That is why the Tascam DR-22WL is being preferred by some people. This model can capture voices around the same quality as the Tascam DR-05, but it has built-in Wi-Fi. It also comes with a free app for iPhone and Android and you can use that to contact your device from afar. The USB 2.0 port is still available in DR-22WL.

To be clear, you cannot connect DR-22WL to an existing network, but you can use the free downloadable software to connect the recorder to a smartphone.

However, DR-22WL uses cardioid microphones rather than omnidirectional microphones, and it causes the main difference between DR-05. Also, since it has Wi-Fi, the battery life is shorter than DR-05’s. That means you have to travel with a power source at all times if you have a DR-22WL.

Any external mic with a 3.5mm connector can be plugged into Dr-05 and it is typically lavalier microphones. If you want to record live, a splitter with two lavalier mics can be used.

The -12dB mark is clearly outlined in the center of the screen and that is the limit for having a good quality recording. When you reach -12dB, there will be an indicator lighting up on the screen and there is also a separate one indicating when you peak at 0dB.

Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL Buttons and Lights

There are two LED lights that are visible, the PEAK writing flashes when in recording standby and it lights up when you are recording. In the same way, REC flashes in recording standby and fully illuminates when recording. The typical multi-purpose Up, Down, Play, Forward, and Back buttons are located on the device.

The menu button brings up the recorder’s menu, from which you can access and change all of the recorder’s settings, sound levels, and so on. Basically, the layout is so simple and provides you with easy access to the task’s settings.

Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL Price

Tascam DR-05 is currently sold at around $150 while Tascam Dr-22WL is around $80. As you can see, the gap between them is huge but the price gap justifies DR-05 being a better option than the other. If you are on a tight budget, though, we can still recommend DR-22WL but you will be missing a lot.

Conclusion: Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL [2023 Review]

Both Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL are excellent choices if you are looking for a high-quality, easy-to-use, and inexpensive recorder. While some people prefer the DR-22WL, DR-05 clearly outperforms it in a few key areas.

The appearance of DR-05 is better and the feeling of it in your hands is exceptional. However, the best feature of DR-05 was to control all with a dial.

Overall, both recorders are quality and affordable. However, we had to pick a winner and it seems like DR-22WL wins this battle of Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL. We hope you liked our Tascam DR-05 vs DR-22WL review and it was helpful.