I've been doing some home recording with software based programs (Audacity and Reaper) for the past couple of years with reasonable results. However, I've been frustrated by latency issues, and the degree to which you need to become a computer hardware expert just to record a multi-track song. I found myself longing for the simplicity of the old 4 track reel to reel Tascam days. (Not to say there aren't HUGE advantages working in digital media.) I thought this recorder might recapture some of that simplicity while still allowing me to manipulate the final tracks or master recording in a pc program if I wished. I have found that to be the case.
I've had this unit for 3 weeks now and I'm quite impressed by the quality. This unit feels substantial in your hands. All the controls are solid. I've recorded 6 songs already on it with nice results. The manual is somewhat long, but that is because it is VERY detailed and has pictures of every screen you will see as you follow the instructions, which is incredibly helpful. It also has a great Quick Start section at the beginning. I followed the quick start section to record my first arrangement of a percussive electric guitar song as a test. 2 stereo tracks doing the primary guitar part, 2 stereo tracks doing a bass part, and two tracks of background chords and harmonics. Took me about 20 minutes. You tell the unit which inputs you are going to use (mic, line, guitar), press the 1+2 track record buttons, set your levels, press PLAY and RECORD together and you’re off. Go back to the beginning and press 3+4 to record the next stereo track, etc. If you flub a take, you just stop and go back to the beginning of that track and rerecord. It has individual reverb, pan and level for each track. The previous tracks automatically play back while your are recording new tracks AND THERE ARE NO LATENCY ISSUES! (I can't stress this enough even with caps!) If tracks 5+6 don't enter into the song until 2 minutes in, you simply arm the tracks and start at 1:50. No need to start from the beginning to record new tracks.
The condenser mics on the front did a nice job recording an acoustic guitar song, in stereo and with reverb (numerous different reverb types available). The unit has a built in metronome and tuner, you can bounce tracks with no degradation (freeing up tracks for more recording), mix 8 tracks down to a stereo mix, and then mastering effects (auto or manual) can be applied to the final master. All this is recorded on an SD card. You can transfer files via USB to a computer for further work or to save as WAV files. Also has built in condenser mics on the front of it for capturing live performances. Plus auto punch in and out. All this on something the size of a VHS cassette. Pretty fun.
NOTE:
1. this is not a mixing board. Admittedly, this looks like a small mixer for 8 simultaneous inputs. It doesn't do that. You can only record 2 tracks at a time. The "mixer" is used to set levels for recording the 2 active tracks and/or playback levels of previously recorded tracks.
2. this cannot be used as a USB recording interface. You can transfer files to a computer AFTER recording them, but not WHILE you are recording them.
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- NO ADDITIONAL COST: You pay $0 for repairs – parts, labor and shipping included.
- COVERAGE: Plan starts on the date of purchase. Drops, spills and cracked screens due to normal use covered from day one. Malfunctions covered after the manufacturer's warranty.
- PRODUCT ELIGIBILITY: Plans cover products purchased in the last 30 days.
- EASY CLAIMS PROCESS: File a claim anytime online or by phone. Most claims approved within minutes. If we can’t repair it, we’ll send you an Amazon e-gift card for the purchase price of your covered product or replace it.
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From the manufacturer
Features at a glance
- Eight mono tracks
- CD-quality recording (16bit/44.1kHz)
- 2 Built-in omni-directional condenser microphones
- Phantom power supply
DP-008EX
Digital Portastudio Multitrack Recorder
Jot down ideas for your songs using these pro sounding multi-track recorders. For extra battery life, you can add the BP-6AA external battery pack. The DP-006 and the DP-008EX have two condenser microphones built into the front of the units. Record vocals or acoustic guitar anytime without the need for extra equipment or set-up time. TASCAM carefully chose the best sounding microphones for our recorders. Modeled after the top-selling DR series microphones, you can be assured high-quality sound.
