According to its maker, the new Tascam DR-03 portable recorder packs 24-bit recording with built-in stereo mics into a package smaller than an energy bar. More recording prowess than a Clif bar, you ask? One would hope so. The battery- or USB-powered DR-03, which records directly to microSD media and comes with its own 2 GB card, is now available for less than $100 (Street).

The handheld DR-03 features up to 24-bit, 48 kHz WAV recording or MP3 recording modes, a stereo condenser microphone design, playback functions such as looping and Variable Speed Audition to slow down music without changing the pitch, low handling noise when recording concerts or interviews, USB 2.0 connectivity for quick file transfers, and more.

What's more, the portable recorder has a 96 x 96 backlit LCD display, built-in speaker and built-in desktop stand, an 1/8-inch stereo microphone / line input, and an 1/8-inch stereo headphone output. So that you can begin capturing audio right out of the box, the DR-03 comes with a 2 GB microSD card and AAA batteries.

The Tascam DR-03's full features are as follows:

• Stereo condenser microphone design
• Up to 24-bit, 48 kHz WAV recording or MP3 recording modes
• Records to microSD media
• Auto-recording function starts when input exceeds a reference level
• Limiter, low-cut filter, and auto gain control for input
• Variable Speed Audition changes the playback speed without changing the pitch
• Loop playback mode
• USB 2.0 connection for file transfer
• 1/8" stereo microphone / line input
• 1/8" stereo headphone output
• 96 x 96 backlit LCD display
• Powered by two AAA batteries or USB bus power
• Built-in speaker
• Built-in desktop stand
• Includes a 2 GB microSD card and AAA batteries

The DR-03 is now available for $149.99 (MSRP) or approximately $99 (Street). For more information about the new Tascam DR-03 portable recorder, please visit tascam.com.