Tascam DR-40X

Tascam dr-40 is a recorder that outclasses the competition with its price to quality ratio! The device is solidly built, and thanks to its light weight and compact dimensions it is very handy! It is fun to use! The recorder is made of plastic, but it is very solid! All components are also of very high quality, so I'm sure I'll be using this equipment for a long time! I am very pleased that I have so many possibilities in such a small device! The built-in mixer and the possibility of using the recorder as a USB interface will save me a lot of time and money, both on the demo mix and on additional equipment. The choice between the XY and AB configuration of the built-in microphones allows the appropriate technique to be adapted to different conditions. Plus for the ability to connect two additional microphones, as well as the ability to record up to four tracks side by side!
I really like the menu, it's very clear so won't be a problem even if you don't have time to study but you just have to record right away.
It can be controlled using the phone application, a very nice thing, especially since it is not convenient to approach the recorder every time we have everything configured and want to record, all you need is a phone on your knee or close to your hand.

Great sound, and that is the most important thing.
The handling (using the instrument) is mostly intuitiveafter I played with it for 30 minutes.
It has all the features I need, except an internal Litium battery with ext. charger. I can record high quality for days and days on just one inexpensive memory-card, but with the 3xAA batteries it will run out of power within one day! So be prepared and always start with fresh battaries.
The built quality is okee, but I guess when accidently dropped the case can be damaged. But well, dropping condensor microphones is a bad idea anyway. The two metal brackets will protect the mikes somewhat I think, so folding the mikes inwards when not in use is a good idea. Would be nice if the unit would come with a soft pouch, but that is an option.

Been used TASCAM DR-40 last year and it was just fine, without any issues. But when I bought this one, and it's a new model (DR-40X) of the same product, I found out (and not only me), that it's not working (not turning on) with batteries included or any other ones. It only works when plugged-in with USB cable, for me it's not right and I don't want to use this product only with USB cable.
Such a shame TASCAM made new model like that, they've changed only USB port from mini-USB to micro-USB and changed the screen color, but ruined very good product it was before. And also now they're not supplying this item with SD-card like it was with DR-40 model.
Overall, recording sound is very good. But ... it's not portable.