Main Features
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Simple, Easy-to-Use InterfaceBoth models are optimally designed for on-the-spot recording. No unnecessary features were included that might complicate the recording to ensure easy functionality, and dedicated knobs make recording faster than digging through menus. Designed with Portastudio functionality, these POCKETSTUDIOs are the easiest songwriting scratchpads you can buy. |
Ultra Light Weight Design – Carry It With You EverywhereThe DP-006 and the DP-008EX both feature ultra light-weight designs to ensure portability. The DP-006 is 13 oz, and the DP-008EX is 21.5 oz. (without AA batteries) |
High-Speed Data Transfer via USB2.0Both models record to widely available SD/SDHC card media (4GB card included). In addition, both models can connect to PCs via USB2.0 for high-speed data transferring. All song ideas can be transferred via USB or SD card readers to and from the units at any point in the recording process. |
Two XLR Inputs with +48V Phantom PowerThe DP-008EX can supply phantom power for condenser microphones, even when operated with AA batteries. (Notice: Operating time becomes shorter when used with phantom power supply. We recommend connecting TASCAM's BP-6AA or a power supply when using phantom power.) |
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Tascam DP-03SD 8-Track Digital Portastudio Multi-Track Audio Recorder
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Zoom R8 Multi-Track Tabletop Recorder, Interface, Controller, 2 XLR Combo Inputs 8 Tracks, USB Audio Interface, Built In Stereo Condenser Microphones, Pad Sampler, Rhythm Machine
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Tascam DP-008EX 8-Track Digital Pocketstudio with Tascam PS-P520E AC Power Adapter, Polsen HPC-A30 Headphones & 16GB Memory Card Bundle
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Tascam Model 12 All-In-One Digital Multitrack Recorder
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| Customer Rating | (676) | (871) | (819) | (673) | (38) | (129) |
| Price | $249.00 | $149.00 | $328.75 | $299.99 | $309.99 | $598.75 |
| Sold By | Amazon.com | Amazon.com | eCommerce Coop | Amazon.com | ProSoundGearCom | eCommerce Coop |
| Item Dimensions | 11.75 x 6.75 x 4 inches | 9 x 6 x 3 inches | 8.2 x 11.4 x 2.1 inches | 10.12 x 7.48 x 2.01 inches | 11.9 x 6.9 x 3.7 inches | 18 x 16 x 6 inches |
Customer Questions & Answers
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2015
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2017
Verified Purchase
Great
By Dave on April 17, 2017
I was a little worried considering the price its fairly inexpesive for what it says it is. But once able to mess around with it worries are at rest. This is an awesome little device for begginer to advance. And especially if your like me have some knowledge and experience with different instruments but dont know anybody else musically inclined. This is a great thing to have get the music from your head to other peoples ears or just yours. Packaging was great, well protected and fast. Thank u sorry for a half review i havent played with it enough yet to give suffient feedback. Oh also do yourself a favor when getting this device get the ac adapter and another sd card atleast 16gig. Otherwise youll spend a fortune on batteries, great feature though so its very portable and with built in mics u can record anything anywhere. Only downside which i thought at first would be great was the sd card says 4gig which is true and theres a demo song on it less then 2min 43MB not bad. Heres the bad the whole "song" takes up 2.03gigs! And u cant delete it. So get another one with it. But other then that little tid bit at the end, i would highly recomend this to anybody whos looking to expand there horizon in there music life. Thank u A++++
By Dave on April 17, 2017
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on June 3, 2017
Verified Purchase
Top reviews from other countries
Shane C
Thumbs up to Tascam!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 25, 2017Verified Purchase
Robert McQuiston
I have not completely read the full instructions but everything ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 14, 2018Verified Purchase
RICK
Great product, upgrading from analogue
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on February 17, 2018Verified Purchase
malcolm W
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 14, 2018Verified Purchase
Paul Simon dixon
Very good
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 7, 2021Verified Purchase
